Note: In this blog, the terms laminated glass and toughened laminated glass will be used interchangeably.
Glass is often admired for its elegance and clarity thereby emerging as the ideal option for the building envelope, seamlessly bridging indoor and outdoor spaces. Yet, as the ultimate safety barrier, it must address crucial concerns of safety and security when used for the building’s outer envelope. Here, laminated glass stands out as the optimal solution. Engineered to endure impact and weather extremes, its resilient interlayer transforms it into an impenetrable shield for your built environment.
Laminated glass or toughened laminated glass opens up various architectural and structural avenues - from extensive skylights and high-rise building facades to railings.
Let’s find out why laminated glass possesses exceptional strength, aesthetic flexibility, and environment-friendly nature, among others, which makes it extremely beneficial in the field of Architecture and Design.
A common belief is that glass may pose a significant danger upon breakage due to its tendency to produce sharp shards, however, toughened laminated glass is different due to its special composition. Besides being highly resistant to impact due to the process of toughening or tempering, laminated glass has a PVB interlayer between two glass panes, which prevents the glass from shattering upon breakage. The interlayer material holds the debris from the shattered pieces together, thus preventing them from scattering into sharp, harmful pieces. Laminated glass is preferred in multi-storey buildings or large window facades. Laminated glass fortifies your building envelope, rendering break-ins virtually impossible and safeguarding against burglary attempts.
The most impressive aspect of laminated glass is that it does not easily break when pressure is applied and does not lose its shape either. Hence it is suitable for high-traffic areas like busy walkways, public facilities, larger surfaces etc. The durability of this shatterproof glass guarantees its integrity even in extreme conditions like severe weather or accidents, ensuring it remains intact.
Laminated glass can be used for expansive surfaces thus making it the best choice for large-scale architectural projects. Laminated glass facilitates applications which are critical in achieving vistas without any interruption. Be it wide windows, high atriums with skylights or extensive facade curtain walls. By using toughened laminated glass, architects and structural designers can go beyond the limitations of size and configuration while maintaining safety through the impact and shatter resistance property.
Whether it is a wall-to-wall window framing panoramic views or glazed facades reflecting the landscape all around, toughened laminated glass creates an extraordinary experience out of ordinary spaces by blurring the divide between the inside and outside.
Watch this video to see how Architect Akshat Mehta artfully balances aesthetics and functionality in this Hisar home using glass partitions, double-glazed units, and a mirrored wall.
Read our blog about a riverfront dream home designed using clear toughened glass
In high-rise buildings, safety is paramount particularly when it comes to railings as these are the outermost safety barriers of the building. Laminated glass is the perfect solution for such applications as it combines long-lasting durability with aesthetic appeal.
Be it the bannisters of a grand hotel lobby or enclosing balconies in a residential high-rise building, laminated glass railings are virtually invisible barriers that ensure unhindered views while ensuring safety.
Laminated glass railing systems seamlessly integrate into structures prioritizing both safety and aesthetics, effectively minimizing the risk of accidental damage.
Skylights are significant in the world of building design because they provide well-distributed daylight to the interior spaces. Laminated glass skylights surpass traditional options in several key aspects. Not only do they bolster safety measures, but they also boast extended durability and allow one to experiment with diverse design options.
When crafting skylight systems, leveraging laminated glass enables achieving remarkable levels of both reflected and transmitted daylight. This ensures optimal safety and energy efficiency without compromise. The interlayer diffuses light and reduces glare and heat gain thus enhancing indoor comfort.
Laminated glass skylights can serve a multitude of purposes, ranging from adorning the ceilings of modern office buildings or shopping malls to restoring the intricate majesty of historical cathedral ceilings. Their versatility extends to various other applications, making them an ideal choice for diverse architectural projects.
Laminated glass not only ensures safety but also provides increased security. Its protective interlayer serves as a formidable deterrent against break-ins, making it ideal for high-security locations like storefronts, banks, and museums where enhanced protection is paramount. Laminated glass is also an apt choice for high-wind and hurricane-prone zones.
Laminated glass is a sustainable option for architectural projects in an age of growing environmental consciousness. Its longevity as well as energy-saving features such as ultraviolet light protection and thermal insulation lower the overall carbon footprint of buildings.
Moreover, laminated glass can be recycled upon removal of the PVB interlayer thus minimizing waste and conserving valuable resources. By harmonizing sustainability, safety, and aesthetics, laminated glass epitomizes the ethos of green building design.
Elevate the durability and longevity of everyday surfaces by incorporating laminated glass. From doors and staircase railings to skylights, canopies, windows, and even floors, these applications can be crafted safely with toughened laminated glass.
To sum up, laminated glass stands as a groundbreaking material, providing elevated levels of safety, security, and sustainability. Its unique composition allows for versatile applications in large architectural projects, high-rise construction, railings, skylights, bridges, skywalks and any other high-impact areas making it an ideal choice for modern, eco-conscious designs that prioritize both aesthetics and safety.
What is laminated glass used for?
Laminated glass can be used for almost every exterior as well as interior application where chances of exposure to impact or pressure are high. This includes facade glazing, railings, doors and partitions, elevators, floors and ceilings, staircase railings and even aquariums and automobile windshields.
Is laminated glass acoustic?
Yes, compared to a regular single sheet of glass, the multiple layers in laminated glass provide improved acoustic insulation. Laminated glass has a PVB interlayer between two or more glass panes. The thickness and composition of laminated glass can be adjusted for further acoustic enhancement.
Can laminated glass be recycled?
Upon separation of the various layers, laminated glass can be recycled just like any other type of glass. Specialised equipment and conditions are required for separating the panes of glass and the PVB interlayer. After this process, the glass can be recycled through the usual process of crushing and melting while the interlayer can be utilised for other purposes.
Yogesh, an architect based in Coimbatore is driven by a passion for design, literature, and cinema. He handles a portfolio of residential projects and has a special interest in institutional and retail spaces. Read More
