STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

component is a 2-ply laminate. If thermal performance demands necessitate the use of
multiple-glazing and the glass is to be used in an overhead or sloped application, it must be
both insulated and laminated. The laminated glass would go to the inside of the panel so that
breakage of the non-laminated panel would be prevented by the laminated panel from falling
within the building enclosure.
Laminated-insulated panels can get quite thick and heavy, and consideration must be given
to their size. They can also be expensive in point-fixed drilled glazing systems, as every IGU
will require at least 12 machined holes. The do however, offer great flexibility in the
application of frits and coatings because of the additional surfaces interior to the panel.
Different frit patters are sometimes silk-screened on to multiple surfaces to interesting effect.
Double Laminated Insulating Glass is also available for special applications.
2.4.1.9 Frits and Coatings
Coated glass is a general reference to any glass incorporating a reflective or low-e coating.
Glass coating materials and processes is one of the most exciting development areas in the
architectural glass industry, with real promise for improving the thermal and acoustical
behavior. Although there is much overlap, the various glass manufacturers use different
materials and processes, so it is important to research their relative products and
capabilities. Information relative to the performance coatings is included in the section on
thermal performance below.
Solar Reflective Coatings
Solar reflective coatings are a class of coatings with high solar reflection properties, used to
produce solar control glass. Solar control glass can be tinted coated, and reduces the
amount of transmitted solar heat gain. Most reflective coatings consist of thin metallic layers
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