A modern building with large glazing – can it be energy-efficient?

Nature is within reach, and at the same time, an energy-efficient building that is not only environmentally friendly but also easy on the user's wallet? With windows, doors, and glazed facades in modern systems, it’s possible to build in a way that is contemporary, warm, and eco-friendly all at once. 

Beautiful glazed terraces or bedrooms overlooking a sea cliff or forest were, for years, used only in climates with mild winters and without strong winds. The reason was excessive heat loss and a lack of the required wind resistance in the structure. Today, thanks to new technologies used in window and door systems, we can enjoy an unrestricted panorama and elegant glazing, even encompassing the entire building facade.  

Exclusive glazing - an architectural trend in tune with well-being

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The fascination with combining glass and metal has a long tradition in Germany – Rafael Altheim of Aluprof, an international manufacturer of aluminium systems in Europe. – One only has to think of the projects by the famous German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his glass skyscrapers, which he designed in Europe and the USA as early as the 1920s and 1930s, as well as the famous Farnsworth House, a glass house in Illinois. Contemporary glass architecture is created by architects such as Werner Sobek, for example, with his famous R128 house.

Finanzamt Karlsruhe-Stadt, Gent, Germany. Systems used: MB-86 SI

Now, glazing has become a permanent part of architects' arsenal, and scientific studies and reports prove that staying in buildings with optimal access to natural light has a positive impact on our well-being.

Large glazing is a big change. Traditional windows have one major disadvantage. When we sit, all we see is the sky. – Windows placed too high don’t allow for a full view of the world outside and limit contact with nature – explains Rafael Altheim. – And such an opportunity is very important for each of us.

It’s also worth remembering that windows with a high lintel provide greater access to natural light, which is particularly important in densely built-up areas, as well as a better distribution of natural light within the room.

The development of technology allows for the creation of glazing of virtually any size. The Aluprof MB-77HS lift-and-slide balcony doors allow for the installation of a leaf with a height of up to 3.24 m and a width of 3.30 m. This type of glazing is ideal for use as an internal partition between rooms, a conservatory, or as an exit to a terrace or garden. It can be successfully used in commercial buildings and in single-family homes.

Circle Wood House, Poland, Systems used: MB-77HS, MB-SR50N

Glass walls with excellent insulation performance

While the aesthetic value of large glazing is indisputable, in a world where energy is becoming increasingly expensive, the energy efficiency of the solutions used is also important. Can glass facades take care of the environment and developers' wallets?

It turns out that they most certainly can. The solution lies in passive facade systems and large-area windows that meet even the most stringent airtightness standards. An example of this are systems dedicated to passive construction. Solutions such as MB-104 Passive, MB-79N, or MB-86N, with additional thermal insulation, provide thermal efficiency for rooms while ensuring aesthetics and functionality.

Reduction of energy loss through sun screens, blinds, and pergolas

During the summer months, large glazing can pose a problem due to the potential for excessive heating of the building, but there is a convenient solution for this as well. These include external roller blinds, facade blinds, and screen-type shading systems. Depending on the usage of the building, it’s possible to select a system that will provide protection from sunlight, ensure privacy for residents without limiting visibility, or block the penetration of rays into the interior to eliminate glare on screens.

SKYROLL sun screens from Aluprof are an innovative solution that is not only effective but also extremely convenient in both installation and use. – In the SKYFLOW ZIP model, we have implemented a zipper mechanism that integrates the fabric with the guide rail, making the system resistant to wind and ensuring maximum sealing. Therefore, this system performs excellently even in cooler months – as explained by an expert from Aluprof.

Among the new products is the MB-Opensky 120 terrace pergola, which provides effective control of sunlight while also protecting against precipitation and wind, allowing the use of additional building spaces in almost any weather conditions.

Systems used: MB-Opensky 120

Let’s Build a Better Future

In modern construction, we primarily focus on everyday convenience, aesthetics, and low building maintenance costs. It’s also worth remembering that construction is one of the industries currently developing its technologies most vigorously in terms of sustainable development and minimal or even zero impact on the state of the natural environment.

The choice of large glazing is not only a decision to build an energy-efficient home but also an opportunity to positively impact the environment. Aluminium and glass windows and doors are characterised by a very high level of recyclability, as both materials can be recycled indefinitely without compromising their quality.

At Aluprof, we are proud of the fact that we use up to 65% recycled raw material in our products. – By recycling aluminium from scrap, we can save 95% of the energy required to produce primary aluminium and reduce water pollution by 97% – highlights Rafael Altheim. – Choosing our solutions not only ensures a warm home but also represents a nod towards the planet – adds the expert.