Glass houses – panoramic glazing in contemporary architecture

Buildings that look as if they were made entirely of glass are no longer a surprise to anyone. Panoramic glazing can now be called the most important and visible trend in contemporary architecture. Despite their history dating back almost 150 years, it’s only now that glass buildings can actually reach their heights (both metaphorically and literally). Never before has the creation of glass building structures felt so easy, safe and – with regard to our environment – necessary.

Panoramic glazing – the most important trend in contemporary architecture

The Crystal Palace in London was the first building ever to use glazing on such a large scale. One could say that this architectural wonder, which no longer exists, was one huge glazing. However, took more than half a century to construct buildings that are both durable and efficient to use.

Nowadays, we face a further challenge – how to make glass spaces more energy efficient. This is where aluminium facade systems can help us, enabling us to build unprecedentedly large glazing that is both highly insulating and resistant to loads, wind, and earthquakes.

Advantages of panoramic glazing

I guess no one who has entered a room with an unobstructed panoramic view of the surrounding area would say they would prefer traditional windows and limited visibility.

Yet large glazing isn’t only of aesthetic value. Our mental and physical health also benefit from them. Access to daylight improves concentration, boosts immunity (by stimulating vitamin D3 production) and improves mood.

Large glazing means that more natural light can be absorbed during periods when there is not so much sunshine outside. This is a way to maintain the optimum temperature in the room. At the same time, thanks to modern, highly insulating glazing, very satisfactory heat transfer ratios can be achieved, limiting heat loss.

Increasing energy costs constitute a major problem – points out Wojciech Brożyna, Aluprof UK Managing Director. – That is why we at Aluprof are constantly raising the bar and launching new solutions featuring higher technical and insulation parameters. Our energy-efficient systems for facades such MB-SR60N HI or MB-SR50N HI+ make it possible to create panoramic constructions while maintaining very good performance – he explains.

This has been confirmed by independent expert reports. The MB-SR50N HI+ system is certified by the PHI Darmstadt Institute in the highest class, A+, which confirms that the constructions made with it are suitable for use in the construction of passive buildings.

The Alchemist Media City, UK. Systems used: MB-70, MB-SR50N EFEKT, MB-SR50N EFEKT

Large-sized structures that are suitable for panoramic glazing

The last few decades brought an abundance of glass skyscrapers. Although its facade is made of glass, not every building features panoramic glazing. To actually be considered this type of glazing, the window should cover between 60 – 100% of the wall surface. This requires special structures to ensure stability even for heavy loads as well as insulation to reduce energy losses from large glazing.

Modern, panoramic, and energy efficient – Erskine House

Such a solution has been adopted for the Erskine House building in Belfast. MB-SR50N mullion and transom walls provide for a panoramic view of the city, while the construction itself is stable and, thanks to insulators, energy efficient. With more than 1,500 people working there, the building won a jury’s honourable mention in the 2022 ‘Building of the Year created with Aluprof Systems’ competition as part of the Future Builders series.

Erskine House, Belfast, United Kingdom. Systems used: MB-SR50N

Inside view – Lighthouse Tower

While the main purpose of panoramic glazing is to provide a view from inside the building, it can also be used in the opposite way. Such a solution has been used in The Lighthouse Tower, where the purpose of the glass building is to facilitate visitors who visit the Glenmorangie distillery to see its interior.

Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain, UK. Systems used: MB-SR50N

Panoramic and fireproof – Horizon Cruise Terminal

A glass building is not limited only to office or residential buildings. Firewalls based on the Aluprof MB-78EI system, which was used in the construction of the Horizon terminal at the Port of Southampton, can be used to make internal or external compartments with single and double doors and technical windows with high fire resistance levels. The system has been classified as non-fire spreading (NFP). It can also be used to build smoke-proof constructions.

Horizon Cruise Terminal, Southampton, UK. Systems used: MB-78EI, MB-SR50N

Contemporary glass architecture in residential buildings

The trend for panoramic glazing doesn’t only relate to commercial buildings, office buildings or public facilities. Contemporary homes also use it, providing residents with stunning views and an intermingling of the home and outdoor spaces.

One of the earliest examples of such architecture was the Glass House, created by Philip Johnson in 1949. The fully glazed pavilion completely blends in with its surroundings, and the glass walls blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

Aluprof solutions were used for another glass house project: 22 Parkside in Wimbledon. The house was designed by Richard Rogers in 1967. During its renovation, the MB-59S door system was used, which creates the effect of sashes aligned with the frame and allows for the installation of any door fittings. Although the project itself is now many years old, it still impresses – explains Wojciech Brożyna.

22 Parkside, Wimbledon, UK. Systems used: MB-59S

The MB-SKYLINE Type R concealed-frame sliding door is gaining considerable popularity among customers who wish to enjoy a panoramic view. They are based on very narrow profiles while still being suitable for large-scale construction with loads of up to 1,200 kg. The maximum height of the construction ranges up to 4 metres, and this makes it possible to create a glazed wall even on storeys at a great height.

Let’s Build a Better Future

The panoramic glazing trend is not new, but it continues to grow in popularity. Quite the opposite, there are more and more projects that make use of their advantages, both in the commercial and individual markets. Add to this the fact that glazing may be entirely energy-efficient, and you have a recipe for architectural success that responds to the needs of users and the planet.