As key components of the hospitality sector, there's more to hotels & restaurants than just ambience and aesthetics. Occupants' comfort assumes paramount importance while creating the building design, and hence it calls for a material that is not just visibly attractive but also accommodates the functional aspect. Glass fits the bill in more ways than one, proving to be the ideal choice for use in hotels, resorts and restaurants.
The need for glass in hotel building design is dictated by a number of factors. Round-the-clock occupancy demands reduced utility bills and this is amply met by Solar Control Glass Solutions that cuts heat and thus helps in energy savings. Glass ensures acoustic insulation and safety of the occupants. It helps one to blend with nature, with its high color rendering index providing spectacular views. Hotels also require the usage of non-toxic materials and low Volatile Organic Content (VOC), which is ensured by glass. Moreover, hygiene and maintenance - two of the most critical parameters in the hospitality space – are made extremely easy by glass.
The Science Behind High-Performance Glass
Countless studies have proved that humans have an unconscious yet unrelenting need to experience ample daylight routinely to stay productive. This is why energy-efficient glass is fast becoming irreplaceable as a prime material for office buildings. Energy-efficient glass panes are coated with various metal oxides that reduce excessive absorption of solar heat. This reduces a structure’s energy cost and also its carbon footprint. This type of glass also improves thermal comfort with a sense of openness for people working inside. There are broadly three types of energy-efficient glass. Types of Energy-Efficient Glass Energy-efficient glazing has its applications in residential buildings as well as commercial enclaves. In a country like India, the sweltering heat is commonplace at least 8 months in a year, especially if you do not live up north. If your house receives ample sunlight throughout the day, high-performance glass is for you. There are broadly three types of high-performance glass discussed below. Keep reading to find out which one suits your requirements the best.
Low E Glass
also known as low emissivity glass, has exceptional thermal insulation properties. It only allows solar light to pass through while reflecting away most of the scorching heat. This type of high-performance glass also protects the interiors of your buildings from harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays.
Low E glass provides enhanced thermal comfort in all types of weather conditions. It does not let a lot of cool conditioned air to escape out of a building, keeping your interiors at an optimal temperature range during the hot months. Alternatively, during the colder months, it does not let the warmer air leak outside easily, keeping your interiors comfortable. This thermal comfort majorly optimises your heating and cooling bills. Low E glass panes are even more energy-efficient as compared to insulated glass panels. They are commonly used in skyscrapers, hotels, and other façades.
Solar Control Glass
This is a special oxide-coated glass that transfers less solar heat as well as glare from entering inside. While it reduces solar glare and heat, it does allow ample natural light to pass through. This visible light does not hit sharply on the skin, and also reduces the need for artificial lighting inside your home or office during the day. Solar control glass protects your interiors from infrared (IR) rays. It is not as effective as the low E glass when it comes to absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Solar Control glass is suitable for conservatory roofs, malls, showrooms, glass façades, and educational institutions. These places are mostly operational during the day and can utilise natural light for heightened productivity with the help of energy-efficient glass.
Solar Control-Low E Glass Low E glass
tends to trap more heat inside that can lead to overheating, especially when directly under the solar glare. In such cases, using the low E glass or solar control glass independently may not be enough for glass façades with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Solar control-low E glass, however, is a perfect solution in such scenarios, as it will block solar radiation and also provide the optimum amount of thermal insulation without overheating or overcooling the interiors. For instance, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai houses countless glass panes that face solar glare daily. Solar control-low E glass has been used in this façade to decrease the building’s air-conditioning cost. If you need a heavy-duty energy-efficient glass then go for solar control-low E glass. This type of glass is more expensive to install as opposed to the two aforementioned options but the costs justify themselves in the long run when your energy bills significantly get reduced.
The Bottom Line
It can be said without a shred of doubt that high-performance glass allows for enhanced daylight inclusion, without hiking the energy bills. If you are looking for high-performance energy-efficient glass solutions, come to AIS Glasxperts. A good example would be the Ecosense Exceed Solar Control Low-E glass manufactured by AIS Glasxperts. This range of energy-efficient glass keeps indoor spaces brighter and cooler and also allows a good amount of natural light to seep through.