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Love the Reflection: Let Mirrors Spruce up the Interiors of Your House

Mirrors aren’t just designed to be a practical object to check your face in before stepping out of the house; there are many innovative ways the addition of a mirror can transform your space. They are the perfect option for making a space brighter and larger. A well-positioned mirror can also make a smaller room look more expansive and will play off light emitted from the natural windows in a larger room. Allowing you to think beyond the bathroom and the wardrobe, we take you through our top design tips on mirrors to enhance the beauty of home interior spaces.
A Wall of Mirrors

The horizontal and vertical lines in the wall of mirrors help to define a sleek space and draw attention to the accessories or the ambience around it like a painting or the garden. The mirrored wall also helps to distribute the natural light around the room. The addition of a mirror makes a room feel brighter and more spacious.
Illuminating the dark corners

One can enhance the amount of light in space in an understated manner by placing a mirror glass behind a switched-on lamp. Pairing the same with mirrored furniture to reflect all sources of light also imbues a sense of warmth and coziness without compromising on the illumination.
To let the natural light in, simply place a mirror opposite or next to a window. Bigger the mirror, brighter the space! So if you are wondering about ways to liven up your space, you know what requires to be done.
Go experimental with the mirror shapes

When positioned correctly, the right shape of the mirror can improve the outlook of a room. Instead of sticking to traditional rectangular mirrors, you must feel free to experiment with different shapes. Keep the shape or style of your room in mind and choose a mirror frame that reflects the tone. One that is unusually shaped certainly adds a bit of drama to an otherwise humdrum space, giving a room an instant wow-factor.
Mirror in the outdoors

Mirrors are not just for the inside of the home. More light can be introduced with their help when used in a north facing terrace or a shaded courtyard. While urban residents may choose a mirror that gives the appearance of widening the horizon of an enclosed garden, mirrors when used in a countryside setting, are a lovely way to catch an augmented view of the surrounding greenery and wildlife. Indeed, it is amazing how a beautiful mirror can work in multifarious ways to amplify light, add some excitement, create interesting reflections and catch the eyes when fitted in classy frames.
So mirror the magic in your best place in the world which you call home. Get in touch with our glass dealers to get the finest offerings in mirrors for adorning your abode.

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Importance of Sound Proof Glass Solutions in Offices

Noise-free interiors are a priority for offices since they are usually located on busy streets bustling with activities. Loud noises seep into the office space through doors and windows causing disturbances. This results in low productivity and efficiency of the employees and disrupts the daily operations of the business. Hence, cutting out noise pollution in office space is crucial.

Besides dampening the outside noise, ensuring sound insulation indoors is also essential. It is very important to keep the confidentiality of cabin discussions and conference room decisions. This is why installing sound insulating glass indoors is just as crucial. One of the top glass manufacturers, AIS Glass, offers high-quality soundproof glass to maintain privacy and ensure the peace and tranquillity of the office space.
Laminated glass has become an increasingly popular glass choice, both in offices and homes, for sound insulation. It is manufactured by attaching two or more glass sheets together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between them. This unique manufacturing process imparts various beneficial features to the glass. Together, the multiple glass panes and the resin sandwiched in-between prevent noise from seeping through, unlike ordinary glasses. Once installed in office, you can have clear and effective communication in meetings and conferences.
For maximum sound insulation, AIS Acousticglas is the ideal glass solution. This laminated glass type is meticulously designed to reduce noise pollution at offices and homes. The specialised PVB layer reduces noise pollution by up to 90% and hence, the glass type is widely used in boardrooms, partitions, and facades. For homes, offices, and shops in high traffic zones or near railway-lines and airports, AIS Acousticglas is very effective in minimising noise pollution.
Besides noise reduction, laminated glass is very sturdy and provides safety from theft and burglary. The PVB layer acts as an adhesive and holds the glass together when shattered, and prevents injuries from glass shards. Hence, it is widely used for security purposes. When laminated glass is installed in doors and windows, gaining access to indoors is very difficult for burglars. Additionally, when this window glass type is incorporated with uPVC frames, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space by adding a stylish and contemporary touch to the indoors.
Unlike the conventional wooden or steel doors and windows, laminated glass doors and windows allow sufficient light indoors and maintain peace and serenity of the office space.
In short, if you are looking for a multifunctional and economical option to reduce noise pollution at the office, installing sound proof glass is the ideal decision.

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When in Doubt, Retrofit

Have you ever looked up to your house or even office’s windows and remarked, ‘Hey, they need a change!’? Well, that certainly is not as uncommon as one might think. Glass doors and windows are the essence of every new building ever made. And since buildings do not need a revamping every other year, it is fair to say that doors and windows are often their longest lasting structures (apart from the walls, of course!).
Yet, given how important the role of windows is in not only serving as conduits of light and ventilation but also creating a fully-functional and modern space, there comes a time when one must give thought to changing the old windows.

This is where we tell you what retrofitting buildings with shiny and functional glass windows is all about.
Considering window renovation
Any sort of renovation is a hectic job. Not only do you need to identify the issues for repair but also research in the market for the ideal solution. Any such consideration has to be made after careful thought and planning since investment in architectural revamp, especially that of glass windows, will leave a result in place that will last for decades.
Moreover, when one considers window renovation, a lot of factors need to be dealt with. First is figuring out the right window for a particular functional need. Second is the expense incurred and the time taken to remove the old windows and replace them with new ones. Third is the impact which such a renovation might have on your property – what if your old windows add heritage value, thus leaving you reluctant to replace them altogether?
This is where retrofitting glass can be the ideal option for you. In retrofitting, a new, modern glazing will be installed atop your existing one from the inside. Time-saving and efficient, retrofitted windows are becoming increasingly popular in today’s world.
Retrofitting – A viable alternative
As mentioned before, retrofitting your building’s glass windows will help you save on the time and cost incurred in removing the existing windows and then installing the new ones. Thus, it is a quick solution for modern professionals who desire the least disruption in their lives.
Moreover, since glass windows are retrofitted from the inside, the look of your home or office from the outside will remain the same. This is perfect for those who do not want to change the aesthetics and veer towards maintaining the heritage and antiquity of their home or office.
Finally, another benefit that retrofitting offers is that your windows will get double glazeGlad, thus offering you increased insulation from heat, dust, pollution, and noise. Glass manufacturers such as AIS have come up with modern retrofitting solutions such as AIS Renew – a low-E energy-saving insulated glass that filters out sun’s heat without cutting down on natural lighting. It only takes 30-60 minutes to install one such window that also offers excellent reduction in dew condensation and low maintenance.
Perhaps most importantly, retrofitting your windows with energy-efficient glass will turn your building into a green one, thus helping you do your bit to protecting our precious environment.
Ready for a retrofit?

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Daylight Analysis & Glazing Selection: A Case Study

Natural lighting is an extremely important part of any building – simply because it is beneficial to both comfort and energy efficiency of an interior space. Having ideal natural lighting inside a building can reduce the dependency on artificial lighting and create a much more holistic environment for rest, relaxation and work.
Yet, enabling the perfect balance of natural light within a building is not merely a function of using a glazing which will reflect heat and filter light. It depends on quite many factors, including the building orientation, the appropriateness of light diffusers installed, and also the kind of façades and windows in place. Thus, architect and building owners must conduct a thorough daylight analysis of any building in order to suggest glass that minimises discomfort and maximises visibility. Only after analysing the results of such a study can one opt for retrofitting buildings with low-E glass or going for a new glazing with the ideal U-value and SHGC.
This is what we performed for a corporate building in Mumbai.
CHALLENGE
A corporate building in Mumbai required an optimum glazing solution to maximize its VLT (visible light transmission) requirement without overdesigning the building.
SOLUTION
Going by the specifications of glass, one with the lowest U-value and SHGC would have been the right solution for the corporate building. Yet the solution was not so easy.
In order to determine the effect of various glazing variants on the building, a daylight analysis was performed. The two glazing variants simulated for the building were Clear Glass (VLT 78%) and high performance glass (VLT 21%). Both the glasses performed identically in terms of achieving the optimal lux levels. Clear Glass, in fact, caused glare in certain portions of the building.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the first case is Clear Glass (VLT = 78%). The pink region shows the area which will have glare, and the grey region indicates sub-optimal lighting. The second case is high-performance glass (VLT = 21%). Here, we can see the reduction in glare area without reducing optimum lux level.
Thus, AIS recommended using high-performance glass in order to reduce cooling load without compromising on the lighting load.
RESULTS
From the study conducted, the following results were deduced:

  • The same fenestration behaves differently depending on the specific design.
  • It should not be assumed that products with low U-Value and SHGC are the best and universal solution.
  • For windows receiving a high amount of solar radiation, products with low SHGC would perform better. Hence, a glazing solution should be selected only after thoroughly analysing the building design.

As mentioned earlier, architects and glass manufacturers have to study various factors in building design before selecting the ideal glazing. An important factor is window orientation and area which allows ideal dispersion of daylight without causing glare or excess heat gain. It has been observed that south-facing windows let in the highest amount of daylight while north-facing windows let in diffused and reflected glare-free light. On the other hand, east- and west-facing windows let in direct sunlight, glare, and heat gain, which are difficult to manage. Thus, different glazing solutions are required for different orientations, especially in the kind of building mentioned in the case study.

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4 Inspiring Ideas for Your Kitchen Space

The evolution of kitchens is quite significant. Today’s kitchens are required to be as aesthetically appealing as functional, and to blend with the overall design of the house while retaining its unique look as the heart of the home. This dynamic shift in the way we design kitchens has also a lot to do with the availability of multi-functional and innovative architectural materials such as processed glass.
Modern glass suppliers such as AIS are already leading the way in creating aesthetic glass variants such as AIS Décor lacquered glass and frosted glass which are aiding in the imagining of creative and functional kitchen spaces like never before.

Given the fact that kitchens are usually smaller in size than other spaces and areas in most homes and apartments, using a material such as glass in cabinets, shelves or even countertops helps in adding the illusion of space. Glass’s inherent property of reflecting light helps in creating a well-lit, airy and lively environment in a kitchen, thus allowing inhabitants to experience more joy in cooking.
In this blog, we take a look at four inspiring ideas powered by glass to design or recreate your dream kitchen space:

  1. Create window cabinets

If you’re wondering what they are, then prepare to be excited. If your kitchen wall space is majorly covered with windows, then you can elevate the look of your entire space while also adding more storage to the kitchen with the help of window cabinets. As the name suggests, these cabinets are constructed on top of existing windows, thus providing them with two walls of glass. This can be a unique addition to your kitchen without preventing the external scenery or natural daylight getting obstructed!

  1. Install frosted glass shelves and lacquered glass panel pantry doors

For heightened aesthetics, why stick to simple clear glass? Visually appealing glass types such as frosted privacy glass can add style to your kitchen cabinets while also concealing what they store – if you wish so! On the other hand, if your kitchen has a pantry door, then you can install lacquered glass panels on it to compliment the wall colour or the theme of the kitchen.

  1. Turn your kitchen island into a glass base cabinet

If you have a modular kitchen with a counter in the middle of the floor space, called the island, why not experiment by adding a glass cabinet to its sides? This can be the perfect location to store collectibles, cookbooks or fancy kitchenware. Since this is a base cabinet prone to impact by foot, we recommend opting for tempered security glass for the same.

  1. Add colour to your countertops and backsplashes

Glass kitchen countertops have become very popular, offering a lot in terms of colour, size, and shape. Combining countertops with lacquered glass backsplashes and cabinets creates a stylish and colourful ambience for a kitchen.
Apart from the aesthetic reasons, using glass in kitchens is beneficial since it is a material that it is stain-resistant, easy to clean and maintain, and easy to replace. Time to give your cooking space a well-deserved glass makeover!

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4 Types of uPVC Window Designs to Give Your Home an Enticing Look

The trend of using uPVC material in doors and windows has been on the rise, all thanks to the plethora of benefits it offers. uPVC material showcases a perfect blend of modernity and advanced features. It is a tough and durable material which is rot, heat and noise-resistant. It doesn’t require any high maintenance and can be easily cleaned using water and detergent. uPVC doors and windows have a huge success rate as apart from being durable and long lasting, they are reinforced with galvanized steel which makes them withstand adverse conditions easily.
The wonderful thing about uPVC is that it can be customized to suit a wide variety of window shapes and designs. If you want to impart your house that ethereal and awe-inspiring bespoke look, then selecting the right type of windows is critical.

Here are 4 types of uPVC window designs you can consider for the same:
Sliding Windows: –
Sliding windows are horizontal opening windows which provide great cross-ventilation and lighting options. They are easy to operate and provide unobstructed view of the outside world. They are also energy efficient, since they effectively block airflow from inside to outside and vice versa. Sliding windows aid in saving space too as they don’t occupy vertical space as in the case of normal windows. Your room will automatically appear larger if you choose them for your house.
French Windows :-
One sure shot advantage of French windows is ample lighting in your room. French windows usually have a frame that features window glass running through its entire length. Apart from lighting, they also make your house look spacious. They are most suitable for outer walls since they provide magnificent view of the outside lawns, gardens, pool or patio. They can be decorated with deluxe curtains and blinds to give your home a luxurious look.
Casement Windows :-
Casement windows are vertical opening windows fixed with side mounted hinges. They are one of the most widely preferred window designs. They can be opened widely and provide better ventilation as compared to fixed windows. Casement windows also provide high security since they are very difficult to break and their hook shaped locks are embedded within the frame making them untouchable from outside.
Two Sash Windows :-
These are made up of movable panels known as sashes. Two sash windows have been in use since ages and still continue to be one of the most popular choices especially in traditional homes. It offers a perfect blend of utility and attractiveness .It provides double ventilation benefit as when both the sashes are opened, it provides a way for fresh, cool air to come inside while letting the warm air to exit the room from top.

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Glass and Sustainability

When it comes to building homes and offices, glass is considered the material of choice by architects and designers across the globe. It has numerous advantages and various properties which makes it ideal to use in most places in interiors and exteriors. Modern reflective glass offers a high amount of flexibility and it can be used to make green buildings that help save on your energy bills, which is why it’s the preferred choice of architects.
For an architect, glass solutions are vital when it comes to building ‘smart’ and eco-friendly houses and business areas.  AIS provides a wide range of products that will help you find the ideal glass based on where you desire to use it as well as the functionality required. For an all in one glass solution while designing a home or office, reflective glass can be a smart choice. Our glass solutions come along with advanced coatings that can filter heat and radiation from sunlight, letting in pure light and no heat. Architects and designers find it a lot easier to work with modern glass as its endless benefits can be used to create elegant designs that are not only eco-friendly but also bring with them a contemporary feel.

When it comes to building homes and offices, glass is considered the material of choice by architects and designers across the globe. It has numerous advantages and various properties which makes it ideal to use in most places in interiors and exteriors. Modern reflective glass offers a high amount of flexibility and it can be used to make green buildings that help save on your energy bills, which is why it’s the preferred choice of architects.
For an architect, glass solutions are vital when it comes to building ‘smart’ and eco-friendly houses and business areas.  AIS provides a wide range of products that will help you find the ideal glass based on where you desire to use it as well as the functionality required. For an all in one glass solution while designing a home or office, reflective glass can be a smart choice. Our glass solutions come along with advanced coatings that can filter heat and radiation from sunlight, letting in pure light and no heat. Architects and designers find it a lot easier to work with modern glass as its endless benefits can be used to create elegant designs that are not only eco-friendly but also bring with them a contemporary feel.

Solar glass works in three distinct mechanisms namely reflectance, absorbance and transmittance. As a result, such glass can reflect, absorb and transmit solar energy and prevent it from entering your homes and office spaces. Replacing the glass in your homes can guarantee protection from (IR) Infrared and (UV) Ultraviolent wavelengths. By reflecting these wavelengths the amount of heat can be reduced within your home and even in an office building.
You can choose from a wide array of our solar control glass products such AIS Ecosense glass, AIS Sunshield, AIS Opal glass and many others that have different properties that come in use in various situations and for various structures. Overall, architects have at their disposal different types of glass that can be used to build comfortable and better living facilities. Companies who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint should opt for AIS energy efficiency solutions. Those looking for customized solutions can get in touch with our experts. They are well informed about all the types of glass that we provide and will guide you to the right solution. If you are an architect and are looking to provide clients with something extra ordinary, look no further than us and our glass solutions.

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AIS for Road Safety and Pollution Prevention.

Following road safety rules while driving in India can make driving less stressed out. But often people break rules just to reach their destination quickly. Putting their lives at risk, people indulge in rash driving that sometimes lead to accidents. Besides glass, there are numerous other things that can be done to reduce the car traffic and pollution issues. Some of the rules are listed below:
Educate your loved ones:
Making your children and your loved ones aware of road safety can bring about a great impact to their lives. Make sure you let them know about rules of crossing the road, traffic signs and so on.
Drive/ride at economical pace:
Driving or riding the vehicle at a constant speed will increase the overall fuel efficiency by at least 30%. This can be done by maintaining a steady pace in your driving style. By doing so, one can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Make sure to also service the car regularly to keep the engine tuned.

Avoid peak hours:
Peak hours are the worst time to commute as the street is crowded with people heading to work, school and other venues. Often people are stuck in heavy traffic. This causes stress and doubles the travelling time to your destination. To cut down on this issue, one needs to schedule errands and travel to avoid peak hours. This helps to save time and get the task done as well.
 Follow traffic rules:
Following traffic rules ensures road safety and smooth flow of the traffic system. Traffic rules also ensure that one does not have to deal with speeding tickets, or any other fines given by traffic officials.  These rules also apply to pedestrians who are looking to cross the road without any risk.

Carpooling/Public transport:
For some people, avoiding peak-hour traffic might not be possible. During such times, carpooling or using public transport can be the smarter choice. It can help contribute to less traffic, prevent you from getting stressed and can save a lot of money. In a country like India, one also worries about parking in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi! This will be less of an issue with carpooling.

Those people who are looking for a healthier way to commute can opt to walk or cycle their way to work. In case the destination is closer, bicycling or walking can be a good decision. So, stay safe on the road and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint!
We at AIS have been offering automotive glass for over 30 years. AIS Auto Glass is seen in India’s best vehicles, commanding a market share of over 70% offering high-quality automotive glasses for the best in safety, comfort & style.

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AIS VUE offers uPVC Tilt and Turn Windows

Windows are the soul of any home. And at their essence, they form the boundary between the outside world and their home inside. Windows allow the right amount of light penetration inside your home, as per your requirement. And that lies at the very gist of what modern architecture is all about.

Over the time, as technology has grown, architecture has seen a tremendous change in the ways of designing buildings and interiors, where windows play a vital role.
Change in lifestyle these days, has largely affected how people design their home interiors. The latest trend seen in windows category is uPVC windows. uPVC windows are made up of Un- plasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride that requires minimum maintenance. This state-of-the-art technology lets you introduce a superior design element to the décor, ensuring complete protection.
There is a range of styles to suit every need, when it comes to opting for AIS VUE – uPVC windows:

  • Sliding & Folding
  • Casement
  • Tilt and Turn
  • Sliding
  • Top hung

Tilt and Turn windows
Of all the above, the Tilt and Turn Windows are the perfect choice for living rooms and bed rooms or any other sitting area; the main purposes they serve are as follows:

  • Best insulation from sound, heat, dust, pollution and rain is offered by double and triple glazed glasses along with security to a great extent due to its strength.
  • The tilt function opens the top of the sash inwards for ventilation, whilst the turn function creates an inward opening side hung operation. The design involves a handle that helps to maneuver the window by tilting it at an angle from the top. The result is a slight opening at the top that helps in the room’s aeration while the window remains in a semi closed manner.
  • Another purpose is that it lets in natural light but also seals the room from dust and pollution. When closed, the window ensures effective air conditioning. The window is sealed perfectly to the wall and the frame has no gaps at all, making them energy-efficient and giving you lower consumption costs.

Advantages of Tilt and Turn windows:

  1. BURGLAR SECURITY: The tilt/turn window, when assembled with available accessories, will provide locking around the entire window perimeter. The many security features and Entry Resistant Fittings make your window into a “strong point”.
  1. EASE OF CLEANING: The cleaning of the tilt/turn window is easy and convenient as it is performed from the comfort of the inside of the room. No ladder or precarious positions to reach. Just open the window completely in the turn position. This will rotate the sash toward you.
  1. MAINTENANCE: Because of the design of this high performance window system, maintenance is kept to a minimum. Adjustments are provided to assure proper sealing pressure throughout the long life of the window.
  1. OPERATION: The operation of tilt/turn is simple and effortless. By rotating the handle into any one of the three standard positions, the window sash will respond easily no matter how big or heavy the sash.
  1. PERFORMANCE: Modern tilt/turn windows close tight. Cold, heat and noise insulation are unrivaled by any other window system. These unwanted elements remain where they belong – outside.
  1. FIRE ESCAPE: With the window in the full open position you create a 100% unobstructed opening producing a fast and convenient exit in any emergency.
  1. VENTILATION: In the tilt position, the window provides draft-free fresh air exchange while maintaining burglar security. The window cannot be operated from the outside of the room.
  1. AIR CIRCULATION: A tilt/turn window can be opened completely in the turn position providing rapid air exchange when required.

The AIS products meet up the latest industrialization expertise and also tag along with the international quality standards. Brought to you by AIS – AIS VUE combines decades of delivering exceptional quality with comprehensive services- from consulting to glass and frame selection, right down to easy, hassle-free installation at your convenience.
AIS VUE offers the perfect mix of style & safety, the right balance between elegance & efficiency, the ultimate combination of form & function. Provide solutions right from consulting to glass and frame selection, as well as easy, hassle-free installation.
From heavy rains to dusty dry summers, or wind storms to noisy traffics, AIS VUE – uPVC Doors and windows is an ideal solution.
To kn w more about AIS VUE uPVC doors and windows, visit:  http://www.aisvue.com

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Glass is clearly safe!

Glass is an integral part of modern architecture and interior design. A versatile and sustainable material, glass – used for façades, windows or in interiors – gives buildings and homes structural stability, aesthetic appeal and a contemporary look while helping save energy and costs.
There has been some debate about safety in the use of glass in general, particularly fire. But, be assured if proper norms and guidelines are followed for designing and constructing glass buildings, and the right types of glasses are used for façades, the destructive effects of fire are greatly reduced. In actuality, glass facades are not inflammable, rather they are flame-retardants.

Glass – See what’s safe
internationally today, there are excellent alternatives available for clear vision safety glass. These include high-performance products like transparent glasses with intumescent layers, special coatings and laminates. Tempered/toughened glass, laminated glass, insulated glass units and wire mesh glass are also good fire retardants.
They can actually substitute a brick wall in terms of fire-rating property yet give transparency. While some of the fire safety glasses function as a physical barrier preventing the spread of fire and smoke, certain advanced solutions can actually drastically reduce the radiant heat from a fire.
The European classification standards (EN 13501) for glass use the following system:
E – Integrity
W – Low Radiation
I – Insulation
Accordingly, the following types of glasses are available in the FRG range
E Class – They provide for only integrity. These are special tempered glasses, and they prevent the spread of flames to the non-fire side. There will be no protection from radiation in this type of glass. They are normally used for internal applications.
EW Class – These are tempered and laminated glasses. They prevent the flames and control the non-fired radiation to a maximum of 15KW per sqm. They offer integrity and for low heat radiation. They are used for internal and external applications.
EI Class – This type of FRG glasses offer integrity and insulation. The maximum temperature on the non-fire side does not exceed an average of 140 degree Celsius.

A range of high-quality, fire-resistant glasses are available today to mitigate the adverse effects of fire accidents and offer enhanced protection.
• Wired Glass – It is more stable at higher temperatures and is also resistant to the pressure of fire hoses as the embedded wire mesh helps the glass keep its structural integrity even after thermal stress causes cracks
• Borosilicate Glass – Borosilicate, because of its extremely low thermal expansion coefficient, is ideal for any application that requires heat resistance
• Toughened Glass – The special tempering process used in this glass makes it highly resistant to stress. In case, it gets to the point of breaking, it crumbles into small granules that are less injury prone
• Toughened Glass with flame-retardant coating – This flame retardant coating is typically metal that further enhances the flame and heat resistance of the glass
• Toughened Glass with Intumescent gel – As is the property of any intumescent, the gel increases greatly in size when exposed to fire, and its high hydration content keeps the surrounding areas significantly cooler than any other material
• Laminated Glass with Intumescent layers – Highly desirable for façades, the lamination makes it hard enough for the façade and windows, and the intumescent layers restrict temperature rise during fires although the glass is 100% transparent and lacks wiring within
It would be unfair to blame glass for the destruction caused by fire in buildings. In most cases, it is negligence and/or illegal/ poor-quality design and construction that result in loss of life and property. If proper norms and building safety codes are followed, and guidelines adhered to, glass façades only help in fire rescue and do not make it worse. All over the world, glass is a widely accepted building material utilized on a massive scale for architecture and design.
Know more: bit.ly/AISIndia

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For all that glass can be- Asahi India launch event

Sen’s Bucket covered the newly launched AIS store at South Extension which bought two experts – Glasxperts and Windshield Experts together.

Never been much fond of glass except for admiring the occasional crockery at dining events, but the utility of it, seems to be far beyond, and also more dynamic. Asahi India Glass (AIS) recently unveiled their new store in South-Extension (Arjun Nagar), Delhi, where as can be seen, has dedicated areas for windshield customers (car owners), and those needing architectural support. More than just a store launch, it was a lot about the real innovation one can bring in with glass, should one be willing to spend money and have the taste for it.

A lot of the questions around glass, as with many other building materials, is the longevity of the product questioned, and also the maintenance it would need in time. Most of the products they provide are hopefully easy to maintain and do provide a great deal of assistance post sales, as well. And from the looks of it, customers are seriously pouring in with their demands, and coincidentally, there was a case of a windshield being seamlessly replaced as if nothing was ever really wrong.

Though the pictures are not that clear, but the stock of equipment used to fit the windshield on the car displayed above seemed to be modern and also being sophisticated enough ensure a smooth application. If one can notice, its seriously seamless in the way it was installed on the vehicle. Obviously, there were some stages to this process, but never the less swiftly followed. Perhaps the entire thing took less than an hour!

The star attraction at the store would be the GlasXperts section, which is dedicated to the architectural needs of the customers. The reason being, the innovation and finesse with which the company works. A lot of the best glassworks will not just be slabs of the glass alone, but artistic depictions to set them apart. The Lord Ganesh framed mural on the wall is one such example.

One of the things in the obviously glass laden upper floor was this otherwise simple looking door. However, the manager was kind enough to show how technology has been used behind this. What appears opaque here, will change the texture, simply with the press of a button, placed this door. With the help of sensors placed at the corners, the light passing through special crystals infused within the glass are scattered, due to which the glass becomes opaque. Similarly, when needs transparency, a flick of the switch will make light pass through the concentrated crystals which enable a clearer views across the panel.

One of the main things we all commonly grumble about, and legitimately so, is the after-sales service. Asahi India Glass happens to be a fully integrated company when it comes to selling to their customers. This means, after buying some of the hi-end products, or any product from them, you need help to maintain or repair, or perhaps need some advice for future planning and design, you can rely on these guys to come across and help you. It might cost you a bit more, but then when you compare to the conveniences, you can naturally conclude that its worth spending the extra money but have someone to give you complete solutions. You don’t need to run around different places.

The thing about AIS is that they would not be giving you cheap imports, for the sake of margins and deal closing. That means they will charge you a price, and if it doesn’t match with the clients, they might just refuse, instead of cutting prices and compromising on quality. In short, if one has to summarize AIS, it’s about a lot of value addition, like pre-sales and after-sales services, which set them apart, and quite frankly, can be a big relief during renovations and constructions. And with their footprint increasing, one might just have a branch around the corner to help you out find something nice for home styling.

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How glazing can help in energy and cost savings ?

Glazing provides homes and buildings with light, warmth, and ventilation. The same glazing can also negatively impact a building’s energy efficiency. The best way to reduce energy costs by installing energy-efficient glazing or windows for your home or building.
Glazing primarily allows daylight to enter buildings; this in turn improves residents’ well being and augments their productivity. It also reduces the energy used for artificial lighting. It is important that the glazing system enables ample daylight to enter without the accompanying heat and glare. There are many ways in which this can be achieved. With proper selection and orientation, energy efficient glazing can help provide all round comfort and reduce energy consumption.
The energy efficiency of a building is greatly impacted by the windows and other glazed external surfaces. Using advanced glazing solutions can significantly reduce the need for heating and cooling the buildings, thereby reducing energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions.

BENEFITS OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT GLAZING
• Smaller energy bills
• Smaller carbon footprint
• More comfortable home: Energy-efficient glazing reduces heat loss through windows.
• Reduced condensation: Energy-efficient glazing reduces condensation build-up on the inside of windows.
INSTALLATION
Proper installation is essential for any energy-efficient window to ensure energy efficiency. Therefore, always have a professional install your windows.
Window installation may vary depending on the type of window or the construction of the house. Windows should always be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and proper air sealing is to be ensured during installation, for the windows to perform correctly.
WHAT ARE THE GLAZING SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE?
AIS provides a wide range of solutions for your energy efficiency needs:
Ecosense from AIS
Ecosense is a unique range of high-performance glass in natural shades available as Enhance (Solar Control) and Exceed (Solar Control Low-E). It is the perfect amalgamation of energy efficiency and optimum day-lighting, and designed to deliver superior performance that allows architects and builders to set a higher standard of green architect by:
• Allowing optimum light to pass through windows/facade while absorbing and reflecting away a large degree of the near range Infrared heat.
• Keeping indoor spaces brighter and cooler.
AIS Opal Solar Control Glass
Cut out the heat from your buildings – in the colour of your choice – with AIS Opal. A popular choice for Heat Reflective Glass, AIS Opal’s solar control properties makes it the best choice for exterior glass. So while your buildings stay cool, they also look stylish.
• AIS Opal is manufactured using cutting-edge CVD technology which makes it a long-lasting and durable glazing solution.
• Available in a range of shades to meet every need and fit every design.
• A wide range of sizes and thicknesses for more choice.
For more details, visit https://www.aisglass.com/

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Glass Trends in Indian homes today

Looking at the new emerging India, we find that people are smart, well-informed and with a new-age outlook, they demand a contemporary lifestyle that’s in tune with global tastes and trends. They strive for an improved and highly efficient lifestyle. As the technology has grown, it has fed largely into making their dreams, come true.
Our surroundings largely influence our lifestyle. People are adopting smart architectural trends to spruce up their houses. Unlike the traditional materials used for home décor like wood, acrylic or cloth furnishing, glass emerges out as the new expert for stylizing homes. Glass has emerged as one of the favoured materials in architecture and interior design
Glass, by allowing high design flexibility is becoming a major contributor to this trend. With the help of technology, experts have harnessed the complete utility of glass by making it available to us in various colours, textures, shapes and designs. Not many have realized the capability of glass in serving the delightful effects to the ambience.

AIS plays the role of a protagonist in the field of Glass, providing India with the best quality product.
Being aesthetic, adaptable, versatile, and economical and Eco friendly material, glass unlocks a ton of possibilities in architectural design. State-of-the-art technologies for lamination and processing have made possible new types and varieties of glasses that enable the perfect blending of function and aesthetics – for both exterior and interior applications. Glass not only enhances the visual appeal of living spaces but also elevates lifestyle.
Glass has technically replaced all home décor and styling solutions.
You name it, glass does it!
Today, glass is available in a stupendous variety of styles, colours, designs and textures. Whether it is used for façades, doors and windows, or in interiors, glass is the perfect material for creating a stunning effect and stylish ambience.
1. For confined spaces, glass is the preferred solution. It makes interiors look larger and livelier by reflecting light, illuminating surfaces, and connecting the inside to the outside.
2. Glass is also the ‘right’ solution for the requirements of peace and serenity, privacy, safety and security. Value additions and processing done on glass ensure that it provides a person with acoustic, privacy, security and safety solutions. Hence, peace of mind is assured, without aesthetics being hampered!
3. Moreover, glass being a completely recyclable and sustainable material, helps achieve great design the eco-friendly way. A varied range of high-performance and energy-efficient glasses, that reflect or absorb heat while allowing light inside a building or room, enable higher standards of green architecture and living.
4. Most importantly, glass is extremely amenable to specific requirements, as customised solutions in glass can be tailor-made to meet individual design needs and preferences. As such, more and more people are choosing glass to bring their imagination and ideas to life.

Indeed, the applications and uses of glass are as breathtaking as its effects. From entire façades to doors and windows, from floors, walkways and staircases to domes, canopies and skylights, from partitions and enclosures to shelves, table tops and counter-tops, glass is the one material with which you can see more, do more and be more.
AIS has always looked to transcend the ordinary and delight its customers. Mindful of the new lifestyle trends emerging in India, AIS diversified from the automotive and architectural segments into the consumer glass segment, to enable consumers to experience the varied solutions glass offers. Products like AIS Ecosense, AIS Décor, AIS Opal Trendz, AIS Stronglas, AIS Securityglas and AIS Acousticglas, AIS Swytchglas provide the customer with exceptional quality, fulfilling varied needs and requirements.

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Noise Outside Quiet Inside

Noise is a growing concern and a nuisance, especially in urban areas.No matter where it originates from, noise is everywhere. It can be your next door neighbour blasting rock music or a ramped up car stereo. Sometimes the noise caused by outside traffic can cause disturbance and stress over a continued period of time.
Does noise affect you?
Too much noise can be damaging to health and can hinder learning and concentration. Noise is tiresome; it makes you anxious, annoys you, causes stress and leaves you fatigued. Studies have shown that noisy workspaces are less efficient than quiet ones. Therefore, it is very important to find new ways to keep noise where it belongs: outside.
Is there a solution?
Yes, there is! Nowadays, architects and designers are increasingly looking at glass as a preferred material while designing contemporary living spaces. All that is needed is a glass which enhances the building’s aesthetics as well as effectively eliminates external noise.
Laminated glass which is made by laminating two pieces of glass together with a poly-vinly-butryl (PVB) interlayer dampens the sound and reduces sound transmission. Laminated glass also provides other benefits like safety and security.
AIS AcousticglasTM featuring a specialized PVB interlayer provides up to 90% in exterior sound. It helps to keep the inside of your room in tranquil quietude while you give ear to sound that really matters. AIS AcousticglasTM is used for doors, windows, partitions in homes and offices.

Benefits:

  • A noise free space is essential so that external noise does not hinder concentration and provides you a stress free environment. It also addresses people’s need for a quieter and a more comfortable place to live in. The offices and workplaces can maintain sensible noise levels and a work friendly environment.

For more details, visit: https://www.aisglass.com/

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Walk on Glass

Glass is a characteristic feature of architecture and design in the new age.  As innovative uses for glass continue to expand, glass is now available in various colours, textures, shapes and designs to people, who are looking to transform their spaces. Glass flooring provides an exciting combination of style and function, making a dramatic impact in both residential and commercial spaces.

Glass floors add a decorative dimension to your interiors and give your homes or commercial spaces a touch of sophistication. Glass flooring is resistant to moisture and various kinds of other infestations.
The obvious concern when it comes to such an extensive use of glass, is the safety involved. Comprehensive calculations for glass thickness and construction are what decides the selection and application of this type of glass.

Glass allows light to pass through the floor, creating a very airy and luxurious dwelling. As natural light permeates the space, it creates different moods and forms a seamless transition between rooms. Glass can also be used in landings and ‘see – throughs’ from one floor to another to add even more visual appeal. Adding an artistic touch to the glass floor, can bring notable dispersed light, to cascade down in a thousand hues of colors.

Glass flooring is generally installed keeping in mind the customer’s requirement. Tempered laminated glass, Heat Strengthened laminated glass and Tempered glass laminated with sentry PVB are preferred choice of glass, for its durability and resistance to breakage.
Glass flooring is attractive and easy to clean. It is aesthetically pleasing and can make any room look bright, attractive and stylish. Glass definitely is a contemporary and fashionable take on flooring.
Engineered with safety and durability as its foremost objectives, glass flooring solutions from Glasxperts’ provides a unique alternative to traditional material for modern architecture.

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AIS Swytchglas: An intelligent privacy solution

The consumers of urban India today are a whole lot different from those over a decade ago. Smart, well informed, and with a new-age outlook, they demand a contemporary lifestyle that’s in tune with global tastes and trends – one that their predecessors only dreamt of.
The desire for a well-designed home, office or commercial space is a reflection of this transformation.
And glass has emerged as one of the favoured materials in architecture and interior design, which can fulfill these aspirations beautifully.
AIS Swytchglas is revolutionary smart glass which gives flexibility to switch at click of button.  It offers the cutting edge glass technology that combines the power to control both transparency as privacy as per your convenience.
With AIS Swytchglas, you can turn transparent glass to opaque glass to block visibility, at the switch of a button. This presents a view into a whole new world of opportunities with the smartglass.
Whether it is your home or a commercial space it is ideal solution for a wide variety of applications. AIS Swytchglas can help you strike the perfect balance between style and necessity. This presents a view into a whole new world of opportunities with smart glass in India.

How it works?
The principle behind Swytchglas is the Suspended Particle technology that is very similar to the concept of artificial magnets.
There is a smart film between the two Special Polymer films. The Smart Film is a suspension of liquid crystals in a polymer base that can be controlled using an electric charge. Under normal conditions the liquid crystals are randomly distributed and when light hits the glass, it is scattered by the liquid crystals. When an electric current is passed through the glass pane, the liquid crystals align themselves into straight lines allowing all the light to pass through without scattering.

Swytchglas for homes:
Expand horizons within the home with Swytchglas – the smartglass that offers the sophistication with comfort and privacy.

  • Windows and Skylights: When you choose Swytchglas windows you have the flexibility of doing away with curtains and other obstructions to your view and also the comfort of blocking heat and the glare when you need to, saving air conditioning costs during summer.
  • Walls and Partitions: You can turn OFF for complete privacy and ON when you need visibility. AIS’ smart glass solutions are best for houses where transparent or translucent glass walls lend the décor a rich and suave feel.

Swytchglas for Commercial Spaces:

  • Conference Rooms:Making an impression on your customers or even your own team was never as easy. You can switch from transparent to opaque/translucent at the flick of a switch.

Façade Glass and Windows: Air conditioning and lighting are amongst the biggestcost factors of maintaining commercial spaces.With AIS Swytchglas, you can control the amount of heat and light that is let in.

  • Hospitals, Salons and Spas: Selective privacy areas are crucial in many spaces. Blinds are cumbersome to use and curtains are not elegant. Swytchglas panels replace blinds and curtains quite elegantly and efficiently, letting you choose from transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch.
  • Hospitality: Swytchglas is also suited to the hospitality domain right from restaurants to pubs, bars and clubs, business centres and conference facilities alike. It can serve as a suave and high-tech replacement to traditional curtains, blinds and opaque walls.

Glass has clearly come a long way and AIS Swytchglas is a testament to its progress and indispensability.

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The Green Revolution

The world is moving towards a greener, more eco-friendly way of living. It is therefore only natural that the space where people live and work also reflects this green evolution. The way we build has changed, and glass has made this transformation possible. For decades, architects and builders around the world have explored ways of designing the ‘nearly-Zero Energy’ building. Today, modern technology and innovative building materials has made that dream a reality. Builders are offering customers the opportunity to explore a life that’s smart, efficient, and above all, sustainable.
Green standards – IGBC and GRIHA
In India, ‘green buildings’ are rated as per two independent rating systems:

  • The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) rating system, derived from the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) norms developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
  • The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), rates buildings on a comprehensive scale of 34 criteria under various sections. In about a decade, India has emerged as a leading country in the adoption of Green Building norms

NBC and ECBC codes
Apart from the above, the Government of India is also enabling environmental conservation through its building codes. The National Building Code (NBC), developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), was introduced in 1970. After three amendments, it provides guidelines for regulating construction activities across the country today. For using glass in buildings, NBC has issued revised norms that are broadly classified under the sections:

  • General requirement
  • Determination of appropriate thickness
  • Criteria of human impact safety
  • Installation
  • Fire safety
  • Energy & Thermal property

The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), created by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and introduced in 2007, offers three distinct compliance approaches: Prescriptive (Component-based): Each system and sub-system should comply with minimal performance requirements. Trade-off (System-based): Permitted only between building envelope components – roofs, walls, fenestration, overhangs, etc. Whole Building Performance: Evaluation is based on a computer model of the proposed design and comparing it to a standard design, with various factors taken into account.
Building green with glass
The extensive use of innovative glass products in today’s buildings has helped reduce the need for artificial lighting and thereby minimised energy consumption. Green buildings cost more to build but have substantially reduced operational costs, compared to conventional buildings. Various types of glazing solutions – internal as well as external – have made spaces more efficient while unlocking new possibilities in design and aesthetics.
Green solutions from Asahi India Glass Limited As India’s leading integrated glass company, AIS has been at the forefront of moving towards an ecofriendly future. It has pioneered innovations in glass processing technology to develop both single-glazed and double-glazed products with the best ‘green’ parameters. This is giving developers and their architects greater choice and the ability to explore possibilities. These solutions enhance the aesthetics, efficiency and economics of commercial and residential spaces, compared to traditional building materials.

The future is green
According to IGBC, of 2761 buildings registered with it in India, 516 are certified as green. By 2022, it aims to register 10 billion sq. ft. of green building projects. The idea of green buildings has now gained momentum, with greater use of green materials like glass. The environmental impact of increased construction activity has been on the agenda of Government entities and the Environment Ministry. Building code changes are in the pipeline. Construction houses are striving to obtain sustainability certifications, to ensure a better quality of life and to help conserve the environment. Living in harmony with nature is the surest way of ensuring a sustainable future for the planet. ‘Green buildings’ are helping us achieve that ideal.

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Architectural & Car Glass Solutions Under One Roof By AIS

Asahi India Glass Limited (AIS), India’s leading integrated glass company, inaugurated a first-of-its-kind store in the Punjabi Bagh area in New Delhi. The Company has brought two of its signature expert service providers in glass, Windshield Experts and Glasxperts, together under one roof.

Having carved a niche in giving expert solutions in glass, AIS wants to give its’ customers the convenience of a ‘one-stop solution’ for all their glass requirements, all in one place.

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AIS – THREE DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

Established in 1984, Asahi India Glass Ltd. or popularly known as AIS has grown from being a ‘single product, single customer’ company to a world-class integrated glass solutions company. AIS has evolved and sustained leadership and excellence in all the fields it operates in.
AIS offers solutions to all your glass needs for your Car, Home and Business. AIS is structured into four verticals:

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