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Benefits of Switchable Glass Partitions for Your Commercial Space

Benefits of Switchable Glass Partitions for Your Commercial Space
Benefits of Switchable Glass Partitions for Your Commercial Space

A cramped-up space that is yellow-lit with a rather dull flooring that puts you in little open boxes called cabins. That was a picture of what office spaces looked like in the ’90s. But today, they are far from it. Designing a commercial space can be tricky. Today, these spaces are designed with much creativity and ingenuity, so that the humans who inhabit them for a good eight hours in a day do so with joy and enthusiasm.

Office Space Design: Does it Really Matter?

An office space that has been carefully designed and consists of meticulously chosen elements can uplift an employee and bring a heightened sense of responsibility and energy that matches the mood of the space. It forges better relationships and a sense of belongingness. Today, even the colour of the wall in a commercial space can change the way people feel. Yellow for energy, brown for reliability or purple for royalty, and so forth. But suppose you are looking to stand out beyond coloured walls, magnificent paintings, or attractive desks. In that case, you might want to add some grace, sheen, and that perfect professional touch using the timeless material – glass – in the form of office partitions.

Sounds brilliant but wondering what can be interesting about plain ol’ glass? Well, you are in luck! Because plain is not the new cool, a switch is!

Switchable glass or smart glass, as it is popularly called, is a wonder product with adjustable opacity. Flick that button without a second thought, and it quickly turns opaque or translucent from transparent. This is only the beginning; it’s time to dive into some of its benefits.

Energy-Efficient

Who does not want to add some light into their lives? But, the light also brings with it that dreaded woe, heat – every rose has its thorn, right? Maintaining the right temperature in tandem with sufficient natural lighting is essential to creating a productivity-friendly work zone. This is what switchable glass brings to the table. Its ability to switch from transparent to translucent helps to balance the temperature while leaving the amount of natural light entering a space unaltered. This can be a smart and sustainable solution to keep the office spaces trendy and lit.

Privacy

Is it becoming difficult to get some privacy these days? Only when you do not have the right privacy solutions with you!

Modern offices have adjacent rooms or spaces that are covered in glass. Then, there is also an ongoing trend of co-working spaces today. In such circumstances, it is easy to eat into one’s privacy, unintentionally. Switchable glass partitions tend to solve this problem with ease. Click that button to make the glass frosty, so that your room is free from the hustle and bustle of the external environment. This feature is especially useful for conducting important and confidential meetings and conferences. You get to experience the best of both worlds – privacy with continuity of design and seamless connection with the rest of the office.

Low-Maintenance

They say, “Consistent maintenance is more effective, but it isn’t alluring.”

Therefore, you deserve your space to be both alluring and low-maintenance. It is quite unsavoury to have your office partitions in a dusty condition now and then or to have it stained, especially on days when you have to attend important meetings with a client. Switchable glass is a saviour in this area! It hardly collects dust as compared to normal annealed glass and can be easily wiped clean with a clean duster and some glass-cleaning agent.

Easy Installation

Another of the key benefits of switchable glass partition lies in its portability. In case you are looking to change the layout of the one already installed in your office, it can be done in a snap! You will not be required to clear the office space or to turn the work at the office topsy-turvy just to add a touch of class to your office.

Isn’t this the convenience you were looking for?

Modern Look

“There are three responses to a design – yes, no, and wow. Wow is the one to aim for.”

If you are looking for nothing less than a wow, then a switchable glass partition is for you! It has become important that the commercial spaces of today reflect the mood of the modern-day and age and is more adaptable to the new generation. Switchable glass partitions have modernity written all over them, and by having such partitions installed in your office, you can create that perfect first impression on your clients, inspection team, and others.

It is not every day that you will find an all-in-one solution to your interior design worries. It’s an art to create a commercial space that is not only aesthetically appealing but is fun and easy to manage. And to know more about this art, AIS Glass is here to be your backbone! Our AIS Swytchglas is a revolutionary smart glass technology-injected to adjust its opacity levels. It gets activated in micro-seconds, lasts for a minimum of 20,000 cycles, and blocks 50% of the light in its ‘Off’ mode. Make sure to get in touch with us for switchable glass partitions that will ultimately turn the tables on the look and feel of your office.

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Adding a Touch of Elegance with AIS Glass

Touch of Elegance with AIS Glass
Touch of Elegance with AIS Glass

One cannot deny the unique quality of glass in architecture. No wonder, most modern architects and interior designers use this material for sprucing up interiors as well as exteriors of buildings across the globe. But, if you wish to add a touch of marvel and class to any space with glass, it’s imperative to source it from a real expert. And, AIS Glass is it! If you are looking to amalgamate the aesthetic quality of glass with unmatched functionality and performance, AIS Glass is where your search ends. 

There is no denying that with modern advancements in glass, you can choose from a wide array of functionalities. AIS Glass offers several options to select from. These include – 

Architectural Glass

Lately, architectural glass has gained immense popularity both for domestic as well as commercial structures. This glass type is typically used for designing building façades as well as exterior doors and windows. There exist various categories under this glass type. And, AIS Glass offers a host of elegant solutions in architectural glass that comprise of – 

AIS Clear Float Glass

If you are looking for brilliant clarity and extreme transparency, AIS Clear Float Glass is for you. This glass type offers high precision flatness. Such superior quality flat glass adorns homes windows, doors, furniture, etc.    

AIS Krystal

AIS Krystal is India’s only branded frosted glass that offers privacy without compromising natural light. The science behind frosted glass is simple! It is manufactured through the process of sandblasting or acid-etching. Frosted glass has a foggy appearance as it is translucent.  

AIS Tinted Glass

Are you looking for transparency with a hint of shade? If so, turn to AIS Tinted Glass. This type of glass is a great way to drape your office buildings, especially if they are east-facing. Tinted glass does not let solar glare pierce through and thus, keeps your interiors at an optimal temperature. How? The tinted annealed glass comes with a special coating that gives it a hue and reduces light transmission. AIS offers a body tinted glass capable of absorbing energy from solar radiation.

Other Types of Glass by AIS 

AIS Décor 

Imagine a silky-smooth surface in subtle or bright colours spicing up your boring walls. That’s AIS Décor for you! This glass type is lacquered or back-painted. What is lacquered glass? Lacquered glass is coloured on one side, which renders it opaque. This type of glass offers exceptional décor for your home or office. The metallic paint coating makes the glass pane stronger, and also lasts for years on end. 

Unlike distempered walls that wither annually, AIS Décor glass maintains its finish year after year. Why? Because the painted surface stays on the inner layer of glass. AIS Décor comes in a universe of colours, and patterns. You can choose from a slew of earthy tones to pure colours. Add oodles of charm with maintenance-free AIS Décor range rather than opting for wallpaper or paint.   

AIS Securityglas

Made from laminated glass, AIS Securityglas offers exceptional safety along with aesthetics for your home and office. Laminated glass is hard to break as it contains a sandwiched PVB interlayer. If AIS Securityglas develops cracks, this layer keeps the entire pane from falling out of the frame. Even if this cracked glass falls, it does not shatter into sharp jagged shards, which ensures the safety of people around. 

AIS Stronglas

AIS Stronglas is essentially toughened or tempered glass. These surfaces are manufactured by heating annealed glass panes to create undulating strength by then cooling them slowly. Doing this makes standard annealed glass strong. AIS Stronglas is an excellent option for partitions, doors, and windows of your home or office. Not only does it add a tonne of elegance whenever you install it, but you can also rest assured that AIS Stronglas make unwarranted intrusions a distant possibility.

AIS Swytchglass

The sheer elegance of glass comes from its clarity, but then there are times you need translucency for privacy and effect. Enter AIS Swytchglass that goes from transparent to translucent when you apply current to it. Also, called smart glass, this surface provides total privacy or transparency depending on your mood. AIS Swytchglass is a great option for bathrooms, bedrooms, lounging and living areas.

The Bottom Line     

As you can see, with AIS Glass and its maze of gorgeous solutions, you can add a whole world of elegance to your home or office interiors as well as exteriors. If you are looking for glass solutions that go beyond just aesthetics and towards performance and utility, choose AIS Glass. 

We are India’s leading glass lifestyle provider and are fully equipped to offer you end-to-end solutions. So, don’t wait before it’s too late! Think of AIS Glass for your next home or office improvement project. To know more about our offerings, log on to www.aisglass.com today!

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Clear Glass View for Sea-Facing Houses

Clear Glass View for Sea-Facing Houses
Clear Glass View for Sea-Facing Houses

Only a lucky few get to live in a sea-facing property, but if you do, it is an aesthetic imperative to lace all views with crystal clear glass. Experience the real richness of your sea-facing home with the help of expansive clear glass windows.

What Is Clear Glass?

“But, all glass is clear” is a common notion among many homeowners. This statement, however, is not entirely true. All glass is transparent; however, clarity is a different ballgame. Standard float glass has a natural greenish tint because of the presence of iron. You can confirm this by looking at the edges of ordinary glass panes, and they will appear green to you. This slight tint obstructs you from seeing the actual colours and hues of the vistas on the other side of the glass. 

To enhance clarity, one must use clear glass. Clear glass surfaces do not distort real colours and allow the viewer to feel like they are outside even when behind a pane. Furthermore, clear float glass from a top-notch glass manufacturing company like AIS Glass means high precision flatness and uniformity. Why is perfect flatness essential? Clear float glass is often used to observe the striking vistas as they actually are. Therefore, any iron-led tint or badly formed corner can dissolve the entire purpose of impeccable viewing.

Why Choose Clear Glass for Your Sea-Facing Home?

Apart from the obvious reason of gaining a spectacular and authentic view of your surroundings, clear glass is customisable and can be blended with other functionalities that make it super strong and long-lasting. Here are a few features and benefits that make clear glass the best choice for homes facing any gorgeous waterbody.

Toughness

If you wish to install clear glass on your balcony, you will need unparalleled tenacity. This material should comfortably withstand a substantial amount of wind pressure, downpours, thunderstorms, etc. given its proximity to the sea. Clear float glass can easily be heat tempered and made four to five times stronger. Thermal tempering creates tension between the inner and outer layer of glass, thus making it exceptionally strong. A toughened clear glass surface can then award your dwellings with spectacular yet safe views of the ocean.

Safety

Clear float glass surfaces can also be laminated without compromising their sparkling brilliance. Laminated clear glass is a type of safety glass that offers strength and does not shatter upon impact. Even if it does, the entire pane does not fall off. Why? An inner PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) sandwich layer keeps the whole structure together. However, if the impact was too harsh, this type of glass breaks into bluntly rounded pebbles and do not fall to the ground as sharp jagged shards. Therefore, people standing around this structure do not get hurt.   

Insulation

Clear glass can be treated for providing better insulation. This is especially helpful in sub-tropical countries where during summer months, even the seaside is hot. You can install insulated clear glass for comfortable outside viewing, as this glass type reduces heat absorption without compromising on daylighting. Also, the insulation does not allow for cold conditioned air inside your home to leak out, which helps attain optimal thermal comfort. It is an obvious choice to fix expansive and insulated clear glass windows if you have a sea-facing home.

Frosting

Even though your home faces the sea, you might want a small portion of the balcony enclosure to be partially etched or patterned for effect. And, this is possible with clear glass. There are a host of patterns that can be etched onto the clear glass for effect. You can also choose to construct a balcony gazebo for extra seating with partially etched or frosted clear glass. 

Over to You

Are your considering clear glass for your sea-facing home or office? If yes, then choose AIS Glass for high-quality clear panes that have precise flatness and unparalleled clarity. See the vistas as they would appear to the naked eye with AIS Clear Float Glass. We offer all functionalities mentioned above with this type of glass. If you want toughness, insulation, frosting, enamelling along with crystal clarity, give us a call.

We also provide a host of glass-related solutions that do not end at clear glass. To find out about our entire range of products and services log on to www.aisglass.com or access our mobile app today!

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Add A Touch of Luxury with Specialised Glass Solutions

Specialised Glass Solutions
Specialised Glass Solutions

Modern architecture and design demand clean aesthetics. The good news is, Glass is one of those materials that have the unique ability to deliver this. If you want to add a touch of luxury to your home or office décor, one way you can never go wrong is with Glass.

Turn your home into a luxurious space and give it a distinct ambience with specialised glass solutions.

Luxury and Glass Go Hand-in-Hand

For both exterior and interior architectural needs, glass solutions can be specialised. These days, you see the results of innovative designers and architects everywhere – be it restaurants, offices, malls, even bus stands! We are past the times of limiting Glass to home office decor.Interior design for contemporary and modern homes is constantly evolving, with newer styles emerging, concentrating around Glass.

In fact, so many design pieces traditionally made of wood and stone are now being replaced by Glass, thanks to innovative and robust manufacturing process.

Glass as a versatile material is coming to the forefront of architects and design specialists alike. No more is Glass only for windows, screen doors and tables. The time has come for innovation in function and aesthetic appeal – frosted, laminated, tempered and much more!

How To Use Glass in Homes and Offices

Here is why you should not shy away from Glass dominating the aesthetics of your spaces.

A dash of luxury

Glass is the ultimate luxury material. When you use it in doors, windows, and partitions, Glass adds a sense of luxury to your spaces. Depending on how and where you’re using it, this can range from a hint to a boundless blend of modernity and luxury. Use different kinds of Glass – frosted, laminated, back painted, tempered – depending on your needs in a particular space. The world of customised glass solutions is a fascinating world waiting to be explored.

For instance, when you use frosted Glass for your bathroom’s wash basin, it will immediately stand out to anyone entering the space. Patterned Glass for a bookcase in a living room will brighten up the ambience and add a touch of posh. Use creative glass solutions for everyday functional pieces to give your space a distinctly sophisticated touch.

Complete privacy

Privacy needs usually arise in interior space designs, and Glass offers a unique solution. Using Glass to determine privacy ensures an atmosphere which is not obstructive in its secureness, yet is sufficiently safe and contained. Glass has a way of establishing boundaries without being too stuffy.

Frosted Glass is often the desired way to go for all privacy requirements. It can be produced by either sandblasting or acid etching on clear sheet glass. Since it is translucent in nature, it gives you a privacy solution that fits right for both functional and aesthetic needs – it allows for light to be let in while obscuring the view just enough. Further modifications, in terms of design, is also possible with frosted Glass.

Spacious rooms  

Clever use of Glass can ensure that a smaller space be designed in such a way that it gives the illusion of largeness. Using Glass for sliding screen doors can create an illusion of an open space layout, effectively removing physical constraints by relaxing visual restrictions. Using Glass in key spaces like the kitchen can pave the way for a more open space. Intelligent and creative use of Glass in design solutions can essentially do the impossible – spaces that look limited and small can magically become large and airy!

Eco-friendly solutions

Technology has made it possible that materials like solar control glass be developed and become key competitors in thermal control solutions. With its low-emittance (low-E) coating, solar control glass blocks radiant heat transfer. Different climates translate into different energy needs, and this kind of Glass allows for customizability. Using certain solar control glasses also allows for energy efficient designs, a theme that might resonate with sustainability enthusiasts.

Turn to AIS Glass for Customised Glass Solutions

The manufacturing process of Glass is constantly evolving to serve the diverse needs of home and office owners. Whatever you may need, you will find just the right solution at AIS Glass. Ranging from purely aesthetic designs like tinted and decorative to functional ones like solar control glasses to a mix of both such as frosted Glass, we specialise glass doors, windows, partitions, et al. Depending on your needs, we shape Glass into just what you need it to be.

Head over to AIS Glass and survey a range of carefully crafted, customisable solutions. AIS Tinted, AIS Clear and AIS Krystal offer many possibilities of design solutions that fit your wants. AIS Glass solutions offer a vast abundance of features like protection from harmful UV rays, noise reduction, high fire resistance, high durability, eco-friendly nature and more. Apart from functionally attractive features such as these, high aesthetic appeal is also ensured. These are glass solutions that look well, and also work well, providing creativity the space to flourish without compromising on functionality.

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Cutting-Edge Technology for Safety – AIS Secure+

In just a few months, COVID-19 has wholly altered our way of life, no matter where we live. As the novel coronavirus has ushered in unprecedented norms of living in the 21st century, social distancing has become the normal.

Now, the world is slowly going back to normal, albeit with masks, gloves, and physical distancing. To keep their customers and employees safe, many industries are putting new measures and practices in place. A common practice many are adopting is the increased use of glass in offices, shops, and other establishments.

Safe and Sanitized Spaces with AIS Secure+

To ensure safe interactions between people, businesses such as retail stores, hospitals, pharmacies, and others are increasingly using glass barriers. At AIS Glass, we have quickly responded to this growing market need. As the largest integrated glass manufacturer in the country, AIS has consistently been innovating over the years and providing solutions to businesses, institutions, community and the society at large. Keeping comfort, convenience, and safety at the heart of our products, we’ve launched AIS Secure+, a novel partitioning concept that facilitates social distancing without compromising on the aesthetics and ergonomics of a space.

AIS Secure+ is a safe and durable tempered glass that limits the spread of infection in your space. Available in glass thickness of 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm, It is easy to install, clean, disinfect, and maintain. AIS Secure+ offers a secure yet interactive way to hold in-person dealings. This aesthetically appealing range can be customised according to the style and décor of your space. What’s more, you can reconfigure open spaces into private ones, making sure its occupants remain safe and minimise physical contact.

AIS Secure+ Applications: Safeguard Your Space

AIS Secure+ is designedto safeguard a variety of public and private spaces:

  • Cash/enquiry/shop counters
  • Reception desks
  • Work spaces
  • Dining/café tables
  • Office cubicles
  • Malls and entertainment stores
  • Banks
  • Hospitals
  • Educational institutions
  • Restaurants
  • Retail showrooms
  • Hotels

Let’s see how AIS Secure+ can be used in some spaces that see a high degree of physical interactions.

Offices

At AIS Glass, we’ve kept the changing needs of the workplace at the heart of our latest technology. When employees come to work, their safety must be paramount. With AIS Secure+, workplaces can ensure sanitary conditions through glass dividers and screens between workers. These are especially required in open seating layouts where several workers sit in proximity. Glass partitions should also be used at the office reception, an area that sees a high footfall. AIS Secure+ can be easily retrofitted to existing desks and office spaces. What’s more, it is customisable according to the needs of a space, and adds to its aesthetic appeal. Make your workplace absolutely safe, stay stress-free and address your social distancing needs with AIS Secure+.

Grocery checkout

At a supermarket, a high-contact area is the checkout line where people stand in close proximity. Even when customers follow social distancing rules, they still have to make contact with the cashier at the counter. Retail stores can secure their checkout counter and minimize person-to-person contact by installing AIS Secure+ glass partitions and creating a physical barrier between the cashier and the customer. This will protect people against hazards such as coughing and sneezing, thus creating a safe transaction environment.

Hospitals

Hospitals see a high footfall of staff, visitors, and patients in a day, many of whom come in close physical contact with each other. Thus, hospitals have to place an even greater focus on the health and safety of employees and patients. AIS Secure+, a safe and durable tempered glass, can be used to reduce the spread of the virus. Glass panels can be installed at the reception, cash registers, and point of purchase terminals at the pharmacy to protect the staff and visitors.

Some businesses require a more decorative solution – recreation areas in a workplace, between restaurant tables, the waiting area at a salon, etc. AIS Secure+’s focus on aesthetics and a wide range of customisable options make it perfect for lending a chic appeal to your spaces, apart from securing them.

Prioritise Health with AIS Secure+

Brought to you by AIS Glass, AIS Secure+’s is designed to protect your space’s visitors and occupants through proper social distancing. This unique architectural partition that makes your spaces look stylish while protecting them thoroughly. You can choose from various sizes and thicknesses of glass, along with suitable hardware, for effective protection. A customisable and durable clear tempered glass, AIS Secure+ ensures visibility without compromising on safety.

To learn more about the options available in the AIS Secure+ range, contact us to discuss your space’s needs.

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Maintenance of Office Buildings

Maintenance of Office Buildings

Do not judge a book by its cover, but you can sure judge a building by its façade. This is because a façade is not merely an ornamental building envelope. Notwithstanding the fact that modern facades render a sleek and sophisticated look to offices and other structures, these curtain walls are installed for fulfilling specific functional roles – roles that are extremely vital in light of energy depletion and rising energy costs, especially for offices. 

Modern Glass Facades: Taking Luxury to New Heights

There is a good reason as to why most gigantic office and other commercial buildings incorporate glazed glass facades. After all, the delicate, fluid visual feel of glass has professionalism and sophistication written all over it. Superstructures constructed using glazed glass facades are bound to have passers-by gaping at them in awe and wonderment and allow the business owner to make a statement with the classy look of glass facades.

Moreover, there is quite nothing like gazing out at the world from the interiors of a building with glass facade systems. The transparency of glass allows one to have an other-worldly sort of an experience where the whole world lies in panoramic view of the spectator. As there are no construction burdens on the partition wall of glass, modern-day glass facades look like decorative skirts encircling the entire structure and offering picturesque views that are breath-taking. Such views of the outdoors coupled with the ample amount of natural light that enters play a key role in boosting the mood of those working within those office buildings.

Not Just Visually Enticing but High-Performing

The fact that modern glass façade systems are eye-pleasing and offer an excellent view of the glorious outdoors is undebatable. Yet, the importance of glass façade systems mainly makes sense due to their high-performance in energy-savings and their cost-effectiveness to offices and other commercial buildings where energy loss is a serious issue.

The effectiveness of glass facades in providing optimal energy-efficiency greatly depends on the glazing type. Installing solar-control glass or low-E glass in facades will prevent the intense heat of the sun from invading the interiors without compromising on natural light. Moreover, such facades can even prove to be beneficial during the colder months of the year by trapping in the heat and not allowing it to escape. As a result, the need for artificial lighting and artificial heating and cooling systems will reduce significantly, thereby resulting in reduced energy consumption and energy bills subsequently.

Energy-Efficiency + All-Glass Buildings

Let us see why and how the energy-efficiency provided by glass facades is being leveraged in the construction of modern-day offices.

Firstly, the building envelope is the physical barrier standing between the interior and the exterior environment. And to that end, it is responsible for much of the energy balance that occurs inside the building. As a result, the type of material used in the construction of the envelope or the façade is of utmost importance in determining the energy performance of a building, and therefore, its degree of sustainability. Moreover, let’s not forget the direct impact it will have on the building’s occupants, in this case, company’s workers. If the building is to stand in a region that experiences a Mediterranean or a tropical type of climate, where the need for interior cooling is more dominant for most part of the year, this condition becomes even more critical. But the problem can be solved by glass façades made using heat-reflective or low-E glass as they will reflect back most of the unwanted heat of the sun, allowing only tolerable levels to linger inside.

The next consideration while designing energy-efficient office buildings that use glass facades is adequate room for natural light to enter. Since the energy demand of any space is directly affected by the internal loads created by both artificial lighting and the use of air-conditioning and room heating and cooling devices, optimal energy-efficiency would involve taking both sufficient natural lighting and reduced need for air-conditioners and room heaters into account. Well, even in terms of supplying natural light, glass façade stands as a clear winner. Facades made of heat-reflective or low-E glass only disallow the unwanted longer infrared radiation of the sun from entering. They allow copious amounts of natural light to enter impeded.

Moreover, even smart glass or switchable glass is increasingly becoming a popular choice for office facades. After all, the simple recipe for achieving energy-efficiency in high-rise office and other commercial buildings is to focus on accomplishing optimal light and temperature management – both of which smart glass can smartly take care of minus the need for external shading or blinds.

Experience the Best of Glass Facades at AIS Glass

Weary of exorbitant energy bills that only seem to be rising by the year? Looking for efficient glass facades that can handle the situation? Look no further than AIS Glass – India’s leading glass manufacturer. Our structural glass facades offer excellent resistance against the harshest of weather elements – intense sun heat, harmful UV rays, rains, and high-velocity wind forces. Moreover, you can experience optimal daylight management using switchable smart glass facades. To experience the best that glass facades have to offer, get in touch with us without any second thoughts! Contact us today.

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Frosted Glass Window- All You Need To Know

Have you ever come across an appealing type of glass whose surface is not all clear but is instead translucent; you’re almost tempted to wipe it clean in the hope of restoring its clarity? The frosted glass looks a little different from the typical clear glass and finds applications in various areas, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a space. Let’s take a look.

A Dive into History

The Victorians originally came up with the process of acid-etching or ‘French-embossing’ glass in delicate hues of white and other diffused shades to decorate windows and doors. After all, the Victorian love for opulence is well known. The added benefit of privacy made it an attractive interior décor option. Thanks to them, they introduced the world to an aesthetic yet functional product.

What is Frosted Glass?

In technical terms, frosted glass is a transparent sheet of glass that is turned opaque through sandblasting or acid etching. Because of light scattering during transmission, the glass comes out as translucent, obscuring visibility even as it transmits light. You can also achieve this frosting effect by applying a film of vinyl that acts as a stencil on the surface of the glass or through canned frosted glass sprays.

How Is Frosted Glass Made?

There are two kinds of techniques used to make frosted glass to achieve its milky translucent appearance.

Acid Etching

This technique uses hydrofluoric acid to achieve the frosted look of the glass. The acid reacts with the glass, corroding its surface and therefore providing it with its milky appearance. After the process of acid-etching, the glass experts thoroughly wash the glass, leaving behind permanently etched glass.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting is another technique used to produce frosted glass. This technique uses a high-velocity machine to blast sand on the surface of the glass. The high velocity with which the sand hits the glass creates abrasions, rendering the surface rough and translucent. You can alter the level of translucency by changing the machine speed.

Where Can You Use Frosted Glass?

1. Bedrooms

Given the benefits of privacy and light control that frosted glass provides, it makes for the best companion for your bedroom’s windows. To give your room a stylish look, choose frosted glass windows with decorative designs.

2. Attics

Many of us use attics for spending some time in solitude with our thoughts. Equally valid is that attics often have towering windows that invite maximum sunlight. Anybody with a pulse will agree that privacy and direct sunlight are like oil and water; a dim-lit setting would be more appropriate. Instead of covering the windows with blinds, using frosted glass will better keep excess sunlight at bay.

3. Home Libraries

Privacy in libraries is of utmost importance. With privacy comes silence, the secret ingredient behind every book well-read. Using frosted glass panels will maintain your home library’s privacy while still casting soft light that is pleasant and not intruding.

4. Offices

In a workspace, workers need to focus and require a balance between collaboration and privacy. With frosted glass partitions, office spaces can give each individual the right environment for productivity. Frosted glass partitions can be placed between different areas such that employees don’t feel claustrophobic, or you can use them to create meeting rooms and cabins that look inviting but offer privacy. Perhaps the most significant benefit of using frosted glass in workplaces is that it lets in just enough natural light, contributing to the increased productivity of employees who feel refreshed throughout the day.

5. Kitchen Gardens

Many enjoy planting their kitchen herb garden. But, herbs do not necessarily need direct sunlight and thrive best on balance. Creating an enclosed kitchen with colourful frosted glass panels is an effective way to detract sunlight and ensure the longevity of your plants.

6. Bathrooms

Using frosted glass for bathroom windows will provide enough natural light while obstructing the view from the outside. The use, however, is not limited to windows and can be extended to sliding bathroom doors or shower screens. Another added benefit of using frosted glass in bathrooms is its non-corrosive nature that renders the surface mould-free. Moreover, using frosted glass panels with decorative designs will give your bathroom a modern look.

The Revolutionary Frosted Glass – AIS Krystal

When it comes to styling your home with glass, many do a fantastic job. Glass types such as patterned, float, lacquered, laminated, tempered, frosted and much more are some of the common ones that are used to create an appealing environment indoors. Each type has its unique properties, but frosted glass sits at the crest of privacy and aesthetic appeal.

AIS Krystal Frosted glass is opaque, highly versatile, aesthetically appealing and requires less maintenance.

The above properties make AIS Krystal Frosted glass special from the other glass products. As a result, it can be used in various applications such as doors, windows, cabinets and shelves, false ceiling/roofing, designer panels with images, bannisters, stairs and a lot more. It can also be used as a room divider or in place of walls for your bathrooms and bedrooms.

Why Should You Choose AIS Krystal Frosted Glass Partitions for Your Office?

Installing frosted glass in your office can completely transform it into a modern, stylish, fully functional space. Here are some of how choosing frosted glass will enhance your office space.

Improved Lighting

One of the most significant advantages of using frosted glass in offices is increased natural light. Frosted glass is not as opaque as a brick wall and not as transparent as a standard glass wall providing you with sufficient natural light that makes your space brighter. Its translucent surface does not stop light from being transmitted. The increased amount of natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting and subsequently helps you save energy. Natural light makes your space feel more extensive and more inviting. Moreover, frosted glass blocks out the sun’s harmful UV rays, allowing only the “good rays” to reach you.

Maintains Privacy

Maintaining a certain amount of privacy is imperative in an office space setting. And frosted glass is also known as privacy glass for a reason. It allows a smooth flow of natural light and creates a certain amount of openness without compromising your privacy needs. The glass’ translucent nature and noise-insulating properties will enable you to work efficiently without getting disturbed by unwanted external noises.

Enhanced Durability

Glass is often perceived to be fragile and breakable; however, frosted glass is usually made from toughened glass and hence does not break even under high impact. It is exceptionally sturdy and is very difficult to break. Frosted glass is produced so that it can withstand high-pressure environments such as earthquakes or fires. Even if the glass shatters, it breaks into small, blunt pebble-like pieces that do not cause serious injuries, unlike regular glass.

Increased Productivity

By installing frosted glass partitions in your workspace, you create a warm and welcoming environment. The space feels bigger and airy with enough natural light to illuminate the office environment. It also ensures the employees’ privacy, therefore providing them with an area where they can work productively. The overall environment of the office transforms into one which promotes creativity.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Apart from all its functional benefits, frosted glass is also an aesthetic addition to your office. With the number of customisations available in frosted glass, you could install it throughout your office space. Using frosted glass partitions undoubtedly makes the office space look more stylish, elegant and adds a professional feel. Modern architects highly recommend using frosted glass partitions to compliment the workplace.

Low-Maintenance

Frosted glass is a low-maintenance option as compared to brick walls. It is long-lasting since its sturdy nature ensures that it doesn’t break easily. Moreover, a frosted glass office partition is easy to clean; all you have to do is occasionally wipe the glass with a damp cloth, and it will appear as good as new. Although you can use any dusting material, you should use a microfiber cloth to maintain the glass’s quality.

Scope for Personalisation

You can completely customise Frosted Glass according to your space and preferences. You can create custom logos on the glass. You can even choose half partitions or entire frosted glass partitions to create conference rooms or separate cubicles.

The Asahi India Glass ltd (AIS) Advantage

At AIS Glass, we offer several frosted glass solutions to fit your needs perfectly. We customise the glass as per your needs and desires so that you can enjoy a stylish and comfortable office space. Our AIS Krystal frosted glass is India’s only branded frosted glass that will not only allow you to enjoy privacy in your workspace but will also let natural light pass through, so you don’t end up feeling locked in. Additionally, you can install our frosted glass solutions in your doors, interior screens, false ceiling/roofing, bannisters, stairs, bathrooms, et al. For glass solutions that make your spaces private but not a secret, contact AIS Glass today!

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Why Fire-Resistant Glass is Knocking Down Walls

Fire Resistant Glass
When it comes to construction and design, brick walls have traditionally been the go-to option. The high heat resistance of a brick wall was the most desired feature. It also came with certain disadvantages such as lack of transparency, obstruction of light and design flow, and certainly a lack of aesthetic appeal.
The one element of design and construction that is often stressed upon is the aesthetics. Beauty, after all, is priceless. The lesser contemplated but more important element that was typically ignored until now was ‘safety’. Designers and architects have now started to understand the importance of integrating these two key elements and finding a balance between them.
The introduction of fire resistant glass seems to have come up as the perfect solution to this problem.
The AIS Pyrobel, a high integrity fire resistant glass, and one of our premium offerings are now, quite literally, knocking down non-transparent wall/partition.
Not only is the AIS Pyrobel able to offer the same level of safety as a technologically sound glass wall, it also offers additional protection by way of thermal insulation, thereby curtailing the spread of fire.
The AIS Pyrobel is a tempered glass with fire resistant gel in between the glass sheets. This means that it is designed to offer excellent heat resistance and can withstand extreme thermal shocks. Unlike ordinary glass panes that blow up into shards when faced with fire within few min, the AIS Pyrobel will stand strong and contain the radiant heat from the fire.
This fire-resistance glass can be the perfect solution for the construction of server rooms, refuge areas/ floors, smoke screens, office partitions, doors and windows, glass roofs and overhead applications lift doors and enclosures, and internal staircase enclosure.
Not only does the AIS Pyrobel glass allow for great light-flow and transparency, but it also provides an aesthetic appeal that is not intrinsic to the traditional brick wall. Aside from adding interest to the ambience and creating a visual curiosity, it offers excellent safety against heat, fire and smoke for long durations and can prove to be quite versatile with the choice of frames. What’s more, it’s easy to install and complies with the highest standards of integrity and insulation, as the tempered glass its chances of breakage or damage. Lastly, offering dual side fire resistance, protect.
AIS Pyrobel also offers excellent noise insulation and can resist high loads of pressure. With a plethora of choices, and the assurance of quality from the leading fire glass manufacturers, it’s time to stay prepared and minimise the damage in case of unexpected fire breakouts with AIS Pyrobel.

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#SheIsMadeOfGlass: How AIS Glass’ 2019 Women’s Day Campaign Got Viral


An epitome of grace and dignity, she enriches our lives in the manner nobody else can. Her uniqueness and exceptional talents make her the champion of all odds, whether at home or work. Celebrating her indomitable spirit coupled with her sheer strength, AIS Glass commemorated the true essence of womanhood on this year’s Women’s Day, identifying with her at all levels. And this was the core of our Women’s Day Campaign – She is made of Glass – which encapsulated the hearts of millions.
On this special day, honoring the indomitable spirit of women, we decided to interview women architects who AIS Glass is proud to have worked with. Today they are well-known names in their field who are breaking ground and inspiring young women professionals to chase their passions. On being asked about what they felt about AIS Glass’ social media campaign #SheIsMadeOfGlass and their response was nothing less than an enthusiastic affirmation.
Expressing her approval, Ar. Tejaswini Pandit of Hiten Sethi & Associates commented that AIS has aptly captured the versatility of glass and given complete justice to the idea of womanhood at the same time through this campaign. Ar. Apoorva Sharma of Hafeez Contractor Architects goes on to say that it is a unique and interesting concept, and appreciates how it brilliantly brings out the uniqueness of AIS glass products by likening them with the unique qualities of women.

We rounded up the occasion with a cake cutting ceremony with each of the architectural firms we celebrated the day with. We also presented a memento to each one of the principal women architects to honour them and their work in the field of architecture.
Indeed, it gives us much happiness and satisfaction now to share that #SheIsMadeOfGlass became viral soon after it went live on social media. It attracted an enthusiastic response with many among the social media audience expressing intrigue and approval and many more getting inspired to render their own thoughts creatively on the same. Ar. Kavita Talib of Soyuz Talib Architects Pvt Ltd is one such lady who has penned a beautiful poem on this theme. Knowing that it struck a chord among the active female citizenry of social media, we feel great to have connected with our audience successfully through this campaign.

So why do we say she’s made of glass?

  • Protective

No matter whichever role she plays in our life, she is always protective. We may underestimate her strength, but she’ll never let any harm touch us. Just like glass.

  • Clarity of vision

She’s able to see through the confusion. She is prescient and unpretentiously so. When in doubt, seek help in her tremendous clarity of vision, and she’ll never let you down. Just like glass.

  • Tough

You may think she is weak, that it is easy to break her. But you must know that she will be anything but that once she makes up her mind. Just like glass.

  • Transparent

She is not very good at concealing things because she knows that it is better not to. She will let you have a clear view of the world if you’re seeking it. Just like glass.
We’re in 2019 now and today’s woman is breaking ground every day to build smart and innovate for change. At AIS Glass as well, there is a constant endeavour to redefine glass, making it smarter and futuristic for home and workplace settings. And that is how we got thinking that #SheIsMadeOfGlass in a whole new way.

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Keep Your Safety Concerns at Bay with AIS Security Glass Solutions

It goes without saying that safety and security are the most critical aspect of any home interior set-up. A home truly feels like home when all of its residents feel secure and safe enough to live in peace. One way to ensure a theft-free environment inside the house without marring the beauty of the décor is by installing beefed-up glass doors and windows.

While glass has been conventionally thought of as a fragile material, with modern advancements in technology, it is one of the strongest materials today. There are various types of glasses available today with different kinds of functionalities. These glass solutions are aesthetically gratifying and customizable according to one’s personal choice. Here is a guide on how to use and apply different kinds of glasses in the house to enhance its beauty as well as security.
Tempered Glass
Toughened or tempered glass is known to be up to five times stronger than your regular glass, which means that it is able to bear considerable load without breaking. The safety and resilience that toughened glass offers make it a perfect fit for homes, especially those with young children.
Another useful attribute of toughened glass is that the glass does not break into shards or spikes in a situation of severe impact. Instead, it crumbles into small, blunt pebbles that significantly cut down the risk of injury.
What makes the AIS Stronglas even more formidable is the fact that it is processed and controlled by thermal treatment. This makes it much stronger than any ordinary glass. The process involves heating the glass to its melting point and cooling it rapidly that puts the outer surface into compression and the inner surface into tension. It can be installed in table tops, balustrades, shelves, facades, shower enclosures, etc.

  1. Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is produced by adhering two or more sheets of glass with  PVB interlayer/s. It is the ‘laminated’ interlayer, processed with heat and pressure under factory conditions, which lends the glass its integrity and makes it sturdy. In case any damage occurs, the interlayer holds all the fragments together preventing them from scattering and reducing injury risk.

  1. Insulated Glazed Unit :

IGU consists of two or more panels of glass separated by an air spacer and an aluminium or other type of spacer, around the edges, sealed to the perimeter in a controlled condition. The space contains a drying agent which eliminates the moisture vapour in the cavity. This combination makes this glass type a superior energy-efficient method of glazing.

  1. Heat Strengthened Glass :

Heat- Strengthening is the process where the glass is first heated slowly and cooled gently. This makes the glass twice as strong as annealed glass . This glass type can withstand high temperature differentials.
Doors and windows made from AIS Securityglas are ideal as they are safe and strong. Breaking into a home secured by laminated uPVC doors & windows is not easy as it involves a lot of effort and noise. The AIS Securityglas is of superior quality and provides a good degree of sound proofing to shut out undesirable noise pollution.
Safety is the primary concern of the residents. With AIS Glass safety and security solutions, your home will become your serene sanctum.

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3 Things to Consider While Choosing Windows for Bathrooms

The bathroom in your home should be the one place you feel completely relaxed and at peace with yourself. It is in the process of taking a shower or soaking in a bath that we allow the stress and madding pace of the day to fall away. The interiors of a bathroom should reflect this need for warmth, peace, and privacy. The windows of the bathroom are quite different in their function from the windows used elsewhere. Let us look at the 3 important things to consider when choosing windows for bathrooms –
Privacy
In a country like India where apartments and buildings are built close together, privacy is a real concern. We tend to combat this with the use of curtains or drapes but the high moisture content inside the bathroom leaves them limp and moist all the time. Cleaning becomes an issue as well. Our frosted glass windows come in as the perfect solution to such a concern. These allow ample light to enter the bathroom without being transparent.

Humidity
It goes without saying that the humidity levels of the bathroom are perhaps the highest. These make the bathrooms difficult to clean and susceptible to mould attacks. Removing moulds from window frames is a huge concern for home owners as well. It is best to opt for uPVC windows for bathrooms. These are resistant to rust, water damage, and stains. Also, they can be customized to fit the size and shape of your bathroom and look very attractive as well.
Size
In India, most bathroom windows are quite small. This is often due to the high need for privacy. However, it means that the need for customizing windows is high as well. Again, unlike windows of other rooms, outward opening or inward opening windows take up too much of space making them ill efficient. For this challenge too, uPVC windows come up as the best solution. These can be customised according to the size and the sliding designs are perfect space savers.
Choosing the perfect bathroom window is always a fine balancing act between aesthetics, privacy, and functionality. Getting it right is the key to designing a great bathroom space.

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3 Smart Ways To Incorporate Lacquered Glass In Your Home

Also known as back painted glass, lacquered glass is made by simply coating the back of the float glass using highly durable lacquer that is baked afterwards at a constant temperature in a furnace. As a result, the lacquer gets perfectly bonded to the surface of the smooth glass. Opaquely coloured in appearance, lacquered glass is a booming trend in the present time.  Incorporating all the features of float glass, lacquered glass has a wide range of applications. Be it renovating your kitchen or making your bathroom look more colourful yet sophisticated, lacquered glass is the perfect glass option for your varied requirements.
Here are 3 smart ways to incorporate lacquered glass in your home. Have a look –

  1. Wall Panels – When it comes to designing your house, lacquered glass is the perfect solution. Painting the walls is a repetitive process that costs more in the long run as well. Creating wall panels with coloured lacquered glass not only eliminates the need to paint but adds a creative look to the wall as well. Since they are durable, there are very little chances of breaking.

 

  1. Kitchen Cabinets – Adding lacquered glass to your kitchen cabinets will change the entire look of your kitchen. Versatile and easygoing, cabinets made using lacquered glass are definitely more practical than their traditional counterparts. A lot of house owners are usually worried that using glass in their kitchen cabinets would reveal all the contents of their kitchen and may appear cluttered. The best way to tackle this problem is to use coloured lacquered glass as it will not reveal the contents of your kitchen without compromising on the aesthetics. Moreover, you can use tuffen glass for the same purpose as well.

  1. Furniture – If you are done with your boring furniture and want to give it a makeover, lacquered glass is just perfect for you. With superb finish and modern look, tabletops and other furniture made using lacquered glass are not only durable but also highly resistant to moisture, adding to its longevity.

Made using special manufacturing process, lacquered glass is also an environment-friendly alternative. Giving a new and fresh look to the interiors of your house, it exhibits brilliant properties like scratch resistance and colour adhesion. Furthermore, always buy this product from premium glass suppliers like AIS Glass who offer other types of glass like energy efficient glass, frosted glass etc. as well to ensure the quality.
 

Categories

Incorporating Privacy with Smart Glass

Glass is an incredible material used widely in the automotive and architectural industry. In the architectural industry, it also allows light and heat to enter the rooms and living spaces. However, this exposure to the outer-world can be unwanted, especially for those who value their privacy more than others.

If your home is located in a crowded area, which is usually the case with big cities, you learn to appreciate even the littlest space and privacy that can be mustered. For such a situation, instruct your chosen glass manufacturer to install smart glasses to solve all the issues of violation of privacy. Along with that, smart glasses are available in a variety of colour tints. Hence, it will help to uplift the aesthetics of your house.
Smart glass can be used in partition screens, uPVC windows, roof-lights and doors, along with security and teller screens. They can even work as HD projection screens! As this material is so flexible, architects and designers are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to use them.
Smart glasses have many applications:

  1. Commercial usage

The electronic properties allow smart glass to ensure transparency and privacy at the same time. One can switch between an open and connected office space to a private meeting room simply by flicking a switch.

  1. Residential areas

With smart glass, you can add an element of personalization in your home. It gives people an option to choose regarding where they want privacy and where they don’t.

  1. Hospitals and Clinics

Smart glass is perfect for the medical sector. Hospitals and clinics incorporate smart glass to ensure both transparency and privacy in the open spaces, and prevent the use of unhygienic curtains.

  1. Security

Since smart glass has a property that allows it to reduce noise, it can make any environment peaceful. There are many circumstances where we need this kind of technology in all spaces. Additionally, the ability to switch from transparent to opaque glass and vice versa is essential for security purposes. It helps by acting as a barrier against forced entry and can even protect from blasts and fires to an extent as well.
Hence, smart glass is a great alternative because it offers privacy without any drawbacks and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the place.

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Here’s the Simplest Way of Determining the Energy Efficiency of Your Building

Times are changing, and so is the environment consciousness level of people. Today, when it comes to architecture and interior design, the facet of energy efficiency is taking a front seat. Home and office owners are beginning to imagine and create functional, future-proof and environment-proof spaces that do not have a high dependency on artificial energy. And, in their mission to reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings, glass plays a huge role since doors, windows and facades are the primary barriers separating the external environment from the internal environment.

Now, the first step towards making your building energy efficient lies in determining its present efficiency. Only then will you be able to select the right glass glazing in accordance with the results of your building’s energy efficiency determination. So, how does a layman do it?
You might imagine that calculating something such as energy efficiency is beyond your expertise and well within the grasp of only a professional architect, engineer, builder, or an interior designer. Yet, there’s an easier, quicker and extremely reliable way out – carrying out a virtual simulation of your building in the palm of your hands.
Being one of the most innovative glass manufacturers and glass suppliers in the country, AIS also offers an interesting portfolio of architectural mobile applications helpful to the layman. One of them is the AIS Glass Simulator – an app that lets you analyse your building for energy efficiency based on a wide range of parameters. Moreover, the app also recommends the best-suited high-performance glass products from AIS’ extensive portfolio depending upon the analysis of your building.
Easy, right?
With such an innovative application on your phone, you can take an informed decision about choosing the right glass glazing for your home or new project by carrying out a quick simulation anywhere, anytime. All you need to do is input a few details about your building, such as location, shape, orientation, wind-load, etc. On the basis of these parameters, the app will scrutinize your building to create an energy performance profile while also suggesting the most apt glass solution to turn your building energy efficient.
Add to that the extensive Product Catalog with different glass types manufactured by AIS and their details, along with a Project Showcase which features many buildings and projects from all over the country which have different AIS glazing installed, and you have the complete package on your fingertips.
Here are all the benefits of the app in brief:
• Easily analyse your building’s energy performance
• Get an intelligent analysis report
• Save time, energy and money spent on finding the right glazing
• Discover the entire high performance energy efficient glass range by AIS – AIS Ecosense
• Visualize how your chosen glass solution will look in real life
Easy-to-use, informative and helpful! Who knew energy simulation of a building could be this fun?

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How Can You Tackle Air Pollution with Glass?

You would believe that winters in India are welcomed with much celebration as they bring respite from the harsh summer heat. Yet, come November, and suddenly the picture doesn’t look so rosy anymore. Cue the menace of air pollution.
Over the last few years, air pollution levels in urban centres of the country have risen steadily and have now reached alarming levels. This issue is made all the more prominent in the cold weather as fog mixes with the pollutants to give rise to smog – an extremely unhealthy air that we have now become accustomed to breathing.

So, amidst it all, how can glass technology help?
Since one spends the maximum amount of time in a day indoors, either at home or an office, the solution to air pollution lies in staying as far away from it as possible. Such a solution is possible in the realm of architecture wherein our windows and other outlets in the building a sealed and secure enough to prevent any leakage of the polluted air inside. Therefore, all you need is a sophisticated glass window system that will keep you and your loved ones safe from the smog.
Stay safe indoors with Anti-Pollution Windows
Yes, you heard that right. As a leading glass company in India, AIS has always believed in the power of innovation to solve some of the most concerning architectural issues for customers and businesses, be it at homes or offices. With the same spirit of innovation in mind, our experts have created special Anti-Pollution and Anti-Smog Windows retailed by Glasxperts that promise to save you and your loved ones from the damaging effects of air pollution.
The idea, as you might have guessed, revolves around completely sealing air leakages and spaces inside so as to prevent the external environment from leaking inside homes and offices. How is this done? Let’s have a look:

  • Fusion-welded windows with a multi-lock system

High-quality gaskets and joints strongly seal the windows along with exceptional fusion welded joints. Such physical constructs in the specialized window system make it almost impossible for pollutants to enter inside and wreak havoc. Moreover, you can make sure that these windows close extremely tightly with the help of the advanced multipoint locking system in place.

  • Silicon to shut off gaps

A popular material used in various industries, silicon proves its merit in the anti-pollution window in the form of a special sealant that shits down any gaps – both in the window and the adjacent wall.

  • Double glazing in unit glasses

Moving on to the glass, you can rest assured of multi-chambered profiles and multiple layers that make it incredibly difficult for any minute percentage of outside air that has leaked inside to reach beyond the glazing. This advanced technique of providing completely sealed Double Glazing Units also enables the windows to prevent heat and sound to leak inside.

  • The ease of retrofitting

Finally, you might be thinking what a cumbersome and expensive task it would be to remove your existing windows and replace them with special anti-pollution ones. Well, these windows by AIS can be easily retrofitted on any window surface, thus freeing you of all the hassle. Retrofitting essentially means fitting a new window surface on top of the existing one, thus improving the efficiency of the entire system!

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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.

Categories

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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How to Bolster Your Office’s Passive Fire Protection Systems with Glass

Everyone is well versed with the destructive powers of a fire breakout. Not only does such a hazard threaten the life of the occupants of an office building but also poses a significant risk to the property, equipment and the documents inside. This is the very reason why architects and designers provide for the adequate safety of the building and its occupants in the event of a fire by installing fire-proof architectural solutions as per the norms.

Glass the Key to Passive Fire Protection in Offices
Such key solutions form a part of any office building’s Passive Fire Protection (PFP) systems which prevent the spread of fire by creating barriers to its passage for a limited time, enabling occupants to move to a safe environment. PFP is an essential fire safety strategy for any building. If proper planning, installation, and maintenance are implemented, passive fire protection can save lives and the building itself. While PFP may not provide a complete fire safety solution, when combined with AFP (or Active Fire Protection systems), they can make a big difference in case of an emergency.
With glass being one of the most major elements in all office space constructions, opting for multifunctional, specialized glass solutions for safe, secure and comfortable living and working is paramount. Thus, glass forms a key component of an office’s Passive Fire Protection Systems. This is where office building owners can safeguard their investment, employees and business by opting for fire-resistant glass solutions tested and approved according to Indian and international standards such as AIS Pyrobel.
AIS Pyrobel blends light, transparency and fire-protection for all building applications, framing types, and fire-resistance classes and durations. Office building owners can choose from any of the three variants:

  • Class E: Prevents flames, smoke, and hot gases from passing through. The fire remains contained.
  • Class EW: Integrity and Low Heat Radiation or the ability of the element to prevent the passage of flames and to limit the level of heat transfer through the element.
  • Class EI: Integrity and Insulation or the ability of the element to prevent the passage of flames and to block heat transfer through the element.

All in all, with the help of AIS Pyrobel, offices can:

  • Remain protected against fire, heat, and smoke for extended periods
  • Remain protected against radiation and conductive heat transfer
  • Install fire-resistance glass in all framing systems – wood, steel or aluminium or even frameless

Where to Use Fire-Proof Glass in Offices

  • Partitions
  • Fully glazed fire doors
  • Façades and windows to prevent the fire from transmitting inside-out or outside-in
  • Floors
  • Data Storage and Server Room enclosures to preserve electronic data
  • Stair enclosures or doors with in-built vision panels which provide the most vital access points and exit routes
  • Lift doors and enclosures

The secret to keeping your office space safe and fire-proof, therefore, lies in investing in one of the most advanced glass solutions manufactured by AIS, the leading glass company in India. Do take note that it is imperative to install the fire-resistant glass only in systems that comply with safety regulations.

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Optimal Building Design & Glazing: A Case Study

It is the 21st century, and energy conservation and sustainability in architecture is surely gathering momentum. With one eye fixed ever so intently on the environment and the rising global temperatures, architects are turning to innovation and technology to turn the tables on myopic building design and combat energy inefficiency in our living and working spaces. This is where glass is proving to be their trusted accomplice.

So, when a prominent learning institute in Mumbai approached Asahi India Glass Ltd., the most comprehensive integrated glass company in India, to achieve high performance energy efficiency, we carried out a comprehensive and painstaking glazing and building design analysis to provide a satisfactory solution. Let’s find out how:

Problem

A learning institute in Mumbai wanted to optimize its building design without spending big on glazing solutions. This meant reducing the heat gain inside the building without compromising natural lighting.

Solution

Normally, we have observed that when it comes to glazing solutions providing high performance energy efficiency, architectural glass variants with a lower Solar Factor and lower U-Value are favoured. But to achieve the ideal balance between the building design and glazing feasibility, we had to come up with an optimum solution that offers best return on investment.

Therefore, first we conducted a study to understand the building design. Due to the architecture of the institute, the building’s direct and indirect heat gain had fallen down considerably. This can be explained by Fig. 1:

  • 4 Classrooms located on the north side received diffused light and no direct heat
  • 4 South-facing classrooms were provided with a shading device to prevent direct heat and glare
  • 4 Buffer zones, created by placing the service areas along the east façade and corridors along the west façade, prevented heat ingress in the offices
  • 4 Walls had good insulation properties to prevent long-wave radiations from entering into the building
  • 4 North light provided natural light to a portion of the building

These observations allowed us to fine tune our glazing solution. Ultimately, due to the optimal building design, we could choose a solution which did not have the best specifications (and therefore higher cost) but was a perfect match for the design.

In order to do so, a detailed building energy analysis and simulation was conducted with a huge portfolio of AIS products. Their performance parameters are compared in the table above. Then, we compared the energy saving percentage against cost payback period.

This study is depicted in the Fig 2. As one can see, Spring SGU (Solar Control product from the AIS Ecosense range) which has Solar Factor (SF) = 64%, Visual Light Transmission (VLT) = 65%, and U-Value = 5.4 w/ m2 k performed best out of all the glasses with 17% energy savings and 2 months’ payback period, when compared to base case Clear DGU (double glaze unit).

Results

Thus, by understanding the relationship between building design and glazing type, we could suggest the client a glazing glass with an optimum Solar Factor and U-Value and higher VLT – thus enabling the institute to save on money and recover investment far quicker than imagined.

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Optimal Building Design & Glazing: A Case Study

It is the 21st century, and energy conservation and sustainability in architecture is surely gathering momentum. With one eye fixed ever so intently on the environment and the rising global temperatures, architects are turning to innovation and technology to turn the tables on myopic building design and combat energy inefficiency in our living and working spaces. This is where glass is proving to be their trusted accomplice.
So, when a prominent learning institute in Mumbai approached Asahi India Glass Ltd., the most comprehensive integrated glass company in India, to achieve high performance energy efficiency, we carried out a comprehensive and painstaking glazing and building design analysis to provide a satisfactory solution. Let’s find out how:
Problem
A learning institute in Mumbai wanted to optimize its building design without spending big on glazing solutions. This meant reducing the heat gain inside the building without compromising natural lighting.
Solution

Normally, we have observed that when it comes to glazing solutions providing high performance energy efficiency, architectural glass variants with a lower Solar Factor and lower U-Value are favoured. But to achieve the ideal balance between the building design and glazing feasibility, we had to come up with an optimum solution that offers best return on investment.
Therefore, first we conducted a study to understand the building design. Due to the architecture of the institute, the building’s direct and indirect heat gain had fallen down considerably. This can be explained by Fig. 1:

  • 4 Classrooms located on the north side received diffused light and no direct heat
  • 4 South-facing classrooms were provided with a shading device to prevent direct heat and glare
  • 4 Buffer zones, created by placing the service areas along the east façade and corridors along the west façade, prevented heat ingress in the offices
  • 4 Walls had good insulation properties to prevent long-wave radiations from entering into the building
  • 4 North light provided natural light to a portion of the building

These observations allowed us to fine tune our glazing solution. Ultimately, due to the optimal building design, we could choose a solution which did not have the best specifications (and therefore higher cost) but was a perfect match for the design.

In order to do so, a detailed building energy analysis and simulation was conducted with a huge portfolio of AIS products. Their performance parameters are compared in the table above. Then, we compared the energy saving percentage against cost payback period.
This study is depicted in the Fig 2. As one can see, Spring SGU (Solar Control product from the AIS Ecosense range) which has Solar Factor (SF) = 64%, Visual Light Transmission (VLT) = 65%, and U-Value = 5.4 w/ m2 k performed best out of all the glasses with 17% energy savings and 2 months’ payback period, when compared to base case Clear DGU (double glaze unit).

Results
Thus, by understanding the relationship between building design and glazing type, we could suggest the client a glazing glass with an optimum Solar Factor and U-Value and higher VLT – thus enabling the institute to save on money and recover investment far quicker than imagined.

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