B. Type of glazing
Solar radiation contains a wide spectrum of wavelengths from infra-red (heat)
through visible light to ultra-violet (UV). Modern technologies can produce glazing
with coatings that allow the glass to transmit only the visible light part of sunlight
while blocking most of the infrared heat (low-e coating). A careful selection of
glazing material can largely reduce heat gain in the interior of a building.
Sometimes the public is confused and believes that the application of
can provide a solution to heat problems. That depends.
refers to two pieces of glass which are a few millimetres apart forming a glazing
panel for use in windows or curtain walls. Sometimes air, an inert gas or a vacuum
exists between the glass panes. This type of
provides insulation
properties – it is useful for saving air conditioning or heat energy when a large
temperature difference needs to be maintained between the exterior and the
interior. The glass used in
may or may not have the required
coating described above.
can also be mixed up with ‘double window’ where two windows are
installed one behind the other, usually 100mm apart, providing excellent insulation
against traffic or railway noise. The construction of double windows has little
impact on solar transmission and thermal insulation properties. These will depend
on the type of glass used in the double window.
C. Glazing with pattern
Some glazing products have a pattern on their surface so that the glass is not totally transparent. By reducing its
transparency, the amount of light and heat that can pass through the glass is also reduced.
Figure 82 Principle of double glazing
Figure 83 Fritted glass pattern of the skylights at Pacific Place, Admiralty (Source: Swire Properties Limited)
4
Green design for shopping malls and shop spaces
4.3
Natural lighting in shopping malls and shop spaces
Hong Kong Green Building Council 109
