Düsseldorf – In modern architecture, glass is a popular material for the design of facades. However, previously glass facades could only be implemented as curtain wall constructions. From the energy perspective, curtain wall constructions are not optimal, because thermal bridges cannot be avoided with such designs. The construction material manufacturer, Saint-Gobain Weber, has succeeded in bonding large-format glass elements on a thermal insulation composite system for the first time. Now the glass external thermal insulation system (ETICS), weber.therm style Glass, has won the coveted Red Dot Award 2014: Product Design outstanding.
Top technically and in design The glass elements are available in numerous colours and open versatile design possibilities. Christian Poprawa, Marketing Director of Saint-Gobain Weber: “Architects and builders are no longer forced to choose between energy efficiency and a glass facade. With glass as the surface, we have made the topic of ETICS attractive again for design-oriented architects.” Thanks to the bonding, visible fastening elements, such as screws or frames, are not required. The system invites architects and builders to play with large surfaces; the joint proportion is less than one percent of the total surface.
One example of the successful implementation of weber.therm style Glass is located in Hamburg. Last year in the course of the International construction exhibition, IBA in Hamburg, the innovative WaterHouses were designed with the new system. The render surfaces and glass surfaces alternate with a contiguous insulating layer, and thus form an appealing contrast.
International award for Design Excellence The “Red Dot Design Award” is conferred by a 40-member international jury of experts for products and projects that are significantly differentiated from comparable solutions through their high quality of design. A total of 1,816 manufacturers, designers and architects participated in the 2014 competition for the coveted quality seal. The document will be presented as part of an official awards ceremony on July 7 in Essen, Germany.
After nomination for the German Design Award 2014 and winning the IF Design Award, the red dot is now the third prestigious award for the innovative facade system.
