Pilkington Spacia™ has been recognised by World Architecture News (WAN) and awarded the Product of the Year 2011. The revolutionary vacuum glazing technology provides unrivalled thermal performance in a thin profile unit that fits seamlessly into both older traditional properties to retain the aesthetics in existing frames or as a stylish solution for new builds.
Pilkington Spacia™ in situ at the Building Research Establishment (BRE)
The WAN Awards is an annual event looking at high-performing products and innovative developments in the construction sector. Judges in this year’s product category included: Dr. Zoe Laughlin, Creative Director, Institute of Making (a multidisciplinary research club for those interested in the made world) and Paul Baker, Director, Wilkinson Eyre.
Damian Rogan, Associate at Buro Happold, was also on the panel and deeply impressed by Pilkington Spacia™ declaring: “It is a great product! It is the big leap forward that we have been waiting some time for; in improving thermal forms of windows and in a minimum depth. The potential to replace existing single-glazed sash windows with a double-glazed vacuum unit with the same thickness is a bonus and will lead to improving performance in existing buildings.”
Pilkington Spacia™ was up against some stiff competition, from a range of LED Modules, an energy-efficient cable tray system and an air movement solution.
Julia Berkin, Marketing Communications Manager said, “Pilkington Spacia™ is an innovative glazing product that enables specifiers to retain the original look of a property without compromising on energy efficiency. A number of period properties across the UK that were losing copious amount of energy via their windows have been refurbished in line with government targets and successfully maintained their listed status. The product has also been installed in a variety of new build properties, offering a stylish and aesthetically pleasing alternative to standard double glazing. We are extremely proud of the recognition this product has received by World Architecture News and their panel of judges and hope to continue this success in the future.”
Pilkington Spacia™ utilises two panes of glass; an outer pane of low-emissivity glass and an inner pane of clear float, with a vacuum rather than air or another gas in between. They are separated by a gap of 0.2mm (compared to a typical 16mm gap in traditional double glazing). The glazing’s overall thickness of 6mm is enough to provide an aesthetically pleasing glazing solution where a slim profile and a thermally-efficient window are needed. Moving to glazing with a low centre pane U value whilst maintaining the high light and solar transmission associated with single glazing can save on heating costs and reduce CO2 emissions. Pilkington Spacia™ is a proven technology and has already been used in Japan for over a decade.