A major regeneration scheme in Watford has become the first UK residential project to install Pilkington Mirai™, a new low-carbon glass designed to cut emissions in construction without sacrificing performance.
The 1 Sydney Road development, delivered by Signia, will provide 278 homes along with community facilities. As part of the build, 4,500 m² of Pilkington Mirai Suncool™ 70/35 glazing has been supplied by Crystal Units and fabricated by Prime Glaze.
Pilkington Mirai™ is produced using renewable energy, alternative fuels, and high recycled content, resulting in 52% less embodied carbon compared with Pilkington’s standard float glass. The Suncool™ coating further enhances performance, letting in natural daylight while reducing solar heat gain and improving insulation – helping residents lower energy use and maintain year-round comfort.
Project partners say the scheme highlights how sustainable construction materials can meet both environmental and practical demands. For developers, it also represents an important step towards meeting the UK’s 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction goals. 
By debuting Pilkington Mirai™ in the residential sector, the Watford scheme sets a precedent for future housing projects and underlines the role of advanced glazing in delivering low-carbon, high-quality homes.
Source: constructionmaguk.co.uk with additional information added by Glass Balkan
