The newly introduced frameless rooflights feature a slim, flush-glazed design that creates a clean, contemporary appearance while maximising daylight penetration. By increasing the visible glass area and reducing frame sightlines, the system is intended to support brighter interiors and a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Manufactured to bespoke dimensions, each unit is supplied with toughened safety glass as standard and can achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K when paired with standard glazing configurations, helping improve thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Complementing the frameless range, the company has also launched a high-performance rooflight kerb engineered to simplify installation and support compliance with building regulations. The factory-manufactured kerb provides a fully insulated upstand, eliminating the need for on-site construction and reducing installation time. According to UK Rooflights Online, the solution delivers greater consistency across projects while helping contractors meet thermal performance requirements.

When incorporated into a complete rooflight system, the kerb contributes to thermal performance targets of 2.2 W/m²K, aligning with current building regulation standards. Both products are manufactured in South Yorkshire and are available with bespoke sizing options, fast lead times and technical support.

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Designed by internationally renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the firm behind Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest”, London’s Tate Modern, and Munich’s Allianz Arena – One Roof embodies a vision of transparency, flexibility, and connection to its natural surroundings. Its gently curved glass façades, supported by slender white columns, offer panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps while inviting daylight deep into the interior.

A defining feature of the project is its sustainability performance. In March 2026, One Roof was awarded the prestigious BREEAM Outstanding certification with a score of 95.2%, the highest ever achieved by a building in Switzerland under this system. It has also earned Swiss Minergie‑P and Très Haute Performance Énergétique (THPE) certifications, with SNBS Platinum expected soon. These recognitions reflect excellence across environmental, social, and economic criteria.

The building integrates a suite of green technologies and design strategies. A GeniLac system connects to Geneva’s thermal network and uses Lake Geneva’s water for efficient heating and cooling, significantly reducing energy demand. The roof hosts 750 m² of solar panels, and 85% vegetated surfaces enhance thermal regulation and air quality. Rainwater harvesting systems store around 400 m³ of water for non-potable uses, and deep cantilevers shade glazing to decrease cooling loads.

Beyond its environmental impact, One Roof prioritizes occupant well-being. Open-plan workspaces, abundant natural light, and collaborative spaces promote interaction, while amenities such as restaurants, fitness facilities, and landscaped outdoor areas support health and community.

Structural and façade engineering for the project was provided by Werner Sobek AG, contributing critical expertise in high-performance building systems and elegant detailing.

Completed and inaugurated in September 2025, One Roof not only consolidates Lombard Odier’s operations but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable corporate headquarters in Switzerland, blending architectural innovation, ecological responsibility, and human-centered design.

All image courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

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From April 2026, the Apprenticeship Levy will transition into the Growth & Skills Levy, giving employers greater flexibility in funding workforce training. The reforms aim to boost apprenticeship uptake by allowing funds for modular, shorter, and targeted skills programmes, alongside changes to end-point assessment structures.

While increased participation is welcomed across the industry, sectors delivering high-risk building components – like glazing and fenestration systems – warn that reducing independent assessments could weaken essential safety and competence standards.

The GGF has raised these concerns with Neil Coyle MP and is actively collaborating with the 31-member Apprenticeship Coalition, led by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), to ensure reforms balance accessibility with verified training quality.

“More people entering apprenticeships is crucial to addressing UK skills shortages,” said John Mannell, GGF technical officer. “But competence must remain at the centre. Independent assessment ensures trainees are fully capable of delivering safe and compliant glazing and construction work.”

The GGF also continues to support new talent via its Skilled Pathways for Trainees programme, hosted through the GGF Training Hub, which offers structured industry entry routes with recognised qualifications and competency benchmarks for both apprentices and employers.

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Global Projects that Defy Limits

From the picturesque coast of Rovinj, Croatia, where 15-metre-long glass panes are installed to create seamless views, to Dubai, where 4-tonne glass elements are mounted under complex projections, Heavydrive’s systems prove essential. Perhaps most notably, the installation of façade glass at 560 metres on the Royal Clock Tower in Mecca, one of the tallest buildings in the world, demonstrates the company’s ability to operate at extreme heights with unmatched precision.

Engineering Innovation in Harsh Environments

Heavydrive’s edge lies in its specially developed vacuum suction systems and counterweight beams. These tools enable millimetre-level precision when handling oversized glass, even in severe environmental conditions. From freezing -20°C temperatures in Salt Lake City to the scorching heat of the Saudi Arabian desert, their systems ensure reliable and safe installations under pressure.

Setting the Standard in Structural Glass Installation

As the architectural trend shifts towards ever-larger transparent surfaces, the role of high-performance installation technology becomes increasingly critical. Heavydrive’s equipment is not only a solution, it sets a global benchmark for safety, precision, and adaptability in structural glass installation. With every project, the boundary between what is visible and what is possible in glass design grows thinner, thanks to engineering that supports, without being seen.

The post State-of-the-Art Approaches to XXL Glass Mounting appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The monthly index showed that the glass and glass product manufacturing PPI rose by 0.5% following a revised 1% increase in January. Costs for glass products and their manufacturing have increased in four of the past five months.

On a year-to-year basis, the PPI for glass and glass product manufacturing was up 3.1% compared to February 2024. In the 12 months through February, the overall PPI climbed 3.2% after rising 3.7% in January. The PPI measures the prices of goods and services at the wholesale level in the U.S., from raw materials to finished products.

While the PPI for final demand remained flat in February, economists expect White House tariffs, which raised consumers’ inflation expectations, to affect the data in the months ahead.

Glass and Glazing Material Prices

Flat Glass—The price of flat glass rose 0.3% in February. This follows a revised 0.6% increase in January. On a year-to-year basis, flat glass prices were up 1.4% compared to February 2024.

Flat Glass Manufacturing—Flat glass manufacturing prices increased for the third consecutive month. The index rose by 1.5% in March, following a revised 1% increase in December and a 0.1% increase in November. Prices remained up 4% compared to February 2024.

Fabricated Structural Metal Products—The price for fabricated structural metal products rose by 0.5% in February. The products also increased by 0.4% in January, following a 0.1% decrease in December. On a year-to-year basis, fabricated structural metal product prices were down 0.9% in February compared to February 2024.

Ornamental and Architectural Metalwork—The price of ornamental and architectural metalwork products jumped by 1.3%. This was the first price increase since November (0.7%). On a year-to-year basis, ornamental and architectural metalwork prices were up 8.7% compared to February 2024.

Metal Windows—Metal window prices were flat in February. Prices for the commodity have remained unchanged for three out of the past five months. The last significant fluctuation was in November (a revised -1.1%). On a year-to-year basis, metal window prices were down 0.6% in February compared to February 2024. Metal windows include window frames comprised of aluminum or steel.

Metal Doors and Frames—Prices for metal doors and frames rose 0.1% in February. This follows a 0.1% drop in January. Year-to-year prices for the commodity were up 2.7% in February compared to February 2024.

Builders’ Hardware—A streak of eight consecutive months of unchanged prices was snapped in February as the price of builders’ hardware rose by 0.7%. Year-to-year prices for builders’ hardware products were up 1% in February compared to February 2024. The builders’ hardware commodity includes lock units, key blanks and door and window hardware.

Source: USGlass with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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This vital document provides a standardized methodology for determining the structural integrity of fenestration products, offering critical support for manufacturers, designers, and building code officials alike. The updated specification, superseding the 2019 edition, offers enhanced clarity and reflects advancements in engineering practices within the industry.

The significance of AAMA 2502-24 cannot be overstated. In an industry where product variations are common, and regional building codes often differ significantly in their structural requirements, a consistent and reliable method for assessing structural performance is paramount. This document fills that crucial gap. Its standardized approach simplifies the process of evaluating the structural capacity of windows and doors, ensuring that products meet the necessary design pressure criteria regardless of their specific dimensions or configurations.

Addressing the Challenges of Varied Product Sizes and Design Pressures

Window and door manufacturers frequently produce products in a range of sizes, each potentially subject to different design pressure requirements depending on geographical location and building height. Traditional testing methods, while essential for establishing baseline performance, become prohibitively expensive and time-consuming when applied to every variation of a given product. AAMA 2502-24 provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative.

The updated document offers engineers a robust procedural framework for calculating the structural capacity of fenestration products that differ from those subjected to physical testing. This is achieved through a comparative analysis process, allowing for the extrapolation of performance data from tested units to similar products with variations in size and design pressure. This capability significantly reduces the need for extensive physical testing, streamlining the manufacturing process and lowering associated costs.

Benefits for Manufacturers, Designers, and Code Officials

The benefits of AAMA 2502-24 extend across the entire fenestration industry ecosystem:

Manufacturers: The standardized procedure offers a uniform approach for complying with diverse code jurisdictions and specific design pressure requirements for different product sizes. This simplifies compliance efforts and reduces the risk of inconsistencies in product performance claims. The resulting efficiency allows manufacturers to optimize their product development and testing strategies.

Design Professionals: The document equips architects, engineers, and specifiers with a reliable method to verify the structural wind load performance of fenestration products. It facilitates informed decision-making, ensuring that chosen products meet the project’s specific structural requirements and building code compliance.

Code Officials: AAMA 2502-24 strengthens the basis for code enforcement, providing a standardized and scientifically rigorous approach for assessing the structural integrity of fenestration products. This contributes to enhanced building safety and consistency in code application across jurisdictions.

Technical Enhancements in AAMA 2502-24

While the core principles of comparative analysis remain consistent, the updated document incorporates several key improvements:

Clarified Methodology: The revised document provides greater clarity and precision in its procedural steps, minimizing ambiguity and ensuring consistent application across different engineering teams.

Incorporated Best Practices: The update reflects the latest advancements in engineering principles and best practices related to structural analysis of fenestration products.

Improved Accessibility: The document’s presentation has been streamlined to enhance readability and usability for a wider range of professionals.

The Role of the FGIA Comparative Analysis Update Task Group

The development of AAMA 2502-24 is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the FGIA Comparative Analysis Update Task Group. Co-chaired by Lynn Miller (PGT Innovations) and supported by Rich Rinka, FGIA Technical Manager, Fenestration Standards and U.S. Industry Affairs, the group comprises leading experts from across the fenestration industry. Their collective expertise has been instrumental in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and practical applicability of this crucial specification.

AAMA 2502-24 represents a significant contribution to the fenestration industry. Its standardized comparative analysis procedure provides a robust and efficient method for determining the structural integrity of window and door products, fostering consistency, efficiency, and enhanced building safety. By offering a clear pathway for compliance with diverse building codes and design pressures, this document serves as a cornerstone for responsible fenestration design and manufacturing. The document is available for purchase from the FGIA online store at a discounted member rate of $30 or the non-member price of $90. Further information about FGIA and its activities can be found at FGIAonline.org.

Source: FGIAonline.org. with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Source:glass.org with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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In a move poised to revolutionize the glazing industry, Guardian Glass and Privacy Glass Solutions have entered into an exciting partnership for the commercialization of *Lyto, an innovative between-the-glass micro-shade technology.

Designed and developed by Guardian Glass, Lyto offers a groundbreaking solution for spaces requiring instant privacy and light control, effectively providing complete blackout in mere seconds.

The Lyto technology integrates seamlessly between double or triple insulating glass units, utilizing advanced electrostatic forces to operate without any mechanical components, significantly enhancing its durability and reliability. In contrast to traditional integral blinds that may suffer from wear and tear, Lyto is designed to remain dependable throughout its lifecycle.

Key Features of Lyto:
– Fast and Silent Operation: The impressive blackout capability can be activated with just the touch of a button, delivering complete darkness in seconds. The absence of mechanical parts ensures the operation is not only silent but also free from the risk of mechanical failure.
– Flexible Power Options: Lyto’s low power requirements allow for battery operation, making installation straightforward without the need for hardwiring. For those looking to adopt more sustainable solutions, optional solar power recharging is available.
– Customizable Control Systems: The technology can be activated through various methods, including manual switches, dedicated wireless remote controls, and smart home applications, offering a versatile user experience.

Benefits Beyond Convenience

Lyto provides substantial advantages, particularly in environments where comfort, privacy, and day-light control are crucial. Commercial and residential spaces, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, bedrooms, and bathrooms, stand to benefit significantly from this technology. When deployed, Lyto effectively blocks over 95% of solar heat gain, helping to maintain an optimal indoor climate and enhance energy efficiency.

Upcoming Launch and Availability

Privacy Glass Solutions has committed to producing and marketing Lyto in the United States, with an anticipated availability by the end of 2024. The product will initially launch in a classic white/off-white color combination, with additional color options slated for release in the future.

Industry Presentation

To showcase this ground-breaking innovation, Privacy Glass Solutions will present Lyto at two key trade events. Attendees can visit their booth at GlassBuild America in Dallas, Texas, from September 30 to October 2, 2024 (stand #15004), and at the WMA World Millwork Alliance tradeshow in San Antonio from October 6 to 9, 2024 (stand #631).

The partnership between Guardian Glass and Privacy Glass Solutions marks a significant advancement in blackout technology for architectural applications. With the introduction of Lyto, the market is set to witness a new standard in privacy and light management, paving the way for smarter, more efficient living and working environments. As we approach the launch, industry stakeholders can anticipate an exciting evolution in window technology that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Source: Privacy Glass Solutions with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Nestled near the picturesque Bristol harborside, this location is renowned for serving delectable woodfired pizzas that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

This event is tailor-made for professionals across a spectrum of sectors, whether you belong to a systems company, fabrication industry, installation sector, component supplier, consultancy firm, or any other related field. If you aim to expand your professional network and forge valuable connections within the industry, PiGs Bristol is the place to be.

At PiGs Bristol, attendees can expect a welcoming and casual atmosphere that encourages fruitful interactions and knowledge sharing. The event is free for industry professionals, ensuring that knowledge exchange and networking opportunities are accessible to all.

Join us at PiGs Bristol for an evening of collaboration, camaraderie, and insightful conversations. Make sure to mark your calendar for this remarkable event that promises to be both enriching and enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you there on 13 June to celebrate the spirit of innovation and collaboration within the industry.

For more information and updates on PiGs Bristol stay tuned.

Save the Date: PiGs Bristol
Date: 13 June 2024
Venue: Brown & Bye, Units 3-5 The Boathouse, Gasworks Lane, Brunel Quay, Bristol BS1 5AT, UK

Source: PiGs with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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The conclusion of 2023 prompts a reflection on the noteworthy events that shaped the year for FGIA, featuring a compilation of the most engaging news articles and blog posts that resonated with members. At the forefront of the news highlights was the release of the updated North American Fenestration Standard in February, setting the tone for advancements in windows, doors, and skylights across the continent.

Among the top news articles, the announcement of the 2024 FGIA Events sites and dates garnered attention, with the FGIA community eagerly anticipating the 2024 Annual Conference scheduled for February 19-22 in Amelia Island, FL. Notably, the industry bid farewell to Rich Walker, a monumental figure and former President and CEO of AAMA, marking a poignant moment in September.

In the realm of blog posts, the FGIA community closely followed updates on ENERGY STAR requirements, particularly the stringent guidelines introduced in October. Additionally, the unveiling of the latest version of the North American Fenestration Standard took center stage, providing insights into the industry’s evolving landscape.

The anticipation for the 2023 FGIA Fall Conference in Denver, CO, was palpable, with Trade Secrets blog offering a sneak peek into the event’s attractions, including the FGIA Product Showcase and the inaugural FGIA Has Talent event. GlassBuild, celebrating its 20th year, was a focal point in September, as Trade Secrets previewed FGIA’s educational sessions covering seismic movement and product certification.

Rounding off the top blogs was a Socially Speaking post in October, delving into the significance of brand vibes online for younger followers, exploring evolving attitudes and preferences of today’s consumers.

As the year concludes, FGIA extends warm wishes for the upcoming year, anticipating continued engagement, growth, and industry advancements in 2024.

Source: FGIAonline.org with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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