Located within Shenzhen’s 117-hectare Super Headquarters Base district, the project comprises four interconnected towers reaching nearly 200 metres in height and delivering around 248,000 square metres of floor space. The building’s sculptural form is defined by flowing curves and a highly complex hyperbolic glass façade that pushes the limits of modern façade construction.

The curtain wall includes around 70,000 square metres of insulating glass manufactured by Tianjin North Glass Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. Among the 14,000 panels, approximately 9,000 are double-curved free-form units featuring convex-concave and saddle-shaped geometries. Single-curved panels reach arc lengths of up to 5.4 metres, while double-curved units extend to six metres, with some incorporating bending radii as tight as one metre.

The façade also includes several remarkable engineering achievements, including a 41-square-metre hyperbolic façade element weighing more than 10.8 tonnes, a 2,000-square-metre double-curved self-supporting net-shell structure, and a 240-square-metre hyperbolic dome positioned 200 metres above the building’s Sky Bar.

Most glazing units consist of four-pane, double-laminated insulating glass incorporating 16 mm Super Spacer® TriSeal warm-edge spacers. Constructed from ultra-clear 10 mm glass with solar-control and low-emissivity coatings, the units deliver both thermal efficiency and structural performance despite their complex geometries. According to project partners, Super Spacer® was selected because its flexible foam construction could accurately accommodate irregular shapes and double-curved profiles while maintaining airtightness and thermal performance.

Development of the façade required four years of testing, optimisation and collaboration between North Glass, façade contractors Far East Façade and CNYD, architects, consultants and the client. The project team developed custom tempering equipment, specialised aluminium bending tools with tolerances of ±1.5 millimetres, and advanced BIM workflows based on LOD 400 models. Extensive mock-up testing, 3D scanning and reverse modelling were conducted between 2020 and 2024 to verify optical quality, dimensional accuracy and long-term performance.

The result is a pioneering façade system that establishes new standards for double-curved glass construction and demonstrates how advanced spacer technology can support some of the world’s most ambitious architectural designs.

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Forel’s flexible spacer technology offers significant advantages over traditional box spacer systems. It enables the efficient production of insulating glass units with a wide variety of shapes and configurations, including rectangular, curved, and complex geometries. This flexibility is particularly valuable for architects and designers seeking tailored glazing solutions for contemporary residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

The production lines are equipped with advanced automation features that streamline manufacturing processes and improve operational efficiency. Integrated quality control systems, including scanners, inspection stations, and supervision software, continuously monitor production in real time, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with strict industry standards. Remote diagnostics and automated maintenance support further minimize downtime and enhance equipment performance.

Forel’s modular approach allows manufacturers to configure production lines according to their specific needs. Available in High Tech, Essential, and High Speed versions, the systems can be adapted to different production volumes, factory layouts, and investment budgets. Additional features such as automatic reel changeover, multi-chamber glass processing, and gas-filling capabilities support the production of high-performance insulating glass units that contribute to improved building energy efficiency.

Beyond technology, Forel places strong emphasis on customer support. Dedicated training programs and comprehensive after-sales services help manufacturers maximize system performance and ensure a smooth transition toward greater automation.

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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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In practical terms, this allows verification directly after the gas filling stage, before the IGU leaves the production line. This is critical because gas fill rates, typically targeting around 90% argon concentration in standard double glazing, cannot be visually confirmed, yet directly impact declared U-values and compliance with thermal performance standards.

Before 2006, Sparklike systems were stationary, limiting measurement points to fixed quality control stations. The introduction of the first handheld device in 2006 removed that bottleneck. Operators could measure units inline, at multiple points across shifts, without interrupting throughput or requiring external power connections.

The 2008 Handheld 2.0 improved internal component stability, particularly in maintaining calibration accuracy under continuous industrial use. Devices from this generation are still serviced today, demonstrating lifecycle durability exceeding 10 years in production environments.

With Handheld 3.0 in 2022, Sparklike retained the same measurement hardware and two-second cycle but upgraded the interface and ergonomics. Its accuracy was independently verified by ift Rosenheim, confirming consistent gas concentration readings within industrial tolerances.

The most significant shift comes with Handheld NOVA. While the spark-based measurement remains unchanged, the surrounding system has been rebuilt. NOVA introduces wireless data transfer, QR-code scanning to link each measurement to a specific IGU, and software capable of storing operator ID, timestamp, and production line data.

The post From 2-Second Measurements to Full Traceability: Sparklike’s Evolution in Non-Destructive IGU Gas Control appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The document, IGMA TM-3100-26, Voluntary Guidelines for the Identification of Visual Obstructions in the Cavity Space of Insulating Glass Units, is intended for a wide range of stakeholders, including designers, specifiers, fabricators, installers and end-users across commercial and residential applications. It replaces the previous version issued in 2009, reflecting updated industry experience and expectations.

Within the guideline, visual obstructions are defined as any materials or elements located inside an IGU that unintentionally and materially interfere with a person’s view through the glazed opening. The guidance draws on the collective expertise of IGU manufacturers, glazing material suppliers, engineers and consultants, offering a consistent framework for identifying and evaluating such issues.

While the document is not a mandatory specification, it is designed to support informed decision-making when assessing whether a visual obstruction falls within acceptable limits. By providing clearer definitions and evaluation criteria, the guideline aims to reduce ambiguity and promote consistency across projects.

According to Dave Cooper, Vice Chair of the FGIA Visual Quality Guidelines Task Group, the IGMA TM-3100 series has long been a trusted reference within the industry. He noted that the updated version continues to define what is considered acceptable under recognised industry criteria.

IGMA TM-3100-26 is now available for purchase through the FGIA online store, priced at $80 for members and $230 for non-members.

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The new installation introduces several firsts to the North American market, including the TPS® PRO’APPLICATOR and ACTIVE’SEALER systems. This follows Fancy Windows’ earlier investment in a Glaston VARIO FLEX IG line in 2017, which laid the foundation for its current production advancements.

Operating from a 23,000-square-metre facility, Fancy Windows produces energy-efficient windows and doors for both residential and commercial applications. According to General Manager Kelly Cheung, the company’s positive experience with the VARIO FLEX line, particularly its reliability and minimal downtime, played a key role in the decision to further invest in Glaston technology.

Glaston’s TPS® system is a fully automated solution where thermoplastic spacer material is directly applied to the glass pane. This process enhances production consistency while improving the thermal performance of insulating glass units. The newly introduced TPS® PRO’APPLICATOR, launched in 2024, is designed to boost production yield by up to 15%, offering greater efficiency and precision.

Complementing this, the ACTIVE’SEALER provides automated sealing for double and triple IG units, accommodating a wide range of shapes and sizes. The system ensures consistent sealing quality and contributes to long-term product performance through improved process control.

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According to the company, the Stoneville site supports expanded capacity for custom shower enclosures, residential and light-commercial glazing, and specialty fabrication, aligning with continued demand for faster lead times and more complex project requirements. The facility is designed to process glass thicknesses from 3/32 inches up to 3/4 inches, covering a broad product range including clear glass, low-iron substrates, low-E coated glass, and patterned products, a versatile mix for both premium interiors and performance-focused glazing packages.

William Calhoun, CEO of Clearlight, described the acquisition as a strategic step to deliver consistent quality at scale: the investment increases capacity while improving reliability through machine redundancies, from cutting tables to multiple tempering ovens, as well as delivery fleets supporting regional distribution. Calhoun also noted the established base created by Glass Dynamics and Press Glass, which Clearlight aims to build upon.

The company confirmed that the Stoneville facility includes critical equipment depth, such as multiple tempering lines, CNC and cutting assets, and integrated logistics capacity, helping reduce production risk and support peak workloads without bottlenecks.

Headquartered in Kernersville, North Carolina, family-owned Clearlight Glass & Mirror serves the residential, commercial, and specialty-architectural markets across the Southeast, offering tempered glass, insulating glass units (IGUs), mirrors, digital printing, and specialized processing, now backed by a larger and more redundant manufacturing footprint.

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For over six decades, SKAALA has been a prominent name in the world of windows and doors, with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1956 in Finland. At the heart of SKAALA’s success lies a commitment to domestic production, the use of premium materials, and a dedication to excellence in craftsmanship. But what sets SKAALA apart is their relentless pursuit of quality, exemplified by their nearly two-decade-long partnership with Sparklike in measuring insulating glass units (IGUs). This enduring commitment to quality control has earned SKAALA an outstanding reputation and unwavering customer satisfaction.

Putting Customer Satisfaction First

In a candid interview with the Director of Sales and Marketing at SKAALA, it becomes abundantly clear that customer satisfaction is the linchpin of their success. At SKAALA, they understand that without satisfied customers, there is no business. Hence, they have placed an unwavering focus on product quality and employ diverse measurement methods to ensure it.

Customer feedback is paramount at SKAALA. Regular surveys keep the pulse on customer satisfaction, enabling SKAALA to refine and elevate its services and products continually. This ongoing commitment ensures that customer satisfaction remains a top priority.

The Evolving Role of Windows

Today, windows and doors are not mere architectural elements; they are integral to the overall functionality and aesthetics of buildings. People now demand windows that cater to specific building needs, whether it’s energy efficiency, security, privacy, or thermal insulation.

Regarding heat insulation, Production Supervisor Jussi Valli at SKAALA emphasizes the importance of Argon gas over air, as it results in a lower U-value, signifying superior thermal transmittance. When combined with various coatings, Argon gas provides optimal protection and thermal control, resulting in top-tier insulation. This is precisely why SKAALA utilizes Sparklike Handheld and Laser Portable devices to meticulously measure gas concentration in IGUs, ensuring flawless performance and gas fill.

Innovations in the Glass Industry

Looking ahead, the glass industry is poised for groundbreaking innovations, and many of these will center around insulating glass units. Factors such as coatings, laminations, gases, the number of glass layers, and glass thickness all influence IGU properties. The Director of Sales and Marketing at SKAALA believes that these innovations are critical, as IGUs play a pivotal role in enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings, and global standards are becoming more stringent.

SKAALA’s Pursuit of Excellence

In conclusion, SKAALA’s primary objective is to become the most sought-after and trusted brand in the industry. They are achieving this by investing in product quality and ensuring that their offerings are always at the cutting edge of technology. Sparklike has been an integral part of SKAALA’s manufacturing process for decades, contributing to their legacy of excellence.

Discover More About SKAALA’s Quality Focus and Industry Trends

For further insights into SKAALA’s commitment to quality and their perspective on emerging industry trends, explore our in-depth article: “Window Manufacturer SKAALA Focuses On Quality – Read What They Think About The Trends In The Industry.”

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Source: Sparklike Oy with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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