The £4.5 million Tai Porth Llechog development, delivered by AH2 Developments, occupies the former site of the Bull Bay Hotel overlooking Bull Bay on Anglesey’s rugged northern coastline. The project has converted a long-derelict location into an exclusive collection of 13 luxury properties, including apartments, detached homes, a dormer bungalow and a mews house.

Given the development’s exposed cliff-top setting, glazing performance was a critical consideration throughout the design and construction process. Main contractor DU Construction Ltd selected Profile 22 and PatioMaster systems manufactured by approved commercial partner Heritage Trade Frames to meet both aesthetic and technical requirements.

The coastal location presented significant environmental challenges, including strong winds, driving rain and continuous exposure to harsh marine conditions. To ensure long-term durability and occupant comfort, the installed products were required to achieve severe weather performance ratings in accordance with BS6375 standards. This included air permeability and water tightness ratings of 600Pa, together with wind resistance performance of up to 2400Pa.

A total of 80 Profile 22 Flush Casement windows and seven Profile 22 French doors were manufactured for the project, alongside several PatioMaster sliding door configurations and composite entrance doors. The flush casement design was chosen for its ability to replicate the appearance of traditional timber frames while delivering the thermal efficiency, low-maintenance benefits and weather resistance associated with modern PVC-U systems.

Finished in anthracite grey externally and white internally, the glazing package complements the development’s contemporary coastal architecture while maximising uninterrupted views of the Irish Sea.

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TECGLASS, a specialist in digital printing systems for flat glass, is helping drive this transformation through its advanced digital ceramic printing solutions designed specifically for photovoltaic glass.

A major innovation is the company’s Jetver Translucent ceramic ink range, developed to provide vibrant colors and customized designs while preserving solar performance. Unlike traditional decorative coatings that can significantly reduce light transmission, Jetver Translucent inks are engineered to maximize transparency and minimize energy losses.

The technology allows manufacturers to create customized colors, patterns, gradients, and visual effects without compromising the functional requirements of solar modules. This capability is particularly valuable for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), where solar panels are expected to blend seamlessly into façades, roofs, balustrades, and other architectural elements.

To validate its performance, TECGLASS collaborated with the renowned Fraunhofer CSP research institute on a study titled Evaluation of Colored Glasses for PV Applications. The research examined the impact of different ceramic ink configurations on photovoltaic efficiency and confirmed that digitally printed glass can maintain between 80% and 95% of the original module efficiency, depending on the color and design applied.

Beyond aesthetics, digital ceramic printing offers several technical advantages, including high durability, resistance to environmental exposure, precise image quality without pixelation, and minimal ink deposition on the glass surface.

As architects and developers continue to demand visually integrated renewable energy solutions, digital ceramic printing is becoming an increasingly important tool for solar manufacturers. By combining design flexibility with proven performance, TECGLASS is helping shape a new generation of solar modules where efficiency and aesthetics coexist seamlessly.

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Mahon Windows had previously invested in an Emmegi Phantomatic M3 and a Someco 4TVH in-line welder, both supplied and commissioned by Emmegi’s specialist Irish sales and engineering team. Following the performance of those systems, the company selected the Someco SBZ SM11 CNC sawing and machining centre to support increasing production demands and future expansion plans.

Located in Athlone, Mahon Windows operates across both trade and commercial sectors, with a focus on precision fabrication and consistent production quality. According to James O’Connell, Emmegi’s Sales Manager for Ireland, the SBZ SM11 was identified as the ideal solution due to its advanced automation features and compatibility with Mahon’s existing Someco welding systems.

The SBZ SM11 is a 13-axis CNC machining centre designed for milling, cutting, and welding preparation of PVC profiles. The system incorporates a through-feed bar design for continuous high-speed processing, profile verification technology, and eleven electrospindles capable of machining all sides of the profile. It also features an integrated contouring module optimised for Seamless® welding preparation.

The machine was linked to Forterro’s Evolution manufacturing software, enabling Industry 4.0-ready production tracking and remote diagnostics functionality.

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Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and reportedly designed by Foster + Partners, the Rise Tower is intended to surpass all existing skyscrapers in both height and technological complexity. If realized, the structure would rise to approximately 6,562 feet, nearly twice the height of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, fundamentally redefining the limits of vertical construction.

The tower is planned as a fully integrated mixed-use vertical city, combining luxury residences, premium office spaces, five-star hospitality, retail environments, fine dining destinations, cultural venues, observation decks, and entertainment facilities within a single structure. Rather than functioning solely as a skyscraper, the project is conceived as a self-sustaining urban ecosystem.

One of the project’s defining characteristics is its sustainability agenda. Current concepts indicate the integration of photovoltaic façade systems, embedded wind turbines, greywater recycling infrastructure, and AI-driven energy management systems designed to support net-zero operational ambitions. In Riyadh’s extreme desert climate, the building is also expected to incorporate advanced passive cooling strategies, solar shading technologies, and high-performance façade engineering to reduce thermal loads and energy consumption.

However, the project also presents unprecedented technical challenges. At a height of 2 kilometers, conventional structural systems, elevator technologies, and wind-resistance strategies become insufficient. Engineers would need to address complex aerodynamic forces, structural sway, pressure variations, and vertical transportation systems on a scale never before attempted. Experts anticipate the tower would require multiple sky lobbies, segmented structural zones, and entirely new approaches to high-altitude building performance.

As of April 2026, the project remains in the conceptual and tendering phases, with construction reportedly targeted to begin in 2026 and completion envisioned around 2030. Nevertheless, no formal groundbreaking ceremony or final construction contracts have yet been publicly confirmed, leading many industry observers to approach the timeline cautiously.

Beyond the tower itself, the broader North Pole District is expected to cover approximately 306 square kilometers, forming a next-generation smart city development focused on technology, mobility, finance, tourism, and innovation. The scale and ambition of the district align with Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the national economy while establishing the Kingdom as a global center for design, infrastructure, and future urbanism.

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At Stand B1.26, Pujol Group will present a comprehensive portfolio of advanced technologies designed to enhance efficiency, performance, and safety in glass processing. Among the highlights are its high-performance laminating systems, including Lam Pro and Pujol 100 PVB+, an exclusive autoclave-free solution compatible with PVB, EVA, and SGP interlayers. These systems are engineered to optimize production while maintaining superior quality standards.

Visitors will also be introduced to Temper Flex, a solution focused on maximizing productivity while reducing energy consumption. In addition, the company will showcase the TQ System, designed for the chemical tempering of glass across various thicknesses and geometries, as well as its Heat Soak Test (HST) system, which improves safety by detecting internal defects.

Alongside Pujol Group, Evalam will feature its latest EVA interlayer innovations, including decorative and structural solutions tailored for demanding architectural applications.

The post Pujol Group Returns to Glass-Tech Poland 2026 with Advanced Glass Processing Solutions appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The new installation represents a significant step in reducing the plant’s carbon footprint, with expected savings of 1,909 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in Scope 2 (market-based). This reduction highlights Vidrala’s continued efforts to build a more energy-efficient and resilient production model, less dependent on external energy market fluctuations.

The Llodio site, which also serves as the company’s headquarters, produces around 500 million glass containers annually. The EUR 3.2 million investment will benefit from a 25 percent incentive provided by the Basque Government, supporting regional decarbonisation goals.

This initiative forms part of Vidrala’s broader roadmap to enhance sustainability across its operations, including increasing recycled glass usage, advancing furnace electrification, and transitioning toward cleaner energy sources.

The post Vidrala Installs 7 MW Solar Plant to Accelerate Decarbonisation at Llodio Facility appeared first on GlassBalkan.

As Japan approaches a wave of PV system decommissioning beyond 2030, the need for effective recycling solutions is increasing. PV cover glass has been particularly difficult to reuse due to its specialised composition and strong encapsulation materials.

For this trial, the glass was recovered using Tokuyama Corporation’s low-temperature thermal decomposition technology at its Hokkaido facility. The extracted material was then introduced into the raw batch at NSG Group’s Chiba Plant float furnace in Ichihara during a controlled manufacturing run.

The trial evaluated both product quality and operational stability, confirming that recycled PV cover glass can be reused under defined conditions without compromising performance. This establishes a viable pathway for horizontal recycling within float glass production.

The process supports reduced consumption of primary raw materials such as silica sand and soda ash, while increasing cullet usage improves furnace efficiency and lowers CO₂ emissions.

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Explaining new conservatories, windows, or doors to customers can be challenging, but vsHome simplifies the process. This software allows the team to design, visualise, and price a wide range of products digitally. Users can easily apply discounts, markups, and finance options, and export branded reports instantly. Once a design is finalised in vsHome, it can be transferred to VisiRoom for an interactive, in-home experience.

Andrew, technical supervisor at Stafford uPVC Windows, explains, “We love the VisiRoom app; it’s now a real USP for our business. Showing customers exactly how their designs will look on a tablet or phone makes such a difference.” Homeowners can explore their projects in real time, helping them make confident decisions while understanding the product features more clearly.

The team found onboarding with PST straightforward, praising the company’s responsive customer support. According to Andrew, knowing expert help is always available provided confidence in using the system.

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At the fair, Şişecam will showcase Şişecam SolarMax, a high-performance glass designed to enhance efficiency in photovoltaic (PV) modules. With its low iron composition, SolarMax will ensure high light transmittance, while its special Anti-Reflective (AR) coating will reduce light reflection, increasing the amount of light absorbed by solar panels. This will translate into higher energy generation and long-lasting performance. Its temperable structure will further strengthen panels, protecting them against harsh environmental conditions. SolarMax will be offered for commercial-scale solar projects, reflecting Şişecam’s commitment to supporting large-scale renewable energy investments.

Şişecam will continue to expand its production capacity and invest in next-generation solar technologies, demonstrating its advanced manufacturing capabilities. SolarMax not only will enhance PV panel efficiency but also will strengthen Şişecam’s position as an innovator in solar energy and glass technology.

Another highlight will be Şişecam Charger by ML System, a façade and roof solution that will transform glass surfaces into energy-generating structures using building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology. Developed in partnership with ML System, this solution will combine architectural design with electricity production, enabling façades and roofs to generate energy without compromising aesthetics. Tempered for durability, it also will offer comprehensive documentation for smooth technical integration, turning buildings from energy consumers into energy producers.

Throughout Solarex Istanbul, Şişecam will welcome visitors to its booth, where it will showcase its expertise in solar energy, advanced glass technologies, and innovative solutions that will support sustainable energy transformation.

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Jansen AG, headquartered in Oberriet, Switzerland, is an internationally active company with more than 100 years of experience in developing steel profile systems for windows, doors, fire protection and façades. Alongside its steel expertise, Jansen also provides plastic solutions and high-quality powder coating services. Schüco International KG, based in Bielefeld, Germany, celebrates its 75th anniversary and is known worldwide for aluminium, steel and PVC-U system solutions focused on quality, sustainability and lifecycle performance.

Under the renewed agreements, Jansen will continue to distribute Schüco aluminium systems exclusively in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. At the same time, Schüco retains exclusive distribution rights for Jansen steel systems in key European markets including Germany, Luxembourg, the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Finland, the Baltic States and Greece. The cooperation reflects a partnership that began in aluminium in 1978 and expanded into steel distribution in 2000, proving the strength of a long-standing sales model.

A new addition strengthens the collaboration further: since 1 January 2026, Schüco International S.C.S. in France has begun distributing a significant portion of steel systems from the former RP Technik Profilsysteme GmbH in France and the French overseas territories under the RP Technik name.

Leadership from both companies emphasised shared values, innovation and customer focus as key drivers behind the renewal. In a market facing increasing change and sustainability demands, the extended partnership highlights stability, technical expertise and a joint commitment to delivering advanced steel and aluminium solutions for modern architecture.

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