Glass for High-tech Architecture

It is a towering spectacle of statistics – 142 m in height, 50500 sq.m of built-up area with 30000 sq.m of office space, 25000 cubic meters of concrete, 250000 kgs of steel, 4349 openings, 4500 windows and 40 different colours.Glass for high-tech architecture is one of the key defining elements of Torre Agbar, with 59619 glass sheets serving as testimony.

Torre Agbar is named after its owners, the Agbar Group. It is a holding company with interests including the Barcelona Water Company Aigues de Barcelona. It has been designed by renowned French architect Jean Novel in collaboration with Spanish firm b720 Fermin Vasquez Arquitectos. Its design has been inspired by the Montserrat, a mountain near Barcelona and glass for high-tech architecture has helped to lend exquisiteness to the entire theme.

Saint-Gobain Glass at Torre Agbar – Barcelona, Spain Project Description Via Saint-Gobain Glass India Flickr Photostream

Torre Agbar is a proponent of Bio-climatic Architecture which advocates use of the most energy-efficient material in construction. Hence, glass, being an eco-friendly material, was liberally used in the building of Torre Agbar. Using glass for high-tech architecture also means the commitment to environmental sustainability is reinforced. The double-glazed dome allows ample ventilation as well as regulates air flow. The 4500 windows bring in natural light and help reduce expenditure on energy. None of the materials contain formaldehyde, asbestos or lead.

Glass for high-tech architecture is evident in the form of 4500 LED devices that allow luminous images to be generated on its facade. The nocturnal lighting is a sight to behold, with the glass panels constantly changing colours. For the facades, Saint-Gobain Glass solutions have been used to blend sustainability with visual aesthetics.

Via Saint-Gobain Glass India Flickr Photostream

SGG Climaplus was the ideal choice to ensure energy-efficiency across the building. A thermally insulating glass with light transmission of 80%, SGG Climaplus provides excellent daylight harvesting qualities. Hence it reduces costs incurred on both artificial heating as well as lighting. SGG Diamant is an extra clear glass which is valued for its attractive appearance and optical qualities. The lower iron content produces a higher light transmittance and a reduced green tint inherent in other glasses. The excellent clarity of this glass ensures true colours are seen and optimum vision quality is achieved when looking through the glass.

SGG Planitherm is a high performance low-E coated glass, to be processed into an insulating glass unit. It offers up to three times more thermal insulation compared to a standard non low-E double glazing unit. SGG Stadip is a laminated safety and security glass that offers protection against injury.

Saint-Gobain’s glass for high-tech architecture helped create an architectural marvel that is the Torre Agbar. Its multi-colored glass facade will continue to remind generations to come, of being one of the first and most spectacular landmarks of modern day Barcelona.