New Metallic Glazing Products Available From Solutia For the European Architectural and Design Communities

All are now possible with Solutia's latest metallic addition to its Vanceva Design brand, launched for the European market today at the Glasstec 2002 International Tradefair.While exploring the possibilities of creating a metallic interlayer for glass, Solutia's technology team discovered a way to add a textured look to the glass at the same time. The effect is laminated glass that appears to have a rich, almost fabric-like appearance, while incorporating subtle shimmering elements. To add color, this special metallic interlayer can be combined with Solutia's range of ten foundational Vanceva Design color hues to achieve jewel-like brilliant color or softer shades. For a more custom look, various palette colors can be combined to create up to 62 different colors.

"As we continue to work on a more personal level with architects and designers, we realized they are increasingly looking for ways to make each project distinct and exciting," says Mitch Pulwer, Solutia's worldwide marketing director for laminated glazing products and services. "By offering the ability to add metallics, color, texture and great functionality to a piece of glass, we've expanded the European designer's palette significantly."

Three textures can be achieved within the metallic series. They include Linen, which has the appearance of a fine fabric. Honeycomb has a subtle geometric effect, while the Sandstone texture has the appearance of a granular bed of sand. Because the special effects are contained between two pieces of glass, they take on a deep, dimensional quality.

All Vanceva Design products share the functional benefits of laminated glass. These include superior safety and durability performance, sound abatement and high levels of solar performance. All Vanceva Design products may be used in either interior or exterior applications, giving architects and designers maximum flexibility to create truly distinctive spaces. Furniture manufacturer KI has already incorporated Vanceva Design into its popular Genius(TM) Full Height Moveable Walls.

The Vanceva family of products represents Solutia's response to customer needs. Near-term, Vanceva products are available to provide architectural glazing with superior benefits such as color, design and metallics. Additionally, Solutia is working on future benefit enhancements that provide architects and designers with even greater choices and design flexibility.