Searching for the ideal window
02 Strength: Performance

How should a window perform?

Until the 18th century, the main issue regarding firmitas (firmness) was the assertion that a building should not only be structurally stable but also appear to be so. This point of view was challenged in the mid-19th century, with structures that so ostentatiously defied the laws of gravity. The term daring became a popular epithet, as steel and reinforced concrete allowed for higher buildings with fewer and slender supports. But glass, perhaps more than other material, epitomizes this technical revolution.

With surfaces above 98% structural glass, minimalist windows are all about glazing. From an industrial point of view, more significant glass dimensions require larger tempering furnaces, smooth operability and technical performances impose precision and higher quality standards, often more demanding than defined by international glass processing norms. To keep up with new challenges, panoramah!® verticalized its industrial activity and integrated glass transformation in 2011-2013. Continuously investing in its transformation capacity ever since, it became one of the largest glass transformers in Europe with a 9-metre furnace and the ability to process double- and triple-glazed units up to 29sqm. Currently, panoramah!® is the only manufacturer of minimalist windows in the world that processes and manufactures the main components of its systems, having full control and accountability over the entire process.

This allows complying with the most demanding international performance and security requirements. Designed according to Minergie-P and Passivhaus standards, panoramah!®’s triple-glazed units provide exceptional thermal (up to 0,8W/m2.k) and sound insulation (up to 44dB) performances, while also keeping up to the highest wind load resistance (C5), air- and watertightness (including hurricane-rated solutions), and intrusion resistance (RC4) norms. Alongside, a series of add-ons – including multipoint lock systems, intrusion detectors, heated glass, customized motorization, leafbreak (soft close), integrated insect screens, balustrades, etc. – efficiently respond to the challenges of contemporary architectural design.

Click to read the chapter:
00 Introduction
01 Utility: Size & operability
03 Delight: Aesthetics & beyond