Glass for Transparency in Turkey’s Fashion House & Power Media Headquarters

A new headquarters for a Turkish fashion house Vakko and Power Media (Turkey’s equivalent of MTV) was built recently in Istanbul, Turkey. The construction of this structure was started on an old, abandoned and partially constructed concrete shell of a hotel. REX Architects created this building over an area of 9,100 m² (98,000 sq ft). Instead of hiding the old concrete skeleton of hotel, REX exposed it through a very thin and transparent glass façade, thus delivering their objective of creating a sustainable structure.

REX divided the construction of this structure into two structurally independent components. A ‘U-shaped' concrete skeleton (completed by a fourth side), labelled as “Ring”, was transformed into a conventional, flexible office space. At the ring’s centre, a new six-floor steel tower named ‘Showcase’, consisting of several special areas such as an auditorium, showrooms, meeting rooms and executive offices, and restrooms has been created.

Power Media Company, Turkey’s renowned music and television network at the upper floor of the skeleton’s subterranean parking incorporates a television studio, radio production facilities, and screening rooms.

The Transparent Glass façade of the building is stuffed with Glass Panes, which allow natural light to flood the interiors. At 5 feet by 10 feet, the 134 panels that wrap the building are a wafer-like 3/16th of an inch thick. Glass preferred for this building by the architects is Slumped Glass. This type of glass is repeatedly heated and cooled until it falls into a mould and assumes the mould’s form. Slumping is usually used for decoration purposes, but here it has been used for structural purposes: The glass panels feature an X-shaped impression that gives them vertical and lateral stiffness and strength. These glass panels are held in place by four simple pins at each corner.

Glass slumped with ‘X’ shape increases the glass’s strength. The thickness of the glass was thus reduced and the need for perimeter mullions was eliminated. The resulting ethereal glass “Saran Wrap” subtly reveals the Ring’s pre-existing concrete skeleton and suggests the Showcase behind. Glass panes give a clear view when viewed directly and capture light and reflections, when viewed from different angles.

The Showcase is clad in mirror-glass, cloaking the steel boxes with a mirage-like exterior, and enlivening the building’s interior to impart a kaleidoscopic effect. The slopes of the auditorium, showrooms, and meeting rooms create a circulation path that winds from the bottom upwards to the glass showcase.

Save Money through Energy Efficient Secondary Glazing

Implementation of Secondary Glazing can be the ideal path towards attainment of Niravana for Listed Buildings. Well not really, actually just the attainment of energy-efficiency. Secondary Glazing is also recommended for buildings in conservation areas where replacing existing windows is not a practical option. In implementing this option, there is no planning consent required; there are also no maintenance problems. And of course, the biggest benefit is the monetary one; where power and water bills dip significantly. Secondary Glazing also helps create a thermal barrier and controls the penetration of noise from the outside.

Secondary Glazing is unobtrusive, can be flexible or fixed, and can be installed quickly and without the need for building works or redecoration.

Energy Efficient Secondary Glazing involves adding an extra slim-line window in addition to existing windows. Secondary Glazing is often made from slim-line, durable aluminium. It is virtually maintenance-free and gives several years of trouble-free service. Secondary Glazing comes in many styles and colours to match existing windows. Curtains and blinds remain almost unaffected. Secondary Double Glazing is perfect for listed buildings and rented accommodation where altering or replacing the prime window is not possible.

Secondary Glazing can be implemented using a range of glass depending on the key objective. By fitting standard 4mm "float" or "toughened" glazing, a significant reduction in noise and draughts can be attained. For reduction in heat loss, a 4mm glass with a low energy coating on one side can be used. This coating reflects heat back into the room.

Advantages

• Eliminates draughts and offers thermal insulation
• Provides sound insulation
• Retains the character of existing windows
• It is unobtrusive – slender frames do not detract from the look of the rooms
• Offers a choice of fixed, hinged, lift-out plus vertical and horizontal sliding units
• Can be opened, slid aside or removed completely
• Is significantly cheaper than replacement double glazed windows
• Is quick to install and does not require redecoration after fitting
• No planning consent required
• Is easy to maintain and clean
• Increases home security
  

Applications

Secondary glazing is applicable mainly in the following areas:

• Single glass conservatories and outhouses
• Home offices such as garden cabins where heat loss is high
• Offices, schools, place of worship, pubs and other business premises
  

Secondary Double Glazing

“Secondary Double Glazing” is the term used to refer to the process of insulation that involves fixing a window or a door on the inside of another window or door. A space is left between the panes so that the air inside can act as an insulator.

Secondary Double Glazing is actually an inexpensive way of insulating a room against external noise. Installation of Secondary Double Glazing on the doors and windows reduces 50 percent of the total heat loss. This implies a redundancy in the purchase of room heaters - All that has to be done is close the windows and doors for the interiors to get warm within no time. Thus, Secondary Double Glazing is a definite step towards attaining energy-efficiency.

Another benefit of Secondary Double Glazing is enhancement in security. The double glaze will deter burglars who will find it rather hard to break into the premises! The double glaze makes doors and windows strong and durable. This type of security glazing is common in safe rooms, banks, computer facilities and vulnerable laboratories. Most conventional wooden doors and windows are likely to get damaged by extreme weather conditions; secondary double glazed doors and windows have no chance of getting affected by adverse weather conditions.

Other benefits of Secondary Double Glazing include draft proofing and reduction in the entry of dust, obstruction of UV light, and so on. Secondary Double Glazing is a common feature in many buildings that require high levels of noise reduction. For efficient noise reduction, the material that is normally used for Secondary Double Glazing is acoustic glass. Asymmetric secondary double glazing is the best method for effective acoustic noise reduction.

There is a wide array of materials that can be used for Secondary Double Glazing. The most commonly used is the UPVC double glazing. UPVC is available in many colors including white, light shades of blue, brown and cream. They are also available in different styles and sizes.

Other materials that can be used for Secondary Double Glazing are aluminum, preferred for its strength and durability, and hardwood.