208 Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture
- GLAZING TYPES/DAYLIGHT CONTROLS
Clear glass In terms of window glass this can be of several types and
combinations, such as double or triple glazing, its principle characteristic
being that it allows the view to the exterior to be unmodified.
Electrochromic glass Glass designed to respond indirectly to an electric
current, which alters its transmission value.
Glass blocks Glass blocks have seen a recent revival, in allowing a wall
which both lets in light and acts as a structural member.
Laminated glass Glass with internal sheets of plastic, laminated
together to provide a sandwich for greater strength. The nature of the
sandwich can be designed for different uses, such as U/V protection.
Low emissivity glass Glass where the radiating power of heat or light is
reduced by having a heat reflecting coat applied to it.
Patterned glass Glasses rolled to give a wide variety of patterns which
diffuse the light.
Photochromic glass Glass responding directly to an environment sti-
mulus, such as heat or light, which alters its transmission value.
Prismatic panels Panels formed to alter the path of daylight, so as to
redirect it either to cut out glare, or to introduce light for useful purposes.
Tinted glass Applied to glass which is modified by the addition of
different materials to achieve a variety of colours such as green, grey,
bronze or blue; the thicker the glass the more dense the colour. The
glasses provide different light and solar radiant heat transmission char-
acteristics.
Venetian blinds A time-honoured blind formed of controllable hori-
zontal slats which can be used separately or combined in between sheets
of glass to monitor daylight and glare.
Wired glass Glass with a wire mesh embedded, useful for security.