Practical challenge
Since the construction of the first skyscraper in Chicago in 1885, glass and steel facades came to serve as models for the Bauhaus movement in Germany and Le Corbusier in France, among others. At the same time, the combination of glass and steel also posed a practical challenge, because it tends to turn cold or burning hot according to the temperature. Today, double and triple glazing have solved the problems of insulation.
Major improvement
The Fiberline Facade System consists of window frames constructed in a new composite material. GRP composite is made up of glass filaments and polyester mixed to slightly resemble wood. When backlighted it reveals long glass filaments like veins in a piece of wood. Researchers have been testing the material for several years. Buildings with composite window frames have better insulation properties and much lower energy consumption. The Fiberline Facade System also lets more light into the building, because the frames are thinner than usual and become translucent in sunlight. A practical feature in Scandinavia where we have so little natural light in the winter months.
Strong and brittle glass
Glass is strong, yet brittle. By applying glass filaments, you get the glass to work with the glass in frames and windows, which is an advantage, since heat makes glass expand and cold makes it contract. The Fiberline Facade System thus achieves three objectives at once: beauty, increased durability and better insulation.
You will be able to see the Fiberline Facade System for yourself when the new sports and activity centre in Birkeroed, north of Copenhagen, is finished in 2007.
Charlotte Jul is design writer and editor at KUNSTUFF, a Danish handicraft and design magazine.
Facade System, 2006. Photo: Poul Elmstrøm, Fiberline Composites.