Natural light is a fundamental resource for architecture. It enhances spaces, improves the relationship between interior and exterior, and contributes to the quality of environments. Glass surfaces, however, must also help manage solar radiation.
Selective glass, also called solar control glass, fits into this balance: a solution designed to promote the passage of light while limiting some solar energy.
What is selective glass?
Selective glass is a type of glass characterized by a treatment that modifies its behavior with respect to solar radiation.
Its goal is to meet two requirements: to promote the entry of natural light and to help control solar heat. For this reason, it is used in facades, windows, roofs, and large transparent surfaces, especially when the exposure and size of the glass can affect interior comfort.
According to ENEA’s technical materials, there are glass components designed to combine high light permeability with reduced solar gain, which is particularly important in environments that rely on air conditioning during the summer.
How does solar control work?
Solar radiation includes visible light and other energy components. Solar control glass is designed to control the passage of these components, allowing light to enter while limiting part of the energy responsible for heating spaces.
Parameters used to evaluate its behavior include light transmission and solar factor, also indicated by g. The former helps understand how much light passes through the glass surface; the latter expresses the contribution of solar energy transmitted inward.
Selective glass and low-emissivity glass: what’s the difference?
The two solutions do not perform exactly the same function.
Low-emissivity glass is primarily aimed at improving thermal insulation by reducing heat exchange through the glass surface. Selective glass, on the other hand, works more specifically to control solar gain.
Within an insulating glass unit, various features can be combined to simultaneously meet the needs of insulation, natural lighting, and thermal comfort.
Why choose solar control glass?
Selective glass can help:
- reduce the risk of overheating;
- maintain a good level of natural lighting;
- improve the comfort of interior spaces;
- support a more thoughtful design of large glass surfaces.
However, there is no single ideal glass. Orientation, climate, building geometry, the presence of shading systems, and intended use all influence the choice.
Solar control glass must therefore be evaluated based on the project and the required performance, considering the behavior of the entire building envelope.
Solar control glass according to Soglianese Costruzioni
For Soglianese Costruzioni, glass is an integral part of the architectural project: not just a simple transparent surface, but an element capable of contributing to the light, comfort, and performance of the building envelope.
The choice of glass type is based on the building’s characteristics and design requirements. For large glazed surfaces, the use of selective and solar control glass allows for the balance between transparency and radiation, maintaining the architectural value of the glazed surface and helping to control solar gain.
The Soglianese Costruzioni approach expresses itself precisely in its ability to combine material, technology, and design: each glazing solution is designed based on the architecture in which it will be inserted and the performance it must guarantee.
Key points of the article
- Selective or solar control glass allows light to enter, helping to limit part of the solar energy gain.
- Key parameters include light transmission and solar factor.
- Selective glass and low-emissivity glass meet different needs, but can be combined.
- The choice depends on orientation, climate, size of the glazed surfaces, and intended use.
- Glass must be considered an integral part of the building envelope and the design strategy.
- Soglianese Costruzioni interprets glass as an element in which transparency, technology, and performance work together.
