Laminated glass has been a recognized design material employed extensively in Europe for many years, its use continues to expand and can provide design benefits. In addition to the safety and security benefits it employs, PVB laminated glass can contribute to the comfort, health, and well-being of building occupants in terms of daylighting, sound control, solar/UV control, structural enhancement, and colour aesthetics.

Laminated glass, which is formed by bonding an interlayer between two pieces of glass under heat and pressure, is a differentiated alternative to the often-specified tempered glass in safety applications. Unlike tempered safety glass, which breaks into small pieces, laminated glass tends to contain the broken glass shards and helps maintain the building envelope. It can provide demonstrated bird protection, security, sound, and storm benefits as well.

As the building industry examines these performance issues, design criteria, and the effect on occupant comfort, architects are increasingly turning to laminated glass because of its many high-performance benefits.

By the end of this CPD delegates ought to be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the performance benefits of PVB laminated versus non-laminated glass for safety and security applications.

2. Describe how health and welfare benefits may result from sound transmission reduction and how laminated glass contributes.

3. Recognize the importance of bird protection in architectural design and how laminated glass can contribute to reducing bird collisions, ensuring compliance with bird safety standards and regulations.

4. Recognize how colour PVB may influence wellness and assist architects and designers in obtaining their design goals.

5. Illustrate the design possibilities utilizing multiple high-performance capabilities in laminated glass to influence efficiency and elevate the human experience.

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