It’s that time of year again – and as the nights draw in and the mornings grow colder, external condensation on your windows may begin to appear in the early hours if you’ve upgraded your windows using high performing energy-efficient glazing. 

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With public awareness now high around fire safety, Steve Bond, customer and technical support manager - fire protection at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, discusses how to specify fire-resistant glazing, as part of Fire Door Safety Week.

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This week is Fire Door Safety Week, an initiative to help raise awareness of the crucial role fire doors play in buildings. Fire-protection glass is an important component within a fire door, and we regularly work with organisations to raise awareness of fire glass’ protective abilities.

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As the nights get longer and colder, keeping your home warm - especially in the evenings - can be difficult. Making use of the Pilkington K Glass™ range in your home can help to keep your rooms cosy all year round.

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It’s become a staple feature in shops, offices and public places but now decorative glass is enjoying an interior design comeback in our homes too.

And when you see it in situ, it’s easy to see why. Perfect for creating feature windows and room dividers or for use on splashbacks, cupboards and doors, this versatile glass offers an easy and affordable way to add light and flair in a wide range of settings.

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In an increasingly busy and hectic world, noise pollution can begin to have an impact on our daily lives.

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As we go into the summer months, a comfortable indoor temperature is more important than ever. To help keep your homes at a comfortable temperature all year round, you could make use of recently launched Pilkington Suncool™ One.

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‘Will windows be bad for my indoor plants?’ isn’t a question frequently put to installers or insulating glass unit (IGU) manufacturers. However, it’s an important concern when specifying glazing for orangeries, atria, or plant enthusiasts.

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In today’s technology-driven homes, features which are multi-functional as well as decorative are particularly sought after.

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Conservatories can be a stunning addition to any home, providing a relaxing space to enjoy the best of indoor and outdoor living.

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We’ve made new improvements to Spectrum, our Windows-based tool that helps speed up the glass specification process.

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We are all searching for new ways to create light and stylish spaces — and using large expanses of glass offers a myriad of interesting ways to achieve this clean, modern look.

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We’re all aware of the positive impact nature can have on our health and wellbeing, so it’s no surprise many of us are keen to bring a little of the outside in when it comes to our homes.

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The latest research by Pilkington United Kingdom Limited highlights that the average UK homeowner has spent £11,240 on home improvements during the last five years, choosing to adapt their living space rather than moving elsewhere to meet their changing needs.

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Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, is helping to build a new home for rescued pet Marmosets at The Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall.

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Phil Brown, European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington UK, looks at the origins of glass breakages and best practice for identifying causes and providing solutions.

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Large windows, as well as glass walls and roofs are now being used more than ever to create studies and studios that provide perfect thinking spaces, defined by show-stopping views and natural light.

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Decorative glass has been used through the ages to provide windows and doors with beauty, style and elegance – and the timeless craft has been revived over the last two decades as modern home owners have discovered its ability to add character and charm to a property.

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What is Fire Door Safety Week and why is it important for glass? 

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Technology already plays a huge part in our work and social lives, but in 2016 we’re seeing an emerging trend for tech products that aim to simplify our home lives.

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Now more than ever, people are realising the importance of sustainability in the home. We’re beginning to understand that our buying decisions have a big impact on our planet - according to the global Regeneration Consumer Study, 65% of us feel “a sense of responsibility to purchase products that are good for the environment”.

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Exposure to natural light has been directly linked to greater workplace performance, with the absence of windows positively correlated with workplace stress. A study into the psychological aspects of lighting by B.L. Collins found that 35% of employees instantly identified the absence of natural light as the major concern associated with their office environment, resulting in feelings of isolation, tension and claustrophobia.

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Greater emphasis than ever is being placed on the concept of ‘wellness’ when it comes to house design. More and more homeowners are looking for a light space in which they can ‘unplug’, de-clutter and unwind.

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Since its inception five years ago, the incredible Mercedes-Benz Manhattan Showroom has been a stand out landmark on the West side of Manhattan. With its large glass façade, it sits underneath Mercedes House, a luxury apartment building

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We are proud to announce that Simon Slade, the principal technologist at NSG Group's European Technical Centre, has been awarded a prestigious ICG Turner prize – the first Britain to win the award in ten years. 

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Jennie Marron, contact centre manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, discusses the company’s approach to customer service and explains how the contact centre has helped to deliver an enhanced service to clients.

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You may have already heard that we are now offering a new service called My Pilkington –an online service aimed at business professionals and architects. But if you’re not totally sure how it will benefit you, we’re here to help you find out.

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Recently the Construction Products Association (CPA) unveiled their construction industry forecasts for 2016 – 2019. The CPA acts as a single voice to promote and campaign for the construction product manufacturers and suppliers in support of this major UK industry.

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A property expert has claimed that the popularity of tall buildings is climbing – almost as much the buildings themselves! This is especially true for Dubai because near to 190 skyscrapers have shot up in the past 15 years. London, on the other hand, has only had 23 built in the same amount of time.

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Offering elegant shapes, striking colours and subtle effects, the Pilkington Decorative Glass range is the perfect way to turn a basic construction material into a focal point for any room.

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Your windows can have a big impact on the amount of energy you use, the comfort of your home and the cost of heating it – and if you’re thinking of replacing them or simply in need of new windows, look no further than the Pilkington energiKare™ range.

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2045 may seem like an eternity away — however, equipment hire specialist Hewden has taken a peak into the future of construction, with some fascinating results. The report predicts not only how the industry will look in 2045, but also points towards some unexpected uses of technology, like how Artificial Intelligence may be incorporated into building infrastructure.

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Pilkington Planar™ systems remain the world’s market leader for structural glazing systems, with a proven track record in the most demanding applications.

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SAFE AS HOUSES

Creating a safe and secure home should be at the heart of any residential project and as we creep into winter, with the days becoming darker and the nights longer, it’s more important that people know how to best protect their property. October is officially National Home Security Month and with a 20 per cent increase in burglaries throughout the darker months of the year, now is an opportune time to raise awareness of home security.

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An independent study commissioned by Glass for Europe has discovered that the social and economic benefits of glazed buildings extend far beyond aesthetics and energy-efficiency.

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Providing countless applications across a wide selection of industries and disciplines, architects are constantly developing new ways to explore and challenge the versatility of glass.

So, it’s no wonder that world records are constantly being broken – the latest being the world’s tallest and longest glass pedestrian bridge, which is set to be claimed by the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China.

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If the thought of spending endless hours cleaning windows puts you off building a new conservatory or installing skylights, then Pilkington self-cleaning glass is precisely what you need.

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In the April issue of Glass and Glazing Products, our European technical advisory manager, Phil Brown, discusses landmark moments in glass manufacturing…

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In a recent issue of Glass and Glazing Products, our project specification manager, Tim Fagg, explores how solar control glazing can help to tackle CO₂ emissions…

With demand for commercial and domestic buildings to be both comfortable and productive places to live and work, it’s no surprise that heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) are considered a must in most public buildings. Yet they are one of the biggest contributors to energy bills and property maintenance costs, not to mention carbon footprint.

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Your windows experience the extremes of all environmental conditions – whether it’s rain, wind, hail or snow, they provide a barrier protecting you from the elements. However, broken seals and improperly fitted windows can leave you exposed to frequent temperature changes, as well as higher energy fuel bills due to the loss of heat.

If your PVCu, timber or aluminum window frames are in good condition, there’s no need to actually replace the whole window frame. You can simply upgrade the glass to Pilkington energiKare™ double-glazing.

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Displaying the benefits of Pilkington Activ™, The Building Research Establishment (BRE) have previously published results of a six-month research and evaluation project on the world’s first dual action self-cleaning glass.

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We’re pleased to announce that our ultra low-emissivity glazing, Pilkington K Glass™ S, has been chosen for use in a specialist housing development, which was recently showcased at an open day event in Yorkshire.

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Designed to give companies that buy and specify Pilkington products 24/7 access to a wealth of exclusive content and facilities, My Pilkington™ offers many key features that aren’t accessible via  our main website.

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Available in a wide variety of contemporary and traditional designs, our range of stunning, high-end decorative glass is perfectly suited for use throughout the home. Offering privacy with a stylish look, each design offers five different levels of opacity, from 1 (least obscuration) to 5 (greatest obscuration).

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Here at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited. We not only offer an extensive range of glass products but, we also have a selection of online tools and resources that can help support homeowners, specifiers, as well as architects on their next project or build.

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2015 looks set to be the Year of Training for the glass and glazing industry.

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Your windows can have a big impact on the amount of energy you use, the comfort of your home and the cost of heating it – and if you’re thinking of replacing them, look no further than the Pilkington energiKare™ system.

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No matter what the source is – railways, airports or busy roads – we’re constantly surrounded by invasive noise pollution. Unfortunately, future trend research predicts that noise levels are only going to worsen as the volume of traffic and transport increases.

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Our commercial sector manager, Phil Savage, discusses the advent of structural glazing…

Whether it’s a full glass façade or a more modest floor-to-ceiling window, structural glazing systems offer architects and installers the design flexibility to blend the desirable aesthetics of glass with the functionality of other traditional building materials.

As well as being a popular choice among architects, structural glazing can also offer building occupiers numerous benefits too.

Modern systems, like Pilkington Planar™, combine a range of properties, like solar control, self-cleaning and low-emissivity, all while allowing vast amounts of light into the room. This creates a comfortable and spacious environment, without contributing to heightened energy bills or carbon footprint.

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Here at Pilkington UK Limited, we’ve been delivering unique and effective glass products for use in commercial and residential applications for 188 years.

Technically responsive, our team has the knowledge and ability to successfully respond to challenges when raised. And in 1950 that is exactly what we did, when we created the world’s largest plate glass window.

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A conservatory is much more than just an extension, it’s a light, airy space that opens up the home, providing an area to relax and entertain.

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External condensation is a common problem associated with highly efficient Insulating Glass Units (IGUs). This natural phenomenon occurs when the external surface temperature of a glass pane drops below the dew point – occurring usually during the autumn and winter months.

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We’re pleased to announce that Emplas, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of domestic windows, doors and conservatories, has chosen to source all of its glass from Pilkington UK.

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In our latest blog, Phil Brown, Pilkington’s Technical Advisory Service Manager, explains the nations obsession with quizzes, whilst also wrapping up the last week of Pilkington PK1 training courses.

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With 24 fire stations located across the area, Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service was established to help create safer communities and protect community interests.

In addition to responding to all emergency calls from the public, they also deal with many other domestic situations such as flooding, storm damage, and people unable to gain access to premises. Recently, we welcomed them into our Lathom fire testing facility to talk about the NSG fire-resistant glazing range.

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In the July issue of Glass Times, our senior research scientist, Monica Hughes, explained the importance of investing in the latest glazing technologies.

Here’s what she had to say…

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In his latest blog, Phil Brown, Technical Advisory Service Manager, discusses how technology has changed customer expectations of their suppliers and how manufacturers are responding.

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Product manager for Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, Kristian Chalmers discusses the beauty of decorative glazing in a recent issue of Glass and Glazing Products magazine.

Find out what she had to say and pick-up a couple of hints and tips on how best to specify.

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Replacing your windows doesn’t have to be a costly exercise. If your property’s PVCu, timber or aluminium frames are in good condition, there’s no need to replace them – simply upgrade the insulating glass unit. This can provide improved benefits such as the reduction of unwanted noise, increased safety or security as well as improved energy efficiency.

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Glass is a recyclable material, which plays an important role in the thermal insulation of buildings.  With energy costs rising, and over 25% of heat from homes escaping through the windows, more emphasis is being placed on ways to save energy in all types of domestic, commercial and public buildings.

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In the latest Pilkington blog, Phil Brown explains how an unexpected Christmas present led him to thinking about the modern construction miracle that is float glass.

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Our very own Tony Smith, business development manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, appeared in the June issue of Glass and Glazing Products magazine discussing his views on the ongoing industry debate about triple glazing.

Tony shares some of his thoughts…

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Due to popular demand and a huge surge in applications over the past week, the government funded Green Deal Home Improvement fund has now closed due to budget allocation.

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Kristian Chalmers, product manager and commercial manager (coatings) shares her thoughts on some of the most impressive innovations in modern glazing in the June issue of Windows Active magazine.

Let’s see what she had to say…

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The main challenges for the automotive glass industry have traditionally been to provide safety, security, durability, excellent visibility as well as style and comfort for drivers and their passengers. But now the weight of glass has also been called into question

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The Pilkington range of decorative glass helps homeowners transform a basic construction material into a practical means of adding style and elegance into the home.

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It was Product Knowledge week this week at Pilkington.  This time it was the Advanced Product Knowledge training course, popularly known as PK2.

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We are pleased to announce that we will be returning to the Fabricator Installer Trade Show (FIT Show) on the 10th–12th June, where we’ll be exhibiting our latest innovations in high performance glass.

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Helping to celebrate the art of the Renaissance, Pilkington glass products have played a major role in helping to showcase Bernaino Luini’s work at the Palazzo Reale, Milan.

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We’re pleased to announce that next week is the start of a series of live Twitter Q&A’s, being held on Pilkington Glass Twitter handle, @PilkingtonUK – featuring our Glass Expert and Technical Advisory Service Manager Phil Brown.

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Shadow Minister for Industry Iain Wright MP, along with Dave Watts, MP for St Helens North, got a chance to see advanced manufacturing in action when they visited our St Helens site.

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Pilkington Spacia™ has been recognised by Japan’s Green Watchdog ECCJ as a superior energy- efficient product, awarding it with the Energy Conservation Prize.

The ECCJ (Energy Conservation Center, Japan) promotes energy conservation both in the domestic and commercial sectors. The Center looks to encourage international cooperation and increased activity to ensure the reduction of energy usage worldwide.

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Norman Foster epitomises contemporary architecture. His aesthetically ground-breaking concepts have transformed structures and cities – revolutionising architecture for today’s modern world.

Foster’s innovative vision has seen him construct visual landmarks around the world. Moving forward with the times, he has expertly executed the implementation of glass as the focal feature of structures.

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Imperial Tobacco’s new HQ has achieved a sustainability certification of Excellent from the world’s leading assessment method for sustainable buildings, BREEAM, with help from Pilkington Suncool™ 70/40.

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Luxury tree house designer, Blue Forest, showcases its latest project as the centre-piece for The Ideal Home Show in London. Labelled as the quietest house in the world – The Quiet Tree House is a tranquil tree-home complete with next generation sound engineering featuring Pilkington Optiphon™.

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To pay tribute to new and breathtaking architectural design concepts, we have collated our top three architects that are leading the way in building innovation in 2014 - highlighting buildings and projects from the renowned Zaha Hadid, Renzo Piano and Daniel Libeskind.

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Architectural concepts are increasingly becoming more extravagant and complex in design. Identifying some that have helped change the skylines of 2013, we’ve highlighted some of our favourites including the gravity defying Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the Torre de Especialidadesis, a hospital in Mexico that eats pollution and finally, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

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Durham University’s new £16million Business School utilises Pilkington Planar™ to create an inspiring atmosphere for students to learn.

The world-renowned Business School is one of an elite group of UK schools with Triple Accreditation. However, its existing facilities needed to be expanded and modernised to underpin the success of the courses offered. GSSArchitecture, were commissioned to create a fit-for-purpose facility to enable the School to achieve its strategic objectives.

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Our glass expert and technical advisory service manager, Phil Brown, has recently taken part in a readers Q&A for Grand Designs magazine. Covering everything from current glass trends through to the differences in types of glazing, Phil provides homeowners with easy to follow information and technical advice. Why not check out the Q&A shown below.

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In 1964, the legendary science fiction writer, Isaac Asimov, visited the World's Fair where he gave his futuristic predictions of what he thought the world would be like in 2014 – 50 years into the future at the time.

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With the New Year approaching, Pilkington offers a New Year’s resolution that is worth making. Following on from its success in 2013, Pilkington is pleased to announce that its ‘Product Knowledge’ training programme will be making a return for 2014.

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Thanks to a £40,000 grant from the Foyle Foundation and a £38,000 Biffa Award, The Catalyst Museum in Widnes was able to replace all the glass in its fourth floor observatory with Pilkington Planar™.

The Catalyst Museum is an interactive science centre devoted to chemistry and how the products of chemistry are used in everyday life. It currently offers family and group visits as well as educational tours.

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As part of Network Rails five year plan to overhaul Britain’s railway stations, an investment of £130m was outlined to improve Scotland’s Waverley Station.

As part of the work, the station concourse was resurfaced, station furniture was cleaned, removed and replaced and the exterior station building was renovated and refreshed – as well as improved access to Market Street and from Princess Street.

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With London’s ever changing skyline, new developments are constantly being planned and developed. Recently, some of the most prestigious projects include plans to construct a replica of London’s Crystal Palace, a £100m fashion hub in Hackney and the redevelopment of London’s Oxford Street East End.

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Pilkington Activ SunShade™ is the latest high performance glazing solution to be added to the ever popular self-cleaning glass range. A dual coated combination glass product, it incorporates the self-cleaning benefits associated with Pilkington Activ™ and the superior solar-control benefits of Pilkington SunShade™ – delivering a self-cleaning, solar control glass product.

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The latest glass product in the Pilkington Optitherm™ range, Pilkington Optitherm™ S1 Plus, is a superior performing low-e glass that is unique in the UK market.

Pilkington Optitherm™ S1 Plus is extremely versatile and can be combined with a variety of other Pilkington products in both new and replacement applications.

Ideal for use in commercial and domestic environments, it provides benefits that attribute to reduced energy bills, increased interior comfort and improved environmental impact through reduced CO2 emissions.

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We’re proud to announce that Pilkington Pyroclear^® has been given the seal of approval by Certifire, for use with steel and timber frames. This means that the glass is accordance with the technical schedule TS25 – for Fire Resisting Glass, Glazing Systems and Glazing Materials. Having this certification assures performance, quality, reliability and traceability of fire protection products and is recognised by regulatory authorities worldwide as a respected mark of fire safety – one of the most authoritative in the industry.

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Here at the NSG Group, we’ve unveiled a new concept for achieving triple glazing performance in a double-glazing unit, unique to the Pilkington brand.

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A  conservatory is more than just an extension to a home; it’s a valuable asset to a property. But all too often, tired and ill-insulated conservatories leave homeowners with a redundant room that can only be utilised during certain times in the year – hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

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As part of its drive for a more sustainable built environment, the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) is keen to boost energy efficiency by increasing the demand for retrofit measures. With this in mind, they’ve released a report that identifies a set of promising options that look to encourage a wider uptake of energy efficiency measures.

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Part of The NSG Group, Pilkington United Kingdom Limited is one of the leading glass suppliers in the UK. The NSG Group as a whole has a vision of making a difference to the world through the manufacture of innovative glass technology with glass and glazing products for the building trade, the automotive industry and the specialty glass sector.

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The Box Moor Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to the maintenance and upkeep of open spaces in the stunning Hertfordshire countryside.

So when the time came to update and restore their historic Education Centre, they wanted a design that would marry old and new elements to create something new, something visually striking and brilliantly functional.

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The Gannon’s – residents of a Victorian two-winged property in Edgbaston – embarked on a journey to transform their property by extending the rear to make the most of its stunning south-facing garden.

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The extensive range of Pilkington Decorative Glass turns a basic construction material into a means of injecting style and elegance into the home.

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The wide range of modern functional glazing now available has opened up remarkable scope for creative design in today's architecture. Transparent designs facilitated through the replacement of solid roofs and introduction of entire glass façades and partition walling is no longer just a vision.

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This week we’ve been lucky enough to be an exhibitor at the first ever FIT Show, a chance for us to bring our trade customers up to speed with new and improved glass products, as well as all the latest in manufacture technologies and online functionalities from one of the UK’s most trusted glass brands.

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Introducing My Pilkington™ – a new customised user portal that looks to benefit and educate NSG customers (existing and new), from the glass trade as well as architects and specifiers.

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2013 is already starting to become a fascinating year for architecture. Construction plans are seeing some of the most influential architects complete various projects across the globe using the newest innovation in building materials. Buildings and skyscrapers are now being built as solutions to modern economic problems; urbanisation, overcrowding and pollution. Here are some of our favourites.

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Pilkington Planar™ has helped create a contemporary state of the art youth centre in Middlesbrough – transforming a derelict Grade II Listed building, as a part of a wider £4.2m revamp.

Originally built in 1836, Custom House is now a Myplace youth facility, providing a performance space and dance hall, café, chill-out space and crèche for the local community.

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Built approximately 12 years ago, October Cottage is a four bedroom detached property located in the quiet village of Quarrington, Lincolnshire. This property is a uniquely designed home with plenty of charm and potential, boasting a large entrance porch and hallway, a welcoming lounge with original features as well as a private garden that isn’t overlooked.

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Glass for Europe, the trade association for the European Manufacturers of Building, Automotive and Solar-Energy Glass, has recently released information on a new study gathered by David Strong Consulting that discusses the benefits of glazing in sustainable buildings – highlighting key socio-economic of glazed areas that contribute to sustainability in the built environment.

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With thousands of visitors descending on London in 2012, some of the city’s more aged infrastructure desperately needed upgrading. Blackfriars and Stratford Regional were among the railway stations chosen for major redevelopment. Pilkington Planar™, the innovative structural glazing system, was a key element of the new design of both stations.

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The past 12 months, although challenging, have been extremely eventful. We have lots of positive news as well as exciting developments – so what a better way to round off the year by sharing a couple of our highlights.

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Britain’s recent wintery weather may start causing some homeowners to feel the effects of the cold, experiencing draughts or cold spots because of old or poorly fitted glazing units. Often ill insulated, draughty properties – both old and new properties – can lose heat through all kinds of nooks and crannies – meaning vital energy escapes and energy bills soar.

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The NSG Group has launched a competition aimed at existing and potential customers  to celebrate the first birthday of Pilkington K Glass™ S in the UK & Ireland.

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Introducing Pilkington Planar™ Crystal Connect™. A joint venture with Dow Corning that puts innovation at the forefront of design. Pilkington Planar™ and Dow Corning are uniquely placed to join forces to create a product that provides specifiers and architects with a new option in point fixed structural glazing.

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The new £36 million coater, situated at the Cowley Hill site, St Helens, is one of the most advanced facilities of its type in the world, and is due to start manufacture in November. The coater will enable ultra-thin special coatings to be applied to glazing solutions, allowing for an extensive range of high performance energy-saving glazing products to be produced. Continue to read for more information.

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Pilkington Planar™ structural glazing was chosen for its strength and structural integrity,  for the refurbishment of Gassiot House at St Thomas’ Hospital, which opened in June 2012. Around 150 sq metres of the innovative glazing system was used to create a brighter and more user-friendly reception area for out-patients visiting the hospital in Southwark, London.

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One of the world’s most technically advanced, and NSG Group’s first ever UK Jumbo off-line coating plant is scheduled to open this November, after 12 months of construction, 135 trailer loads of equipment and 16,000 man hours training.

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We often get asked about external condensation as there is a common misconception that it is caused through a fault in glazing units. Condensation, a natural occurrence, can occur on the external surface of double glazed units, especially as winter approaches. To help explain, we investigate the causes below.

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With a cold winter just around the corner, there couldn’t be a better time to invest in Pilkington energiKare™ energy-efficient glazing. However, many homeowners are often baffled by the vast range of glazing solutions available – often confused on what, and how Window Energy Ratings (WERs) work. Here Tony Smith, Business Development Manager at Pilkington UK Limited, shares his expertise to ensure that our glazing purchases pay off.

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The recent erratic weather conditions in the UK have left local authorities looking for new solutions to help towns in areas of high risk to cope with heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding. IBS Engineered Products, a specialist in the design, supply and installation of flow control and flood protection equipment, is now working within these communities to establish preventative measures to help combat the devastation that these natural disasters cause.

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Phil Brown has 25 years experience in the business and a day to day job as Manager of the Technical Advisory Service for Pilkington. Here is his expert advice answering frequently asked questions about using glass in the home.

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With Friday 6^th July being named the wettest day of the year, this summer Britons have already faced a barrage of bad weather. Parts of the country have already had a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours.

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Gwyn Hall has been restored to its former glory as part of a £7m renovation project that introduces modern design elements to the building’s original Victorian architecture. The new cafe and entrance foyer is now beautifully housed within the structurally innovative Pilkington Planar™.

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Recognised for her services to architecture inhabitat.com suggests Zaha Hadid is ‘the most renowned and celebrated contemporary female architect in the world.’ From Olympic buildings to Opera houses her modern designs feature some of the most interesting uses of glass in architecture today.

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With the recent push to go green, it seems that the nation’s children are more clued up than most adults. Our recent survey into how the UK are adopting energy-efficient measures provided some surprising results.

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Making the most of your outdoor space has never been easier this summer, thanks to a new range of modern glass extensions from Ultraframe that help to bring the outdoors in.

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London’s skyline has been booming since the 1960’s after the height restrictions on buildings was lifted, allowing the country’s capital to become a playground of the world’s most creative architects. Here we take a look at some of the impressive structures changing the city.

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The NSG Group is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass and glazing products for the construction industry, the automotive industry and the specialty glass sector, with manufacturing operations in around 30 countries on four continents and sales in around 130 countries.

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Architectural designs of ‘dream homes’ are becoming increasingly ambitious and innovative with large glazed surfaces now regularly used to create impressive architectural impact.

Traditionally people have associated large glass areas with energy inefficiency and chilly interiors, but as technology develops, people are recognising that glass is not only aesthetically pleasing but can provide homeowners or architects with a number of energy saving benefits.

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We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who visited the Pilkington stand at Ecobuild 2012 in London, and helped to make it such a huge success.

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To celebrate the use of glass in modern architecture, we would like to share some of our favourite inspirational buildings. From the outrageous to the beautifully simple, it is the inclusion of glass in these structures that helps to create such an impact.

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We’re proud to announce that we’ll be exhibiting at Ecobuild 2012!

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The ‘Make do and mend’ trend has gained popularity recently, seeing homeowners and architects exploring new ways to modernise homes – transforming their investment and adapting a home rather then putting up a “for sale” sign. Shaped glass exterior extensions and complete interior renovations are just a couple of ways you can ‘make do and mend.’

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Choosing the right fire resistant glass for your application is vital as it’s important to know that the product specified and installed will perform as intended should a fire occur. Our knowledge and unique software, Specifire, will advise you on the right type of glass to suit your specific project.

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Designed by the internationally acclaimed Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, House for an Art Lover is a spectacular cultural attraction and tourist destination in Glasgow, Scotland which integrates beautiful stained glass windows into the building design.

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Energy efficiency is a hot topic, and this week Nick Shore, the Sustainability Director for NSG Group, shares his view on the topic ‘how green is glass?’

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Glass has been produced and used by mankind for thousands of years, and its use in architecture has developed significantly with technological advancements in production.

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As this year rapidly speeds by – 2012 is already starting to become a fascinating year for architecture – seeing some of the most influential architects complete various projects across the globe.

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As London steadies itself ahead of this summer’s Olympic and Paralympics Games, construction of the much-anticipated sporting village is now well under way. The new builds are set to bring some stunning new additions to the capital’s already iconic skyline, promising to excite its visitors by delivering technologically advanced sporting venues that not only perform well, but also showcase the very best in 21st century architecture.

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Pilkington is part of the NSG Group, one of the largest manufacturers of glass and glazing products for the building, automotive and speciality glass markets. At present the NSG Group employs over 29,000 people worldwide, manufactures in over 29 countries and sells in over 130.

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If April’s weather is renowned for showers, then January should now be known for its incredible winds.

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The past 12 months, although challenging, have been eventful with lots of positive news and exciting developments.

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Snow Hill, the second largest train station in Birmingham, used by a large majority of the city’s commuters, and described as a principal part of the city’s transport infrastructure; has recently undergone a drastic refurbishment with the help of Pilkington Glass.

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Creative architects and designers have been dreaming up futuristic architecture for decades. And although our idea of the future and our definition of futuristic architecture changes with every generation, there are a few similarities; every design seems to help us adapt our surrounding habitats to suit the ever changing environment and climate.

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Last year only one in ten new homes in Britain was self-built. Plots are difficult to find, and finance and mortgage products are becoming more difficult to secure, while regulations and planning permissions are onerous. Faced with bureaucratic hurdles and frustrations, many potential self-builders abandon projects, sometimes after months of planning.

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Winter’s nearly here and we’re all bracing ourselves for a dramatic change in weather, a drop in temperature and shorter days and longer nights. Last year during the ‘big freeze’ many households ramped up the heating – an effective short-term solution that came back to bite when the energy bills landed on the doorstep.

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I recently gave a talk at Grand Designs Live at the NEC discussing the different approaches to sustainable housing and was struck by a fellow speakers approach with their recently completed Carbon Light Homes.

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There is nothing like the persistent thud of an incessant noisy neighbour to drive you barmy, and whether it’s the loud music they play, or the barking dog they have, the question is; can you really love thy neighbour?

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A recent study from Pilkington energiKare™ found that four out of five people (83 per cent) are unaware of the government’s new Green Deal and its advantages, yet over 72 per cent of homeowners are keen to find out more, and learn how to reduce their energy use.

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The European Union (EU) has adopted a framework for energy efficiency, setting a target for all new buildings and major renovations in the EU to be ‘nearly zero energy’ by 2020.

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I’ve always been passionate about using natural light in architecture, how we capture, borrow and filter it. It is an essential ingredient in creating psychologically better and environmentally more efficient spaces, and glass is the obvious material for carrying it.

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This week we announced a new product in the Pilkington K Glass™ range of low-emissivity glass that will help window manufacturers achieve a broader range of window U values and Window Energy Ratings (WER) i.e from A to C. Pilkington K Glass™ S extends our range of energy-efficient glazing solutions by introducing soft coat technology to a trusted brand.

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Modernist architecture mainly concerns structures that were designed and built in the years immediately after the Second World War up until the early 80s. These buildings were renowned for having a distinct appearance in comparison to surrounding structures that were built before them and for employing concrete, glass and steel as key construction materials.

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Recently, two great new buildings that serve the arts have been unveiled in the UK and both of these structures have employed glass generously in their design.

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Tomorrow afternoon at 3pm Pilkington Glass MD, David Pinder and Restoration Man George Clarke will be live in conversation at Studio Talk TV to discuss the Green Deal and what it will mean for the average UK household.

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We are pleased to announce that ‘Pilkington Spacia™’ has been named ‘Product of the Year’ by World Architecture News (WAN), the world’s leading supplier of news to the global architecture community. Brendon Moss, a design and construction associate at Tishman Speyer, who is on the WAN judging panel, considers Spacia™ to be "space – aged technology’’ and that the vacuum glass system it features can be referred to as the ‘holy grail’ of intelligent glazing.

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Reykjavik’s Harpa Concert Hall and Conference centre was recently opened, showcasing the design talents of artist Olafur Eliasson who developed the glass facade of the building in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects. Eliasson is best known for his 2003 Weather Project installation that featured in the Turbine Hall of the Tate Modern as part of the gallery’s Unilever series. His latest work is somewhat different as he has turned his talent to the Harpa Concert Hall that looks out towards the North Atlantic Ocean.

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The UK is home to many iconic glass structures; with the ongoing construction of Renzo Piano’s ‘The Shard’ building due for completion in 2012 and its neighbour The Gherkin dominating the London skyline. However, the dull and gloomy 19th century architecture of Kings Cross Station, with its dark ceiling and harsh lighting is not one that London’s daily commuters would happily put on the list.

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The recently opened ‘Museum of Liverpool’ is the latest addition to Liverpool’s waterfront that is officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Ten years ago a holiday abroad was a permanent fixture in the summer calendar for most Brits, with millions flocking to the med and beyond in search of sun, sea and sand. The emergence of cheap foreign holiday packages and a rise in the average wage during the 1960s created an appetite for foreign holidays among traditionally less wealthy Brits who abandoned established home holiday destinations such as Blackpool, Rhyl and Skegness in their droves.

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On Friday 29th July TV presenter and architect George Clarke will be joining us for a live Twitter chat to discuss the MOT Your Home™ initiative. George is going to be with us for an hour from 1pm and will be keen to answer questions you may have about improving the energy rating of your home, energy-efficient glass and how to make the most of your property.

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When discussing construction in the modern world, it is difficult to look beyond urbanisation in the developing countries like Brazil, China and India to see where some of the most innovative energy- efficient buildings are being designed. These countries are experiencing a period of accelerated growth that is arguably, especially in the case of China, on a larger scale than the post war reconstruction that occurred in Europe, Japan and the US in the years immediately after the Second World War.

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London is a global city that has brought people together from all over the world for centuries. It’s a bustling place that welcomes millions of tourists every year who come to absorb the architectural delights, old and new, that line the city’s tight winding streets. In the past we have referenced many buildings looking at how they have made a mark on the city and wondered how they will impact its future. The buildings we usually focus on tend to be those of a grand scale like The Shard or The Walkie Talkie. However, this week, we are shifting our attentions to a new compact building that is leading the way in achieving a sustainable future for the city on a smaller scale.

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This week the BBC investigated the history of Pilkington and the development of the float glass production process in its documentary series, Made in Britain. Presented by Evan Davies, the BBC paid a visit to our production sites in St Helens and revealed how Alistair Pilkington’s invention of the glass float line in the 1960’s is a prime example of British ingenuity that has contributed greatly to the security of our economy.

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Energy efficient buildings are becoming common place across the globe and a standard feature of these new structures is energy-efficient glazing.  By using energy-efficient glass architects ensure that the carbon footprint of a building is reduced, heat is retained and the energy consumption is kept at a low level. This week we are going to look at energy-efficient buildings in China and reveal how a world superpower is incorporating energy-efficient glass into new buildings in an attempt to lower C0_² emissions.

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Structural glazing is most commonly used for new building projects but it can also be useful when restoring an older property as we noted a few weeks back in our piece about the Holburne Museum. This week we are going to look at the restoration of older buildings and highlight some of our favourite examples of buildings that have employed glass to enhance the historical ruins of long unused buildings.

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This week, the BBC will broadcast the first in a three part documentary series called ‘Megacities’; presented by its former political editor Andrew Marr. Readers of the Pilkington blog will be interested to hear that these programmes will focus on a number of the cities and glass buildings that we have profiled over the past twelve months.

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This week on the Pilkington blog we are going to focus on the work of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and investigate his vision for the landscape of the United States in the 1930s and discover how his use of glass as a building material had an effect on the modern home.

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The British government has just announced new targets to reduce our carbon emissions over the coming years. The Secretary for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, has stated that the UK is to adopt plans to cut emissions by 50 per cent on 1990 levels by 2025. By introducing these measures, the energy efficiency ratings of new and existing residential and commercial buildings will need to be improved in order for the government to reach this quota.

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The lack of space offered by a building is an age-old problem that architects, business owners and home owners have faced for many years. The occupiers may have outgrown the space and original use of the building and moving to larger premises is not always an option.

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Phase one of the regeneration of London’s Elephant and Castle is Strata. It’s the tallest residential building in the city standing 147 metres tall and represents the future of sustainable buildings in the UK. Built at a cost of £113 million pounds Strata is the first of three energy efficient glass towers that will be at the heart of an exciting new development in the area. Offering panoramic views of landmarks like St Pauls Cathedral, Strata is set to become one of England’s most desirable buildings to live in.

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Sustainability and green living has become more than a lifestyle choice and is no longer a practice purely associated with eco-warriors such as 90s folk hero ‘Swampy’. Energy efficiency, and the reduction of household waste, lies at the heart of sustainable living and here at Pilkington we have gone to great lengths to produce products that ensure the green rating of our customer’s homes.

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Last month Alain Robert, who is fondly referred to as the ‘French Spiderman’ scaled the heights of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The building is 2,217 ft tall and features 28,261 glass panels on its exterior. In the past Robert has climbed more than 70 sky scrapers including the Willis Tower in Chicago and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpa but the imposing Burjh Khalifa was his toughest test to date.

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Glass observatory spaces are a common feature in high rise buildings across the world. Offering panoramic views of urban landscapes they provide an added incentive for tourists to visit these skyscrapers and take in the architectural delights of modern cities from a great height.

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There are many beautiful buildings in our towns and cities that provide us with a link to the past and remind us of our heritage. But, these buildings are expensive to maintain and one of the key costs in making them habitable is keeping them warm.

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In 1952 the process of glass production was revolutionised by Sir Alistair Pilkington when he developed a new method of creating glass that is referred to as float production. Imagined as an alternative to the expensive and time consuming polished plate glass process the float line is able to efficiently manufacture clear, tinted and coated glass for buildings, and clear and tinted glass for vehicles.

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Home improvement is the currently the most financially sound way to enhance your home living standards and provide additional comfort for you and your family without resorting to an expensive move.

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British Architect David Chipperfield has often enjoyed recognition on foreign soil for his modernist approach to building design. Works such as the Museum of Modern Literature in Marbach, Germany or Veles E Vents in Valencia, Spain, illustrate his passion for functional buildings that provide practical space for people to live and work in.

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The idea of cleaning is something that has struck fear into the hearts of people, especially men, since way before historical records began. Cleaning takes time and as time is becoming a precious commodity, especially in the modern world, people simply don’t want to spend it running around the house cloth in hand.

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January and February are months of belt tightening for many people and with suggestions that we are about to experience a double dip rescission the last thing people want to see is extortionate heating bills. However, there are measures that can be taken to help reduce home heating bills that the MOT Your Home campaign from Pilkington glass has been championing for some time now. These improvements are simple and include the following improvements: loft insulation, cavity insulation, an energy efficient boiler, and installing energy efficient windows.

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The growth of the Chinese economy in recent years has led many experts to predict that it will surpass the USA and become the world’s number one super power within the next 25 years. This economic prosperity has created a massive urban population that requires modern infrastructure to accommodate busy working lives. Glass has played an important part in this rapid expansion as it’s been called upon to wall and clad hundreds of buildings of all shapes and sizes. Here we are going to take a look at some of the most impressive examples.

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A new year brings a fresh perspective, and as we look forward to the changing seasons and brighter weather there is still the small matter of January and February to deal with. Many retreat to the comfort of the sofa at this time of year; however, there is still a lot to do in this ‘down’ period, especially in the form of arts and culture, a world that takes centre stage in this week’s post.

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The commercialisation of Christmas over recent years has seen the more traditional themes associated with this time of year play second fiddle to Santa and his elves. However, those of you who enjoy a good Nativity play or Carol service will be familiar with the classic stained glass windows that hang in almost every Church and Cathedral in the UK.
It’s difficult to pinpoint where the best stained glass windows in this country are, simply because there are so many, however we have unearthed a few examples for you to enjoy.

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The igloo is the traditional home of choice for the Inuit people living in colder climates with little or no access to modern building materials. However, did you know that igloos can be made of glass, rather than snow and ice?

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Britain has a wealth of parks and gardens that feature glass houses of all shapes and sizes containing some of the world’s most treasured plants. We’re going to take a closer look at some of these glass houses that light up our green spaces and are open for everyone to enjoy.

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This week’s post focuses on two glass buildings that are set to be completed in 2012 and will be the tallest in London. The Shard standing at an incredible 1017 feet will also be the highest building in the EU when complete; this will be closely followed by The Pinnacle that will stand at 954 feet tall.

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The future of glass tower construction in the UK has been set back by the ongoing recession; however there are a large number of glass buildings set to be unveiled over the coming years many of our major cities. This new generation of glass sky scrapers are set to serve a variety of uses that include retail, business, leisure and living and their shapes no longer conform with the oblong structures of old.

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Journalist Simon Brooke, who has written pieces on architecture for The Times and FT amongst others, joins us this week as our guest blogger. He has written a fantastic article on alternative uses of glass in the home, be sure to check out his for more information about his work here www.simonbrookemedia.com.

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The accelerated urbanisation of western countries in the latter part of the 19th century saw the appearance of the first sky scrapers – a revolution in architecture that brought glass to the forefront of construction.  One of the first buildings in the world to incorporate the core principles of sky scraper design was Oriel Chambers in Liverpool, Merseyside – not too far from the home of Pilkington.

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It’s hard to see how you could improve on the views over The Grand Canyon. But new innovations in glass technology are making this most dramatic of vistas even more dazzling – and changing the way we look at the world’s most breathtaking sights.

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Following our post on the history of glass buildings, let's now going take a look at the future by profiling two imposing  glass towers that will dominate London’s skyline in the near future.  Both buildings are set to open in 2012 and will be the tallest in the capital. The Shard standing at an incredible 1017 feet will be the highest building in the EU when complete and this will be followed closely by The Pinnacle that will stand at 954 feet tall.

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This week’s Pilkington Activ™ blog is designed to give you a brief insight into the history of glass buildings to reveal how they have become a key part of everyday life in Britain.

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Glass rooms take all shapes and sizes, and we’ve seen some truly inspirational designs in the UK. The Independent very recently reported on the growing use of glass in the home which is an interesting read  - you might be surprised at just how versatile glass is.

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Welcome to week two of the Pilkington Activ™ blog – we hope that you enjoyed reading our introductory post. This week we want to let you all know about a fabulous competition we are running. Some of you might have already seen it, it’s called ‘Undiscovered Views’ and it’s a photography competition in conjunction with Ideal Home magazine.

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Welcome to the brand new Pilkington Blog – a new online space that will discuss a wide variety of topics relevant to the modern home owner.  Over the coming weeks readers can expect to see posts on everything from the benefits of self-cleaning glass and advice on restoring an unloved conservatory to inspirational glass buildings and latest interior trends. Informative content will sit alongside expert opinion from all corners of the internet to provide visitors with a knowledge that can be applied to everyday life.

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