The Pilkington Planar™ system is the world’s market leader for structural glazing systems.

04 Mar 2021. Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has made its structural glazing technology Pilkington Planar™, available via building information modelling (BIM) – helping to simplify the design and build of expansive glazed building features.

This is possible thanks to the strength of the Planar™ l SentryGlas® System laminated glass that was used in the fins, as well as the capabilities of the Pilkington Planar™ 905 series heavy duty fittings that hold the system in place.

Our glass systems are developed for use in glass façades, walls or roofs, and also for internal glazing applications. Glass systems offer many interesting and varied architectural solutions Pilkington Profilit™ allows designers and specifiers to transform courtyards into cosy interiors, enclose private and public outdoor areas under glass roofs and build stunning glass façades.

The glass features a unique Planar™ l SentryGlas® interlayer by Kuraray to deliver stronger and lighter laminated glazing compared with traditional polyvinyl butyral (PVB)-based systems, giving greater strength to the system and enhancing safety.

The laminated pane uses the Planar™ | SentryGlas ® interlayer, which is five times stronger than conventional laminating materials and will ensure the lanterns are able to stand up to significant forces, such as snow-loading during winter.

This was achieved in the form of a three-storey atrium, created using the Pilkington Planar ™ structural glazing system. The space sits between the two major elements of the building and is enclosed by a 12.8 metre tall vertical entrance screen and glazed roof.

The transparency and aesthetics of the atrium were further enhanced by the use of 19mm Pilkington Optifloat™ Clear THS toughened and heat-soaked glass fins to support the vertical glazing and laminated glass beams. Whilst free from any framing the wall and roof glazing are exceptionally strong and able to withstand challenging design loads from high winds or snow fall on the roof.

The glass was produced at Pilkington UK’s Alexandra Works site, which supplies projects all over the world, including recent installations in New York, Italy and Qatar. However, this project was much closer to home – just a few hundred meters away, in fact. M&S decided to relocate its St Helens store from the town centre to Ravenhead Retail Park, with a refurbished unit that better suits ...

Structural Glazing