Halio International discusses the importance of switchable glass in connection with the new European standard for daylighting
In association with
The Halio daylight system and standard EN 17037
The new European daylighting standard EN 17037:2018 not only sets out recommendations for daylight provision in interior spaces, but also as addresses the issues of views out, exposure to sunlight and protection from glare. With its smart control systems and switchable solar control glass products, Belgian manufacturer Halio can make a vital contribution to modern daylight planning.
Switchable glass: combining light, comfort and energy efficiency
The greater the influx of natural light, the harder it is to strike a balance between daylight provision, exposure to sunlight and heat radiation. “The daylight systems market has been tremendously creative in recent years”, says Sandeep Kashyap Sales Director for Europe and the Middle East at Halio International. “Dimmable glazing automatically reacts to the weather outside and can be programmed as required. Halio glass creates ideal conditions in terms of visual quality, thermal comfort and energy efficiency.”
EN 17037 specifies target values for daylight quality
For these three criteria in particular, EN 17037 provides designers and developers with basic target values for daylighting interiors. In this respect, the standard distinguishes between three levels: minimum, medium and high. It introduces the concept of daylight provision, which for the first time assesses daylight quality over a whole year and factors in local meteorological data. The individual levels are reached when 50 per cent of the space achieves the respective target illuminance for 50 per cent of daylight hours, and when at least 95 per cent of the space achieves the minimum target illuminance for 50 per cent of daylight hours.
Daylight openings in facades according to EN 17037
The standard also defines three recommendation levels – minimum, medium and high – for view out of the space, exposure to sunlight and protection from glare. For visual connection with the world outside, the users’ location in the space is taken as a reference point and the assessment includes whether the sky and the ground are visible. For exposure to sunlight, the duration of exposure (minimum recommendations from 1.5 to 4 hours) is calculated on a given key date when a particular minimum geographically different solar elevation angle is exceeded. The reference points are at window level. Lastly, for glare protection, EN 17037 recommends a Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) metric, indicating the likelihood that somebody will be dazzled by light. Although EN 17037 sets very low minimum requirements for daylight provision it does reflect the growing importance attached to daylight planning.
Light management = solar protection + comfort + energy efficiency
With a Color Rendering Index of 97, Halio glass is particularly neutral and transparent (when it is not tinted), like a conventional facade glass. Halio goes from light to dark in under three minutes, giving users unrivaled control over their interior. Its performance reaches the highest levels of efficiency with Ug values up to 0.6 W/(m2K), making it possible to manage heat gains and reduce cooling needs.
For architects and builders, the glass can contribute towards BREEAM, LEED and WELL certifications. Compatible with most technical building management systems (BMS) and devices connected to the cloud, Halio glass can be controlled automatically with Halio Cloud using specific control algorithms, as well as manually via an application. “The Halio Cloud is fully equipped to support EN 17037 implementation”, says Kashyap. “Geographical location, facade orientation and weather conditions, as well as individual preferences, can all be factored into our daylight management.”
Halio dynamic glass is the future of the facade. Modern facades self-adjust automatically, provide perfect thermal insulation and natural light, incorporate dynamic solar protection, and are aesthetically appealing. With its smooth and precise glass tinting technology, Halio makes facades and smart buildings even smarter and more efficient.
About Halio International
Halio is the exclusive supplier of Halio products and services to the building industry. The joint venture between AGC, the world’s largest flat glass manufacturer and Kinestral Technologies, developer and manufacturer of the Halio smart-tinting technologies, consists of the two business entities: Halio North America and Halio International. This partnership leverages the partners’ respective strengths and expertise: AGC’s reputation, plus more than 100 years of experience in glass technologies; and Kinestral’s innovative and patented smart-tinting technologies.
