What's in and what’s out for building exteriors

Last week, e-glass weekly provided a “what’s in, what’s out” list for shower enclosure. This week, we’re looking to building exteriors.

Our informal poll of contract glaziers found that almost anything green is in, as architects and owners are looking to improve energy efficiency.

Although many architects are also demanding more transparency with clear glass, our glaziers say reflective tints—particularly blue, green and bronze—are still popular items.

The list of what’s in trumps the list of what’s out—a good sign for glass companies!

To comment on this in and out list, send us an e-mail.

IN	OUT
Exterior glass
Clear glass with low-emissivity coatings	Ultra-reflective glass
Blue, bronze and green tinted glass	Granite spandrels
Green technology
Switchable glazing
Building-integrated photovoltaics
Storefronts
Plate glass storefronts	Stainless steel entrances
Frameless storefronts	Revolving doors
Frames and systems
Cable-supported wall systems	Painted aluminum finishes, particularly bright colors
Point-supported canopies
Hardware
Custom hardware for storefronts
Spider fittings
Other
Sunscreens
Composite metal panels as a cornice
Extended snap covers on curtain walls
Ceramic fire-rated glass
Curved curtain walls