Cest La Vie

2. Go onlineHouzz has an extensive city-wise directory of architects. Check out the online portfolios of these architects, along with the list of services provided by them. To make things easier, many offer client reviews on these profile pages too.It is a must to check out the standalone websites of the architects to know more about their design philosophy and to take a look at their previous projects.

3. UV resistanceThe uPVC doors and windows should be resistant to UV (ultraviolet) radiation so that the windows do not discolour and get a yellowish tinge due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. How to check? Titanium dioxide is the key ingredient that ensures colour stability to the white uPVC profiles. It should be present in the proportion of 2.5 per cent by weight of the uPVC profile. Do note that titanium dioxide is expensive.

Best practicesIf you still want glass facades, there are ways to make it more compatible with our climate. The bulletin on High Performance Glass by IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) includes the factors that need to be considered while choosing glass as a facade material. High Performing Glass reduces the ingress of heat, while ensuring maximum daylight is captured through the glazed surface. High Performance Glazing has a lower U-value (rate of heat flow due to conduction), lower SC (Shading Coefficient – the extent of solar heat gain compared to conventional glass) and high VLT (Visible Light Transmission), while blocking ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (heat) rays. Such glass can result in energy savings of up to 35-40 per cent.

Lifted to a height without support

Best practicesIf you still want glass facades, there are ways to make it more compatible with our climate. The bulletin on High Performance Glass by IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) includes the factors that need to be considered while choosing glass as a facade material. High Performing Glass reduces the ingress of heat, while ensuring maximum daylight is captured through the glazed surface. High Performance Glazing has a lower U-value (rate of heat flow due to conduction), lower SC (Shading Coefficient – the extent of solar heat gain compared to conventional glass) and high VLT (Visible Light Transmission), while blocking ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (heat) rays. Such glass can result in energy savings of up to 35-40 per cent.