High performance glass for windows and doors

High-performance glass for windows and doors in modern construction is more than just a design choice—it’s a fundamental element in ensuring energy efficiency, security, and comfort. with increasingly strict sustainability standards in the netherlands and belgium, architects, builders, and hoteliers must carefully select advanced glazing solutions that reduce energy consumption, improve thermal insulation, and enhance building durability.

Whether it’s insulating glass for optimal climate control, laminated safety glass for enhanced security, or acoustic glass to minimize noise pollution, choosing the right glazing transforms buildings into sustainable, high-performance spaces. From residential complexes to luxury hotels and commercial properties, integrating energy-efficient glass not only meets regulatory requirements but also creates better living and working environments.

As the Netherlands and Belgium move towards stricter energy regulations and sustainable building practices, the demand for high-performance glass is increasing. The BENG (Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings) standards in the Netherlands and the EPB (Energy Performance of Buildings) regulations in Belgium require buildings to meet higher energy efficiency levels, making energy-efficient glass solutions essential for new developments and renovations.

For window and door manufacturers, construction companies, hoteliers, and architects, integrating insulating glass, laminated safety glass, and acoustic glass for buildings enhances sustainability, reduces energy costs, and improves user comfort.

At Vetreria Valmarecchia, we specialize in cutting-edge glass solutions designed to meet modern architectural and regulatory needs.

Choosing the right insulating glass can significantly impact a building’s energy performance. High-quality energy-efficient glass contributes to:

• Optimal thermal insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and overheating in summer, ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures all year round (see the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive).
• Superior acoustic insulation, limiting noise pollution in urban areas or high-traffic locations, which is crucial for residential and hospitality projects (see this article).
• Lower energy consumption, helping buildings comply with EU sustainability standards such as BREEAM or LEED, while reducing carbon emissions (see the Nearly Zero Energy Hotel Breeze Amsterdam).

Several hospitality projects in the Netherlands and Belgium have successfully integrated insulating glass to enhance sustainability and guest comfort.

The QO Hotel in Amsterdam, certified LEED Platinum, features a high-performance “living façade” made of thermal glass panels and aluminum. This innovative design optimizes indoor climate control by adapting to external weather conditions, while maximizing natural daylight to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.

The Breeze Hotel in Amsterdam, the first energy-neutral hotel in the Netherlands, employs triple-glazed windows as part of its biomimicry-inspired “Earth, Wind & Fire” concept. This design prevents heat loss and ensures superior energy efficiency by mimicking the natural ventilation systems of termite mounds. The hotel achieved an EPC of 0 and a BREEAM Excellent certification.

“This video, published by AMSTELIUS Green Building Group, showcases the advanced glazing solutions used in Dutch and Belgian hotels (source: Vimeo).”

In Belgium, the Souverain 23 residential project in Brussels exemplifies the integration of large glazed expanses to maximize daylight and adhere to strict energy standards. The penthouses feature wide terraces with aromatic herb gardens and windows designed to confer exceptional luminosity, promoting a pleasant indoor climate and reducing the need for artificial lighting. In addition, the Fineo Vacuum Glass technology technology, produced by AGC Glass Europe, represents a significant advancement in sustainable glazing solutions. This ultra-thin, vacuum-insulated glass offers thermal performance comparable to triple glazing but with a much thinner profile, making it ideal for both new constructions and heritage renovations. Its innovative properties have earned it recognition, including the Belgian Prize for Energy and the Environment, highlighting Belgium’s commitment to cutting-edge glass technologies for improved energy efficiency and comfort.

These examples highlight how cutting-edge glazing technologies are transforming hospitality into a more sustainable and comfortable industry across both countries.

Choosing the right high-performance glass is essential for enhancing energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in modern buildings. These advanced glazing solutions provide significant advantages by reducing energy costs, improving thermal and acoustic insulation, and increasing overall building performance. The following benefits focus on three key aspects: energy savings, indoor comfort, and long-term value.

In the world of window systems, choosing the right glass makes all the difference. Security, energy efficiency, and comfort—tailored glass solutions for every Dutch project.

Selecting the right high-performance glass depends on the specific needs of a building, including thermal efficiency, solar control, acoustic insulation, and safety requirements. Below are the most effective glazing solutions that enhance energy performance, security, and comfort across various applications.

Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glass

• Reflects indoor heat, reducing energy loss by up to 40 percent, making it ideal for cold climates.
• Enhances thermal efficiency, decreasing reliance on heating and cooling systems.
• Common in residential and commercial buildings aiming for high sustainability standards, such as the Brussels Environment headquarters.

Selective Glass

• Combines Low-E technology with solar control, preventing overheating while allowing natural light to enter.
• Perfect for urban buildings, balancing thermal insulation and daylight optimization.
• Used in The Edge, Amsterdam, one of the most energy-efficient office buildings in the world.

Insulating Glass (Double and Triple Glazing)

• Two or more panes separated by a gas-filled cavity, significantly improving thermal insulation.
• Reduces condensation, which helps maintain clearer glass surfaces and a healthier indoor environment.
• Mandatory in Dutch Passive House projects, where buildings must consume 90 percent less heating energy.

Laminated Safety Glass

• Multiple glass layers bonded with polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ensuring that in case of breakage, glass fragments remain attached.
• Meets EU safety standards, making it a must-have in high-traffic buildings.
• Applied in the new Antwerp Port House, where architectural design meets maximum security.

Acoustic Glass for Buildings

• Designed to absorb sound waves, reducing noise pollution by up to 50 percent.
• Utilized in airports, hotels, and urban residences, ensuring quiet indoor spaces.
• Installed in Schiphol Airport’s Hilton Hotel, enabling a peaceful atmosphere despite aircraft proximity.

Low-Carbon Glass

• Produced with a high percentage of recycled materials, lowering its environmental impact.
• Approved for LEED and BREEAM certifications, supporting green building initiatives.
• Used in The Edge, Amsterdam, which relies on low-carbon facade glazing to optimize energy efficiency.

Anti-Burglary Glass (EN 356 Standard)
Impact-resistant glass, certified to withstand forced entry attempts, ideal for retail stores and luxury residences.

Laminated Safety Glass
Holds glass fragments together, ensuring protection in high-risk environments.

Bulletproof and Blast-Resistant Glass (EN 1063 and EN 13541 Standards)
Used in government buildings, financial institutions, and high-security facilities.

When selecting high-performance glass, consider:

At Vetreria Valmarecchia, we provide custom glazing solutions to help window and door manufacturers, builders, hoteliers, and architects select the best glass for their projects.

Investing in high-performance glass for windows and doors not only enhances energy efficiency, security, and acoustic comfort, but also contribute to higher sustainability ratings, improved property values, and long-term energy savings.

At Vetreria Valmarecchia, we combine innovation, quality, and expertise to deliver the best glass solutions for professionals across the Netherlands, Belgium, and beyond.

Contact us now for a personalized consultation.