Upgrading building appearances by improved pane reflections

Dr Karel Vollers, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture, Chair of Product Development

The glass industry only partly meets the architects wishes as to regularity of reflections. In their plans the spectacular reflections on curved façades are elegantly curved, but when realised, they often are optically distorted. To achieve a dramatic visual effect, transforming of reflected images must be clear and smooth. Some optical effects are illustrated in this article. The causes of distortions are divided in two groups: those surface irregularities inherent to the pane production and built-up and those that follow from the pane mounting to a building. The main causes of distortions are schematised and elaborated on. The accurate mounting of panes is exemplified with the newly developed Twist-framing system.

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The Authors

Dr. Karel Jan Vollers Researcher Delft University of Technology In 1978 Karel Vollers (born in Redhill, UK 1951, married with Brasilian Ana Candida dos Santos) obtained at Delft University of Technology his Master’s degree in Architecture. 1992 saw the start of hi... Read more