www.pilkington.

com 2016 • Architectural projects magazine

 Contents

Cantina Antinori Winery, Italy 4

The Department of Computing and

Information Science, Cornell University, USA 12

Community Church Knarvik, Norway 16

Stonehenge Visitor Centre, United Kingdom 22

The glass platform “Le Pas dans le Vide”, France 30

Helsinki University Main Library Kaisa-talo, Finland 36

McDonald’s pavilion, The Netherlands 42

Museo Egizio of Turin, Italy 48

Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland 54

City Library in Seinäjoki, Finland 62

LW Bogdanka S.A. Head office, Poland 66

Fire Station in Doetinchem, The Netherlands 70

International Education Centre, University of

Information Technology and Management
in Rzeszów, Poland 76

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Introduction,

Of all available building materials, glass is the only Glass plays a vital role in improving energy efficiency.
one that has the unique property of light transmission. It can help to reduce buildings’ capital outlay, running
Greater light transmission creates a more comfortable costs and associated CO2 emissions. As a result,
working and living environment – one of the most it makes a positive contribution to their sustainability
important demands of contemporary architecture, and allows them to meet the requirements of
but not possible without the development of glass. international multi-criteria accreditation systems,
such as LEED or BREEAM, that confirm that a building
While this light transmitting quality remains of primary is environmentally friendly.
importance, nowadays glass is used in ways that go
well beyond the simple window. Thanks to substantial In this second edition we present some of the latest
technological developments in production, processing and most impressive office and public building projects,
and design, glass offers many additional functions. where architects have combined functionality and
It can now fulfil not only aesthetic but also thermal, sustainability with interesting design using modern
solar control, safety and even self-cleaning functions. glass solutions. We hope to give you some inspiration and
It enables architects to achieve their artistic vision a better understanding of one of the most fascinating
as well as other client requirements. materials used in 21st Century architecture.

Dr Kevin Sanderson

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I TA LY

Cantina Antinori Winery, 2012

Pilkington Optiwhite™ T
Pilkington Optilam™ OW
Pilkington Optilam™ Therm S3 OW
arch. Studio Archea Associati

photo: © Pietro Savorelli

Antinori Winery located in Bargino, Tuscany one of the

most beautiful regions of Italy, is a unique example
of how a building can merge harmoniously with the
surrounding rural scenery. The multi-layered roof,
covered with soil and vines, was designed to blend
into the undulating landscape. Only two rows of glass,
extending horizontally along the slope, suggest the
presence of any underground structures.
To showcase the panoramic views of the surrounding
countryside, designers chose Pilkington Optiwhite™,
a true low-iron glass, for the façade and skylights,
allowing the picturesque landscape to blend seamlessly
with the vineyard.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing, used on both levels of the building,

allows the connection to be made between the winemaking
traditions inside and the vines in the vineyard beyond.

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The use of natural materials such
as glass and wood allows the
winery to blend seamlessly with
the stunning Tuscan landscape.

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 Extra clear Pilkington Optiwhite™, a true low-iron glass,
enhances the spectacular views of the beautiful surroundings.

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Subtle underground lighting creates
a mystical ambience.

The interior of the winery is divided

into two main storeys. The upper
level hosts visitor facilities and
a wine tasting area.

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 The architects used extra clear Pilkington Optiwhite™ glass
for both the interior and the exterior to create a pleasing illusion
of boundless space.

Glazing in the office area allows light to fill the room creating
a bright and spacious working environment.

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 Despite its height and breadth, the glass façade constructed of
laminated Pilkington Optilam™ OW, offers high light transmission
as well as protection from wind and accidental damage.

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 USA

The Department of Computing

and Information Science,
Cornell University, 2014
Pilkington Optiwhite™
arch. Morphosis Architects

photo: © Roland Halbe Fotografifie

The Department of Computing and Information Science

located in Ithaca, New York, known as Bill and Melinda
Gates Hall, incorporates a sleek design of stainless
steel panels together with an innovative twist on
digitally printed glass to create a building complete
with outstanding visual clarity and views. The new hall
has a two layer façade specifically designed to meet
particular aesthetic and performance purposes,
which were easily obtained through the use of
Pilkington Optiwhite™, a low-iron glass with excellent
light transmittance.

The main façade of the university is made of glass partially

covered by steel panels giving the impression of movement.

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 The building is designed to inspire creative thinking
by information technology students.

A four-floor-high atrium with a full-height glass façade,

provides the interiors with outstanding light, encouraging people
to have constructive meetings and relaxing get-togethers.

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Pilkington Optiwhite™ extra clear low-iron float glass
was chosen by the architect for its clean and colourless qualities,
and its versatility.

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NORWAY

Community Church Knarvik, 2014

Pilkington Optilam™ Therm S3
Pilkington Optitherm™ S3
arch. Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter

photo: © Hundven-Clements Photography

The Community Church in Knarvik stands on a hilltop

located on the scenic west coast of Norway.
Designed by architects from Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter,
it is an outstanding example of a contemporary
sacred building. The glazing consists of laminated
Pilkington Optilam™ Therm S3 and
Pilkington Optitherm™ S3, a low-e coated glass,
which helped designers to meet the specific safety,
lighting and thermal insulation requirements.

Sharp geometric shape of the church resembling a star

was inspired by the surrounding landscape.

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The wooden uniformity of the building is broken
by regularly-spaced vertical glass panes.

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 Laminated glass was used for extra strength given the building’s
mountain location and the shape of the high windowpanes
that are narrow at the base.

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Vertical glazing combined with
pine conveys a contemporary feel
to the interior of the church.

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 UNITED KINGDOM

Stonehenge Visitor Centre, 2013

Pilkington Planar™ Intrafix
Pilkington Optiwhite™
Pilkington K Glass™ OW
arch. Denton Corker Marshall

installer: Vitrine Systems Ltd.

photo: © Vitrine Systems Ltd.

Stonehenge Visitor Centre, located near the prehistoric

stone circle, a world heritage site, is the embodiment
of artistic craftsmanship combined with the mystical
atmosphere of Stonehenge. Supported on irregularly
spaced columns, it blends inconspicuously with the
historic surroundings. Integration is enhanced by
the glass façade made of Pilkington Planar™ Intrafix,
a structural glazing system, using an extra clear
Pilkington Optiwhite™ glass and a low-e glass,
Pilkington K Glass™ OW.

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The glass façade creates a seamless connection
between the inside of the Visitor Centre
and the world outside.

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 The centre is designed to blend
into its surroundings by using
narrow columns to evoke
a copse of trees.

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The façades have been installed using a frameless structural glazing
system, Pilkington Planar™ Intrafix, where the external glass
is not penetrated with fittings, which ensures an overall uncluttered,
clean aesthetic appearance.

To withstand the frequent high winds on Salisbury Plain as well

as offering excellent thermal performance that maintains a
comfortable environment for visitors, the double glazing is made
of Pilkington K Glass™ OW as the outer pane, combined with extra
clear Pilkington Optiwhite™ as the inner pane.

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At night, the surrounding area is
illuminated by internally lit windows
creating a spectacular visual display.

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 The concept behind the glazed pavilion – which contains a café,
a gift shop and an educational area – was to connect the interior
of the building with the striking landscape that surrounds it on all
sides. The structure allows uninterrupted views and keeps visitors
in close contact with the landscape even when inside.

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 The modern visitor centre works harmoniously
with the mystical surroundings of the historic stone circle.

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FRANCE

The glass platform “Le Pas dans le Vide”, 2013

Pilkington Optiwhite™
arch. ER2i INGENIERIE, IMPLICITE

photo: © Bertrand Delapierre

The viewing platform “Le Pas dans le Vide” is located

at the top of the Aiguille du Midi in the French Alps.
The glass-box, suspended at an altitude of almost
3,842 meters above sea level, is constructed from
Pilkington Optiwhite™, an extra clear, true low-iron
glass with very high light transmission and superb
visual clarity. The frameless glazing of the glass box
ensures that nothing distracts the viewer from the
breathtaking landscape.

Stepping onto the viewing platform, visitors are surrounded by a

virtually invisible ceiling, floor and walls, creating an extraordinary
sensation of floating above the 1,000-metre precipice.

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Highly transparent extra clear Pilkington Optiwhite™ glass
allows viewers to experience the true majesty
of the Mont Blanc massif.

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 Proven glass processing and installation techniques were essential
for the construction of the Alpine viewing platform to ensure that
the whole structure can withstand wind speeds of up to 220 km/h.

Each of the three walls, ceiling and floor of the glass-box is made of
three panes of 12 mm toughened Pilkington Optiwhite™ laminated
with two SentryGlas® interlayers.

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Suspended at the top of the
Aiguille du Midi sheer rocky spire,
the glass platform provides
awe-inspiring views that both
impress and thrill at the same time.

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FINLAND

Helsinki University
Main Library Kaisa-talo, 2012
Pilkington Suncool Optilam™ 70/35 OW
Pilkington Suncool™ 66/33 OW
Pilkington Optiphon™ OW
arch. Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit Oy

photo: © Mika Huisman

The new building of the Helsinki University Main

Library Kaisa-talo is located in the historic area of
the city. The curved brick façade is integrated with
the surroundings by its height, materials used and
design. A large area of arched glazing meets the
highest requirements of modern “green” architecture
and energy efficiency with sun and noise protection
providing users with a real gateway to the new
information age.

The brick façade with evenly spaced small square windows blends
perfectly with neighbouring buildings. The array of windows
is broken by a large area of curved glazing that is several floors high.

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 A properly selected acoustic laminated
glass, Pilkington Optiphon™ OW, provides
excellent noise reduction and a peaceful
environment that allows readers to work
and study in comfortable conditions.

The concept of the façade is reflected

in the interior architecture of the building,
which is based on arches.

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 All the glazing was designed
with extraordinary attention
to detail in order to maximise
access to natural light.
With this aim in mind the architects
chose the extra clear low-iron glass
Pilkington Optiwhite™ as a substrate.

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The large amount of glass provides maximum transparency
from the outside making this monumental structure
look less dominant than one might expect
from a building on this scale.

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T he N etherlands

McDonald’s pavilion, 2015

Pilkington Optilam™ OW
Pilkington Optiwhite™
arch. Mei architects and planners

photo: © Jeroen Musch

The McDonald’s pavilion located in the heart of

Rotterdam is an excellent example of modern glass
architecture. The glazed façade opens up views of
the monumental historical building located behind it.
A fully transparent façade, designed by Mei architects
and planners, makes it seem as if the life of the city
flows through the building.

The building blends well with the historic area of Coolsingel.

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 Extra clear low-iron Pilkington Optiwhite™ allows passers-by
to admire the clean functional interior featuring a white spiral
staircase leading from the lobby to the seating area on the first floor.

Large glass panels provide visitors with a beautiful

panoramic view overlooking Coolsingel.

The interior wall decoration consists of gilded anodized, perforated

aluminum sheets representing a group of Rotterdam residents.

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At night the spectacular pavilion shines,
arousing curiosity and delight.

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For additional security, the designers
opted to use the laminated safety
glass Pilkington Optilam™ OW.
If broken, this glass will remain in
place, avoiding injury and making
the glass façade vandal proof.

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 I TA LY

Museo Egizio of Turin, 2015

Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW
arch. Isolarchitetti

photo: © Pino & Nicola Dell’Aquila

The Museo Egizio of Turin houses the world’s second

largest collection of Egyptian antiquities after Cairo.
More than 30 thousand exhibits are showcased in
almost 200 purpose-built exhibition display cases
designed by Isolarchitetti. They were made from the
extra clear anti-reflective laminated glass,
Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW, which emphasises
the beauty and splendor of the ancient collection and
preserves it for future generations.

Due to the anti-reflection coating placed on both surfaces of the

glass, ancient artefacts are clearly visible, giving visitors
the uninterrupted attention the exhibits deserve.

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 Ancient artefacts are placed in tall display cases
that are up to four meters wide.

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 To protect Egyptian antiquities against theft or damage,
the architects from Isolarchitetti chose laminated safety glass.

Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW, used for the display cases fully
protects the valuable collection from the harmful effects of UV
radiation, which over a long period, may accelerate the harmful
processes of colour-fading, fabric destruction and paper yellowing.

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Display case glazing consists of an extra clear substrate providing
perfect visibility and allowing visitors to observe the colours
and details of the exhibits as they really are.

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 POLAND

Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, 2014

Pilkington Optilam™ Therm S3
Pilkington Optifloat™ Clear T
arch. JEMS Architekci

photo: Wojciech Kryński

The Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw is a result of the

recent expansion of the historic university building,
which was built more than 100 years ago. The open
courtyard combined with a large area of full-height
glazing harmoniously blends historic architecture with
the modern form of an artistic institution. Appropriately
selected glass, Pilkington Optilam™ Therm S3 and
Pilkington Optifloat™ Clear T, allowed the architects
to achieve the desired visual effect, while meeting the
functional requirements of energy standards, safety
and noise protection.

From the vantage point of the courtyard, reflections of the historic

façade of the building are visible on the uniform glass wall.

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The building façade consistently follows the line of the surrounding
buildings. The street frontage is interrupted by the courtyard that is
formed between the historic university building and its new wing.

In order to meet the highest safety requirements toughened glass with

increased resistance to mechanical and thermal stresses was used,
as well as laminated glass, which doesn’t fragment upon impact thus
reducing the risk of injury.

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Simple, monochrome interiors
provide a suitable background
for the dynamic, varied artistic
creations. The floor-to-ceiling
glazing fills the space with
natural light providing a pleasing
environment for visitors.

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 The role of the glazing was to achieve an unimpeded view
of the Vistula River and the greenery of the boulevards.

The old building and the new structure are separated by

a narrow gap leading to the courtyard of the building,
which in turn opens out into the Powiśle district.

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Light reflections appearing on the courtyard façades
create an intimate space with blurred borders.

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FINLAND

City Library in Seinäjoki, 2012

Pilkington Planar™ Triple
Pilkington Optiwhite™
Pilkington Optitherm™ S3
arch. JKMM Architects

photo: © Tuomas Uusheimo

The City Library in Seinäjoki, Finland is designed by

the world famous architect Alvar Aalto. After almost
five decades, it has recently been expanded to meet
current demands. JKMM Architects’ key aim was
to initiate a dialogue between the old and the new
part of the building as well as to maximise both the
environmental and aesthetic requirements.
The library consists of three sculptured units that
comprise a variety of shapes orientated in different
directions. Pilkington Planar™ Triple structural glazing
system was used for the large area of glazing to
display boarded-formwork concrete interiors.

Minimising the energy consumption and maximising both

the environmental and aesthetic requirements
were the architect’s main priorities.

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 The use of Pilkington Planar™ Triple in combination with a glass
mullion system – the last word in transparency.

The interior lighting floods through the large glazed surfaces

allowing passers-by to admire the concrete interiors that feature
a ceiling with an unusual, up and down zigzag decoration.

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The structural glazing system
allowed the architects to create
bright and highly attractive library
interiors, with more light and a
greater feeling of space.

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 POLAND

LW Bogdanka S.A. Head office, 2011

Pilkington Activ™ Blue
arch. Biuro Usług Architektonicznych PROFIL Sp. z o.o.

photo: Wojciech Kryński

The architectural concept envisioned by the

management board of the Bogdanka coal mine office
building, was the natural appearance of blocks of coal.
The aim was realised through the use of black matt
structural panels in combination with glazing made of
Pilkington Activ™ Blue, self-cleaning body-tinted solar
control glass in a unique blue colour. Delicate light
reflections contrasting with the material used in the
façade, remind the visitor of coal in its natural state.

The architects chose Pilkington Activ™ Blue because of the original

colour, which enhances the effect of the reflected blue sky
with clouds shifting through it.

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 The façade of the building is a direct reference to the main
architectural idea, which was to represent a “coal block” with all its
complexity and uneven surface similar to formations in natural rock.

Self-cleaning properties make the glass an ideal choice

for use in hard-to-reach places.

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The unique blue tinted glass helps
to keep internal temperatures cool
while still maintaining excellent light
transmittance, low light reflection
and high energy absorption, which
is necessary especially on the front
elevation of the building that is
exposed to the sun.

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 T he N etherlands

Fire Station in Doetinchem, 2014

Pilkington Suncool™ 70/35
Pilkington Pyrodur®
arch. Bekkering Adams Architecten

photo: © Ossip van Duivenbode

The fire station located by a major avenue in

Doetinchem is embedded in green surroundings.
It was designed as a villa with offices, meeting rooms,
training facilities, living and sleeping areas, as well as
a sheltered area for the fire engines. The building is
dominated, inside and out, by transparency obtained
through the huge area of glazing. Due to safety
regulations some parts of the glazing were made of
laminated fire-protection glass, Pilkington Pyrodur®.

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Glazing reveals the dynamic
environment of the fire station,
operational 24 hours a day.

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 A spacious staircase located in the centre of the fire station
connects all floors and functional areas.

The building features solar control glass Pilkington Suncool™ 70/35

that offers benefits in summer and in winter due to its combined
solar control and low-emissivity energy-efficient properties.

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The fully glazed sheltered area for the fire engines stands
under huge cantilevers.

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 The building is located on the main street
in Doetinchem, the shady street is lined with trees.

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POLAND

International Education Centre,

University of Information Technology
and Management in Rzeszów, 2010
Pilkington Profilit™ Clear
arch. Urszula Pomianek

photo: Wojciech Kryński

The International Education Centre, located in the

University of Information Technology and Management
campus in Kielnarowa, is a cylindrical building housing
an amphitheatre style auditorium and a multi-media
library. Pilkington Profilit™ Clear, used in the profiled
glass, separates vertical narrow windows spaced at
equal intervals along the façade. The glass provides
excellent interior lighting and a panoramic view of
Pogórze Dynowskie.

The profiled glass gives the interior an intriguing look,

providing it with a soft, diffused light.

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 Pilkington Profilit™ Clear
has a smooth surface,
without typical ornament.

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Pilkington Profilit™ Clear with low-e coating
provides good thermal insulation.

Profiled glass is easy to install

and therefore perfect for the
arched aluminium sections.

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Publisher:
Pilkington IGP Sp. z o.o.
18 Wołoska Str.
02-675 Warsaw, Poland
e-mail: [email protected]

Contacts:

Pilkington Austria GmbH,

Werksgelände 24, 5500 Bischofshofen, Austria, www.pilkington.at

Pilkington Benelux B.V.,

De Hoeveler 25, 7547 SB Enschede, The Netherlands, www.pilkington.nl

Pilkington Czech spol. s r.o.,

Noviny pod Ralskem čp. 136, PSČ 471 24, Czech Republic, www.pilkington.cz

Pilkington Lahden Lasitehdas Oy,

Niemenkatu 73, FIN-15140 Lahti, Finland, www.pilkington.fi

Pilkington Polska Sp. z o.o.,

18 Wołoska Str., 02-675 Warsaw, Poland, www.pilkington.pl

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited,

European Technical Centre, Hall Lane – Lathom, Nr Ormskirk L40 5UF, United Kingdom, www.pilkington.co.uk

Pilkington Glass Service,

Zone Portuaire de Limay Porcheville, 620 avenue Dreyfous Ducas, 78520 Limay, France, www.pilkington.fr

Pilkington Italia S.p.A.,

Via delle Industrie 46, 30175 Porto Marghera VE Italia, www.pilkington.it

Pilkington Floatglas AB,

Karl XI:s väg 61, SE-30296, Halmstad, Sweden, www.pilkington.se

Pilkington North America,

811 Madison Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43604, www.pilkington.us

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd. and its subsidiary companies
disclaim all liability for any error in or omission from this publication and for all consequences of relying on it.

Design & Prepress MacArt Projekt

www.pilkington.com 2016 • Architectural projects magazine