Impact of Large Glazing on Living Conditions in a Single-Family Residential House

In his diploma thesis, the author compared classical window glazing with large modern panoramic glazing based on a single-family house project, thereby investigating the difference in quality of living and the impact of large glazing on the living conditions of a single-family house. Despite ** advances in the industry, his detailed analysis of different types of glazing revealed that we must be careful when installing large glazing and take into account factors such as cardinal directions, building location, choice of glass type and others. ** From the comparison between classical window glazing and modern large glazing, he found that large glazing has numerous advantages, but is not always optimal, as in the design phase of such large glazing it is necessary to carefully define the method and positioning of heating and cooling elements.

Solution and Method

In his diploma thesis, the author compared classical window glazing with large modern panoramic glazing based on a single-family house project, thereby investigating the difference in quality of living and the impact of large glazing on the living conditions of a single-family house. His choice of diploma thesis topic was influenced by the fact that twenty-first century architectural guidelines dictate very bright spaces with the largest possible glazing, as light has a beneficial effect on people's well-being. The exterior of both commercial and residential buildings is distinctly ** characterised by various glass surfaces**, such as large-dimension windows, panoramic walls, winter gardens, glass doors.

It is desirable to have the largest possible glazing on the southern side of the building, so that during transitional periods we gain solar energy. As I have been professionally active in the field of glazing for many years, I know that the development of glass technology and new window profiles has established windows as an element that meets modern requirements for thermal insulation, usability and aesthetics. The diploma thesis consists of a theoretical and a practical part, which complement or connect with each other.

First, by examining the technical characteristics of solar energy penetration (g-value), thermal characteristics (U-value) and light transmittance, he proved that with proper selection and installation of large glazing we can ensure better living conditions than with the installation of classical window glazing. This confirmed my assumption that large glass surfaces are also suitable for smaller buildings, such as single-family houses. His assumption that air convection with large glass surfaces is different from classical glazing was also correct.

Because of this, it is optimal to install a floor convector or other source of forced convection in the floor, as close as possible to large glass surfaces, which prevents dewing (condensation) and penetration (radiation) of cold air into the space. With proper planning of heating elements next to panoramic glazing, we ensure better quality of living in the spaces. Subsequently, he produced detailed design plans that are necessary for glazing the building and, based on a comparison of the technical characteristics of classical window glazing and large floor-to-ceiling glazing, found that with ** proper planning and proper planning of heating and cooling**, large glazing is not only a visual decoration of the building but can also contribute to efficient energy use.

The topic covered in the diploma thesis showed that when architecturally planning large glass glazing, it is necessary to anticipate the following key technical characteristics: – Thermal transmittance of the window element (Uw). – Thermal transmittance of the glazing (Ug). – Thermal transmittance of the window frame (Uf). – Solar energy transmittance through the glazing (g). – Light transmittance through the glazing (LT). – Shading factor (Fc). – Direction of glazing – orientation (south, north, east, west). – Glazing area.

Based on the calculated thermal transmittance factors U, he compared energy consumption between glazing the entire surface area of position O1-03 on the southern façade – variant 1 and classical window glazing – variant 2. For easier visualisation, he converted the calculated values of thermal transmittance coefficients into heating oil consumption. From the above, he calculated that ** with large façade glazing (variant 1) we consume 154.5 litres** more heating oil annually for heating.

An important piece of data when making a comparison between the two glazing types is the g factor, the value of total solar energy transmittance through the glazing in percentages. In comparison, based on the glazing area of both examples and the total building opening, we get 29% more solar energy into the space in the case of large glazing under variant 1. ** A greater amount of solar energy gained in the space has a beneficial effect on living characteristics.** Based on appropriate architectural solutions and consideration of key technical characteristics of glazing, it is also necessary to appropriately plan the heating and cooling of the space that contains large glazing.

If large wall glazing is planned optimally, I can certainly state that living in such a space has added value, which has a beneficial effect on the user's living conditions. But despite all the advantages of large glass surfaces, in the diploma thesis I draw attention to the fact that the implementation of large glass surfaces is technically more demanding and therefore represents a higher investment value compared to classical window elements. ** Purchase and installation should be carried out by a reputable company that will supply quality elements and also properly glaze the building**, because only in this case will the investment pay off and optimal use value will be guaranteed.

We must be convinced of the capabilities and references of the chosen manufacturer. Multi-layer windows of several square metres can weigh more than two hundred kilograms, and the weight is first a challenge during installation, and then represents a constant load on the window frame and opening mechanism. Large surfaces are easier to glaze with intermediate profiles, which simplify implementation, but do not visually hide the fact that the entire surface is composed of several windows.

In a similar way, the static load on the glass can also be reduced with a system of invisible vertical glass joints without an intermediate profile, where the contact edges are thin and inconspicuous. However, the value of the project is reduced by glazing large openings with smaller windows and intermediate profiles. He examined in detail the solar and thermal protection of large glazing, which in most cases has the greatest impact on living conditions in a single-family house.

The basic function of windows is to illuminate the space with daylight, whilst it is necessary to ensure the smallest possible heat losses and prevent overheating of the space due to the penetration of external heat into the space. He also paid attention to the influence of different air movement, on which the well-being of the house's occupants also depends.

Results

Despite advances in the industry, his detailed analysis of different types of glazing revealed that we must be careful when installing large glazing and take into account factors such as cardinal directions, building location, choice of glass type and others. ** From the comparison between classical window glazing and modern large glazing, he found** that large glazing has numerous advantages, but is not always optimal, as in the design phase of such large glazing it is necessary to carefully define the method and positioning of heating and cooling elements.

Whichever type of glazing the investor decides on, they must not forget about quality installation without thermal bridges, as improper installation increases heat losses.