'The cream of the zalmin balcony glazing'

The Building Code imposes specific requirements on the exterior spaces of dwellings. For example, with regard to daylight access, ventilation and noise. "In order to meet these requirements, housing projects have traditionally been realized in sound-proof locations," André Jansen, account manager at Solarlux, knows. "Due to the high demand for residential space, however, this logical arrangement is becoming increasingly disrupted. Our cities are densifying at a rapid pace, forcing us to move to more noise-exposed locations. Moreover, in order to make optimal use of the available square meters of land area, we are going further and further up in height. Residential towers of 100 meters or higher are now no exception, which also brings a fourth challenge around the corner: wind load."

Although the requirements for daylighting, ventilation, noise and wind load are clear in themselves, when combined they often create challenges, says Jansen. "Architects have to look for systems for their exterior spaces that meet all the requirements and match the building aesthetics they have in mind. With our well-known and highly valued SL 25 and SL 25 XXL turn-and-slide systems, we already offered a good solution for this, but with our Proline T(urn) and Proline T(urn) Mega we are now going a big step further. In these new systems, technical details and eye-catching design come together harmoniously. In addition, the innovative turn-and-slide systems allow a great deal of energy to be saved."

Even tighter and slimmer

"The task of saving energy in construction is enormous," Jansen knows. "Proline T and Proline T Mega respond to this perfectly, because a double façade can be realized very easily. According to the wishes of many architects, the profile systems have also been designed to be tighter and more angular. They have also been made even slimmer. Whereas Profline T has a sash view of 30 mm (width) and 39 mm (height), Proline T Mega features a sash view of 30 mm (width) and 60 mm (height)." The slimline views result in even more elegance, without sacrificing technical properties, he emphasizes. "Indeed, extreme glass sizes up to 1 m wide and 3 m high are no problem at all! The rebates of the turn-and-slide systems can also accommodate glass thicknesses from 6 to as much as 18 mm."

Extremely high wind loads

Developed for glass thicknesses of 6 to 12 mm, Proline T lends itself well to the application of thermally toughened glass, where heat-soak treatment greatly reduces the risk of glass breakage, Jansen said. "For those who require larger glass thicknesses, we offer Proline T Mega, which is suitable for glass thicknesses from 12 to 18 mm. For example, a 15 mm tempered pane can be used in this system, which can accommodate extremely high wind loads. It is also possible to install a double tempered pane with 4 (!) films, creating a laminated tempered pane. This effectively eliminates the risk of falling glass parts in the event of glass breakage." An improved and patented locking system guarantees optimum stability. "The moment the sashes are opened, they remain very stable in place. Even in the event of high winds."

Excellent soundproofing

In combination with additional seals, sound barriers of 30 dB and more are possible, which also allows Solarlux to meet the high noise requirements in inner-city projects. "Last-but-not-least, we can produce Proline T and Proline T Mega very quickly, guaranteeing short delivery times," said Jansen. "This allows us to offer the cream of the crop in balcony glazing, but at a favorable price. With this, we are once again leading the way in the market."

Turnkey installed

If desired, Proline T and Proline T Mega - in combination with the SL Plus and Modular balustrade systems - can be installed turnkey. "We now have several projects underway in which the traditional railings of the balcony systems are being replaced by a Modular system with Proline T," says Jansen. "Because the systems are already assembled in the factory of the precast concrete or precast timber frame builder, operations, lead times and chances of error on construction are minimized. In addition, Modular conveniently responds to ventilation and noise requirements for residential buildings. In fact, an integrated Alara-Lukagro grille provides permanent ventilation of the exterior space, while efficiently blocking out noise."