A new wave

Edgetech’s Super Spacer TriSeal has been used for the Breeam-certified Våghuset building in Gothenberg, Sweden.

The 12-storey structure has a glass facade, which, on its East-facing aspect, has been designed to look like ocean waves.

Achieving this effect was said to be a ‘major undertaking’, drawing on expertise from all around Europe. The facade was made in Lithuania, the curved profile was manufactured in Denmark, while the glazing was produced in Poland and Germany.

Over 300 curved IGUs were supplied to the project, made of 2 x 5mm laminated float glass with SunGuard SNX 60 solar control glazing, which lets in 60% of daylight but only 29% of heat, removing the need for solar shading.

Perimeter lighting has been integrated into the facade profiles, meaning the building’s outline is always visible. Super Spacer TriSeal was specified for the curved, cylindrically-shaped glass required in the facade.

TriSeal’s flexible design meant it could be moulded into the distinctive wave-like shape, while offering exceptional performance.

According to Edgetech, TriSeal offers ‘world-class performance’ with its unique triple seal design, incorporating an inner acrylic adhesive seal for immediate unit handling, a polyisobutylene primary seal for enhanced gas retention and low moisture vapour transmission, and an outer silicone seal for structural strength and durability.

The flexible foam structure handles both curved profiles and rectangles, while at the same time enabling outstanding thermal efficiency.

These attributes will prove especially important given the Swedish climate, where winter temperatures can drop as low as -15 degrees Celsius.

Charlotte Hawkes, Edgetech’s head of marketing, commented: “This is yet another example of the unparalleled freedom our fantastic flexible spacers give to architects.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be a part of this spectacular project, which I’m confident will go on to become a much-loved feature of the Gothenberg skyline for decades to come.”