If you carefully observe normal float glass you can see that in spite of the cliché according to which glass is transparent and colorless, the material actually takes on a greenish tone that is particularly evident at the edges. The reason behind this effect is the presence of iron oxides in the raw material from which the glass is made.

Applications exist (interiors in buildings where staircases, dividers or balustrades have been design precisely not to interfere with visual perspectives, or to not alter the chromatic balance of spaces) where the requirements for glass are lack of color and maximum transparency, for both aesthetic and functional purposes.

From a functional standpoint, one of the typical characteristic of windows in a building is maximization of luminosity, both for comfort and to save energy. Truly transparent glass can increase environmental comfort and reduce artificial lighting costs.

Pilkington Optiwhite™ makes it possible to solve these problems. It is an extra-clear product with low levels of iron oxides, practically colorless, and free of the typical green tones of other types of glass.

The extra-clear glass has transparency that is 3-4% greater than clear glass, a percentage that increases to 7-8% if the thickness of the glass is greater than 8 mm. It is available in versions from a minimum of 2 mm to a maximum of 19 mm.

Due to its characteristics, it is a product appreciated by designers: from the Chiesa del Giubileo 2000 by Richard Meier to the Libeskind residences in the CityLife area in Milan, to the new Antinori winery designed by Studio Archea.

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Richard Meier, Chiesa del Giubileo, Roma.