Glass architecture with bird protection

Anti-reflection and anti-glare

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Glass surfaces are an integral part of modern architecture, but they pose an invisible danger to birds. Reflections create the illusion of a continuous landscape, while transparent glass surfaces are not recognised as obstacles. Collisions with glass are therefore one of the most common causes of bird strikes – a problem that can be avoided with well-designed solutions such as bird protection glass. Find out what Glas Marte does for bird protection here.

Bird-friendly building

Bird protection has been a high priority at Glas Marte for many years – the key is to make glass visible to birds, either by minimising reflections or specifically reducing transparency.

AVOID REFLECTIONS

The UNIGLAS® INSULATING GLASS range focuses specifically on bird-friendly properties: reflection is calculated in accordance with the specifications of the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach. Almost all UNIGLAS® insulating glass achieves a maximum reflection level of 15%, while also meeting the highest energy requirements for sustainable construction. The sun protection glass with only 12% reflection is particularly effective, offering the ideal combination of transparency and protection.

UNIGLAS® insulating glass product overview Request UNIGLAS® INSULATING GLASS

REFLECTIVE MOTIVES

The partial chrome finishes GM LIGHT CHROME and GM CHROME are convincingly elegant. Designs are applied to the glass surface in a multi-layer process, either in high contrast or barely perceptible, permanently and stably, without impairing the structural integrity of the glass. In addition to effective bird protection, they offer sun protection and versatile design options for float glass, ESG and VSG. The reflective, chrome-plated glass surface was awarded the German Design Award for its outstanding design.

When bird protection is an integral part of architecture ..., bird protection and thus the needs of birds are taken for granted.

Quotation marks
Bernhard Feigl, Managing Partner, Glas Marte
Teil-verspiegelte Glasfassade an Seilbahn-Bergstation
Personalfoto Geschäftsführer Bernhard Feigl

Versatile design options

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GM LIGHT CHROME - Design A

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GM LIGHT CHROME - Design B

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GM CHROME

Anti-glare treatment by screen printing

In addition to reflective coatings, large, high-contrast markings on glass surfaces are particularly effective in preventing bird collisions. With GM PRINTMART® screen-printed glass from its own production, Glas Marte offers a visually appealing and highly effective solution. Special ceramic Side-One colours are used to apply precisely tested, weather-resistant markings to the glass surface, thus ensuring anti-glare properties for exterior glazing – such as GM RAILING® glass railings and GM GLASSICS rear-ventilated glass facades.

GM PRINTMART®

Transparent bird protection film

The highly effective Saflex® FlySafe™ 3D PVB film sets new standards for laminated safety glass. Transparent 3D flakes integrated into the glass laminate reflect light in a targeted manner, making the glass surface visible to birds without impairing visibility for humans. This innovative technology combines safety, transparency and design.

Saflex® FlySafe™ 3D reference

LIGHT-REFLECTING FACADE

Structural glass GM ICE-H® reduces light reflections thanks to its refracted, ice crystal-like surface structure, which diffuses light and thus effectively prevents bird strikes. Approximately 5,000 m² of this innovative design glass was installed in the Silesian Museum and secured with the GM BRACKET S mounting system to meet both aesthetic and safety requirements. Experience this unique textured glass interactively now:

Building with glass and light GM ICE-H®

Transparency with protective function

Bird protection can be integrated into glass solutions with single-pane safety glass ESG and laminated safety glass VSG in a variety of ways.
 

  • Glass railings with bird protection glass: GM RAILING® glass railings offer safety and transparency – but they are often difficult for birds to see. Specially designed glass and tested markings make the glass visible to birds without compromising its clear appearance. An ideal solution for fall protection on balconies, terraces or outdoor staircases.
     
  • Rear-ventilated glass façades: Glass façades characterise modern architecture, but can be dangerous for birds. Specially designed glass surfaces with tested markings or special coatings prevent bird collisions without compromising the advantages of a rear-ventilated façade. With GM GLASSICS, Glas Marte offers a solution for glass façades with integrated bird protection. Ideal for office buildings, hotels and public buildings.
     
  • Large-scale glazing: Whether panoramic windows, atriums or sliding glass doors for balconies, terraces and loggias – large glass surfaces create a sense of space, but also require protective measures. GM SLIDING SYSTEMS with bird protection glass reduce reflections and make glass surfaces visible to birds without compromising the openness of the architecture. Ideal for residential and commercial buildings.

Early planning

If suitable bird protection measures are planned at an early stage, this does not result in additional costs or delays in construction, and millions of collisions can be avoided from the outset – without compromising architectural appeal. New legal regulations and innovative glass solutions for bird protection show that the issue is being taken seriously in the industry.

UNIGLAS® BIRDSENSE product page Request UNIGLAS® BIRDSENSE