Government Buildings with Character

A courthouse must meet a wide range of requirements:
Maximum security, appropriate privacy, ample natural light, a comfortable indoor climate, and a dignified, representative appearance.

The combination of GM® ISO SAFE, GM® ISO SUN, and GM ORNAMENTGLAS makes it possible to address these requirements not in isolation, but in harmony:

• GM® ISO SAFE provides ballistic security.
• GM® ISO SUN balances light, energy gain, and thermal insulation.
• GM ORNAMENTGLAS provides texture and privacy where, despite the daylight, not everything should be visible.

Materiality, color effects, and light transmission are coordinated to create a harmonious overall appearance—from the entrance through circulation areas to offices and conference rooms.

Courthouses are among the most sensitive types of buildings in public spaces. They must manage large numbers of visitors, protect vulnerable areas, and provide a safe environment for staff and litigants alike. GM® ISO SAFE plays a central role in this regard.

The bullet-resistant glazing can be used as laminated safety glass or insulated glass and offers protection against certain types of handguns and ammunition. Tests in accordance with DIN EN 1063 ensure that the resistance classes are clearly defined and reliable. Depending on requirements, either a shatter-resistant or non-shatter-resistant version can be selected, with the non-shatter-resistant variant offering particular advantages for personal safety because the inner surface of the glass remains intact.

At the Chur High Court, this security feature is deliberately understated. The glass surfaces blend seamlessly into the facades and interiors without competing with historic art glass or stucco work. Transparency and protection go hand in hand, allowing the security concept to integrate seamlessly into the overall architecture.

With the reopening of the atrium, generous window areas, and a clean-lined façade, natural light plays a key role in creating the building’s atmosphere. At the same time, overheating and high cooling loads must be avoided, particularly in office and meeting rooms that see heavy use.

GM® ISO SUN supports the Minergie-P-ECO standard for this new building. The solar control insulating glass allows plenty of natural light into the interior while reducing solar heat gain, thereby contributing to a comfortable indoor climate. Combined with excellent thermal insulation, heating and cooling energy remain in balance. From the outside, the building appears bright and open; inside, a calm, focused working atmosphere is created—an important factor for the quality of judicial proceedings.

Visually, GM® ISO SUN blends seamlessly into the overall picture. The glazing appears neutral and clear, without strong reflections or color casts. This maintains a balanced dialogue between the old building, the extension, the historic stained glass, and the modern glass surfaces.

A high court thrives on clearly structured processes—and on areas where discretion is more important than complete transparency. Confidential conversations, internal meetings, quiet rooms, and sensitive transition areas require privacy without sacrificing the brightness of the spaces.

GM ORNAMENTGLAS resolves this apparent contradiction. As textured glass, it diffuses light, selectively reduces visibility, and yet allows the rooms to appear friendly and open. At the Chur High Court, the privacy screens are used as double-laminated safety glass with a grooved finish and also serve an important soundproofing function. They not only shield against prying eyes but also dampen noise—a decisive advantage in meeting areas, entryways, and circulation zones where confidentiality and concentration must be maintained.

The effect of GM ORNAMENTAL GLASS is particularly striking in the glass roof, which was also constructed using ornamental glass. Here, daylight is filtered, softly diffused, and simultaneously reflected. Harsh contrasts are reduced, creating calm, evenly lit zones that give the building a unique, almost atmospheric depth. The glass roof thus creates a bright, representative center and lends the historic building a modern, light-filled touch—without detracting from its dignity.

The combination of vertical privacy screens and an ornate glass roof creates a cohesive design concept: structure, light management, sound insulation, and privacy all come together. GM ORNAMENTAL GLASS thus serves as a bridge between history and the present—both as a functional building component and as a defining element of interior design.