Kolbe Collaborates on New Glass Technology
At this year’s National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show (NAHB IBS), Kolbe Windows & Doors showcased innovative products, ease of operation, expansive openings and new product partnerships.
“Partnering with innovators in glass technology is key to driving industry advancements. By collaborating with these pioneers, we can integrate cutting-edge solutions into our windows and doors, meeting the rising demand for customizable options that today’s homeowners expect,” says Jeff De Lonay, president of Kolbe Windows & Doors.
Kolbe’s booth housed applications of custom windows and doors that demonstrate the full capabilities of its multiple product lines. Visitors to the booth operated windows and doors, and experienced the variety of options presented.
Kolbe's many partnerships
This year Kolbe showcased its partnerships with various glass options to provide privacy, comfort and convenience to modern households.
Kolbe has partnered with LuxWall, Inc. and is debuted its vacuum insulating glass (VIG) at IBS, marking a milestone in its collaboration first announced a year ago. The innovative VIG design, Enthermal, is expected to be available later this year. VIG features an airless space, or vacuum, between two panes of glass, which allows it to achieve insulating values similar to wall insulation. This technology reduces heat gain from the sun and heat loss from a warmed interior, lowering energy consumption and costs. In addition, Enthermal provides improved acoustic performance.
Although the partnership was announced previously, achieving the full window rating with this advanced glass required extensive testing. Kolbe worked with multiple accredited labs to meet rigorous performance standards and fully understand the complexities involved in this technology.
A bird-friendly glass option, ORNILUX Mikado, was demonstrated in a VistaLuxe AL LINE casement window, where visitors saw the subtle pattern in the glass that provides a visible barrier for birds, helping them avoid flying into it as they travel. It is one of the various bird-friendly glass options Kolbe offers across its product range.
Kolbe also showcases its CLiC On-demand Privacy Glass option within a two-wide direct set positioned below a row of kitchen cupboards. CLiC’s polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) liquid crystal technology is applied directly to the glass, allowing it to switch from obscure to transparent on demand. This provides reliable, responsive privacy at the touch of a button, ideal for spaces such as entranceways, bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices. The system can be controlled through light switches, touch panels or home automation systems, offering versatile privacy solutions.
In addition, Kolbe offers select products integrated with Gauzy’s LCG Smart Glass Technology. An Ultra Series XL casement window with a Tea Leaf finish, featuring Gauzy’s polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films laminated between the glass, allows the window to switch from obscure to transparent. This smart glass technology, integrated into a venting unit, provides enhanced control over privacy and light, offering homeowners an elegant, modern solution for spaces that require flexible transparency.
