Vacuum Glass Selection Standards and Application Scenarios in Curtain Walls and High-Rise Buildings

With the global emphasis on building energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, vacuum glass has demonstrated immense potential in modern architecture due to its superior thermal insulation and acoustic noise reduction performance. However, when applied to high-rise building curtain walls, questions often arise regarding its use as a standalone unit, the necessity of lamination, and safety verification. This article synthesises current national standards, product test data, and benchmark project practices—such as LandVac's tempered titanium vacuum insulated glass (LandVac)—to clarify standards for composite vs. monolithic use, mandatory lamination scenarios, curtain wall verification systems, and compliance bases for high-rise applications, providing a standardised technical reference for architectural design, curtain wall construction, and product selection.

Q1: Given its excellent performance, why is vacuum glass often required to be laminated or used as a composite? Can it be used as a standalone unit? In what scenarios is lamination mandatory?

A: According to current national standard requirements:

Curtain Walls: Vacuum glass should not be used as a standalone unit; it is recommended to be used as a vacuum-insulated composite or laminated unit.

Windows and Doors: There are no such standard restrictions; therefore, vacuum glass can be used as a standalone unit.

International Perspective: There are no such restrictions abroad, and many international projects directly utilise monolithic vacuum glass.

Q2: What technical verifications has LandVac VIG undergone for curtain wall applications, and what are some notable project references?

A: Before being applied to curtain walls, LandVac vacuum glass underwent extensive technical verification, including:

Testing: Single-sided temperature cycling tests (under constrained and unconstrained conditions), bending strength tests, wind pressure resistance tests, deformation tests under uniform load, thermal cycling, thermal stress tests, wind pressure cycle tests, and shot bag impact tests.

Benchmark Projects: Beijing Academy of Building Research (Tongzhou Headquarters), JAC 'Maextro' Super Factory, Hefei Taiwanese Business Office Building, Harvard Graduate School of Design (curtain wall renovation), and the German FFS-VIG demonstration project.

Q3: Can vacuum glass be used as a monolithic unit in high-rise buildings? What are the governing standards?

A: No standards or clauses prohibit the use of monolithic vacuum glass in high-rise buildings; provided the glass meets the relevant performance requirements, it is fully applicable. Our company has a substantial portfolio of successful, mature high-rise projects utilising monolithic vacuum glass.