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Architectural & Commercial Glass Solutions
High-performance glazing engineered for compliance, sustainability, and design freedom.
Crystal Units partners with architects, façade consultants, and developers to deliver advanced architectural glazing systems for commercial, residential, heritage, and mixed-use projects.
Our solutions combine ultra-low U-values, reduced embodied carbon, lightweight performance alternatives to triple glazing, enhanced acoustic insulation, and full regulatory compliance. From curtain walling to structural glazing, we help you meet performance targets without increasing façade thickness or weight.
What we offer
Explore Solutions
Explore advanced architectural glazing solutions for performance-led design
From lightweight low-energy façades to heated glass and solar control systems, our glazing solutions are developed to support compliance, carbon reduction, and design intent across commercial, residential, heritage, and mixed-use projects.
C.U.in – Redefining Triple Glass Performance
Traditional triple glazing increases weight, load requirements, and frame depth. C.U.in delivers:
- U-values as low as 0.2 W/m²K
- Up to 36% thinner than triple glazing glass
- Up to 33% less glass
- Reduced façade load
- Lower transport emissions
Hilson Moran’s whole life cycle performance analysis confirms:
- Up to 45% reduction in heating demand
- Up to 57% annual heating cost reduction
- 31% lower embodied carbon than comparable triple glazed glass units
For architects targeting NABERS, BREEAM, or Part L compliance, this changes façade strategy entirely.
Proven Performance in Live Projects
C.U.in has been used across live projects where performance targets and system constraints demanded a smarter solution:
- QMUL Mathematics Building – achieving required U-values without additional insulation
- The Forge – meeting triple glazing performance within 36mm SAPA system constraints
- Mansfield College – enabled a 0.6 W/m²K centre pane U-value in a 32mm thick IGU
These case studies demonstrate how performance challenges become design opportunities.
NUCLR – Electrically Heated Architectural Glass
- Rapid radiant warmth
- Even heat distribution
- Reduced HVAC demand
- Up to 39% energy reduction compared to convection heating
Ideal for:
- Curtain wall façades
- Rooflights
- Balustrades
- Hospitality projects
- High-end residential developments
Unlike wired heating systems, NUCLR uses conductive coatings for optical clarity and uniform performance.
Solar Control & Façade Performance
We supply high-performance solar control glazing, optimising g-values and solar gain control while maintaining visible light transmission.
Essential for:
- High-rise commercial buildings
- South-facing façades
- Large curtain wall elevations
Safety & Structural Compliance
Our architectural glass supports:
- Laminated safety glass
- Toughened structural glass
- Barrier loading calculations
- Snow and wind load compliance
- Fire-rated glass systems
Each unit is manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified processes.
Sustainability & ESG Alignment
Crystal Units integrates environmental responsibility into every stage of production:
- Water recycling systems
- Solar energy contribution
- Glass waste reduction
- Engagement with academic research
- Collaboration with UCL and industry bodies
- FORS Silver accreditation
- BSI 9001, 14001 & 45001 certification
- Life cycle assessment accredited
We align glass performance with long-term ESG goals and circular economy principles.
Why Architects Specify Crystal Units
Ultra-low U-values without excessive thickness, lower façade loads, and proven technical performance.
- Ultra-low U-values without excessive thickness
- Retrofit capability
- Lower façade loads
- Proven third-party performance data
- Life cycle carbon assessment
- Custom manufacturing flexibility
- Dedicated technical support
We don’t just supply glass — we collaborate on façade strategy.
TESTIMONIAL
What They’re Saying
Architectural & Commercial Glazing FAQs
What U-value can your architectural glass achieve?
Our advanced insulating systems can achieve centre pane U-values as low as:
- 0.5 W/m²K in slim units
- 0.4 W/m²K in high-performance configurations
- 0.2 W/m²K with C.U.in vision wall systems
This allows architects to meet or exceed Part L 2021 requirements, support SAP calculations, and improve EPC ratings without increasing façade thickness. For commercial projects, improved U-values can also support NABERS and ESG performance targets.
Can C.U.in replace triple glass in commercial façades?
In many cases, yes. C.U.in was developed to deliver triple-glazing-level performance within slimmer and lighter glass units. Compared to conventional triple glazing, it:
- Uses up to 33% less glass
- Is up to 36% thinner
- Reduces façade load
- Fits within systems limited to 28mm or 36mm
This is particularly valuable when working with curtain wall systems, sliding door constraints, or heritage-approved frame depths.
How does your glass support Part L and Part O compliance?
For Part L (energy efficiency):
- Ultra-low U-values reduce heating demand
- Improved insulation lowers DER and DFEE targets
- Reduced thermal bridging improves overall envelope performance
For Part O (overheating):
- Solar control coatings can be specified with optimised g-values
- Glazing performance can be adjusted to balance heat retention and solar gain
We regularly collaborate with consultants to align glass specifications with compliance modelling.
What evidence supports your performance claims?
C.U.in has undergone:
- Independent testing at the Salford Energy House
- Whole life cycle carbon assessment by Hilson Moran
- SAP and dynamic thermal modelling comparisons
- Live project case studies across residential and commercial developments
We can provide technical data sheets, modelling inputs, and supporting documentation at specification stage.
Does your glazing reduce embodied carbon?
Yes. Compared to traditional triple glazing, C.U.in can deliver:
- Lower material usage
- Reduced transport emissions due to lighter units
- Lower embodied carbon per m² compared to equivalent triple-glazed units
Whole life cycle assessment has shown triple glazed units to be significantly more carbon intensive than C.U.in alternatives. For developers targeting ESG benchmarks or whole life carbon reporting, this can materially affect scope 3 calculations.
Can NUCLR heated glass reduce HVAC demand?
NUCLR uses conductive coatings to provide radiant heating directly from the glass surface. This can:
- Reduce reliance on conventional radiators
- Minimise pipework and M&E complexity
- Improve occupant comfort
- Lower daily energy consumption compared to convection systems
It is particularly effective in:
- Glazed atriums
- Curtain wall façades
- Hospitality spaces
- High-end residential projects
What system depths are compatible?
C.U.in has been successfully installed in:
- 20mm – 70mm systems, depending on the project specifications
- Slim sliding door profiles
- Heritage steel systems
Because it maintains high performance without increasing thickness, it often solves specification conflicts between thermal targets and framing limitations.
Do you provide technical collaboration during design stages?
Yes. We regularly support:
- Architects
- Façade engineers
- Sustainability consultants
- Contractors & sub-contractors
We can review drawings, propose glazing build-ups, assist with U-value calculations, and align specifications with energy modelling. Early-stage collaboration tends to unlock the most design flexibility.
