Mixed Materials Can Raise The Bar For Your Design

Integrate + Elevate | Mixed Materials Can Raise The Bar For Your Design

Combining glass and translucent panels can have a dynamic impact on building façade aesthetics. It is an effective way to daylighting and maintain visible connection with the great outdoors. Translucent walls do an excellent job of diffusing and projecting natural light, and in the correct application, the combination of polycarbonate walls and glass is powerful. These photos clearly demonstrate my point. Congratulations to RMTA in Kansas for making this effective and bold design statement. The transition between 25mm translucent panels and glass is seamless. Both glass and polycarbonate require channels and gasket seals unique to the material, and Duo-Gard engineers made this transition look easy.

The entire design community can incorporate this innovation into their projects making the buildings designed more sustainable without sacrifice.

Benefits of Integrating Polycarbonate with Glass

Polycarbonate is a lightweight glazing option that integrates seamlessly with glass. Storefront glass typically has a 0.55 U-value in comparison to a 0.34 U-value with opal polycarbonate. This increases the energy efficiency of the building and greatly improves temperature control. Various technologies are available, such as direct printing on the panels in order to adjust the amount of light transmission, based on project requirements, location or aesthetic. These values can also be increased by filling the panels with Lumira Aerogel which would bring the U-value to 0.16 and the SHGC to 0.54. Lumira Aerogel increases efficiency without sacrificing the light transmission of the polycarbonate panels. Lumira Aerogel particles improve light spread 20% farther than polycarbonate alone and 53% farther than glass. The hydrophobic Lumira particles repel water keeping the system dry and effective. This material is non-toxic, non-combustible and completely recyclable. Duo-Gard’s daylighting system combined with Lumira Aerogel particles offers a unique balance of cost savings, thermal performance, acoustic performance, visual comfort and aesthetics. We provide an attractive and practical way to manage energy and make a positive environmental impact on your next project.


Translucent polycarbonate is ideal for work places whereby preventing glare and hotspots that are often created by glass. Polycarbonate’s diffused light compliments the transparency of glass by allowing a great deal of daylight to enter into the building, and fill the entire space without sacrificing temperature control and energy efficiency. Studies have shown that designing buildings to incorporate more daylight into the workplace increases employees’ productivity and morale. Polycarbonate vertical glazing is capable of transforming a work space from dark and dreary to bright and airy. The translucent appearance of polycarbonate allows architects to create a bright exterior aesthetic during the day and night.
Our maintenance free aluminum-framed polycarbonate glazing system is available in Kynar and Anodized aluminum finishes which allows the system to cohesively integrate with any storefront system. Duo-Gard’s Series 3000 system utilizes polycarbonate available in 16mm or 25mm thicknesses ideal for various applications. Panels are available in 4’-6’ widths and lengths nominally up to 50’.


Proving once again – if you can dream it, we can build it.

Duo-Gard Series 3000 Vertical glazing system with 25mm thick cellular polycarbonate

Duo-Gard Series 3000 Vertical glazing system with 25mm thick cellular polycarbonate

Duo-Gard Series 3000 Vertical glazing system with 25mm thick cellular polycarbonate

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest to learn about our latest projects and services.

Posted in