From Heritage to High-Rise: How HaanGlas VIG Projects Across Europe, North America, and Asia Prove Its Versatility

James William
HaanGlas

As building codes tighten worldwide, architects, developers, and contractors are looking for glazing solutions that combine ultra-low U-values with design flexibility. Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) from HaanGlas has emerged as one of the most versatile options, enabling deep energy savings in diverse projects across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Below are three standout case studies that highlight how VIG adapts to different climates, cultural contexts, and architectural challenges.

Europe: Preserving Heritage While Meeting Energy Codes

In Northern Europe, a 19th-century Town Hall faced soaring heating costs due to single glazing. The city needed better thermal performance but strict preservation rules prohibited changing original timber frames.

The solution: HaanGlas slim-profile VIG. At only 8.3 mm thick, the units were installed directly into the original frames. Results included:

42% reduction in annual heating demand

U-values down to 0.48 W/m²·K

Original heritage aesthetics fully preserved

This project proved that even sensitive heritage buildings can achieve modern Step Code or Passive House levels of performance — without compromising design integrity.

North America: Apartment Retrofit for Comfort and Noise Control

In a North American city center, residents of a multi-family building demanded better comfort and noise reduction but did not want disruptive renovations. Traditional triple glazing would have required heavier frames and costly redesign.

Instead, HaanGlas VIG was retrofitted seamlessly into existing frames. Benefits included:

Over 3 dB noise reduction, improving acoustic comfort

Noticeably warmer interiors in winter and cooler in summer

No loss of daylight or transparency

Faster installation with minimal disruption

The project demonstrates why VIG is becoming the most energy efficient glazing option of choice for developers aiming for LEED certification, Passive House standards, and net-zero energy targets.

Asia: High-Density Urban Housing Upgrade

In dense Asian cities, homeowners often struggle with traffic noise, temperature swings, and high energy bills. A recent retrofit project replaced standard double glazing with HaanGlas VIG in existing aluminum frames.

The outcome:

Elimination of cold spots and drafts during winter

Significant cooling energy savings in summer

Quieter indoor environments without heavy curtains or secondary barriers

This case underscores VIG’s dual role as a thermal insulator and sound barrier, crucial in markets where urban density intensifies these challenges.

What These Projects Teach Us

Across three continents, several clear benefits of HaanGlas VIG stand out:

Ultra-low U-values: Consistently around 0.48–0.49 W/m²·K, outperforming double and triple glazing in slimmer formats

Energy and cost savings: Up to 40% heating cost reductions in retrofit scenarios

Design flexibility: Fits directly into existing or heritage frames without redesign headaches

Acoustic comfort: Noticeable noise reduction in high-density or traffic-heavy environments

Future compliance: Exceeds current and upcoming efficiency codes, giving developers confidence in long-term performance

Why Choose HaanGlas VIG?

Slim profile, big impact — Fits where triple glazing cannot

Durability across climates — Tested in cold European winters, humid Asian summers, and mixed North American conditions

Future-ready — Complies with Step Code 5, NECB, Passive House, and other global standards

Health and comfort — Warmer, quieter, and more stable indoor environments for occupants

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