Home / Bird-Friendly Glass
BIRD COLLISION DETERRENCE
Bird-Friendly
Glass
Make the barrier visible.
Keep the architectural vision.
Bring bird collision deterrence into the glass specification. Coordinate pattern, appearance and energy performance around the building and its surroundings.
PATTERN + CONTRAST + CONTEXT
Design for visibility from the bird’s approach.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Glass for people.
Visibility for birds.
Reflections of sky and vegetation can appear to birds as open habitat. Transparent corners and passageways can also suggest a clear flight path.
Bird-friendly treatments introduce visual cues to help birds perceive the barrier. Pattern, surface position and the surrounding environment all influence the result.
DESIGN PRIORITIES
Balance visibility with the façade brief.
01
Visible Barrier
Consider marker contrast against reflected scenery and transmitted views.
02
Building Appearance
Review pattern visibility from inside and outside, at the intended viewing distances.
03
Energy Performance
Coordinate bird-friendly treatment with Low-E coatings and the complete insulating unit.
04
Project Context
Consider vegetation, transparent corners, glazed barriers and the building lighting strategy.
TREATMENT APPROACHES
Different technologies. A shared purpose.
01 / VISIBLE MARKERS
Printed & Etched Patterns
Dots, lines or other repeated markers can create contrast. Digital printing and surface etching offer different visual effects and fabrication considerations.
Review: Marker size, spacing, coverage, surface and compatibility.
02 / SPECIALIST COATINGS
UV-Enhanced Options
Specialist UV-patterned coatings provide another approach, with visibility that differs between birds and people. Availability and suitability are reviewed for the proposed assembly.
Review: Exterior surface position and supporting test evidence.
GLASS & PATTERN OPTIONS
Carry the strategy through the assembly.
Patterned Insulating Glass
Combine visible markers with an insulating unit. Review daylight, solar control and exterior appearance together.
Patterned Laminated Glass
Explore laminated assemblies with suitable markers or specialist interlayers. Verify visibility through the complete make-up.
FAÇADE COORDINATION
A Consistent Visual Language
Coordinate treatment across vision areas, corners and adjacent glass. Review a sample or mock-up in the intended setting.
Solar-control coatings and bird-friendly treatments can work together when their surface positions and processing requirements are compatible.
PROJECT SELECTION GUIDE
Specify the details that make a difference.
Pattern Geometry
Record marker dimensions, spacing in both directions and coverage. Review these against the project criteria.
Surface & Visibility
Identify the treated surface. Exterior markers can interrupt reflections; internal treatments need review through the outer glass.
Evidence & Configuration
Request evidence for the exact product, pattern and glass make-up. Record the test method and result; do not transfer ratings between configurations.
Building Context
Review reflected vegetation, transparent corners, glass barriers and lighting with the design team.
DESIGN TO SPECIFICATION
Review the building. Resolve the glass.
01 / DEFINE
Define the scope
Share the location, elevations, glass types and bird collision deterrence brief.
02 / SAMPLE
Review samples & evidence
Compare appearance samples and the evidence applicable to the proposed configuration.
03 / RELEASE
Coordinate the façade
Confirm panel orientation, treatment continuity, installation details and maintenance guidance.
APPLICATIONS
Consider every transparent boundary.
BUILDING ENVELOPES
Façades & Entrances
Address reflective views and glazing near landscape features.
CLEAR SIGHTLINES
Corners & Passageways
Review glass-to-glass views that can appear to be open routes.
EXTERIOR GLASS
Balustrades & Barriers
Carry the strategy into freestanding glazing and transparent edge conditions.
TECHNICAL RESOURCES
Build a clear bird-friendly specification.
Request project-specific information for the treatment and glass make-up.
Pattern Schedule
Marker dimensions, spacing, coverage and treated surface.
Glass Make-up
Low-E coating, heat treatment, lamination and insulating configuration.
Performance Evidence
Test method, result and applicability to the proposed assembly.
Samples & Mock-ups
Interior and exterior appearance under project viewing conditions.
PROJECT SUPPORT
Let’s resolve your bird-friendly glass brief.
Share the project context, drawings and appearance goals. We can review treatment options and the information needed to develop the specification.
A custom Low-E coating glass and architectural glass processing partner for the US and Canada.
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