Buildings Should Enhance Human Life, Not Compromise It
Natural daylight should make buildings better—not force uncomfortable compromises. Yet for decades, the only options have been opaque walls that insulate but isolate, or transparent glass that connects but overwhelms.
Solera® introduces the missing third option: translucent glazing that delivers beautiful, usable daylight without glare, protects privacy, enhances thermal performance, and at night delivers an iconic glow that makes buildings simply unforgettable.
Why We Need a Third Option
The building envelope has been defined by tradeoffs for too long.
Opaque Walls
The Function: Offers Structure, Insulation & Protection from the Elements.
The Failure: If Overdone, it Isolates Occupants from the Outdoors.
The Result: Stagnant, Cave-like Interiors that Affect Health, Wellness, & Productivity.
Vision Glass
The Function: Views, Connection & Aesthetics.
The Failure: Glare, Overheating & Privacy Issues.
The Result: Increased HVAC Loads and Costly Blinds—Which Block the View You Paid For.
Introducing The Third Option:
Done right, translucent glazing combines the strengths of opaque and transparent systems without inheriting their weaknesses.
Translucent Glazing
The Function: Diffused Daylight, Privacy, and Thermal & Acoustic Performance.
The Win: Works Alongside Vision Glass To Deliver Useful Daylight Without The Glare and Thermal Discomfort.
The Result: A Balanced Environment That Connects Occupants to Nature While Maintaining Comfort, Views, and Privacy.
Not All Translucents Are Created Equal
Most translucent solutions solve one problem by creating another.
1. The Assumed Choice
(Acid-Etched Glass, Frosted Glass, Films, & PVB Laminates)
- The Appeal: Glass-based, so the aesthetic is strong and the material will last.
- The Fatal Flaw: Performance stops at the surface. They lack adequate insulation and poor Light Diffusion Power™ (LDP).
- The Reality: Hot spots and harsh glare make spaces uncomfortable to work in—so blinds go down, daylight disappears, and occupants end up under artificial light.
Why Does Glare Still Happen?
2. The Cheap Choice
(Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP), Polycarbonate, & Other Plastics)
- The Appeal: They’re cheap. Typically good insulation and light diffusion.
- The Fatal Flaw: They’re cheap. These are essentially single-use plastics. They degrade quickly under UV light and require replacements.
- The Reality: The light quality degrades over time—spaces feel flat and industrial, the aesthetics suffer, and frequent replacements drive long-term costs up.
3. The Balanced Choice
(Solera® Translucent Glazing Units (TGU’s))
- The Best of Both: The longevity and aesthetics of glass + high-performance diffusion.
- The Spec: Glass-based. Sustainable. Excellent light diffusion. R-Values up to R25. Customizable
- The Result: Comfortable, glare-free daylight that supports focus and wellbeing—while staying beautiful and high-performing for the life of the building.
Fits Your Workflow. Fits Your Vision.
There is a Solera® solution for every application.
Solera® Translucent Glazing Units
High-performance translucent glazing units that integrate into standard window, storefront, and curtain wall systems so you can add daylight and privacy exactly where you want it.
This is daylighting as a component.
Explore Solera®
SoleraWall® Translucent Panel System
A frameless, structural glass panel system that turns daylight into the building envelope itself. Perfect for large openings or creating entire walls of glass.
This is daylighting as structure.
Explore SoleraWall®
Glare Repair® by Solera
A permanent, post-occupancy solution for glare and overheating—without blinds. Applied to the interior of existing IGUs where views aren’t needed, creating comfort where glare actually happens.
This is daylighting corrected.
Explore Glare Repair™
Solera in Every Sector
Education Proven to increase focus and test scores.
Sports & Recreation Eliminate the “cave effect” and glare in gyms.
Industrial High-value daylighting for safety & productivity.
Civic & Cultural Create iconic beacons of light at night.
High-End Residential Solera Reserve™ — Refined wellness for the home.
