We Build for Humans. Not Just Buildings.
For too long, buildings have been designed around technical efficiency, cost, and aesthetics—while the humans who occupy them suffer from poor lighting, glare, and disconnection from the natural world. We believe buildings should work for the people inside them, not the other way around. We’re here to change that.
A Question That Changed Everything
In 1995, our founder, Dr. Douglas I. Milburn, asked a simple but powerful question: What if we could harness the sun’s energy and light in a way that serves both the planet and the people inside buildings?
For nearly three decades, Advanced Glazings has been answering that question. Our journey began with a deep commitment to sustainable technology, leading to the development of our revolutionary Solera® + Aerogel products. But along the way, we discovered that the most important metric isn’t just energy saved—it’s the human experience transformed. Our mission evolved from simply taming the sun to making it work for humanity.
Founded by Dr. Douglas I. Milburn
Solera® + Aerogel is born
Featured in US Solar Decathlon
Launch of “Better Buildings for Humans” Podcast
Leading the movement for human-centric daylighting
We Don’t Just Let Light In. We Make It Work for People.
Traditional windows dump harsh, concentrated light onto the floor, creating glare and hot spots that force occupants to pull the blinds. It’s a failed promise. Our Solera® and SoleraWall® systems are different by design. By infusing glass with the world’s most advanced insulating material, aerogel, we created a translucent system that diffuses daylight, spreading it deeply and evenly throughout a space.
The result? No glare. No hot spots. No blinds deployed at noon. Just beautiful, usable daylight that makes spaces healthier, more productive, and more human.
The Four Pillars of Human-Centric Design
Humans need daylight to thrive. It’s not a luxury—it’s a biological necessity. Our products are engineered to ensure every occupied space has access to beautiful, functional daylight.
We manufacture with glass because it lasts the life of the building. Plastic degrades. Glass endures. This is about long-term value and a commitment to quality for both people and planet.
Traditional windows dump light. Our systems diffuse it. This means more usable daylight with less total glazing area, creating more efficient and comfortable buildings.
Sustainability and human wellness aren’t separate goals. When buildings serve people better, they also use less energy, reduce waste, and create healthier environments for everyone.
Join the Movement. Listen to the Podcast.
We’re not just a manufacturer—we’re advocates for a better way to build. Through our Better Buildings for Humans podcast, we host conversations with the architects, designers, and innovators who are reshaping the built environment. Because the best buildings aren’t just efficient or beautiful—they’re places where people can do their best work, learn, and live well.
Recognized by Industry Leaders. Trusted by Innovators.
Our commitment to creating products that have a net positive impact on the environment is fundamental to our vision. This isn’t just a policy; it’s the core of who we are. Our work has been recognized by industry leaders, environmental organizations, and design communities, but these awards aren’t just for us—they’re validation that the industry is ready for a more human-centric approach to daylighting.
Build Magazine
US Department of Energy
Glass Magazine
Additional Recognition: 2007 Council on Innovation (Chamber of Commerce), 2007 Productivity Improvement (Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters), 2006 Industry Award (Globe Awards for Environmental Excellence), 2005 Media Spark, 2005 Innovation Award (Discovery Awards for Science and Excellence), 2002 Cape Breton Business Excellence Award, Excellence in Business Development (Hype Awards), Canadian Manufacturing & Exporters Member, TD Canada Trust Annual Award.
Join a Team That’s Redefining What Buildings Can Be.
At Advanced Glazings, you’re not just making products—you’re helping create spaces where people thrive. Whether you’re an engineer, a designer, a builder, or a thinker, there’s a place for you in the movement toward better buildings for humans. Based in beautiful Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, we’re a proud Canadian company with a global vision.