Pilkington has introduced Activ Suncool™, a dual-coated architectural glass that integrates self-cleaning functionality with solar control and low-emissivity thermal insulation. Manufactured in the UK, the product features a pyrolytic self-cleaning coating on surface #1 and a solar control low-e coating on surface #2, designed for use in insulating glass units (IGUs). The technology addresses two persistent challenges in commercial façades: manual cleaning costs and thermal performance requirements.
The self-cleaning mechanism, based on a Pilkington UK invention, operates through photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties. In the first stage, the coating reacts with natural daylight to break down and loosen organic dirt. In the second stage, rainwater spreads evenly across the glass surface instead of forming droplets, washing away loosened contaminants and reducing streaking. During dry periods, the glass can be cleaned by hosing with clean water, eliminating the need for chemical detergents and reducing labour-intensive façade maintenance schedules.
The dual-coating configuration serves distinct thermal and maintenance functions. The pyrolytic on-line coating on surface #1 is highly durable and designed to last the lifetime of the glass, while the off-line solar control low-emissivity coating on surface #2 regulates solar heat gain and thermal transmission. Pilkington offers a range of light transmission and solar factor options within the Activ Suncool™ platform, providing flexibility for façade design while achieving thermal performance targets without sacrificing visible light transmission.
Self-cleaning glass technologies reduce the frequency and cost of façade maintenance, particularly on high-rise and hard-to-reach surfaces. By reducing reliance on manual cleaning interventions, Activ Suncool™ offers potential savings in water consumption and eliminates the use of chemical detergents. The photocatalytic process is passive, requiring only natural daylight to activate, meaning no electrical input or mechanical systems are needed.
Activ Suncool™ is typically specified for commercial offices, education buildings, and residential developments with large glazed elevations. The product is also suitable for curtain walling, atria, roof-lights, and conservatories where solar gain and cleaning access present operational challenges. Pilkington specifies that Activ Suncool™ is available exclusively via its Approved Suncool™ Processing Partners, ensuring fabrication standards are met during IGU assembly.
Reference projects include Pavilion Brekstad in Norway, a private residence in Kazimierz Dolny, Poland, Airiston Lumous Villa in Airisto, Finland, and Main Point Pankrac in Prague, Czech Republic, demonstrating the product's applicability across building typologies in northern European climates. The Declaration of Performance (DoP) for the product is accessible via the manufacturer's website, supporting compliance with relevant building regulations.
