The laminar glass bonding process using silicone, initially presented at GPD2023, has been successfully applied to renovate the façade of the Herostrasse building in Zurich, Switzerland. This innovative approach combines glass and silicone to create intelligent hybrid materials that support the circularity of building materials. By utilizing window or spandrel glass at the end of its lifespan in combination with silicone, the glass can be repurposed as cladding material for façades. This glass-silicone hybrid can be easily separated after use, allowing both materials to be recycled. This paper reviews the mechanical (impact) and safety (fire) performance of the composite glass-silicone-frame. Observations from the Herostrasse building implementation are discussed, and potential pathways for scaling up the method to larger projects are explored. The re-manufacturing process holds significant potential, as the large amount of flat glass replaced annually in window renovations could be reused effectively. The flexibility in formats and shapes opens a wide range of applications, and cutting to size is straightforward. Machine vision and optimization tools enable the reuse of these glass elements in both conventional façades and new geometric configurations and designs.
Enrico Cutri
Circularity in Construction, scaling up glass reuse with silicone
Company: DOW Europe GmbH, Switzerland
About the speaker:
Global Building Projects Specification Manager
Building Science – Dow Consumer Solutions
Primary Responsibilities
Enrico Cutri is Global Building Projects Specification Manager and a member of the Building Science Team at Dow. Based in Switzerland, Enrico is directly responsible for the management of designated key accounts and for the introduction of product innovation, to enable the creation of sustainable, functional, high performance buildings. He works together with a global team of Dow specialists to address and support the demanding challenges of mega projects.
Experience and Expertise
Enrico has 34 years of construction experience including 25 years in the sealants and adhesives industry, collaborating with architects, engineers, main contractors and OEM’s. He has supported many landmark projects around the globe including HQ Apple Campus2 Cupertino, HQ Bloomberg London, The Shard London, HQ ECB Frankfurt, HQ Google UK, the Henderson Hong Kong…
Enrico has also worked in close co-operation with research and development and system engineering teams on material innovation and new applications and has played a pivotal role in training personnel on future business development.
Education
2004-2006: Degree in Marketing Management, HMZ ZUG
1994-1996: Degree in Engineering & Project Management, Bern University of Applied Sciences