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SkySheer
Highly Efficient Frameless
Glazing Systems
Architectural Freedom
Meets Passive House Performance
Discover Cutting-Edge, Sustainable, and Highly Efficient Frameless Glass Curtain Walls for Commercial and Residential Buildings.
Transforming glass from a passive infill to a structural element.
Enabling seamless, frameless façades for bold, energy-efficient architecture.
Powered by AESTEC Engineering
Patented Technology
SkySheer showcases Aestech’s patented technology, redefining curtain wall performance through an innovative approach to insulating glass units (IGUs). Unlike conventional IGUs, where the panes can shift slightly within the unit, the SkySheer IGU is engineered to function as a rigid, tubular structure. This design enables the glazing itself to actively participate in resisting wind loads, significantly enhancing structural performance.
The key to SkySheer’s rigidity lies in its unique construction: the secondary seal of a traditional IGU is replaced with a bonded reinforcement that incorporates a pultruded fiberglass profile as a structural spacer. This fixed, high-strength connection maintains a constant distance between the panes, transforming the IGU into a load-bearing element within the curtain wall system.
SkySheer paired with
Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG)
can achieve R-value of R-25+
and STC rating of 40+
Reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions in the built environment is a growing priority across the architectural and construction industries.
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The SkySheer Frameless Curtain Wall System, when paired with Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG), represents a forward-thinking solution delivering exceptional thermal insulation and structural integrity.
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This innovative combination is ideal for projects striving to meet rigorous energy codes while enhancing efficiency and achieving striking visual appeal.
Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG)
Glass technology that insulates like a wall
What is VIG and how does it work?
VIG consists of two glass panes separated by a narrow gap. Inside the gap, microscopic pillars ensure even spacing to maintain the structural integrity of the glass. The pillars are designed so that they do not compromise the transparency or aesthetic of the glass.
The internal support pillars, also known as spacers or micro-supports, are:
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Diameter: Typically around 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm
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Spacing (pitch): Usually spaced 20 mm to 40 mm apart, center to center
Why they matter:
The pillars are essential to prevent the two glass panes from collapsing inward under atmospheric pressure, since the vacuum gap has no air to provide resistance.
So manufacturers try to minimize the visual and thermal impact while still ensuring structural integrity. Some high-end VIGs even use non-metallic or low-conductivity materials for the pillars to reduce heat transfer.
Removing the air creates a vacuum, decreasing heat transfer through conduction and convection. A vacuum seal as well as a hermetic edge helps ensure the gap remains airtight, providing its powerful insulating properties.
The overall thickness of a VIG unit can be as thin as 8.3 mm.
LUXWALL: R-23
Enthermal Plus™
0.05 COG u-Factor (BTU/h ft2 F)
25-mm Thickness
LUXWALL: R-18
Enthermal™
0.056 COG u-Factor (BTU/h ft2 F)
8-mm Thickness
Why SkySheer
Thermal Performance
Without Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG), the thermal performance of the SkySheer IGU is equivalent to that of a conventional IGU. Standard double-pane IGUs typically has an R-value between R-3.0 and R-3.7, but when installed in traditional curtain wall systems, the effective R-value drops to between R-1.2 and R-2.0 due to thermal bridging caused by aluminum framing often reducing performance by 35% to 45%.
SkySheer eliminates the need for aluminum mullions, allowing glass façades to retain the full thermal potential of double- or triple-pane IGUs. This results in an R-value that’s 35% to 45% higher than a conventional curtain wall using the same glass configuration.
When paired with VIG, the thermal performance of a SkySheer glass façade dramatically increases achieving R-values of R-25 or higher, setting a new benchmark for energy-efficient building envelopes.
VIG Limitations
The max size for Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG) is 60" x 96". Usually, that limit means you're stuck breaking up larger openings with intermediate aluminum mullions.
But SkySheer changes the game.
It’s the only glass system that lets you use a single, uninterrupted exterior glass pane, while pairing it with a two-pane configuration on the inside. That setup means we can now use VIG in much bigger openings, without needing any visible mullions in the middle.
Basically, it gives you both: high-performance insulation and a clean, uninterrupted aesthetic.
Architectural Advantages
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Frameless Design. Enhanced Aesthetics
Eliminates visible metal structures, such as aluminum frames and mullions, resulting in a clean, uninterrupted glass façade. The fully glazed surface supports a sleek and modern design, favoured in high-end architecture.
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Large Glass Panels
Accommodates expansive glass units up to 10' x 20' (3m x 6m), enabling broader, unobstructed views and enhanced natural light.
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Design Flexibility
Allows for the connection of glass units at various angles, supporting creative layouts such as segmented walls of any degree or panoramic geometries.
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Glass-in-Glass Fantom Operable Window Option
Integrates an operable window directly within the larger glass pane, with no visible frames and no compromise to the continuous glass aesthetic. Maintains both visual purity and functionality.
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Engineering Advantages
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Increased Structural Integrity Utilizes insulated glass units (IGUs) with higher stiffness, transforming the glass into a load-bearing element capable of resisting wind loads effectively.
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Superior Thermal Performance When paired with Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG), the system achieves R-values exceeding R-25, thereby contributing to enhanced energy efficiency and improved comfort.
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Enhanced Acoustic Insulation Achieves Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings of 40 or higher, providing improved sound insulation for building occupants.
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Seismic Resistance The SkySheer's design offers increased seismic resistance, making it suitable for regions prone to seismic activity.
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Reduced Optical Distortions The advanced glazing technology minimizes optical distortions, ensuring clear and undistorted views through the glass.
SkySheer Glazing System is Eligible for Rebates and Incentive Programs
SkySheer’s advanced thermal performance qualifies under every major rebate program across Canada, including those offering up to $500,000 per project.
Both federal and provincial initiatives actively support high-efficiency glazing and curtain wall upgrades, especially in commercial new builds and retrofits. Whether you’re aiming to meet Step Code targets in BC or access retrofit incentives in Alberta, SkySheer makes it easier to qualify and maximize returns. In Manitoba, Efficiency Manitoba's Building Envelope Program offers incentives for curtain wall upgrades, calculated based on the U-value of the system .
It's not just compliant, it’s a rebate magnet.
Whether you're undertaking new construction or retrofitting existing commercial spaces, SkySheer helps you meet energy efficiency goals while maximizing available rebates.
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