EXHIBITOR INTERVIEW: FUTURE ARCHITECTURAL GLASS

Future Architectural Glass will be exhibiting its latest products at Windows, Doors & Facades Event in Dubai next September. We spoke to the Director, Firoz Kachwala; here's what he told us as he prepares to participate to the largest dedicated platform for the windows, doors and facades industry in the Middle East.
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Can you tell us something about Future Architectural Glass?

Future Glass has set up a 250,000 sq. ft. facility in UAE to process raw glass creating products that are innovative and inspiring. We bring in new glass solutions for architects and consultants to implement their interesting ideas.

We are recognised as one of the best producers of quality glass in the UAE, as we offer a wide range of glazing products, which allow architects to really experiment. We help our clients implement their ideas, we help architects make an impact, and create a different image of the building.

What are the most iconic projects you’ve been working on lately?

We have done quite a few iconic projects in this region. Lately in Dubai, we have executed the glazing supplies for the Dubai Frame. We also worked on the Etihad Museum with Waagner Biro (quite a unique project!), and we are now completing the Fountain Views opposite the Dubai Mall.

We try to identify projects that are complicated and require an extra effort in making the glass. We like to collaborate with architects and consultants in projects where we need to think out of the box, and push the boundaries further to achieve a higher quality standard.

What are the top industry trends in the UAE when it comes to glass and architecture?

In light of the Rulers’ vision to move the country forward and make it a futuristic place where people can implement new ideas, we see an increase in specialised glass products.

An example is the growing use of glass that tints dynamically, helping eliminate the blinds completely and transform the facades.

The UAE has always been at the forefront in the usage of glass in facades. Here, the glass and glazing industry is quite mature. The building sector is receptive to innovative solutions and good products are already available, along with quality services.

 How do you see the market evolve in the region?

The market is buoyant today.  In the whole region a multitude of projects are being executed right now. In the UAE in particular there are a lot of projects which are in the design or early construction stage, which aim to be finalized by 2020.

A major challenge is therefore completing the projects on time for the Expo 2020 Dubai. After that, I’m sure the Rulers will have something else coming up!

What products will you be showcasing at WDF in September?

The key product that we plan to display in this exhibition is the Merck Licrivision product. This is a new entrant to the UAE market: not a single project has been executed with it here yet.

The Merck Licrivision dynamically changes the tint of glass, eliminating the need for blinds. It controls automatically the amount of both light and heat influx into a building through the façade, without any mechanical system. We expect a positive market response as this is an ideal product for architects: it is both energy efficient and colour neutral.

Beyond this, we will participate at the show with our five divisions: the Facade Solutions, supplying glazing products for facades; the Interior Solutions, with a variety of products, from back painted glass or shower cubicles and partitions to innovative products like the chrome view; the Fire-Safety Solutions, all civil defense approved; the Security Solutions, with bullet proof and burglar resistant glasses; and the Creations in Glass, with two product lines: Inspire and Innovate, merging aesthetics and functionality, and pushing the boundaries of technology.

Why are you participating at WDF 2018?

We have participated in exhibitions in UAE before dmg got involved and we were not very happy with the response. I think WDF was something that we were waiting for. This show helps us connect with the right people in the industry.

About Future Architectural Glass -

Future Architectural Glass, LLC (Future Glass) is a joint venture between a multinational & diversified Singapore corporation and a leading Indian glass conglomerate. The company has positioned to establish itself as UAE's premium glass processor having the entire gamut of European machinery and systems to process any type of interior and exterior glass.

Since 1976, the group has been serving the needs of architectural glass market by providing latest products suiting the dynamic needs of architects/consultant. We started operations as a glass trading and distribution firm and ever since have expanded our products and services to include safety glass manufacturing and providing specialty glass solutions.

Meet with Future Architectural Glass at Windows, Doors & Facades Event 2018 - Location: Hall 8, Stand 8C220.