Pilkington Spacia Glass: dead but still remembered

Pilkington Spacia was the world’s first commercially available vacuum-insulated glazing unit (IGU), revolutionizing window technology when it launched.

Offering the thermal performance in the thinnest double-glazing ultra-thin 6.5mm profile, Spacia quickly became popular for its ability to balance modern energy efficiency with historical preservation.

Homeowners could retrofit it into traditional frames without altering the building’s appearance, making it ideal for listed properties and heritage restorations​​.

One distinct feature of Pilkington Spacia was its evacuation port, which is where the air between the glass panes was extracted to create the vacuum.

To protect the port, a protective cap was added, ensuring the vacuum remained intact.

Why is Pilkington Spacia no longer available?

Both the evacuation port and protective cap were visible on the glass surface, potentially detracting from the aesthetic and clean look, making it less desirable for homeowners seeking seamless window designs in period properties.

Additionally, technological advancements and the emergence of other manufacturers have led to the development of vacuum IGUs with better thermal performance and additional features.

Pilkington Spacia could not keep up with newer developments, and the brand is no longer produced or used today.

However, people searching for information about vacuum insulation might still encounter references to Pilkington Spacia.

Better Alternatives on the Market: Fineo Glass

Although Pilkington Spacia is no longer an option, the vacuum-insulated glazing market has evolved significantly. Fineo Glass is one of the best solutions currently available.

Offering superior thermal insulation, noise reduction, and durability, Fineo provides a lower U-value of 0.7 W/m²K, meaning significantly better thermal insulation.

Fineo also has a thin 6.7 mm profile, offers superior noise reduction of up to 35 dB, and lasts up to 60 years.

Additionally, Fineo has no visible evacuation port.

Therefore, today’s homeowners of listed buildings and period houses should turn to Fineo Glass when looking for high-performance vacuum-insulated glass.