Bird Safe Design

Acid-Etched

Acid-etching is a process where hydrofluoric acid is applied to glass and chemically erodes where it is placed. The chemicals used for etching are in a closed loop where no chemicals are released back into the environment. It is widely available as an outside surface deterrent, and works by interrupting the reflection of glass.

Acid-etch can work with a wide variety of glass tints and LowE reflection levels (though acid-etch itself does not have color options because it is a texture change in the glass surface). It broadly allows for double-sided glass treatments without the need for lamination. Manufacturers offer a variety of patterns.

_{^{Galesburg Public Library, Photo courtesy of Alex Sobolev}}

Ceramic Frit

Ceramic frit can be applied to glass by screen-printing, or digital-printing where glass printers take designs and print them onto glass using small inkjets that administer ceramic inks. After the frit is applied, the glass is baked and the pattern fuses to the glass. Frit is available in a wide range of colors, and you can also find frits that are translucent or simulate an etch effect.

It’s important when choosing frit to ensure the pattern size, spacing, and surface placement comply with best practices to be effective in deterring bird collisions. Heat treated deterrents like frit cannot have the LowE on the opposite side of the glass.

_{^{Photo by Lorne Bridgman}}

Lasered Patterns

A few companies have developed methods for adding custom patterns into the exterior surface of glass using laser technology. There are two methods of this: laser etching and laser print transfer. Laser etching can create a similar visual effect to acid-etch. Laser print transfer uses a laser to fuse a frit-like material onto the surface of the glass.

Depending on the laser settings, there is a variety in visual contrasts in these products. A pattern must be very apparent to reduce bird collisions. It is recommended to consult with a bird-friendly specific expert or manufacturer to get a better understanding of what is being considered, and how it might perform in the specific intended application.

_{^{Photo by Orion Laser Tech}}

Laminated Embedded Materials

Lamination is the process of gluing two or more pieces of glass together so that it still looks like one piece of glass. This is often done in architecture to strengthen the glass, increase safety from projectiles or falling glass, improve acoustics, and many other reasons.

The manufacturing process allow for many types of materials to be added in between the glass, and if done right (i.e. following pattern spacing and contrast best practices) these materials can help prevent collisions.

_{^{Image by Walker Glass}}

Reflective Coatings

Reflective coatings include products marketed as UV-reflective as well as products that reflect light in the visible spectrum. Many products marketed as UV-reflective have some strong presence in the visible spectrum as well.

When considering utilizing bird collision deterrents using reflective coating technologies, make sure to consider the lighting conditions of your intended placement during the day and throughout the year, as changing lighting conditions can have an effect on the product’s effectivity.

_{^{Image by Guardian Glass}}

Textured Glass

Many types of textured glass have the ability to be made bird friendly. Because textures are usually applied to the inside surface of the glass, care must be taken to ensure the outside surface cannot form reflection. The visual environment of the application must be taken into consideration, as it can change the efficacy in collision reduction. When appropriately used, this glass can prevent collisions and alter the quality of light entering the internal space.

_{^{Fluted glass, photo by Simon Menges}}

Channel Glass

Channel glass systems are ribbons of molten glass formed into continuous glass channels that have a similar visual effect to 100% acid etched glass. Considered a type of textured glass, channel glass creates a collision deterrent effect by removing some of the image formation on the surface of the glass or through it. The vertical lines of the narrow glass section also add to its efficacy.

_{^{Photo by Bendheim Glass}}

Glass Block

Glass block is made by fusing two halves of glass, creating a hollow chamber. The wavy surface of the glass blocks helps distort the image formed on it’s surface, and the mortar between each block can act as a pattern that birds can see. The hollow structure of this glass allows for light transmission and could help with soundproofing.

_{^{Photo by Spaceshift Studio}}

External Rigging

There are a variety of non-structural tensioned wire-like materials that are used mostly for aesthetics, but have some potential as versatile and customizable deterrents if used correctly.

In the photo example, anodized aluminum chain links are used in a customizable facade-covering installation. It is recommended to consult with an expert to ensure the distance and spacing of the external rigging material will be effective in preventing collisions.

_{^{Can Manent School / Photo by Kriskadecor}}

Perforated / Expanded Sheet Materials

This is a category inclusive of a variety of materials commonly used on facades that have the potential to be used as deterrents. For example, architectural meshes can be made in a variety of metals, shades, and finishes.

Fixation systems allow easy installation and anchoring. Perforated sheet facades can help with natural ventilation, visibility, sun protection, customization, and privacy. As long as material is used to cover glass in a 2×2 spaced pattern, it can be used for bird-safe design.

^{_{Photo by Banker Wire}}

Shades and Louvers

Commonly used for reducing heat from getting into a building, many shade and louver systems can also double as collision deterrents when used correctly. Shade systems can offer the added benefits of airflow and light control, privacy, and elemental protection.

A facade with fully adjustable louvers can be not only useful but aesthetically intriguing. If you are interested in another example of this, check out Foster & Partner’s design of Langley Academy in the United Kingdom (not pictured here).

^{_{Photo courtesy of Alex Sobolev}}