Glass Talk host Patrick Flannery reconnects with an old friend who is now a lecturer in mechanical engineering with a focus on fenestration technology at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Thomas Simko has travelled the world researching the latest concepts in glass, glazing and building facades and he joins the podcast to give us the view from Down Under. Simko’s message is compelling: Australia lags North America significantly in its use of high-performance glazing, but that is about to change with tightening energy efficiency rules that will drive a new demand for insulating products and advanced framing systems that combine narrow profiles with support for large-format glass and better energy efficiency.

To see more of Thomas Simko’s work, check out:

Optimal Window Designs for Australian Houses

Vacuum Glazing: Development, design challenges and commercialization

Performance Criteria for Residential Zero Energy Windows