Patterned glass

Integrated patterns can be applied to glass using a number of different methods, including:

• Ceramic frit
• Screenprinting
• Sandblasting
• Etching

This is usually the best and most cost-effective option for new commercial and institutional buildings, and for major retrofit projects, provided the pattern is proven to be effective at preventing collisions.^{1 2}

All glass manufacturers can in theory supply bird-safe glass, and the cost does not need to add significantly to overall budget.

This is especially true when the patterned glass provides additional benefits, such as improved temperature control, glare reduction, privacy or aesthetic appeal.

Unfortunately, bird-safe glass remains difficult to source for smaller projects such as residences.

While integrated bird-safe patterns are incorporated during the manufacturing process, a new technique may make it possible to use a laser to etch a pattern into the windows of existing buildings.

1. See: https://www.vogelwarte.ch/modx/assets/files/publications/upload2023/Glasbroschuere%202023_E.pdf ↩︎
2. 50 Bird-friendly Glass Patterns (American Bird Conservancy, 2023) ↩︎