I don't understand why newbuild flats are obsessed with using so much glass. Almost everyone I see is being covered up, sometimes even with just cardboard.

Took the train to Amsterdam the other day, on the way there is an apartment building where the shared hallways are on the train-tracks side of the building, it's floor to ceiling glass. Some sections of it had cardboard or even aluminium foil to try and keep the sun / heat out, that one looked like a greenhouse.

Likewise, I work for an energy company, in summer the aging AC (which they keep low because an energy company's policy and marketing is actually the opposite of what they provide) cannot keep up because there's nothing keeping the sunlight out but flimsy shades on the inside.

Because it looks great when you're shopping for a flat. You don't realize the problem until summer hits.

Right, I think it's a continuation of the trend I'm seeing where everything is optimized for advertising and marketing. Essentially, everyday functionalities and practicalities are displaced in favor of fresh paint and shiny things.

My place has full floor to ceiling windows.

I invested in automatic roller shades. It was expensive but worth it.

It's amazing and way better than traditional windows. Winter isn't anywhere near as depressing anymore. I can control the amount of light that comes in far more than someone with normal size windows.

Since the windows are new glass with multiple panes I notice very little difference in insulation performance.

I have a friend who bought a very expensive condo on the 20-something floor in one of those fadish^H^H^Htrendy floor-to-ceiling glass buildings. When I visited all I could say was "Gorgeous view. You're going to hate living here." And omfg does he in the summer.