How To Add Daylight And Architectural Impact
(HIT) – Custom home owners' and architects' perception of glass block's appropriate place has evolved from back-side basements to front elevations that celebrate this high-quality, sparkling material as 'building blocks of light.'
Today Weck and other real-block manufacturers offer a wealth of privacy patterns that block visual intrusion from the outside and hide unsightly views—while letting in natural daylight. With even large homes today being built on zero-lot lines, glass block’s decorative and privacy attributes are a combination with growing appeal, expressed by increased use of this dazzling material in bathroom windows, transoms, and entry system sidelights. And in the hands of a creative designer who mixes patterns, shapes and colors, it can become furniture or even sculpture.
The curb appeal of glass block on homes of style can’t be denied, especially in sunbelt communities along all three coasts. And block’s versatility for modern interior design can introduce an exciting yet tasteful way to keep light flowing in throughout the home. Open-plan floor designs often feature knee- or waist-high glass block dividers that spread natural light from room to room.
Architects, designers and glass-block manufacturers have put no limit on the uses and styles of glass block. Decorative walls composed of glass block provide subtle dividers in an otherwise open layout, while allowing natural light to spread from room to room. Vaulted foyers with block transoms and sidelights welcome light while blocking unwelcome views. Curved block railings, kitchen islands, lavish walk-in showers, and artistic wall cutouts—all add interest and sparkle.
Using a variety of styles, shapes, patterns and even accent colors, you can create a glass-block scheme that shines in any modern architecture, exterior or interior.
Glass block manufacturers have introduced new products and systems to make the product easier to install, even by do-it-yourselfers. Rigid aluminum or plastic spacers let even amateurs create perfect horizontal and vertical spacing for the block. Clear silicone caulk is used to connect one block to another, instead of traditional mortar. And now, two-inch-thick blocks are available in pre-built windows from Weck and other manufacturers. Replacing a clear glass bathroom window with glass block privacy is a simple do-it-yourself project. For other examples and ideas, visit the Weck website at www.weck.com.
Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center
Like it? Share it with others!
Or Place a link to this page using the following HTML code: