By CAD Architects
The way in which glass is used in architecture has been developing rapidly over recent years. Glass has become much more versatile with a wide range of useful applications that add both beauty and practical benefits.
This blog explores some of the ways in which glass is being used to add impressive design features to modern buildings.
Glass facades
Large, expansive facades are now being used to add visual impact to many buildings, from custom-designed homes to commercial premises. Private homes will now often employ floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer stunning views and flood the building with natural light. This is particularly popular in Cornwall, where clients want to take full advantage of the stunning sea views.
The feeling of ‘bringing the outside in’ means that people feel a close connection to the outdoors. This creates a magical atmosphere and a sense of peace and wellbeing. It can be used to offer uplifting views of gardens and countryside – and even cityscapes.
This approach can be used very effectively on commercial buildings such as retail stores, creating an inviting shop window to tempt customers in. Modern glass manufacture enables commercial operators to exercise a great deal of control over the amount of light and heat entering the building. The flagship store for NEXT CAD Architects created at Kingsley Village in Cornwall uses a fully glazed façade made of structural glass. Find out more about this project here. https://cadarchitects.co.uk/architects-news/building-great-commercial-spaces-for-retail-and-leisure-developments/
Structural glass
Structural glass is able to bear heavy loads, making it a very useful construction material. Reinforced glass can be used for floors, staircases, glass walls, and glass sliding doors. These features are particularly suitable for open plan environments, and can add some dramatic and elegant features to the overall design, while also enhancing the availability of natural light.
Glass staircases are a popular choice in modern dream homes. The use of glass can create an effect where the staircase appears to be ‘floating.’ You can see an excellent example of this in action at the Ancora property, one of CAD Architects clients, at this link: https://cadarchitects.co.uk/project/ancora/
One of the most famous applications of structural glass is the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. This creates a stunning entrance to the museum while also allowing views of the historic Louvre building in the background, creating a unique blend of classical and modern styles.
Glass roofs and skylights
These features are an excellent way to maximise the availability of natural light in homes or in public buildings. Modern skylights can incorporate features such as solar control coatings and can also be opened up to allow extra ventilation when required. Glass roofs can be designed to span large spaces, making them very beneficial in buildings such as galleries, museums and high-end retail outlets. This approach helps to significantly reduce the reliance on artificial lighting, making it more environmentally friendly.
Glass balconies and railings
These are a particularly popular choice for properties on the stunning Cornish coast, where clients want to be able to enjoy uninterrupted, spectacular views. In our Projects pages, you can see examples of these on properties such as St Mawes and Tregytreath, at these links:
https://cadarchitects.co.uk/project/st-mawes/
https://cadarchitects.co.uk/project/tregytreath/
Frameless glass railings are robust and durable and will often require much less maintenance than more traditional materials, while creating a sleek and stylish look and feel. The use of modern safety glass makes them very practical too. They can also act as useful wind protection and, because there are no gaps between the panels, can help with noise reduction as well.
Solar control glass
This is a hi-tech product developed by the glass industry. It allows sunlight to pass through a window or façade while radiating and reflecting away a large degree of the sun’s heat. The indoor space stays bright and much cooler than would be the case if normal glass were used. It can also help to filter out excessive solar radiation and reduce glare.
Solar control glass is a double or tripled glazed unit with a metal oxide coating on the internal face of the external pane of glass. This coating is designed to allow light and vision through the glass whilst reflecting solar radiation.
Smart glass
Sometimes called switchable glass, this type of glass can change its opacity at the flick of a switch. So it can be turned from clear to frosted and then back again. This gives it a range of useful applications, allowing for instant privacy or transparency, as required. It can also be used for additional solar and heat control.
It can be particularly useful in commercial buildings, providing extra privacy in conference rooms or hotel rooms. It is now also finding its way into private residences, where it can replace curtains or blinds in street-facing living room windows or in bathrooms. This is an exciting area for future development.
As you can see from the above, glass is a highly versatile material. Modern glass is very durable and weather resistant. It can also contribute to sustainability, by capturing the heat from sunlight and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Another benefit of glass is that it is fully recyclable. In the UK we currently recycle over 75% of used glass (Source: businesswaste.co.uk )
The future for glass looks very exciting, as new technologies develop. For example, 3D printing of glass is now achievable. This will allow the production of intricate designs and complex shapes, further inspiring the creativity of architects.
We hope this has fired your imagination about the possibilities that glass can offer in terms of design impact and practical usefulness. Whether it is a commercial project or a private home, when you speak to the CAD Architects team, we will explore all the key design features so that we ensure we deliver a finished result that meets all your needs.
Contact us today for an initial discussion at studio@cadarchitects.co.uk
CAD Planning can also assist you in investigating if planning permission is required for your project. Please contact the team on: info@cad-planning.co.uk