The transparent and fragile nature of glass makes it the ideal choice for many extraordinary architectural creations that require an element of individuality and appeal. That’s why glass remains one of the most popular construction materials. It provides almost countless aesthetic options, along with exceptional performance.
Unlike wood and metal, glass is completely resistant to corrosion and termite attacks. So, it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. You just need to wipe it clean with soap and water. In this article, we discuss the top 5 uses of glass in architecture.
Glass Facades
Most modern commercial and residential buildings worldwide are opting for glass facades because of their ability to provide an unobstructed view to the inhabitants. Gone are the days when buildings were made of thick concrete walls. With glass facades, architects can add beauty and flamboyance to buildings because glass is transparent and can be precast into different shapes. Also, glass can transmit up to 80 percent of natural light, allowing you to switch off the lights to cut energy costs. Glass is also weather resistant and does not corrode.
Glass Divides
Whether you are designing your home or office, you need to find ways to make the available space more useful without making the room look and feel cluttered. You can achieve this by using glass to partition sections of the room. Since these glass panels are transparent, they will make the rooms look more spacious and airy. Glass partitions also add an element of sophistication and splendor to your home and office.
Glass Doors and Windows
Property developers are swiftly moving away from the traditional wood and steel doors and windows because of their opaque and obstructive nature. Instead, they are using glass doors and windows for improved aesthetics and energy efficiency. Apart from giving your building an element of style and sophistication, glass doors and windows will also help you cut down energy costs by allowing more natural light to enter the building.
Glass Railings
Glass railings are trendy among architects nowadays. They are used to design railings for swimming pools, decks, walkways, staircases, among others. Glass railings have proved to be more durable than the ones made of wood and steel because they are not attacked by termites corrode easily.
Glass Skylights
Most modern residential and commercial buildings have skylights. These retractable vents are made of tempered glass to allow natural light to enter the house, saving energy costs. They also add aesthetic value to a home.