GLASS BLOCKS

Riya NaikSem VII

• The silico-sodo-calcium glass used is obtained by fusion at approximately 1150°c of a silica mixture, sodium and lime.

• Glass block is an unique building material and was developed in the 1900’s to provide natural light in manufacturing plants.

• It has a dynamic relationship with light—both natural and artificial. As light changes so do the material’s appearance and the surrounding environment. Basically, glass blocks are architectural elements which consist of glass.

Description

• The unit can be hollow or solid and comes in a wide variety of sizes, dimensions, styles, colors, opacity, and construction depending on the intended application. They come in individual blocks or pre-assembled panels.

• The most commonly used units are square (6-, 8-, or 12-inch sizes). Rectangular units (4x8-inch and 6x8-inch) are also available, as are bull-nosed edge blocks for finishing horizontal and vertical panels, and various corner and angular blocks.

• TYPES

• Allows Natural Light to Pass• Provides Privacy• Comes in a Variety of Options• Security• Durability• Provides a Good Thermal and Sound Insulation• Extremely Resistant• Green Building Credits• Glass block showers

• Con: No Natural Ventilation• Con: Structural Issues

Application and Advantages of Glass Blocks • Glass block can be used in residential as well as commercial projects, as non-load bearing

walls, windows, or partitions. Popular uses include shower stall walls, interior partitions, sidelights for entry doors, basement windows and windowless kitchen walls.

• There are numerous advantages in using glass blocks in both residential housing and commercial buildings.

• These materials are considered as a powerful alternative to windows while it can be a part of the walls that could provide great illumination and insulation.

• One important factor to consider is that glass block is NOT load bearing. There needs to be structural support below, above, and on both sides of the glass block panel, in addition to any necessary anchors or reinforcing rods.

• There are three basic methods of glass block construction: 1)standard mortar 2) mortar with plastic connectors and 3) mortar-less channel

Installation

1. 2. 3. 4.

• Steps

Details

Curved wall

Details

Examples• Ravi Malde Architects, Mumbai Office – Glass blocks used for the partition wall.

• Optical Glass House, Japan by Hiroshi Nakamura and his studio NAP

• Maastricht's Academy of Arts & Architecture, Netherlands by Wiel Arets.• Glass blocks used for the exterior walls and flooring.

• Structure that houses workshops and offices, a shopping space, exhibition areas and multimedia quarters.

• Maison Hermes, Japan. by Renzo Piano

• http://www.larochere-bati.com/uploads/pdf/BV_16p_english_210715.pdf• http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/la-mort-aux-blocs-de-verre-death-to-glass-blocks/• https://www.slideshare.net/latestfashionindia/glass-bricks-meaning-usage-and-advantages?qid=ce4f773

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• http://www.lislehomeinspection.com/repair-tips/installing-glass-block/#mortar-with-plastic• https://www.slideshare.net/chicagoglassblocks/why-do-you-need-glass-blocks-for-you-home• https://www.slideshare.net/chicagoglassblocks/arque-glass-blocks-icescape-best-design-for-shower-wall• https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/pittsburgh-corning/designing-with-glass-block-abun

dant-applications-provide-practical-aesthetic-and-green-solutions/1/

• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kristel_De_Vis/publication/271523784_The_use_of_glass_bricks_in_architecture_in_the_19th_and_20th_centuries_a_case_study/links/54cb709f0cf2240c27e7e0cd.pdf

• http://www.designboom.com/architecture/hiroshi-nakamura-nap-optical-glass-house/• http://www.archaic-mag.com/academy-of-art-architecture-wiel-arets-architects/• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_brick• http://www.glassblockproducts.com/installationguide.html• https://www.fastrackcad.com/CADFrame.asp?Company_id=107&LevelEC=0&Level0=Glassblock

References