Art of glass

Artists and sculptors have been working with glass for centuries. When a Californian scientist discovered a way to turn recycled glass into a terrazzo surface for the home, designers had access to a new eco-friendly and versatile material.

Today the material, Vetrazzo, is used for a range of custom applications, including kitchen countertops and vanities. Vetrazzo is available in bold and muted hues, with polished and honed finishes, says Scott Barrett, vice president of marketing.

"Because we use chunks of glass, rather than fine pieces, you can see half an inch or more into the surface, which gives the surface luster and depth," he says. "And because there are variations in color and the way the glass pieces are distributed, every Vetrazzo panel is different."

Recycled glass makes up 85% of each Vetrazzo panel. The glass is sourced locally, where possible, from curbside recycling programs, industrial sources, glass manufacturing breakage and demolition projects. Vetrazzo's Traffic Light Red surface, for instance, uses glass that has been recycled from traffic lights.

Homeowners receive a warranty and certificate that states where the glass for their countertop or vanity came from.

"The idea that we use recycled glass, and we track where it comes from, really resonates with people we like to say there's a story in every surface," he says.

Portland cement is used to bind the glass chips into a smooth surface that is cool to the touch, and resistant to heat, stains and scratches. Dyes and pigments are sometimes added, but no plastics or resins. The resulting panels are 9ft x 5ft, and can be custom cut.

As the recycled glass used for Vetrazzo is not remelted, it avoids the energy costs of reheating.

"This allows us to use Pyrex or safety glass that can't normally be recycled elsewhere," says Barrett.

For details, contact Vetrazzo, phone (510) 234 5550. Email: info@vetrazzo.com. Website: www.vetrazzo.com. To contact the photographer, Sean Gelbaugh, visit the website: www.seangelbaugh.com.

Story by: Trendsideas