Bending the rules

A source of concern for some businesses is maintaining both visibility and profile. One way of increasing visual appeal is by using curved glass panels to create an attention-grabbing architectural highlight.

Glasshape specialises in shaping and curving glass for both residential and commercial projects. Its products can be used for cabinetry, bay and feature windows, balustrading, skylights, barrel vault entrances, conservatories and partitioning.

At the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Glasshape joined together curved, opal-finished glass panels of varying sizes with silicon, to create an eye-catching and distinctive display area.

The display area's fluid shapes show the effectiveness of curved glass in providing architectural detailing.

Bending glass requires both craftsmanship and technology. Glasshape staff begin with flat sheets of glass, and then apply heat to shape them. The company has developed techniques that allow it to bend most types of glass, which can then be laminated or double glazed.

Glasshape glass can be double glazed for insulation, or laminated as grade A certified safety glass. The company also manufactures acoustic grade A safety glass, ideal for interior partitioning, and supplies curved and toughened grade A safety glass for balustrading.

For further information, contact Glasshape, PO Box 358 Warkworth, Auckland, phone (09) 422 2565, fax (09) 422 2566.

Story by: Trendsideas