Bold and bright

Cast-glass windows have been used on buildings since ancient Roman times. In subsequent centuries, each advance in glazing technology has broadened the scope of architectural possibility.

Today, glass blocks are a contemporary alternative to standard glazing, offering a number of additional advantages, such as privacy, strength, safety and insulation.

Gary Walden from Eurobrik, suppliers of Solaris glass blocks, says that glass blocks offer all the insulation benefits of a solid wall.

"Glass blocks act in the same way as double glazing, providing both acoustic and thermal insulation, and even eliminating the need for curtains," says Walden. "They can reduce heat loss by 52% compared to normal glazing."

The house shown here, designed by Mark Brown of MGB Design, features a stairwell with a curved exterior wall of Solaris Clear Flemish glass blocks.

"Using glass blocks helped to solve the issue of privacy," says Brown. "They also gave a much smoother curve to the stairwell wall than would be possible using standard faceted glass."

Eurobrik glass blocks come in a choice of patterns, sizes and colours, with privacy ratings from clear to completely opaque.

For additional details, contact Eurobrik Products, Auckland, phone (09) 589 1992. Email: sales@eurobrik.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas