Glass, though, an old material is now being used in varied ways. Earlier it was used for doors and windows. However, its improved properties have made it a versatile material and its role in architecture has evolved over the years.
It is now being used as a structural component, cladding material, for internal partitions, furniture, as insulation material, as solar panels and for many other applications.
Glass was first made in about 500 BC. Earlier only float and flat glass was made which was brittle but glass which is available now has properties like fire resistance, bullet resistance etc.
Glass has refraction as well as reflection properties. Refraction is used in using solar light while reflection is used for keeping temperature controlled inside the buildings.
Normally, 12mm thick toughened glass is used for large size openings in the building or for full height partitions in interiors. Coloured glass is also available in the market. Patterns either through screen printing or through etching can be created on the glass to enhance the interiors. These partitions, plain, coloured or patterned, not only look pleasing but also give a feeling of lightness to the interiors.
Some of the different types of glasses available in the market are detailed out below.
- Smart glass is the glass which changes wavelength of light from translucent to transparent or block all. It can be used as privacy screens between guest bedrooms and bathrooms, for external doors and windows, toilets and shower cubicles.
- Self cleaning glass is a type of glass which keeps itself free of grime and dirt. This type of glass with a nano coating of titanium dioxide keeps itself free through photolytic decomposition. It goes through two-stage process: photocatalytic and hydrophilic. It can be used as sky light for atriums, or for domes which are to be covered with glass.
- Laminated glass is a safety and security glass that is made by sandwiching a laminated sheet between two pieces of glass. It holds together when shattered in the event of breaking. It is good for geographical areas requiring hurricane-resistant construction. It is often used in exterior store fronts, curtain walls and sky lights.
- Tempered fire resistance glass is a single piece of chemically or thermally treated, tested to fire resistance for the required time period and having a stress pattern that when fractured reduces to granular fragments, with no jagged edges.
- Etching on glass is a technique for creating art on the glass. Etching can be done by applying acidic, caustic or abrasive substances. Sandblasting the glass will allow for greater variation by using different degrees of coarseness in sand thus giving the finished product a rich textured appearance. With etching, beautiful pieces of art can be created on glass which can be used as a mural or as any other feature in interior or as window panes, in door panels.
- Patterns can also be created on glass by screen printing. Screen printing on glass can also enhance the uses and value of glass, making this omnipresent, practical, and durable material into a versatile work of art for a wide range of architectural applications.
Thus besides being useful, glass has the ability to make the structure look more stunning, sophisticated and adds beauty to the building.
Dr. SONIA MEHTA