The Use of Glass in Architecture Design

Without a doubt, glass is one of the most versatile and oldest building materials available.

Photo by Philipp Birmes from Pexels

Architects have been using glass since time immemorial to enhance beauty, design, and energy use. Before we understand how glass is used in architecture, we need to first understand more about glass.

• What is glass? 

Glass is a transparent or translucent robust substance that is produced when heat is applied to sand. It is a mix of raw materials, such as sodium-potassium carbonate, Silica, manganese oxide, and lime or lead oxide. Glass can either be transparent or translucent, and it can be molded into any pattern or shape by glass and ceramic printers.

Glass is a magical material that has plenty of different properties and uses. That’s why it provides architects with numerous possibilities and designs. Toughened glass also ensures endurance and longevity. 

• What are the properties of glass that make it a perfect material in architectural design?

Here are some of the top properties that make glass valuable in architecture design:

1. Beauty and versatility

Glass is available in various sizes and styles, making it offer plenty of design possibilities. It can also be made available in several colors. This versatility is what makes glass one of the most preferred building materials. In addition to that, they can add an aesthetic appeal to any building. Thanks to the digital glass printing solutions, glass can be made into any pattern that can enhance the design of your building. 

2. Visibility and light transmission

Another incredible property of glass is that it provides outstanding visibility. Additionally, the glass block is scratch-resistant and transmits up to 90% of available light in both directions without clouding, yellowing, or weathering. 

3. Energy-efficient

Glass is generally a bad heat conductor. A fritted glass can act as a good insulator, hence helping in energy conservation and lowering your power bills. 

4. 100% Recyclable

Another incredible property of glass is that it can be recycled. What’s more, it doesn’t degrade during the recycling process. It can be recycled again and again without losing its quality or purity. 

5. Ease of cleaning

Among all building materials, glass is one of the materials that are easy to clean. Glass generally has a smooth, glossy surface so it is dustproof, making it easy to clean. 

• How is glass used in architecture?

Well, glass has various uses in architecture. Here are some of the ways glass is used in building:

1. As a window pane

Glass is often used as a material for the window panes. This is because it can act as a barrier from extreme weather changes, such as, rain, extreme heat, etc., while still maintaining the visual connection with the outside world. 

2. As an exterior material

Of course, glass has numerous uses as an exterior material. It can be used for various functionalities in a building in different aspects, thanks to its varying properties of appearance. 

3. As a roofing material

Aside from the surface, glass can also be used as a roofing material. It acts as an ideal roofing material in colder areas as it can allow more sunlight and heat into the building. Additionally, in hot areas, solar control glass can be used to optimize sunlight and heat radiations.

4. As a partition in the interiors of a building

Glass can also be used as a partition wall, especially in a commercial building. It acts as an element of décor.

Types of glass used in Architectural field

• Laminated glass
• Ground glass
• Wired glass
• Plate glass
• Fiber glass
• Foam glass
• Flint glass