March 25, 2013

IQ in Self Build Homes: Why Use Glass in Modern Architecture?

Written by Andy Curd

Read IQ’s expert editorial in this month’s Self Build Homes. Why Glass?

Here's a short excerpt to wet your appetite: Using glass in projects is the definition of luxury, modern architecture and construction. Glazing is no longer simply a pane of glass and a frame. From years of engineering, research, experience and design, Glass is now a functional, architectural element to any build; large or small. Natural light is scientifically proven to improve living standards, increase quality of life and glass is the only modern building element that can combine the thermal performance needed for today’s constructs and whilst allowing light transmission wanted.

There are so many different options and uses for glazing and windows now. Glass can be used as fixed structural elements of glazing - from glass walls, glass roofs, skylights, glass floors – these elements will all draw in light creating a bright, light bathed environment. Walk on roof lights are always useful in a balcony or basement project as they do not impeded on any floor space on the above floors. Placing these on southern elevations will bring in the maximum amount of light and if you are extending to the basement area walk on glass panels embedded into the floor, decking or patio are great minimal solutions to light ingress below