Glass Block: An Excellent Building Material for your Home!

Glass block is a popular building material that is commonly used for partition work. Glass blocks can look attractive when placed strategically combined with artificial and natural lights. Depending on the transparency of the glass, these glass blocks can be used in places where you need to have privacy. Glass blocks are also used for creating dramatic aesthetic effects. However, you need to choose the glass blocks carefully, because the transparency of light through the glass block depends on the pattern of glass block used and accordingly produces different effects.
As the demand for energy-efficient buildings is increasing, these glass blocks come in handy. They provide energy efficiency, sound control, security, and even visual texture. The glass blocks can be used in commercial as well as residential projects, as non-load bearing walls, windows, or partitions.

 

What is a Glass Block?

 

According to ‘Francis D. K. Ching’ (Author of the book called Building Construction Illustrated), a Glass block is a translucent, hollow block of glass with clear, textured,  or patterned faces, made by fusing two halves with a partial vacuum inside. It is also known as a glass brick. It is a building material made from glass and its appearance can vary in color, size & texture.

Use of Glass Blocks in Home:

One of the primary reasons for the use of glass blocks in residential buildings is to provide light to the interior. It can be used as façades, partitions, windows, staircase railings, non-load-bearing exterior, and interior walls, etc. Glass blocks can be also used in some interior work such as a contemporary shower stall, a kitchen island, kitchen backsplash, or decoration with the front door.

01. Use of Glass Block as a Facade

 

The façade is an elegant component that helps to determine the unique architectural aesthetics of the building. Also, it has a critical role in energy performance in the building. Glass blocks can be used as a façade in the house for energy saving.

02. Use of Glass Block as a Partition

The room partition created with glass blocks allows more light to flow around the room brightening up dark spaces. They can also control the room temperatures by heat retention.

03. Use of Glass Block as a Window

In the bedroom, bathroom, or other areas that require privacy, glass blocks can be used in the formation of the window.

04. Use of Glass Block as a Railing

Glass block can be used as the staircase railing because it helps to transform light. Therefore, artificial light is not required during the daytime. Also, it is easy to clean than ordinary glass.

05. Use of Glass Block as a Wall

Nowadays, houses and offices build have to satisfy the requirements for energy saving. Therefore glass blocks can be used in the formation of a wall because they can transmit light and reduce heat, which will reduce energy needs and save you money.

06. Use of Glass Block as a Shower Stall

Glass blocks are used in the bathroom because they provide privacy while the light is passing through and are easy to clean.

07. Use of Glass Block as a Bar in Kitchen

Glass blocks can be used in the kitchen to form the bar for breakfast, lunch & dinner. You can achieve the desired height and width by using glass blocks as needed.

08. Use of Glass Block as a Kitchen Backsplash

A Glass block makes a smart kitchen backsplash for a kitchen island. The purpose of using a glass block in the kitchen backsplash is to protect the surface against any splashes. Also, it can be easily wiped clean without a problem.

09. Use of Glass Block as a Front Door Decoration

Glass blocks are used in the front door decoration because the textured finish provides privacy while still admitting light into the foyer