Structural Glazing UK

Buy Double Glazing Online at:

Structural glazing

Next time you’re walking down the High Street and you spot a particularly snazzy looking bar that’s just opened; the chances are you’ll be admiring a bit of structural glazing. Most of Britain’s contemporary architecture leans heavily structural glazing and it’s now so commonplace that only the most outlandish designs really catch the eye.

Using large panes of glass to create light-filled spaces in commercial and industrial buildings has been a popular practise for decades and there are plenty of specialist companies to choose from. At its’ most complex level structural glazing involves creating entire buildings from glass, such as Lord Foster’s erotic gherkin. At its simplest level structural glazing could just involve fitting a revolving door. No matter what guise structural glazing comes in; modern architecture would be inconceivable without it.

Installing structural glazing is a complex business and needs plenty of skilled planning. It’s also a pricey business, which goes some way to explaining why most of the research and development into glazing is currently undertaken by large construction companies.

The type of glass used must also be robust enough to withstand extremes of weather and will often be treated to absorb heat or cut sunlight. Low-emission coatings and chromatic glazes (to cut down on glare) are just two examples of recent technological advances. Pilkington has gone one step further and created a self-cleaning window. This is great news for architects, but not such hot news for window cleaning firms.

The supporting steel framework can be internal or external and as subtle (or dominant) as the architects’ desire. When structural glazing works, it really works well; for proof look no further than Santiago Calatrava’s stunning City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. On the other hand most European suburbs are littered with examples of structural glazing that doesn’t quite cut the mustard (the BT tower springs prominently to mind).

 

Pink Fridge Online Magazine > dating online > marriage counselling > wedding planning guide > pregnancy symptoms & advice > how to work at home > car insurance advice > overcome depression > hairloss in women > weight loss > diet pills > skin care > tanning > baby gifts > planning a funeral > shopping for perfume > shopping for earrings > shopping for engagement rings > shopping for sunglasses > shopping for shoes > shopping for wedding favours > shopping for wine

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Double Glazing

Contact | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Advertising |  Subscribe in a reader