Glass: varieties and uses

Press, 29 April 1981, Page 10

Glass: varieties and uses

Glass provides wide flexibility in the design and decoration of modern homes. Used imaginatively, it can give style and glamour. The choice in a modern glass showroom inspires' new ideas- for windows, partitions, shelving and table tops. Energy saving-is an : important consideration these days, so it makes sense to use the sun’s heat through, windows or skylights. The amount of heat coming in can be controlled by the use

of reflective glass or film. Reflective control also keeps out the ultra-violet rays that fade furniture and carpets, and the reflective property can be utilised for interior screening. Double glazing in windows can be effective in control- - lingS noise pollution as well as heat loss, while glare can be reduced by plain grey or bronze glass or film, if this is preferred to a reflective effect. Patterned glass, with its

"varying degrees of obscurity, lends privacy and visual interest while allowing light to penetrate. Back-lighting it opens up more decorative possibilities. For safety in the bathroom, laminated glass, styrene or polycarbonate is best for shower cubicles. i The double-glazing version of this is excellent for sun porch conservatories or glasshouses. Built double with self spacers, this poly’carbonate material is incredibly light and tough. Besides providing insulation it shuts out almost all ultra-violet light. For solidity without framing, glass blocks are particularly effective as transluscent screens and partitions, either outside on the patio or indoors. Leadlights are back in fa-

vbur, along with stained glass and glass that has been acid etched, embossed -or engraved. , The jewel-like glowing tones of stained glass have enchanted art lovers for centuries and each of its many revivals has added an extra facet to the craft.

The colour range now available is virtually unlimited and many rich and subtle shades are appearing in feature windows, tiffany lampshades, skylights, room dividers — even planters. The variety of glass for the purpose is almost as wide —it may, for example, be rolled or blown, streaked or uniform, mass-produced or hand-made. . Leadlights with protective glass, and zinc instead • of lead cames, can form part of a solid security door that appears, instead, to be designed purely as a feature of beauty. To make satisfactory use of the many glass options, a little glass knowledge is valuable. Remember that glass expands and contracts slightly,

so.if there is a- tight glass-to-metal contact in shelving or table -top designs, this could lead to breakage. Make sure that adequate washers and 1 pads are fitted to allow, glass movement. Be careful of putting, hot objects on a glass table, since thermal shock could break it. It is easy to play safe by using table mats. If you are selecting a glass shelf unit, make sure the edges are protected and have been sufficiently smoothed.