Earlier glasses and mirrors were used to see faces. Now they are used to make stylish homes also. That’s the reason why glass architecture is becoming popular nowadays. Not only window frames, but faces of big buildings are also shining with glass architecture.
‘Glasses break with a simple touch’, many people are still confused for adding glasses as a part of their interior. But truth is that technology is far advanced and glass with strength of bricks is also available now. That’s the reason why, for contemporary designs, to allow maximum sunlight inside, people are opting for glass walls. It’s also possible to mould glasses according to user’s desire.

What are the advantages of glass?

• Transparent to sunlight, thus allowing maximum sunlight inside.
• A spacious appearance even for narrow and small rooms.
• Glass walls create an echo-friendly atmosphere, very close to nature.
• Glass is cheap than wood.
• No need of polishing, concreting or painting glass walls.
• Cleaning is very easy and can be done with a little soap and water.

Glasses are of different types

In glass architecture, for each function, different types of glasses are used. Saint Gobain, Modiguard, IAS etc are international glass companies providing world class glassware for your interior.

For windows and shelves, float glass is used to make its lids. It is also known as plain glass. Its price begins from 25 rupees per square feet. Prices may vary according to the design and quality of glass.

Designer glasses are available that can be used for windows and they are known as pinhead glasses. Its prices start from rupees 20 per square feet. Tinted glass prevents the entry of heat inside and its price starts from 35 rupees per square feet.

Another type of glass is known as reflective which costs 40 rupees per square feet. Plain glass may be frosted and used. But it allows only feable light to pass through. If ordinary frosting is done, it may get finger marks easily. Chemical frosting is the solution. But it costs 145 rupees per square feet.
Tafant glass, also known as tempered glass is yet another variety. It is 7 times stronger than ordinary glass. It has half inch thickness and is not easily breakable even with a hammer. It is available from 4mm to 19 mm thickness. 4 mm costs around 80 rupees while 19mm glass costs 750 rupees.
Laminated glass give preference to safety and it is done by laminating three glasses together. It has 17 mm thickness and its price depends on the thickness of the glass. Even if it breaks, glass never scatters around.

If your home needs extra security you can use bullet proof glass. It costs around 2500 rupees per square feet.

Double painted glasses contain two layers. It’s also known as lackerd glass. Instead of binding them together by some gum, gases like helium, argon etc is filled in between. It is done so that glasses won’t catch moisture easily. Such sealed glasses won’t allow heat or sound inside. It can be used for kitchen cabinets. It is highly demanding glass and is available in more than 10 colours. It is available in 4mm to 8mm thickness. Its prices vary according to colour too and it ranges from 250 – 400 rupees per square feet.

Glass blocks are available that can be used as walls or partitions. It is available in 3 inch thick 7.5 inch sized square pieces. It can be used as substitute of bricks and silicon paste is used for its binding. Different types and colours of glass blocks are available now and each glass block may cost 150 rupees or more.

Mesmerizing glass works for your home

Glass works are now used for decorative purposes also. It can be used in steel almarahs available in different designs. This ordinary work is known as etching which starts from rupees 35 onwards and may go high according to work designs.

Ordinary etching, multi-layer etching, acid etching – there are different types of such glass works. A pit is made in glass before doing multi-layer etching that gives a two dimensional effect. For partition of windows acid etching is used.

Glass staining is another process which adds colours to designed etching works. Earlier glass staining was given in small doors and windows of churches. But giving such designs to ventilators, small doors, shelf doors, glass doors, partitions etc of homes is the latest trend. Its price starts from rupees 250 onwards per square feet.

Beveling is another glass work used in interior designs. Glasses are given in places where frames are placed in less thickness to get a 3-D effect. Through beveling it is possible to give a diamond shape to glasses. Its price starts from rupees 30 per square feet and may vary as per its thickness.

Cluster work is also popular nowadays. From glass pieces small designs are cut and beveled. Then it’s stick on to another glass to get attractive designs on glass sheets. Small or big designs – anything is possible in cluster work. Though it’s attractive it is highly priced and may need 550 rupees or more per square feet designing. 

Glasses can be used for many purposes

Is it possible to give glass floorings to your interior? It may look unbelievable. But, yes! It’s possible. Glass can be used anywhere from flooring to roof, just you need a little artistic mind and creativity to find new ideas and designs for your dream home.

For flooring: It needs thick glass as it is for rough use. Tempered glass, i.e. tufent glass is used for flooring purposes. It avoids sliding and scratches. It is normally laid in 15mm to 19mm thickness.

For walls: Columns are constructed in building’s structure and they are joined through glass walls. If you have doubts about its safety you can go through some security measures during construction process. To control the entry of sunlight and heat inside the home, an agro shade net can be fixed at 2 or 3 feet distance from your wall.

For doors: Avoiding wooden frames, we can make glass doors. A door made with tuflant glass may cost 10,000 rupees or more. Above wooden doors, small glass designs can be provided as windows also. It’s normally seen in old doors and windows. If you are doing so, you can apply etching, staining etc to make those glass decorations more attractive. Glass doors need at least 10-11 mm thickness.  

For staircase: Now stair cases are made using glass also. Glass sheets are fitted in steel frames to make glass staircases. Railing of normal staircases is also done. Glasses may be given stain works to make them more attractive. But latest trend is without steel frames but adding fittings after fabrication. Using laminated glass ensures more safety.

For roof: Is it possible to see stars and moon at night lying on our bed in our bedroom? Yes, it’s possible with glass roofing. Use glass roofing with silicon paste. Polycarbonate sheet may be placed above. Living room can be designed in this way allowing enough sunlight at day time and star watch at night. For privacy, you may use blends while using such glass walls or glass roofs.