Glass Block Blogger

Posted by: glassblockblogger | August 6, 2013

Using Glass Block in Universal Design

If you are remodeling your home or building new, you should consider Universal Design. Universal Design is when all spaces of your home are accessible to all people, regardless of their age, size, or ability. As we, our friends and our relatives, are all living longer, accessibility and lighting become incredibly important in our homes.

The NAHB says “Some universal design features just make good sense. Once you bring them into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. For example:”

Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They’re not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.
Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.
Good lighting helps people with poor vision. And it helps everyone else see better, too.
Lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. But others like them too. Try using these devices when your arms are full of packages. You’ll never go back to knobs or standard switches.

Universal Design Living Laboratory is a project started by Rosemarie Rossetti Ph. D to help people better understand how to create a more comfortable living environment that will enhance the quality of life.

The Universal Design Living Laboratory, approached Pittsburgh Corning for ideas. Pittsburgh Corning not only thought their products could help shine light into rooms, but also on a remarkable style of architecture. Specifically designed to enhance quality of life for a wide-range of needs, the Universal Design Living Laboratory seemed to be the perfect fit to utilize and showcase Pittsburgh Corning’s equally wide range of products for performance, sustainability and artistic value.

Rosemarie Rossetti & Mark Leder in Universal Design Master Bathroom

Rosemarie said “When we saw the glass block and the mural at the International Builders Show, we immediately knew we wanted to use it in the design,”. “We eventually decided on three forms of windows for the basement and home office. They are a very big element of the southern wall and provide remarkable light virtually eliminating the need for any artificial light in the daytime. On sunny days they really make the whole room sparkle.” Rosemarie went on to say “My husband and I are grateful that Mike Foti, President of Columbus Glass Block, recommended early in the home design phase that we look for areas in our home to incorporate glass block.

Glass Block can enhance quality of life while shining light into rooms and providing a remarkable style of architecture. At Eastern Glass Block, we have been designing and installing glass block for 20 years in the New York and New Jersey area. Call us at 800-635-1226 and we will share our experience in designing a cost-effective and sustainable design for your next remodel or build.

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Posted in Glass Block, Glass Block Design | Tags: basement windows, Bathroom, Bathroom remodel, bathroom shower, decorative glass block, Modern Design, New Jersey, New York, Pittsburgh Corning, Pittsburgh Corning Glass, rosemarie rossetti, style of architecture, universal design

Posted by: glassblockblogger | July 25, 2013

Where Do Glass Block Windows Work Best in a Home?

Where, in your home, you choose to install a Glass Block window is really a decision of which of the many capabilities of Glass Block you want for your project.

Glass Block has a wide variety of applications in your home. Glass block provides not just beauty, but also security and privacy without sacrificing lighting. It is also environmentally friendly, as demonstrated by its contribution to LEED ratings and Daylighting. This broad selection of benefits provides you the ability to achieve your specific goals.

Water Proof Glass Block Basement Windows

Glass Block is a great choice for basement windows or windows that may be susceptible to flooding because Glass Block Windows have the characteristics of a solid concrete block wall. This can be especially important if the home is built-in an area that, even occasionally, experiences flooding.

Foyers and Halls

Glass block makes a great first impression that lasts. Using glass block in a foyer allows light to open up the area and creates a statement of welcome. However, you are not sacrificing security for beauty. Glass block lets light in but still provides a sturdy barrier against severe weather, as well as, burglars.

Accenting Modern Home Design

Glass Block brightens modern architecture with soft, natural light. They’re ideal for use in applications where beauty, light transmission, and protection against hurricane force winds and debris is also desired. This incredibly practical material will enhance any modern design.

Windows in an Above Ground Shelter

Windows would be an appropriate and functional element in an above ground shelter. However, you cannot install just any type of window. You will want to make sure any windows you put into a storm shelter or safe room are tornado-resistant. Tornado-resistant Windows provide the needed protection from the elements while letting people see what is happening outside of the shelter. It also allows for daylighting, which is a benefit both when using the space as a shelter and also as a multipurpose area during other non-critical times.

Glass Block Window Choices

With the different product choices, the architect has the flexibility to mix-and-match to produce an aesthetically pleasing result. Each product choice uses light in a unique way. No other glass product can use light with the energy efficiency and security of the Glass Brick.

Give us a call or email us if you are planning new construction or a rebuild. At Eastern Glass Block, we have over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential design in the New York and New Jersey area and love to share our expertise. (800.635.1226)

Creative Glass Block is Great for a Remodel or New Construction Project

Creative Glass Block will enhance any modern home design during a remodel of an internal room that needs light or a splash of color. Not only are the design choices nearly endless, the material itself provides security while using color to naturally decorate an inside room.

As Love to Know, Home Improvement says, “Colored glass block walls allow homeowners to create a unique look to various areas of their homes. From bathrooms to outdoor kitchens, your wall can be a work of art.”.

In previous posts, we’ve talked about the fire-resistant characteristic of glass block, its energy saving capabilities, the privacy it offers without blocking light, and more. But, its ability to create a warm ambiance in your interior rooms is equally unique.

You can add creative glass block design by randomly putting color blocks into a wall, adding a stripe of color, or make the whole wall with our brilliant color options. You can use our standard colors or develop a custom color especially for your décor.

How is Color Glass Made?

Color Glass Block is made by using an exclusive glass fusion process, these designs are not decals or paintings – they use specialized color glass that is fused to a glass block. Whether you use a standard color or mural design, using this process does not change the original specifications of the glass blocks!

Virtually any custom design can be put on the glass blocks.
40 standard colors, 120 single block designs, and over 55 multiple block wall-art murals available.
Glass on glass fusion for durability (cannot be scraped off!)

The Looking at Glass blog asks the question “When you think about glass block windows do you imagine a square, boring windows?”. In response to that question, they provide great examples from Zenteriors of creative glass brick that will give you ideas for your next home project.

If you have questions about what the options are using glass block, or you just want to throw around ideas with someone, you can give us a call at Eastern Glass Block. (800.635.1226) We have been designing and installing Glass Block designs for over twenty years serving New York and New Jersey. We would love to share our experience with you.

Glass Block Blogger

Using Glass Block in Universal Design