Posted by: glassblockblogger | December 11, 2011

Christmas Holidays Stimulate our Creativity

The Christmas Holidays bring out the creative side of us. Everywhere we look during this season, we see exciting creations. We commute to work and see Christmas decorations on homes and buildings. This opens our minds to new ideas for our own homes that goes beyond just temporary decorations.

Eastern Glass Block Christmas Gift

Glass Block Christmas Craft

It is quite popular these days to use color and light as a foundation of new and up-to-date designs.

Glass Block is an excellent material for using color and light and can be added to glass block in many ways. In one of our past Posts during the Easter season, we showed how Glass Block can be used in very creative ways in crafts for gifts and decorations. This is, of course, also true for Christmas decorations. EHOW.com also discusses making a lighted glass block for Christmas.

Eastern Glass Block No drill craftsAt Eastern Glass Block we would recommend using DecoBloc. Each DecoBloc is designed with a molded opening that you can use to insert lights or any decorative item. This eliminates the need to drill the glass block yourself.  Glass Block can also be engraved with unique designs or a personal message to increase the unique value of a memorable Holiday gift.

A Glass Block bar is also a great DIY project. Glass block is sturdy and appealing while adding a nice art-deco touch. On GlassBlockBlogger.com, we have discussed doing a DIY project building a unique bar in the game room, a new shower, a kitchen island to enhance your open floor plan, or simply to add a new design element to your home.

Eastern Glass Block, New York, New Jersey, Boston, PhiladelphiaWith our weekend DIY project modules, we can help you to choose the right materials and provide you with assistance on the design and installation to bring your ideas to life.

Call us at Eastern Glass Block. We have over 20 years of experience designing and installing Glass Block and would love to share our experience with you while you plan out that new DIY weekend project or next craft activity.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | December 3, 2011

Putting Both Security and Beauty in Airport Design

Glass Block in Airport Design
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

Airports want to protect their travelers on the ground as the airlines do in the air. It is also important for the airport to provide an aesthetically pleasing experience for the traveler to make the time spent in the airport as pleasant as possible.

These are two examples of airport Glass Block projects:

Miami Internal AirportMiami Airport Commuter

Located just a few short miles from the coastline, Miami International Airport is a prime target for hurricanes. And, since its construction in 1928, has seen its fair share of close calls from Mother Nature. So when American Airlines officials announced plans for their new commuter terminal expansion, Pittsburgh Corning knew this project was a great opportunity to showcase their innovative products and their ability to effectively take the brunt of Mother Nature’s fury.

The project goals not only required a product durable enough to stand up to hurricane season but one that would also easily allow an inflow of light into the terminal. It seemed like a match made in heaven for LightWise® Architectural Systems Hurricane Resistant Windows.

Altogether, the new American Airlines Commuter Terminal at the Miami International Airport features 547 of Pittsburgh Corning’s LightWise® Hurricane Resistant Windows. Using a random pattern of six different sizes of windows, the design offers ample light while also providing an increased circulation of airflow.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Another example is the Ronald Reagan National Airport. This is an airport that needs to stay true to its design characteristics of contemporary, historical, and beautiful. The airport had to give more than three million parking patrons a well-marked path to their flights. From the beginning, the new garage at National Airport was a study in contrasts. The charge was simple, yet challenging – create a modern building within the shadows of the Washington Monument.

Ronald Reagan International AirportThe predominant features of the garage are the glass block elevator towers. The clear Vue® pattern provides a peripheral view and emits maximum light, which is important both for aesthetics and safety. These towers, combined with clearly marked entrances and exits, help guide patrons to their destinations.

Ultimately, the use of glass block helps patrons traverse the parking garage, adding immeasurably to their peace of mind. The finished project is a shining example of steel and glass block.

Eastern Glass Block has over 20 years of experience in commercial glass block design and installation. Give us a call to discuss your next project.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | November 25, 2011

Tip for a DIY Project that Saves on Your Heating Costs

An Energy Saving DYI Weekend

New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

For the Do-It-Yourself’ers, nothing is better than doing a gratifying weekend project. And no project is more gratifying than a project that will save money. So, where does our money seem to disappear to, month after month? We could say it literally flies out the window.Eastern Glass Block LightWise Bathroom Remodel

Heating costs have a significant impact on our household budget every month and there seems to be no change in site. The US Energy Information Agency (EIA) states that average household heating expenditures for heating oil and propane will increase by 10 percent and 9 percent, respectively, this winter (October 1 to March 31) compared with last winter. Average expenditures for households that heat with oil or propane are forecast to be higher than in any previous winter. In contrast, natural gas and electricity expenditures are projected to remain close to last year’s levels.

The Department of Energy recommends a Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit. With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. As recommended by the US Department of Energy, inspect windows and doors for air leaks. DOE suggests to see if you can rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weather stripping them. Check the storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also wish to consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-performance ones.

Eastern Glass Block LightWise Unique FeaturesThe Glass Block window is an excellent consideration for its ability to provide an aesthetically pleasing space and added security. The LightWise Glass Block window from Easter Glass Block would be an excellent choice. The window is attractive and easy to install. The LightWise® Low E Energy  Efficient Vinyl Window meets ENERGY STAR requirements across the United States. The patented design uses SOLARBAN® 70 to reduce the flow of radiant energy through the block.  And since it meets ENERGY STAR requirements, you can be assured that your interior will be more comfortable and will require less energy to heat and cool your home, which is good for the environment as well as your wallet.

You can check out our post on installing a Glass Block window. Call us at Eastern Glass Block to discuss your project. We have over 20 years of experience and love to share our knowledge.

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