EDITOR ' S CHOICE
GLASS HOUSES – THE PRACTICAL POSSIBILITIES
THESE DAYS , PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES CAN EXPECT PRIVACY , SECURITY AND PRACTICALITY , AS SUSAN SINDEN , COMMERCIAL MANAGER FOR ESG GROUP LTD , EXPLAINS .
The traditional view of a glass house was that of fragility and exposure , but advances in glass processing have brought about huge changes , making significant expanses of glass a practical option in domestic homes , as well as commercial buildings .
Toughened laminated glass , created by laminating together two or more panes of toughened glass with advanced PVB interlayers , has given us a modern building material which is unsurpassed in its versatility and range of applications .
We once kept glazing to a minimum for fear of breakages , but toughened laminated glass has allowed us to construct entire walls and uninterrupted glass vistas which also deliver on durability , safety and security .
Specialist interlayers , bonded to glass panels in the lamination process , have helped to make glass panels larger , lighter and stronger for their relative sizes , and can also be used to introduce sound attenuation , colour and privacy .
One of the great advantages of glass is that you don ’ t have to redecorate it after a few years as its highly resilient surface means that it will stay pristine for many decades . However , that doesn ’ t mean that you
can ’ t add colour – there are several ways to do this . Glass can be back-painted in a solid colour to add a hygienically sealed splash of colour , particularly popular in kitchen splashbacks , as glass is perhaps the best of all wipe-clean surfaces .
We can now add a magnetic coating to the reverse of a pane of glass , so you can also enjoy a perfectly colour-matched magnetic glass wipe board in the kitchen , office or playroom too . We can also add colour using Vanceva coloured interlayers , which allow light to flood through , adding colour from sunlight on neutral interiors . Glass can also be digitally printed with your own preferred colours and designs .
LCD privacy glass is increasingly in demand , especially for creating ensuite bath or shower rooms in tight spaces . This privacy glass is literally switched on and off as required . It relies on a sophisticated LCD interlayer , which becomes transparent when the current is switched on , but reverts to opaque when switched off . Glass such as ESG Switchable™ can also be used to replace curtains or other window treatments , allowing you to enjoy the view when switched on , but giving you complete seclusion when switched off .
For adding practical features such as high security , colour , privacy and even sound attenuation , ironically , people in glass houses now get all the best choices .
www . esg . glass
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