Until they visit our showroom, many homeowners and designers don’t realize how many ways there are to add a new style or accent to any living space with glass. This is especially true with architectural glass, which can be textured or patterned to add a distinctive flair to any room.
What are the Characteristics of Architectural Glass?
Architectural glass allows architects to design visually striking facades, either by reflecting the environment or revealing more of the building’s interior. Its energy performance is influenced by its ability to reflect solar energy and provide thermal insulation.
Modern architectural glazing enhances energy efficiency, enabling the creation of expansive glazed areas. These areas help connect building occupants with the outdoors and allow more natural daylight into interior spaces, which can improve visual comfort and well-being.
Aesthetics
With the vast array of high-quality architectural glass products now available, architects can push the boundaries of their projects’ aesthetics. The numerous glass options allow designers to achieve their design vision while staying current with the latest trends.
Oversized and curved glazing offers innovative opportunities to create unique structures in the desired size and shape. From neutral to colored glass, designers can craft visually stunning, eye-catching facades. Architectural glass also provides varying levels of reflectivity, from low reflectivity that helps the building blend with its environment to highly reflective glass that makes a bold statement or changes the building’s appearance based on the time of day and weather.
Environmental Stewardship
Architectural glass is becoming crucial in promoting more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Advanced glazing solutions offer high energy performance and help lower operational carbon emissions.
Architectural glass manufacturers are constantly improving products and exploring innovative methods to minimize the environmental impact of glazing throughout its lifecycle.
Thermal Insulation
Fluctuating temperatures throughout the day, across seasons, and in various climates can make it challenging to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Thermal insulating architectural glass in Calgary allows natural light to enter a room while mitigating the impact of cold outside temperatures. It reflects heat back into the room to help maintain a comfortable indoor climate.
Solar Control
Solar control architectural glass can help mitigate the ‘greenhouse effect’ that causes rooms to become uncomfortably hot in the summer. This glass allows indoor spaces to be brighter and cooler while filtering out uncomfortable glare from the sun.
Applications and Uses of Architectural Glass
Architectural glass is a versatile material used in a wide range of applications. Its properties make it suitable for:
- Facades and curtain walls – create visually striking exteriors that can either reflect the surroundings or showcase the building’s interior.
- Windows and skylights – enhancing natural light and providing views while maintaining energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
- Partitions and interior walls – offering a modern and open feel in interior spaces while providing sound insulation and privacy.
- Doors and entrances – making bold statements with transparent, translucent, or decorative glass that adds to the aesthetic appeal.
- Balconies and railings – ensuring safety and unobstructed views with toughened or laminated glass.
- Canopies and awnings – providing shelter while allowing light to pass through, enhancing the outdoor experience.
- Flooring and stairs – creating unique and modern designs with durable, anti-slip glass solutions.
- Decorative elements – adding artistic and custom designs through colored, textured, or printed glass.
These applications demonstrate the flexibility of architectural glass in combining functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal in modern building design.
How to Choose Architectural Glass from Architectural Glass Companies?
When selecting architectural glass from companies, it’s important to evaluate both the glass products and the manufacturers to ensure you get the best quality and performance for your project.
Identify Your Requirements
Determine whether you need glass for facades, windows, partitions, etc. Consider thermal insulation, solar control, safety, and acoustic insulation requirements. Decide on transparency, color, reflectivity, and design elements.
Research Companies
Look for architectural glass companies with a strong reputation and extensive experience in the architectural glass industry. Ensure the company offers a wide range of products that meet your specific requirements. Check if the architectural glass manufacturer invests in advanced technologies and innovative solutions.
Evaluate Product Quality
Verify that the company’s products meet industry standards and certifications for safety, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. Look for information on U-values, R-values, and other performance metrics. Assess the longevity and maintenance requirements of the glass.
Assess Customer Support
Ensure the architectural glass manufacturer provides technical support and guidance for selecting and installing the glass. Check for responsive and helpful customer service that can assist with your queries and concerns.
Consider Cost and Value
Compare prices from different architectural glass companies, keeping in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of quality and performance. Evaluate the overall value by considering product quality, performance, and the company’s reliability.
Request Samples and Proposals
Ask for product samples to physically inspect the quality and aesthetics of the glass. Request detailed proposals that outline the product specifications, costs, and installation details.
By thoroughly researching and evaluating architectural glass companies in Calgary based on these criteria, you can make an informed decision that ensures you choose the best glass for your architectural project.
House of Mirrors – Architectural Glass Manufacturer in Calgary
From countertops to cabinet doors and room dividers, architectural glass can be molded into thicker, more expressive shapes, allowing it to take on a completely individual look. It’s truly something that has to be seen to be appreciated, so visit the House of Mirrors showroom today at 5555 2 St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2W4. We have more than two dozen types of architectural glass in stock, and samples that you can take home with you.
To get advice and buy architectural glass in Calgary you can call us at (403) 253-3777.
Samples of Architectural Glass in Calgary
