Glass block walls are a design trend that has gained immense popularity in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. Not only do they add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space, but they also offer a range of practical benefits that make them a smart choice for both residential and commercial areas.
Glass block isn’t just for basement windows anymore. Because of their versatility and luminosity, glass bricks have become architects most desirable choice. They have the ability to brighten spaces while still providing a clean and modern look in homes, offices, schools, and many other places.
When was glass block popular? Glass blocks gained widespread popularity during the early to mid-20th century for their unique combination of functionality and design appeal. But what are glass blocks? They are durable, light-transmitting building elements used in windows, walls, and even walkable surfaces. Over time, glass has been adapted for countless applications, from biotechnology to decorative accents. At GBA, we offer the largest supply of glass blocks in the United States, providing architects and designers with innovative solutions, including custom glass walls and walkable glass systems, to bring a "wow" factor to any project.
Glass block options provide endless versatility for creating everything from partition walls to pet kennels and even accent features like desks. With a wide range of patterns, shapes, and finishes available, architects and designers can bring virtually any vision to life. For projects like a glass block accent wall, the finishing touches are just as important. Glass block caps offer a stylish solution, ensuring that the ends of glass block walls are as visually appealing as the design itself, adding both function and beauty to your space.
Glass Deck Panels / Maintaining a Glass Deck / GBA
Glass decking panels offer a stunning and customizable solution for outdoor spaces, transforming decks into visually striking and functional areas. Whether you prefer a private retreat or a bright, open space for entertaining, glass panels for outdoor decks provide endless design possibilities. Many homeowners worry about durability, but GBA’s structural glass is engineered for safety and strength, even in outdoor environments. With options like glass stair treads and aluminum-framed systems, our glass panels combine structural integrity with aesthetic appeal, creating versatile glass flooring solutions that elevate any outdoor deck experience.
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Glass floors and walkways are becoming increasingly popular among home owners and interior designers. When engineered properly, glass can be strong enough to withstand the weight of a vehicle! Of course structural glass has more benefits than its strength. Glass floors in houses offer a unique accent to any wood, tile, stone, or concrete floor. Whether you construct a mezzanine, a whole floor, or just a corner of the floor with glass it is sure to make your house more appealing and inspiring.
Benefits / Business Structure Skylights / Skylight Applications / GBA
When it comes to the purchase of a building, residential or commercial, the space is what draws you in. Glass has the ability to bring light and create a warm sense of openness thanks to its transparency and timeless aesthetic. In many buildings, natural light is limited, which is why home and property owners look to walkable glass skylights and flooring systems for a solution. Walkable glass skylights allow natural light flow into lower areas of your building, creating a beautiful space that feels larger and more open. Here at GBA, our skylights come in both traditional glass as well as walkable sidewalk skylight applications that combine glass pavers with cast iron or concrete.
Architect: SMBW Architects
General Contractor: Taylor & Parrish Construction
Owner: City of Richmond Department of General Services
In 1901, the Main Street Station was built in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Served by Amtrak, the historic Main Street Station served as not only a transit station but as offices and an entertainment venue as well. The station was built by a firm from Philadelphia, Wilson, Harris, and Richards in an exquisite Second Renaissance Revival Style. By the 1920s, the station had over 20 trains passing through the station each day.
Main Street Station was faced with tragic events that would cause Amtrak to move its service to the Staple Mills Road station in Henrico. In 1972, the station suffered from severe water damage when Hurricane Agnes hit Virginia causing Main Street Station to flood. The following years would only lead to more damage, the fires of 1976 and 1983 which caused significant damage to the upper floors of the station.
Following these catastrophic events, renovations of the station took place and by the early 2000s, the rail service was able to return to Main Street Station.
Encasing the history of the Main Street Station was the most important aspect of this project. GBA Architectural Products + Services worked alongside Taylor & Parrish Construction and SMBW Architects to complete the preservation of the Main Street Station. Transforming this historic station into a modern venue for food markets, restaurants and cultural attractions was the upmost goal of the renovation.
In 2016, SMBW Architects created the design to be a GlassWalk™ multi-product approach to showcase the history below. This project included two different types of GBA floor systems on the second floor of the station. One system being the GlassWalk™ Structural Glass (SG) and framing elements. The Structural Glass system was used to showcase pieces of the original train tracks under the clear glass. This allows visitors to admire a small piece of the stations history while still providing a functional environment for events.
The second system that was used was our GlassWalk™ Glass Paver (GP) system. The system was used within the renovation to create a unique appearance while still allowing natural light to transcend to the lower levels of the station. GBA completed the GlassWalk™ Structural Glass and Glass Paver systems in 2017.
The unique historical features of the Main Street Station make it an amazing place to hold many different types of events. Main Street Station is currently in the top 5 of the 15 most unique wedding venues in the world, according to brides.com. The Main Street Station website states, they will continue to showcase the uniqueness of the station and create “a transportation hub and a community gathering-place.” With plans to transform the station into a multi-modal transportation center, it will remain one of Richmond, Virginias most historic buildings.
GBA glass block products have been used in office designs, exterior claddings, walkways, and glass staircases throughout North America to admit natural light while optimizing the use of interior space.
For more information about vault lights and other glass block architecture for offices or other applications, contact GBA Architectural Products & Services.
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Some of our favorite ventures are renovating projects in our local area. Being a company located in the Cleveland/Akron area, we were thrilled to be chosen for an assignment in Youngstown, Ohio, only 65 miles from our office.
A zero lot line house is a piece of residential property where the house comes up or very near to the edge of the property line. A variety of properties can be considered zero lot lines, including town homes, garden homes, patio homes, and row houses. These homes can have one or two side yards and can be attached or detached. Typically, Zero lot line properties typically contain one side yard.
