Modern interior design trends have elevated the floating glass staircase as a symbol of elegance and innovation. Increasingly popular in both contemporary homes and office spaces, this design transforms ordinary staircases into visually striking architectural features. The beauty of glass floating stairs lies in its seamless, weightless appearance, which enhances the flow of natural light and creates an open, airy atmosphere. Crafted with durable tempered glass treads, these staircases combine safety with sophistication, offering a modern statement piece that blends functionality with artistic appeal.
Glass Block Windows: Cost, Labor, Lifespan, and Differences Explained
08.18.2023 | Installation, Architecture, Glass BlockWhat is the average cost for glass block windows?
The total cost to install glass block windows in a basement can fluctuate significantly based on several key elements. The final price is influenced by the window's dimensions, the intricacy of the design, and the specific style of glass block chosen. Standard glass block windows are generally more budget-friendly, whereas decorative or custom designs will cost more. Larger window sizes also increase the price due to higher material and labor needs. Installation fees will vary by location and the project's difficulty, with possible extra charges for removing and disposing of the old windows. When comparing costs, it is also important to consider factors like durability, insulation, and aesthetics.
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Custom Size Glass Block Windows: How to Choose the Right One
07.19.2023 | Design, SEVES, Architecture, Glass BlockThe Benefits of Custom Glass Block Windows
Glass block is a durable, flexible, and fully customizable building product that enhances both the beauty and performance of any space. Designed to fit virtually any opening, custom glass block installations are perfect for window replacements or creating standout architectural features. No matter the project, glass block can be precisely tailored to meet your specific size, design, and structural needs.
A History of Glass Block Architecture
Glass blocks became widely popular in the early to mid-20th century, valued for their distinct mix of functionality and aesthetic appeal. These durable, light-transmitting building units are used for windows, walls, and walkable surfaces. The history of glass block shows its evolution into countless applications, from biotechnology to simple decorative accents. GBA offers the largest supply of glass blocks in the US, providing architects with innovative solutions like custom glass walls and walkable glass systems to add a "wow" factor to any design.
The Finishing Touch on Your Glass Block Project
Glass blocks give you endless design options, whether it’s partition walls, pet kennels, or eye-catching accent features like desks. With a wide selection of patterns, shapes, and finishes, designers can bring almost any idea to life. For a glass block accent wall and other projects, finishing touches make all the difference. Glass block caps add a stylish, functional element, keeping the edges of your walls as polished and appealing as the rest of the design.
Residential Glass Floor Systems
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Glass floors in houses are gaining popularity among homeowners and interior designers for their unique blend of strength and style. When properly engineered, structural glass can even support the weight of a vehicle.
Beyond durability, glass flooring adds a striking accent to wood, tile, stone, or concrete surfaces, enhancing any space with modern elegance. Whether incorporated into a mezzanine, a full floor, or a small section, glass flooring in the living room creates an open, light-filled atmosphere that transforms the home into a visually stunning and inspiring space.
Walkable Glass Skylights
Benefits / Business Structure Skylights / Skylight Applications / GBA
When considering the purchase of a building, whether residential or commercial, the design and feel of the space are key. Glass plays a vital role in enhancing this appeal by letting in natural light and creating a sense of openness with its clarity and timeless design. Many buildings struggle with limited daylight, which is why walkable glass skylights and flooring systems have become a popular solution. These skylights bring sunlight to lower levels, making rooms feel brighter, more spacious, and welcoming. At GBA, we provide skylights in both classic glass styles and walkable sidewalk applications, where glass pavers are paired with cast iron or concrete for durability and aesthetic appeal.
Historic Glass Block Renovations: Main Street Station
06.15.2021 | Historic Glass Block Renovation, Structural GlassHistoric Glass Block Renovations:
Main Street Station
Architect: SMBW Architects
General Contractor: Taylor & Parrish Construction
Owner: City of Richmond Department of General Services
Main Street Station: The History
In 1901, the Main Street Station was constructed in the heart of Richmond, becoming a key landmark in the city’s transportation history. 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.
The Glass Block Renovation
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 station's 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.
Main Street Station: The Final Product
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, Virginia's most historic buildings.
Contact GBA Architectural Products + Services
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.
Visit the GBA website or phone:
- Midwest - (877)-280-7700
- East Coast - (212)-255-5787
- West Coast - (213)-634-7450
Restored Glass Block Windows Youngstown, Ohio
Some of our favorite ventures are renovation projects in our local area. As a company based in the Cleveland/Akron area, we were excited to take on a renovation assignment in Youngstown, Ohio, just 65 miles from our office.
Zero Lot Line Construction
What is a Zero Lot Line House?
A zero lot line house is a type of residential property where the home is built directly on or very close to the edge of the property line. Different types of zero lot line properties include patio homes, garden homes, townhomes, and row houses. These homes can be either attached or detached and may feature one or two side yards, though most often they include just one.
