Curved glass
Curved glass is commonly used as an element of façades and interiors in modernist designs for commercial and residential buildings. It often specified in designs as a feature element because of its uniqueness.
Technological advances in recent decades, such as robotic and automated manufacturing, have meant that curved glass has become easier and cheaper to produce and can be used to tighter radii, greater girths and greater overall dimensions.However, is not available in standard sizes so each building will require custom-made production.
Depending on the design requirements, there are a number of different forms in which curved glass can be used:
- Curved annealed glass: This is often used for showcasing purposes where there is less necessity for strength and safety, such as shop windows.
- Curved toughened glass: This is strong and shock-resistant, produced by heating annealed glass to 700°C and then cooling it rapidly. It is commonly used in staircases and for other interior purposes.
- Laminated glass: This is formed by bonding two layers of glass and is very tough. When it shatters it stays within the lamination, rather than breaking into shards.
Clearly communicating the requirements, criteria and expected standards early in the deign process can be important as then, all parties – glazing manufacturer, façade contractor, architect, client, and so on – can fully understand the implications of the requirement prior to manufacture.
The relevant standards for cylindrical bent float glass are BS ISO 11485 Part 2 (2012), and the American ASTM C 1464-06 (reapproved 2011).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.