Volume 21, Issue 1 - January 2007
Volume 21, Issue 1 - January 2007
| More Glass Floors Glass flooring is HUGE right now. Amazingly huge,” exclaims Tim Czechowski, co-founder and co-owner of Artwork in Architectural Glass, which has offices in Good Hope, Ga., and Newport Beach, Calif. Valerie Block, senior marketing specialist with DuPont Building Innovations in Wilmington, Del., agrees. “Glass floors, stair treads, and walkways are being incorporated into a growing number of residential and commercial projects,” she states. “In some cases, glass floor panels bring additional light into a space.” Cathie Saroka, marketing director of Goldray Industries Ltd. in Calgary, says that her company is seeing a much greater demand for, and acceptance of, complete unitized systems for glass floors as well as requests for larger panels. “Glass floors are also being used more often as accent pieces in public areas such as malls, interpretive centers and museums. Also, floors and stairways constructed of glass are being used as a tool to get light deeper into a building or to better showcase multiple layers of other architectural features,” she adds. Block makes the point that architects need to know that glass floors are different than other glass applications and require special engineering and attention to safety issues. “Based on load calculations and intended use, the proper thickness and glass type, thickness and type of laminated glass interlayer, and top surface non-slip treatment must be determined,” she explains. “Installation details are critical.” “Architects must understand the limitations of glass flooring and stairways, specifically when and where slip coefficients are applicable,” points out Saroka. “The International Building Codes are vague on standards required and there is no one universally-accepted way of measuring a slip coefficient,” she adds. “Safety is the number one concern,” states Czechowski. “It is a high liability product that requires special attention and planning.” Moving Market How is the glass floor market changing? According to Saroka, there is more interest in using this product as both a floor and ceiling which brings about privacy or modesty concerns. She also points out that the market currently has limited access to fire-rated flooring systems. “However, as the demand is definitely there, many companies are developing solutions for this issue right now,” she states. “As glass is a material that is well suited to ‘green building,’ I expect to see more glass floors and stairways used on sustainable design projects as a way to enhance and make better use of the natural light within a building,” Saroka says. “Fire-rated flooring systems should be more widely available in the next year as will more clearly defined standards and guidelines for applicable use,” she predicts. Architects' Guide to Glass & Metal © Copyright 2007 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission. |