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Vault Lights |  Concrete and Cast Iron Vaulted Sidewalk

Vault lights seamlessly blend architectural history with modern design, making them a standout feature in contemporary streetscapes, sidewalks, and landscapes. Originally developed in the 19th century to bring natural light into underground spaces like basements and subway tunnels, vault lights sidewalk installations now offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Available in prefabricated or custom configurations, these pavement lighting systems enhance the visual and practical qualities of any project, creating a striking connection between past and present architectural innovation.

Vault lights serve as a testament to the ingenuity of city planning and design. Made from durable materials like reinforced steel and thick glass that is engineered to support heavy loads, vault lights allow pedestrians to safely traverse sidewalks and streets while providing illumination to spaces below. Whether for historical preservation or new urban developments, vaulted sidewalk vault lights are a versatile solution that adds both value and visual appeal. By incorporating these timeless features, architects and property owners can create safer, more illuminated walkways that stand out.

Vault Lights: The Beginning

Vault lights were invented in 1845 by Thaddeus Hyatt, and were initially used on ship decks to provide light below without using hazardous, open flame-producing instruments. These durable glass features were later mounted in concrete and cast iron panels and installed in city sidewalks to admit light into basements and spaces below.

Enhancing Hurricane Resilience with Glass Block: A Guide for Builders and Architects

Hurricane blocks are an effective solution for buildings located in areas vulnerable to severe weather. Built to handle the impact of high winds and flying debris, these glass blocks offer a strong blend of protection and style. They give builders and architects a dependable option for improving both safety and design in hurricane-prone regions. As more projects prioritize resilience and modern aesthetics, this durable material is becoming a popular choice for long-term protection.

Understanding Hurricane Glass Block:

Hurricane glass block, also known as impact-resistant glass block, is specially designed to resist the destructive forces unleashed during hurricanes and severe storms. Composed of durable, fortified glass, these blocks are engineered to withstand high-velocity winds, debris impact, and extreme weather conditions that accompany hurricanes. The construction involves layers of tempered and laminated glass, creating a robust barrier that enhances both the structural integrity and safety of buildings.

Key Features and Benefits

Impact Resistance

Hurricane glass block is crafted to withstand impact from airborne debris, a common occurrence during hurricanes. The multi-layered composition, typically including tempered and laminated glass, ensures that the blocks remain intact even when subjected to strong forces, preventing breakage and maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

High Wind Resistance

Engineered to resist high-velocity winds associated with hurricanes, these glass blocks provide an effective barrier against wind-driven rain and debris. This feature is crucial for preventing water infiltration and maintaining the building's envelope integrity during a hurricane.

Natural Light Integration

Despite its robust nature, hurricane glass block doesn't compromise on aesthetics. It allows the seamless integration of natural light into interior spaces, creating a bright and open atmosphere. This feature is particularly appealing for architects looking to design hurricane-resistant structures without sacrificing the benefits of daylighting.

Energy Efficiency

Hurricane glass block contributes to energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The translucent nature of the blocks allows sunlight to penetrate while maintaining thermal insulation, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient environment.

Hurricane Glass Block from GBA

When architects and builders need to plan for the worst nature has to offer, GBA sells and installs Lightwise® High Performance Glass Block systems. Lightwise® is renowned for its reliability and flexibility to create innovative and beautiful spaces that stand up to hurricane-force winds and impact from flying debris. The window assemblies are recognized and approved by Miami-Dade County (Florida), the Texas Department of Insurance, and the state of Florida. GBA can deliver, ship, and/or install the units as preassembled glass block windows. Lightwise® glass can be customized for transparency or privacy. Furthermore, the finish of the aluminum framing is also customizable. Three glass patterns are offered: Nubio, Clarity, and Endura.

As an architect or designer, meeting your clients’ need for natural light, privacy, and openness is easier with modern solutions like glass blocks, glass bricks, or prefabricated glass walls. These stylish options help create inviting, light-filled spaces without sacrificing function.

Glass Blocks From Glass Block Suppliers

Glass blocks have emerged as a unique and versatile architectural element that seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics. These translucent building blocks offer a range of benefits, from providing privacy and natural light to enhancing interior and exterior designs. In this exploration of glass blocks, we delve into their history, applications, advantages, and considerations for their installation.

Are Glass Blocks Making a Comeback? Thoughts From a Glass Block Company

Glass blocks are making a strong comeback in both architecture and interior design.

The story of Vintage Glass Blocks begins in the early 1900s, when they were first introduced as a durable and light-admitting building material. Originally used in industrial settings like factory windows and skylights, their ability to bring in natural light while offering strength made them a practical choice. It wasn’t until the Art Deco period in the mid-20th century that glass blocks gained immense popularity in architectural design. Their clean lines and modern appearance made them a favorite among architects for both commercial and residential applications.

Glass floor balconies are becoming the newest trend in modern architecture and outdoor design.  With their sleek and contemporary aesthetic, glass balconies add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.  This innovative design blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a unique and captivating experience for those who enjoy spending time on their balconies.  Whether you live in a bustling urban environment or a tranquil countryside, a glass floor balcony is the perfect addition to elevate your outdoor living experience.  So, why not embrace the latest trend and bring a sense of modern elegance to your home with a glass floor balcony?

What Do You Call a Glass Balcony? 

A glass balcony can refer to two things: the floor of the balcony being made entirely of transparent glass or the railing incorporating glass panels.  When the floor of a balcony is made of glass, it adds a touch of modern elegance and allows for uninterrupted views of the surroundings.  Imagine standing on a glass balcony, feeling as though you are floating in the air, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline or the serene beauty of nature.  It creates a unique and captivating experience, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.  Our structural glass flooring is perfect for use on a glass balcony.

Modern trends in stairs have seen a significant increase in the use of glass for floating stairs, revolutionizing the way we perceive staircases in modern homes and office spaces.  This contemporary and visually striking design choice has quickly become a favorite among homeowners and interior designers alike, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.  The allure of glass floating stairs lies in their ability to create a seamless and weightless aesthetic, transforming a functional element into a captivating work of art.  By utilizing tempered glass treads, these stairs exude an air of modernity and transparency, allowing light to flow through and create a sense of openness in the surrounding area.

What is the average cost for glass block windows? 

The cost to install glass block basement windows can vary widely based on several factors. Window size, design complexity, and the type of glass block used all influence pricing. Basic glass block windows tend to be more affordable, while decorative or custom options come at a premium. Larger windows also increase costs due to additional materials and labor. Installation expenses fluctuate depending on location and project complexity, with potential added fees for removing and disposing of existing windows. When comparing the cost of a glass wall vs. brick, factors such as durability, insulation, and aesthetic value should also be considered.

The Safety and Durability of Fire Rated Glass Block

Attractive, durable, and energy-efficient, fire rated glass block offers built-in fire resistance while illuminating any space. In many fire-safe buildings, fire rated glass block walls provide an extra layer of protection that traditional materials like wood and drywall cannot. Whether used for fire rated block walls in stairwells, interior partitions, flooring, or exterior cladding, these structural components enhance safety while maintaining aesthetics and natural light. For those wondering, are glass blocks fire rated?—the answer is yes, making them a smart choice for both design and fire protection.