Edelman

Edelman, a global communications firm, sought to elevate the design of their New York office with a bold architectural statement.

The design team envisioned a glass brick installation that would bring both color and light to the space while maintaining a refined, modern aesthetic.

Scope of Work

GBA furnished and installed SEVES Vetropieno Rettangolare Blue Glass Brick within its Architectural Series Integral Steel Grid system, sealed with clear structural silicone for durability and precision. The main installation spanned approximately 60’-0” x 9’-6” in a clean stack bond layout, requiring coordination to integrate a removed 6’-0” x 8’-0” door opening. A secondary feature wall, measuring 14 bricks wide by 19 bricks high, further showcased the versatility and striking impact of the blue glass brick system.

Materials & Methods

All glass bricks were installed in a straight stack bond pattern to achieve a clean, uniform appearance. The primary wall spanned approximately 60'-0" wide by 9'-6" high and incorporated an existing 6'-0" by 8'-0" door opening, which required infill by others and close coordination between GBA, the Design Team, and contractors to ensure seamless integration. In addition, a secondary feature panel measuring 14 bricks wide by 19 bricks high demonstrated the modular application of the system. Each brick was supported within the GBA Architectural Series Integral Steel Grid and sealed individually with clear structural silicone, securing the units in place while allowing for slight expansion without compromising the assembly. Precision in alignment and tolerance control was essential, particularly around the door opening infill, to meet architectural and structural standards.

SEVES Vetropieno Rettangolare Blue Glass Brick — chosen for its rich blue hue, translucence, and durability.

GBA Architectural Grid — provides structural stability and supports the stack bond configuration.

Clear structural silicone used around each brick to secure the glass units, ensure weather‐tightness, and maintain visual clarity.

Design Challenges

Door Opening Infill: Removal of an existing door required coordinated planning among GBA, the design team, and contractors to seamlessly integrate the glass brick wall while maintaining structural and visual continuity.

Precision Grid System: The steel grid framework ensured exact alignment of the glass bricks, with structural silicone providing both stability and a clean, transparent finish.

The Results

The finished installation achieved a vibrant, light-filled feature wall that serves as a focal point within Edelman’s office. The deep blue glass bricks not only create visual impact but also enhance the ambiance of the space with their reflective and translucent qualities.

This project highlights GBA’s expertise in delivering large-scale, custom glass brick installations that balance design vision with technical execution.

What Customers Say

"We could not be happier with your product and services. We relied on you quite a bit to set the coordination of several items – ceiling heights, curb construction, detailing/engineering – and can’t imagine having another vendor without your expertise and patience. Jeff was especially great throughout the entire experience.

100% will recommend you all here for any other projects in our office.

" — Neal Harrod, Rockwell Group

"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler

"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company

"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C

"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting

"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors