O
ne of the most common themes
we see in the creation of self-
builds is a desire for space and
light. Glass is therefore an unsurprising
choice of material. If you are opting for an
atrium in order to maximise light and
emphasise spaciousness and height
however, you have a few choices to make.
Glass can now provide added security,
privacy and even sound attenuation, as
well as protection from the weather and
great looks, so you should consider its
purpose as well as the setting.
You can, of course, use single panes of
glass, known as monolithic glass, very
successfully. However, many architects and
self-builders are choosing to use
toughened laminated glass, such as ESG
Tufflam, for practical and aesthetic
reasons. Toughened laminated glass is
manufactured by taking two panels of
toughened glass (which is four to five
times stronger than untreated annealed
glass of the same thickness), and
laminating them together with an
interlayer of PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral.) Should
either of the toughened glass panels break
for any reason, the interlayer holds the
glass fragments together, so that although
the glass is visibly cracked, it can be left in
situ while you arrange a replacement.
The interlayer between the glass panels
can be used to fulfil a number of
purposes. One of the most popular
options at the moment is privacy glass,
which is created using an interlayer
through which an electric current can be
passed. When the current is switched off,
the glass will form an opaque panel, but
when the current is switched on, the glass
becomes transparent, letting in light and
creating a clear view, at the flick of a
switch. This can be used anywhere that
the current can be applied, in doors,
windows, atriums, partitions or balcony
panels with equal success.
You can also use the interlayer to add
colour in laminated glass to add colour. A
wide range of coloured Vanceva interlayers
can allow you to choose different colours
of glass panel. This could allow you to
paint internal walls white but enjoy achanging colour wash according to the
movement of the sun, for example.
A sound reducing interlayer can also be
used to help insulate different choices of
music from each other within the home,
or to provide a quieter study area, so
adults, as well as children, can be seen
and not heard. Neither are you restricted
to a single purpose interlayer, as it is
entirely possible to add sound
attenuation, added strength, privacy and
colour to a single panel. For the simplest
solution, you can add a simple satin or
frosted interlayer, for light with
permanent privacy, but interlayers can
also be used to encapsulate motifs,
decorative films or even fabrics. You
could apply a special effect to just one
atrium panel and leave the others clear.
The permutations are numerous and
allow a great deal of choice.
All these options can be applied to
internal and external balconies andbalustrades. There are several types of
balustrade and balcony construction
currently in use. Balustrades are often fullyA popular option
at the moment is
privacy glass,
created using an
interlayer
through which
an electric
current can be
passed
When looking to create a unique home, glass gives you a wide range of
options, especially when it comes to balconies and even atriums, as Susan
Sinden of glass processor ESG Group explains
A clear set of options
BUILDING ENVELOPE (GLASS & GLAZING)july/august 2019 http://www.sbhonline.co.uk 75