Letter of Recommendation: Glass Bricks (Published 2016)

The article revisits the architectural material of glass bricks, highlighting their resurgence in contemporary design. Initially gaining popularity in 1977, as noted by Carter B. Horsley in a New York Times article, glass bricks were appreciated for their translucence, privacy, visual appeal, and structural order in residential and restaurant projects. However, after a period of widespread use, the material became associated with the dated aesthetics of the 1980s, leading to a decline in its perceived value. Despite this historical perception, contemporary architects are now re-evaluating and re-integrating glass bricks into modern designs. This renewed interest stems from their unique properties, which allow for innovative applications across various architectural contexts. The material offers a balance of natural light penetration and visual obstruction, making it suitable for spaces requiring both openness and privacy. Modern architects are employing glass bricks in diverse projects, moving beyond their previous utilitarian roles. Examples include their use in sleek, minimalist bathrooms where they contribute to a sense of spaciousness while maintaining privacy, and in industrial-themed bars and restaurants, where they add a distinctive textural and luminous quality. The material is also being incorporated into vintage residential windows, blending historical charm with contemporary functionality. Furthermore, glass bricks are finding applications in experimental urban facades, where they contribute to dynamic and visually engaging building exteriors. The versatility of glass bricks allows them to create different aesthetic effects, from smooth and uniform surfaces to more textured and fragmented appearances, depending on the type and arrangement of the blocks. Their ability to diffuse and transmit light without offering clear views makes them ideal for interior partitions, exterior walls, and decorative elements where controlled light and a sense of enclosure are desired. This adaptability supports a wide range of architectural styles and design intentions. The comeback of glass bricks signifies a shift in architectural trends, where previously overlooked or stigmatized materials are being re-imagined and utilized in innovative ways. This trend reflects a broader architectural movement towards material exploration and the re-evaluation of established construction components. The article suggests that the current "boom" of glamorous glass bricks is not merely a nostalgic revival but a sophisticated re-introduction driven by their inherent qualities and the creative approaches of modern designers, who are harnessing the material's potential to meet contemporary design challenges and aesthetic preferences. #GlassBrick #Architecture #MaterialInnovation #ContemporaryDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #CommercialArchitecture #GlassFacade #DesignTrends #BuildingMaterials

Glass bricks, originally popularized in the 1930s by architects like Pierre Chareau and Arne Korsmo, and later embraced by Tadao Ando in the 1970s, are experiencing a resurgence in interior design. This lookbook presents ten contemporary projects that highlight the versatility and aesthetic appeal of glass-block walls in various settings, demonstrating their ability to manipulate light and shadow while providing privacy and unique visual effects. The featured projects showcase how these glazed masonry units can illuminate and transform interior spaces, ranging from compact bathrooms and hallways to restaurants, co-working offices, and residential dwellings. Among the examples is Maido, a sushi restaurant in London designed by Child Studio, which converted a 1960s post office. The design incorporates a semi-circular glass-block wall that pays homage to the building's modernist origins, complemented by dark cherry wood and a soft-blue coffered ceiling. In Hiroshima, Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP's Optical Glass House features a towering, two-storey wall of 6,000 specially crafted glass bricks. This innovative partition separates the house and its planted courtyard from the busy city streets, creating a play of shadows and refractions that extend into the living spaces, which can open completely to the garden. Remi Connolly-Taylor's self-designed London home, Maryland House, utilizes glazed inserts in a small statement staircase and as a balustrade for an adjacent balcony. These glass bricks filter light into the interior, maintaining privacy while ensuring sunlight reaches two bright-white bedrooms. Buckle Street Studios, a hotel in east London by Grzywinski+Pons, features a glass-brick facade with radiused corners on its top floors, giving the building a lantern-like appearance at night. The interior guest suites echo these curves with custom-made furniture designed to fit the rounded corners. In Athens, Studio Andrew Trotter transformed a 1970s warehouse into 10AM Lofts, a bright and sunny event space. The renovation involved replacing a significant portion of a concrete wall with glass masonry and inserting new windows on the ground floor, enhancing natural light. The Glass-Block Micro House in Ho Chi Minh City, designed by ROOM+ Design & Build, is a Dezeen Awards-shortlisted renovation where frosted glass bricks entirely replace the walls, even in the second-floor bathroom. This design choice transformed a dark and cramped space into a private, sun-dappled sanctuary. Spacial, a co-working space in Montreal by Ivy Studio, employs a glazed-block wall to delineate public and private office areas while allowing light to permeate. The interior predominantly features a greyscale palette, accented by large circular blue mirrors and a zinc-plated reception desk. Jun Murata's Diamant Glass Art Gallery in Japan utilizes glass bricks of various textures and translucencies to create shimmering refractions, mimicking light filtered through water. The sparsely furnished interior, including a classic Barcelona chair, allows the glass wall to be the focal point for temporary product displays. J Boroski, a bar in Shanghai by Atelier XY, incorporates a glazed wall that bisects the space, separating the main bar from an intimate lounge. This wall also serves as a ledge for drinks and is part of an unusual interior design reflecting the owner's fascination with insects, including a display of preserved tarantulas. Finally, the Vizor office in Minsk, Belarus, by Studio 11, reinterprets Soviet-era design. A snaking wall of glass blocks, combined with a deep red colour palette, geometric flooring, and hanging ferns, integrates traditional elements into a modern workplace. These diverse projects collectively demonstrate the enduring appeal and adaptive qualities of glass bricks in contemporary interior architecture. #GlassBricks #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalTrends #LightAndShadow #RenovationProjects #HomeDecor #CommercialInteriors #SustainableDesign

This blog post compiles recent articles and projects from Designboom focusing on the application of glass in art, architecture, and design. The collection highlights the versatility and aesthetic potential of glass, ranging from large-scale public installations to architectural facades and interior elements. The articles showcase how artists and designers are pushing the boundaries of traditional glass use, incorporating it into innovative structures and artistic expressions. Key examples include a luminous forest in Hanoi composed of mirroring steel branches, demonstrating glass's role in creating immersive public art. Another project features an 'invisible Tokyo bar' that utilizes heated, transparent acrylic glass panels to distort reality, illustrating glass's capacity for experiential design. Architecture projects frequently employ glass for facades, as seen in Selgascano's transparent seaside café in China with three parallel glass volumes, and Cossement Cardoso's Helsinki museum concept, which features a textured glass skin forming a curved roof. The DA VÀNG studio in Vietnam also uses 3,000 glass bricks to create a curved, translucent house facade, emphasizing both structural and aesthetic applications. The articles also delve into the use of glass in smaller-scale design and art pieces. For instance, Bottega Veneta's summer show features 'lucid murano blown-glass stools' that mimic sea waves, showcasing glass as a medium for elegant furniture and decor. Artists like Vincent Leroy use floating lenses in an optical mobile, and Ben Tuna transforms a Porsche 911 into an art car with cathedral-inspired stained glass, highlighting the material's artistic adaptability. Sarah Brahim and Ugo Schiavi explore ancient rituals through glass temples and vessels, linking glass to cultural and historical narratives. Further architectural applications include a gradient brick facade by Delmulle Delmulle in a Belgium house, transitioning from terracotta to glass, and Vinklu's triangular prism coffee shop in Romania, using glass to fill narrow urban gaps. SICIS uses decorative glass to create glowing swimming pool surfaces in Cambodian villas, while BBWORKSPACE's Thai café employs iridescent panels to evoke gemstones and refract light. EcoLogicStudio's microbial installation at Triennale Milano reimagines domesticity with glass components, and Apropos Architects use a translucent glass facade for the Czech pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, demonstrating its use in significant public structures. Industrial design also features glass, such as Bugatti's Brouillard Coupe, which includes a miniature glass sculpture in its gearshift. Fredrik Nielsen's Stockholm studio explores glass's resistance to fragility and embraces chance in its creation. Atelier Échelle’s lakeside gallery residence subtly integrates glass within dark clay brick structures, harmonizing modern elements with traditional aesthetics. The variety of projects presented collectively underscores glass's multifaceted role in contemporary design, from enhancing visual experiences and light manipulation to contributing to structural integrity and artistic expression across diverse scales and contexts. #GlassArt #GlassDesign #ArchitecturalGlass #PublicInstallations #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryArt #BuildingMaterials #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign

This article highlights eight architectural projects from around the world that utilize glass bricks and blocks to enhance natural light, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. Glass bricks, which gained popularity in the 1930s, are experiencing a resurgence in modern architecture due to their ability to create luminous facades, internal partitions, and intriguing patterns of light and shadow. The selected projects demonstrate diverse applications of this material, ranging from residential homes to commercial spaces and greenhouses. The Optical Glass House in Japan, designed by Hiroshi Nakamura, features a shimmering glass-brick facade that encloses a residence on a busy street in Hiroshima. Approximately 6,000 bespoke glass blocks provide privacy while allowing diffused views and casting dynamic light patterns onto a tree-filled courtyard. The Brest Post Office renovation in France by Chatillon Architectes integrated glass bricks into the extension of a 1950s post office converted into flats, giving the building a contemporary quality alongside concrete and wooden elements. In Chile, Max Núñez Arquitectos' Casa de Vidrio uses square glass blocks to form vaulted roofs for a greenhouse. These blocks refract light, creating a warm environment suitable for tropical plants without direct sun exposure. Delmulle Delmulle Architecten's Glass Brick House in Belgium, situated on a narrow, enclosed plot in Ghent, employs a glass-brick facade to maximize natural light within the three-story home, addressing the challenge of limited window space. The Glass Fortress in Thailand, by Archismith, serves as an entrance pavilion for a sales office in Bangkok. Its facade comprises 20,000 rectangular glass bricks, which reduce the feeling of claustrophobia within the eight-meter-high walls and block out external noise. MVRDV's Crystal Houses in the Netherlands feature a partially transparent facade made from hundreds of glass bricks and transparent high-strength glue, creating the illusion of a dissolving wall that merges with existing terracotta brickwork, offering an alternative to a traditional shopfront. Remi Connolly-Taylor's self-designed Maryland House in the UK incorporates a tower of square glass blocks to enclose a red staircase. This design maximizes natural light while maintaining privacy and light standards for adjacent properties. Finally, ROOM+ Design & Build's Glass-Block Micro House in Vietnam involved renovating a compact house and shop in Ho Chi Minh City, replacing two street-facing walls with translucent glass blocks. At night, the house transforms into a sparkling lantern, enlivening the neighborhood. These projects collectively illustrate the versatility and renewed appeal of glass bricks in contemporary architecture for their functional and aesthetic benefits. #GlassBricks #ArchitectureDesign #NaturalLight #Privacy #FacadeDesign #GreenhouseDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #CommercialArchitecture

Bricks, an age-old building material, are experiencing a significant resurgence in contemporary home design due to new manufacturing techniques and innovative applications by architects and designers. This renewed interest is driven by the material's versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal, moving beyond its traditional structural role to become a key element in creating high-impact statements. Modern brick manufacturing offers a wide array of colors, formats, and finishes, allowing for greater creative potential. Designers and architects are now utilizing bricks to form intricate patterns, sculptural feature walls, and swooping curves. Clinton Cole, managing director of CplusC Architectural Workshop, highlights brick's honest, timeless quality and tactile finish, noting its thermal performance and ability to add warmth to spaces. He points out that bricks offer opportunities for adventurous design, including curved walls and corbelled courses, which involve stepping bricks in and out of alignment to create texture and depth. Other innovative applications include 'hit-and-miss' screens, where sections of brick are strategically removed to enhance light and airflow, and the use of unexpected mortar choices to either contrast or blend with the bricks. The trend extends to exposed brick floors and seamless transitions of brick walls from interior to exterior spaces, fostering a cohesive and natural aesthetic. Brett Ward of Brickworks emphasizes the appeal of rustic, exposed bricks for their authentic feel, which can enhance warmth and blur the indoor-outdoor boundary. In terms of color trends, grey shades are particularly popular, complementing white accents and greenery. Lighter greys offer a contemporary feel, while darker greys create a bolder, moodier atmosphere. Traditional brick colors like brown, red, and beige are also being reimagined for outdoor living spaces, blending harmoniously with natural environments. Reclaimed bricks are highly sought after for their character, history, and sustainability benefits. A case study features the home of former Wallabies Captain Stephen Moore and his wife Courtney in Brisbane. They incorporated white Blanco bricks from PGH Bricks & Pavers' Morada range for a three-story interior feature wall, providing a pure white, sophisticated focal point that contrasts with timber accents. For the exterior, they used light grey Ceniza bricks from the same range to create a striking two-story arch and tower, framing a brick-paved pathway and accentuating the home's scale. When choosing bricks, several factors should be considered. Location is crucial, as environmental conditions like coastal proximity or high-saline soil necessitate exposure-grade bricks. The bricks' color, texture, and finish should harmonize with other materials in the home. Mortar choice also plays a significant role; it can either contrast with the bricks to highlight their shape or blend in for a more subdued look. The mortar-joint finish, such as raked or flush, influences shadow creation and overall appearance. Additionally, brick bond patterns, like the classic stretcher bond, stacked bond, or Flemish bond, offer distinct visual effects. Various decorative finishes, including glazed, reclaimed-look, metallic, and glass bricks, provide diverse options for feature walls, heritage aesthetics, shimmering effects, and light transmission, respectively, underscoring brick's evolution as a versatile design element. #BrickDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignTrends #ArchitecturalMaterials #FeatureWalls #SustainableDesign #OutdoorLivingSpaces #ModernHomes #BuildingMaterials

Structural glass is gaining traction as a reliable building material due to its diverse applications and cost-effectiveness. Amidst a 23% surge in interest for 'glass architecture' and a 22% increase in 'sustainability' searches, Specialist Glass Products, a prominent UK glass manufacturer, collaborated with a graphic design student to envision five iconic UK landmarks reimagined entirely in glass. This initiative aims to highlight the suitability of eco-friendly and 100% recyclable glass for various architectural contexts. The Houses of Parliament, for instance, could benefit significantly from structural glass. The design would incorporate toughened and bomb-proof glass to meet blast performance requirements, enhancing security against severe weather and providing durability in elevated temperatures—a crucial feature in response to the UK’s changing climate. Given the confidential nature of discussions within the building, acoustic and white diffuser glass would be integrated to minimize sound and ensure privacy in meeting rooms and the high court. For the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, energy-efficient coated glass could address the challenge of rising indoor temperatures, especially during the summer months when daily averages reach 21 degrees Celsius. This type of glass would help maintain cooler interiors without relying on open windows or air conditioning. Additionally, energy-efficient glass would maximize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, which is beneficial for health, eyesight, and stress reduction. Leeds Corn Exchange, a boutique shopping center, could leverage 'Clearsight' glass for its storefronts. This anti-reflective glass would provide an unobstructed view of displays by minimizing glare and reducing light reflection to less than 1%, a substantial improvement over the 8% typically seen with conventional glass. This enhancement would help independent retailers attract foot traffic and remain competitive against online businesses. Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, founded in 1030, frequently experiences heat loss due to its age. Installing energy-efficient glass walls, flooring, and roofing would improve indoor comfort, reduce energy bills, and mitigate issues such as mold, leaks, and condensation. This glass would allow sunlight to pass through while reflecting and retaining heat from internal sources, ensuring a more stable and comfortable interior climate. Conwy Castle, built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289, presents another unique opportunity for glass integration. The manufacturing capability to curve glass up to 3200mm x 5000mm would allow for the recreation of the castle's great towers. Beyond the walls, internal spiral staircases could be constructed from sturdy, toughened glass, offering extended durability and a modern aesthetic. A glass-built castle would also provide panoramic views of Snowdonia, the harbor, and Conwy's narrow streets from every vantage point. Glass, despite these conceptualizations, is already a versatile material used in homes, offices, and public buildings globally. Its functional and decorative qualities extend beyond aesthetics, offering practical benefits such as natural light diffusion, which saves money and energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting and regulating indoor temperatures—keeping spaces warm in winter and cool in summer. Furthermore, glass is 100% recyclable, meaning it can be reprocessed into new products if removed or replaced, underscoring its sustainability. For those prioritizing energy efficiency, sustainability, and security, glass presents itself as an optimal building material. #GlassArchitecture #SustainableBuilding #ArchitecturalDesign #UKLandmarks #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingMaterials #GlassManufacturing #ModernDesign

The article announces the official reveal of the LEGO Ideas "The Flintstones" set (21316), a product derived from Andrew Clark's original concept submitted to the LEGO Ideas platform. Following a nostalgic teaser, LEGO officially unveiled the set at the 2019 New York Toy Fair. This set is one of two successful entries from the LEGO Ideas First 2018 Review Stage to be made into an official product, celebrating the classic Hanna-Barbera animated sitcom. The set, numbered 21316, faithfully recreates key elements from "The Flintstones." It includes the iconic Flintstones home, the distinctive boulder-mobile car, and four minifigures representing Fred and Wilma Flintstone, along with their neighbors, Barney and Betty Rubble. Detailing the Flintstones' home, the structure is designed with an open back for easy play access to its interior. The front door is functional, as are the window curtains, and the roof is detachable. Inside the house, the living room features a couch, a table, a television, and a fireplace. A kitchen sink is also included. The set incorporates several base plates that can be arranged to expand the interior floor space. A green base plate is designated as the garden area, providing a spot for a mailbox or a prehistoric palm tree accessory. The set comes with a variety of accessories that enhance its playability and authenticity, such as a fruit bowl, a telephone, a floor lamp with a shade, a box of bowling equipment, and a unique cave painting frame element. The boulder-mobile, built with Technic-like components, is capable of seating all four minifigures and rolls freely on its steamroller-like wheels. A distinctive fabric element forms the roof of the car, and it also features a dino rib on a tray, reminiscent of the show's memorable credits sequence. The LEGO instruction booklet accompanying the set not only provides building guidance but also includes a brief historical overview of the 1960s television show, catering to both long-time fans and newcomers. While some elements from Andrew Clark's initial product idea did not make it into the final version of the set, the released product is presented as a sweet commemoration of an important piece of old-school American pop culture. The set consists of 750 pieces and is priced at $60, making it an accessible collectible. It was scheduled for release on a Wednesday. The article concludes by suggesting that individuals acquiring the LEGO Ideas Flintstones set (21316) are sure to have a "Gay Old Time," clarifying the retro definition of "gay" as "happy." #LEGOIdeas #TheFlintstones #BuildingToys #Collectibles #PopCulture #ToyFair #Minifigures #AnimatedSitcom

French design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have launched a new collection of architectural glass panels, developed in partnership with Skyline Design. This collection, which debuted at NeoCon, received a Silver award in the Architectural and Decorative Glass category. The project represents a thoughtful exploration of color, light, and scale, drawing inspiration from various observations in their daily lives. The design process began with the brothers capturing photographs of their surroundings, ranging from natural landscapes to urban scenes. The aim was to distill the inherent sensations of colors and light present in these everyday moments. From a selection of eight initial images, Erwan Bouroullec utilized a custom computer script to analyze the color information. This script then condensed the captured colors into a unique base color for each panel, simultaneously transforming the rhythmic qualities of the original images into distinct patterns. A subsequent layer of translucent patterns further enhances this foundational color, resulting in a multitude of additional color variations. The patterns are delineated by a darker outline, intentionally designed to evoke the lead lines found in traditional stained glass. This technique aims to mimic how lead frames shape the visual experience of stained glass, with the lines in the Bouroullec panels subtly influencing the distribution and density of colors, creating an almost imperceptible shift. The Bouroullec brothers specifically sought to reinterpret the captivating qualities of stained glass found in medieval cathedrals. Their objective was to translate the immersive and atmospheric experience of these historical artworks into contemporary architectural glass. The complex interplay of color and line within their panels is designed to create a sensation of being enveloped within an abstract landscape, evoking a similar sense of wonder that one might experience in a medieval cathedral. Skyline Design’s digital print and manufacturing capabilities bring these designs to fruition. The panels offer considerable customization options in terms of size, scale, and color, allowing them to be adapted for diverse applications. The collection features four distinct pattern variations: Oblique Regular, Oblique Bold, Chevron Stroke, and Chevron Fill. Each of these patterns is available in four monochromatic color schemes or four polychromatic palettes. These versatile glass panels can be integrated into various architectural contexts, both internal and external. Potential interior applications include feature walls, space dividers, and stair railings. For exterior use, the panels can be incorporated into facades, railings, and canopies, demonstrating their adaptability to different design needs and environments. #BouroullecBrothers #StainedGlass #ArchitecturalGlass #SkylineDesign #ColorAndLight #DesignInnovation #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign

Dutch designers Scholten & Baijings, in collaboration with Skyline Design, have unveiled a new collection named 'Glass Gradients.' This innovative collection of etched and printed patterns for glass applications is currently being showcased at the NEOCON 2016 design exposition. The primary focus of this collection is to highlight the transparent properties of glass through the application of various innovative techniques, offering novel solutions for interior spaces. The 'Glass Gradients' collection features two distinct geometric forms: a dot and a square. These shapes are meticulously applied to the glass both vertically and horizontally, creating a repetitive pattern across the material's surface. While maintaining the inherent transparency of glass, these precise patterns are designed to introduce a higher level of privacy. This feature provides practical and creative solutions for defining spaces within open-plan layouts, allowing for a balance between openness and seclusion. One of the key aspects of these designs is the subtle incorporation of color variants, which enriches the overall aesthetic and functionality. These color combinations are achieved through an environmental etching process, creating a translucent appearance that allows light to filter through while obscuring direct views. Additionally, an 'ast printing' technique is employed on the opposite side of the glass, further enhancing the visual depth and interplay of opacity and transparency. This combination of techniques allows for dynamic control over visual perception, creating an intriguing interaction between density, scale, and movement within a space. The graphic markings on the glass are intended to redefine spatial contexts, transforming interiors in unexpected ways. The customizable nature of these designs enables them to convey a sense of surprise and dynamic movement, effectively concealing or revealing different aspects of a given space as needed. The grid-like patterns serve as a significant architectural element, promoting flexibility and personalization in how spaces are utilized and perceived. This approach encourages a playful engagement with the environment, allowing users to adapt the glass applications to various design requirements and aesthetic preferences. Overall, the 'Glass Gradients' collection by Scholten & Baijings for Skyline Design represents a thoughtful fusion of artistry and practicality. By leveraging advanced etching and printing technologies, the designers have created a versatile product that can enhance both the visual appeal and functional privacy of interior glass installations. The collection's ability to introduce subtle color, precise geometric patterns, and varying degrees of translucency offers architects and interior designers a powerful tool to shape environments, manage visual access, and add a distinctive design element to contemporary spaces. #ScholtenBaijings #SkylineDesign #GlassGradients #EtchedGlass #PrintedGlass #InteriorDesign #NEOCON2016 #ArchitecturalGlass #PrivacySolutions

The Milan-based design studio 6:AM, founded by Edoardo Pandolfo and Francesco Palù in 2018, is redefining the application and perception of Murano glass. The studio's name, 6:AM, signifies the moment the furnaces on the Venetian island are ignited daily, marking the continuation of a 700-year-old glassmaking tradition. Pandolfo, a Venice native, and Palù, an architect, aim to introduce Murano glass to a broader audience through a diverse range of products, including architectural installations, modular lighting, furniture, and sculptural objects, all characterized by precision, materiality, and conceptual clarity. Their work spans bespoke commissions for international brands and research-driven explorations into the future of glassmaking. 6:AM's approach marries ancient techniques with contemporary aesthetics, emphasizing a continuous dialogue between craftsmanship and design. This synergy means that product development and glassworking techniques evolve in parallel, where the object's shape often dictates how the glass is worked, and conversely, the design influences the choice of technique. The studio collaborates closely with Murano's master artisans, leveraging their extensive expertise in manipulating glass in its molten state. They actively experiment with layering, fusing, and adapting traditional methods to expand the material's potential while striving to minimize environmental impact. A notable project demonstrating this ethos is FLOAT, unveiled during Milan Design Week 2024. This collection repurposed salvaged glass from 1930s Milanese windows into furniture, shelving, and architectural cladding. By combining fused glass panels with minimalist steel structures, FLOAT explored new technical and aesthetic possibilities for post-industrial materials. This initiative culminated in the 'Resourceful Intelligence' installation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, where reprocessed glass from Milan’s Palazzo Missori was utilized to showcase circular design strategies, developed in collaboration with Park Associati. Earlier in the year, 6:AM held its inaugural solo exhibition, 'Two-Fold Silence,' at Milan's historic Piscina Cozzi during Milan Design Week. The exhibition featured Quadrato, a lighting collection that draws inspiration from 1920s industrial design, blending Bauhaus rationalism with the geometric abstraction of Kazimir Malevič. The Quadrato collection, crafted from blown Murano glass with varying textures and opacities, included a screen-printed lattimo wall lamp encased in painted iron, offering a modern interpretation of early 20th-century emergency lights. From crafting jewel-like hand-blown Murano glass stools for Bottega Veneta’s SS26 runway show to their pioneering material recovery projects, 6:AM consistently demonstrates a distinctive visual language. This language is characterized by fluid silhouettes, luminous textures, and a steadfast commitment to handmade quality. Each cuboid stool for Bottega Veneta, for instance, began as a 43 cm glass block shaped using cast-iron molds engraved with CNC technology, reflecting a process akin to traditional marble sculpture. The studio's work is deeply embedded in Murano’s historical glassmaking heritage, yet it is decisively forward-looking, continuously pushing the boundaries of glass design. #GlassDesign #MuranoGlass #6AMStudio #MilanDesign #SustainableDesign #BottegaVeneta #ArchitecturalInstallations #ContemporaryCraftsmanship #CircularDesign

For roughly 25 years, New York City's architectural landscape was dominated by glass-skinned buildings, a trend significantly influenced by architects like Richard Meier. His three glass-clad apartment buildings along West Street popularized the concept of transparent homes, showcasing residents' lives to the outside world, a departure from mid-century Los Angeles architects like Richard Neutra who focused on displaying the outside world to their clients. This sparked a 'mania' for glass, with both office and residential towers adopting crystalline facades that prioritized a sleek, ageless appearance and maximized daylight. James von Klemperer, president of Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), noted that the preference for glass communicated a 'hypertechnical approach to architecture' and the desire for abundant daylight. However, this widespread adoption of glass is now seeing a significant shift. Traditional materials such as brick, stone, and terra-cotta, which offer solidity and rich earth tones, are making a noticeable return to New York's architectural designs. An example of this is Leroy Street Studio's brick-and-terra-cotta building at 145 Perry Street, located near Meier's glass towers. This massive single-family home, designed to resemble a pair of small apartment buildings, utilizes both red and cream-colored brick, reflecting the historic residential and industrial architecture of the West Village. Its perforated screen of staggered bricks and recessed windows create an anti-exhibitionistic facade, offering only subtle glimpses of its interior, a direct contrast to the transparency trend. While New York always retained historic brick and stone structures, including the intricate 19th-century Romanesque buildings like the Puck Building and the De Vinne Press Building, new masonry facades were often limited to historic districts where the Landmarks Preservation Commission mandated designs that harmonized with existing architecture. Affordable housing and budget-conscious condos sometimes incorporated prefabricated panels with brick veneer. Robert A.M. Stern's firm consistently advocated for stone-clad walls and framed windows, believing they conveyed a distinct 'New Yorkiness' and quality in deluxe residential towers, exemplified by their limestone high-rise at 200 East 83rd Street, which echoes Art Deco designs. These earlier design choices, once considered exceptions, are now seen as prescient. Architect Morris Adjmi, known for blending 19th-century warehouse aesthetics with contemporary designs, observed the cyclical nature of architectural trends. His firm's Grand Mulberry building at 185 Grand Street features handmade, hand-laid bricks with unique rounded bumps that create a 'ghost pattern' of windows, evoking the passage of time and the layered history of the city. The building's rounded corner and nubbled bricks add a sense of gratuitous grandeur, reminiscent of aspirational flourishes on older, modest commercial structures. Even KPF, a major proponent of glass supertalls, has embraced the renewed interest in tactile solidity. Von Klemperer acknowledges a growing appreciation for 'craft and humanistic architecture.' KPF's 11-story apartment building at 64 University Place showcases a series of shallow arches with stepped setbacks and recessed windows. These design elements create a buffer of shadows and give the facade a three-dimensional quality, emphasizing the building as a durable, tangible object rather than a transparent plane. The use of hand-made and individually laid bricks, a result of a temporary economic advantage, highlights the renewed appreciation for skilled craftsmanship, evident in the precise grout work and varied flecks that animate the facade. Terra-cotta, historically used for ornate details in buildings like the Bayard–Condict Building and the Woolworth Tower, is also experiencing a revival. Companies like Boston Valley Terra Cotta utilize modern technology to reproduce historic elements and provide extruded panels for new constructions. This has allowed SOM to use green terra-cotta for Disney's headquarters and KPF to create a neo-Art Deco mixed-use tower at 520 Fifth Avenue, featuring stacked arches, rhythmic setbacks, and rippling panels, all contributing to a rich 'surface character.' The re-embrace of these traditional materials signifies a return to architectural principles that value shadows, texture, depth, color, and organic imperfection, qualities that are fundamental to human experience and have been essential to building since ancient times. #Architecture #Brick #TerraCotta #BuildingMaterials #NewYorkCity #FacadeDesign #UrbanDevelopment #ArchitecturalTrends #KohnPedersenFox

The humble brick, a cornerstone of construction for centuries, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in modern home design and construction. Once perhaps considered a utilitarian and somewhat uninspired material, bricks have shed their traditional image and are now embracing a vibrant array of new colors, textures, shapes, and sizes, making them more versatile and appealing than ever before. This renewed popularity is driven by advancements in manufacturing technology and a growing appreciation for their inherent qualities. One of the most significant changes in the brick industry is the vast expansion of available colors and finishes. Manufacturers like Boral Bricks East are leveraging new technologies to produce high-quality color coatings that span the entire spectrum, from subdued whites, dove greys, and charcoals to striking bold reds, blues, and purples. Beyond color, the range of finishes has also diversified considerably. Homeowners and designers can now choose from rustic sandstock, sophisticated glazed metallics, and ultra-smooth opal finishes. Companies such as PGH Bricks & Pavers actively collaborate with colorists to ensure their new collections align with contemporary color trends. For those with highly specific design visions, companies like Adbri Masonry even offer customization services, allowing clients to create bespoke brick styles tailored to their projects. Mortar, often an overlooked component, also plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of brickwork, accounting for approximately 15 percent of the visible area. The days of white being the only option are long gone, with a variety of choices including cream, charcoal, and grey, or even custom color-matching to complement the bricks themselves. This attention to detail further enhances the design possibilities available with modern brick construction. Architects and builders are increasingly embracing bricks for their integrity as a building material. Melbourne-based architect Karen Abernethy, recognized for her innovative use of bricks in residential projects, highlights their historical familiarity and the endless possibilities they offer for reinterpretation in contemporary design. Bricks offer numerous practical benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal. According to Greg Weller, spokesperson for the Housing Industry Association (HIA), bricks are low-maintenance, fire-resistant, and possess impressive thermal properties, contributing to energy efficiency. Their eco-friendly profile is also a significant draw, as they are natural, durable, and virtually maintenance-free, with some even carrying a 100-year guarantee. The industry is witnessing a significant buzz around new-look designer bricks, which are being recognized not just for their structural purpose but for their immense design potential. Different-sized bricks are being employed to create novel effects, such as using slimline bricks to visually enhance the height of walls. This creative application of bricks extends beyond exterior facades, with Elizabeth McIntyre, CEO of Think Brick Australia, noting a rise in their internal use. Glazed bricks are appearing as stylish kitchen splashbacks, and feature walls made of polished concrete masonry are providing both luxurious aesthetics and excellent acoustic protection in media rooms. Creative bricklaying techniques are also gaining prominence. Architects are experimenting with mixing different colors, shapes, and finishes within a single application to create distinctive homes. Open-and-closed latticework formations are being used to generate intriguing plays of light and shadow while simultaneously improving natural ventilation. Subtle patterns are achieved by laying bricks at varying depths and orientations, and single-colored bricks are being utilized in diverse sizes and finishes to create visually interesting floor-to-ceiling designs. In terms of brick shape, slim bricks are particularly fashionable. Damian King, business development manager at Adbri Masonry, observes a growing demand for thinner bricks and a wider range of textures. Modern bricks now come in smooth, honed, split, and shotblast textures, alongside a broad palette of colors including ebony, oatmeal, and steel. This extensive selection of colors, textures, and sizes allows architects to realize almost any design imaginable with bricks, solidifying their status as a versatile and enduring material in contemporary architecture. #BrickDesign #BuildingMaterials #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalTrends #InteriorDesign #SustainableBuilding #ExteriorDesign #ConstructionInnovation

Sand, despite its common association with beaches and playgrounds, is a critical resource for modern technology. It is indispensable for manufacturing silicon microchips, fiberoptic cables, insulation, and solar cells, and forms the primary ingredient for glass used in consumer electronics such as refrigerators, microwaves, and computers. Despite the extensive efforts involved in extracting, transporting, refining, and processing sand into complex electronic components, there is a significant lack of effective recycling initiatives for these components once electronic goods reach the end of their lifecycle, often leading to them being discarded in landfills. While glass possesses excellent properties for recycling, current EU directives concerning the efficient processing of glass from electronic waste (E-waste) are notably absent. Addressing this critical environmental and resource management issue, the Norwegian architectural design firm Snøhetta has partnered with Brussels-based Studio Plastique to develop a research project titled ‘Common Sands – Forite.’ This collaborative endeavor aims to explore the feasibility of recycling and repurposing glass components found in electronic waste. Building upon existing research conducted by Studio Plastique, ‘Common Sands – Forite’ has evolved into a joint research initiative with Snøhetta, focusing on investigating potential applications for recycled E-waste glass. Through a series of extensive trials, prototype developments, and material variations, the project team successfully established a standardized process for recycling E-waste glass components. Concurrently, they developed an application that not only integrates but also highlights the variable material qualities inherent in this recycled glass: the creation of glass tiles. The project further benefited from the involvement of Fornace Brioni, an Italian ceramic tile manufacturer. Fornace Brioni contributed its considerable experience, industrial expertise, production capabilities, and potential for large-scale implementation to the initiative. The collaboration resulted in the creation of glass tiles in two distinct sizes, available in both opaque and transparent finishes. Each tile exhibits a unique pattern and aesthetic, collectively showcasing a profound and intricate terrazzo-like material quality. These characteristics render the tiles suitable for a diverse range of architectural uses, including surface coverings and semi-transparent partition elements. ‘Common Sands – Forite’ strategically leverages the unique compositional, chromatic, and structural properties of the waste material to produce a series of innovative architectural glass tiles. The project initially concentrates on waste glass sourced from ovens and microwaves as a starting point, primarily to demonstrate the aesthetic depth, functional versatility, and overarching potential of the recycled material. However, the scope of this project is not confined solely to this specific material stream, indicating broader possibilities for E-waste glass recycling in the future. This initiative represents a significant step towards developing sustainable solutions for electronic waste, transforming discarded materials into valuable architectural components, and establishing a circular economy within the construction and design industries. #SustainableDesign #EwasteRecycling #GlassTiles #ArchitecturalMaterials #CircularEconomy #MaterialInnovation #Snøhetta #StudioPlastique #FornaceBrioni

Advanced biophilic and sustainable design is gaining significant traction in architecture and development as professionals recognize its crucial role in achieving net-zero carbon goals. This approach extends beyond merely reducing emissions, focusing on improving the quality of life for building occupants by fostering a connection with nature, optimizing natural light, enhancing air quality, and substantially decreasing energy consumption. Such designs incorporate high-impact materials, including low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, high-performance insulation, and living green systems, all of which are essential for climate-conscious projects. Investing in these eco-friendly strategies is fundamental to creating a more harmonious future for both people and the planet. Biophilic design has evolved beyond simply integrating plants into urban environments. Modern architects now create entire ecosystems within buildings to bring nature's benefits into densely populated urban areas. This architectural shift promotes sustainability by embedding natural processes into everyday spaces, thereby addressing urban challenges like resource scarcity and limited access to green spaces. Features such as living walls, rooftop gardens, and green corridors reconnect people with nature, establish urban ecosystems that support biodiversity, aid in stormwater management, and improve air quality. By adopting biomimicry, architects draw inspiration from natural processes, like the self-cooling mechanisms of termite mounds or the efficient energy capture of leaves, to design buildings that optimize electricity use and create healthier living and working environments. The benefits of biophilic design are quantifiable, including enhanced thermal comfort, increased productivity, and improved emotional well-being, contributing to both aesthetic improvements and a sustainable environment. Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is a cornerstone of advanced sustainable design, providing substantial energy-saving advantages without compromising natural light. It minimizes heat transfer and reduces glare, creating comfortable and efficient indoor environments. Low-E glass comes in two main types: soft-coat, which offers superior insulation for colder climates by reflecting infrared energy, and hard-coat, a more durable option suitable for single-pane windows, though less insulative. Spectrally selective coatings further enhance versatility by filtering infrared heat while allowing visible light, which is particularly beneficial in warm climates for reducing cooling costs. This technology significantly contributes to stable thermal envelopes by allowing natural light in while blocking unwanted heat, thereby reducing energy loss through windows—which can account for 25% to 30% of energy use in residential buildings and 30% in commercial structures. Integrating Low-E glass with passive solar design and dynamic shading systems further optimizes energy management, allowing buildings to adapt to changing light conditions, minimize energy costs, and maximize natural light. Sustainable design principles for high-performance spaces aim to create resilient buildings that benefit both the environment and their occupants. Key steps include reducing embodied carbon, maximizing resource efficiency, and improving indoor air quality. Net-zero design strives for buildings that balance energy consumption with renewable energy generation, with a strong emphasis on reducing embodied carbon—the carbon footprint associated with material production, transport, and construction. Utilizing sustainable materials like recycled steel or low-carbon concrete results in buildings with lower embodied carbon and longer, more efficient lifecycles. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide crucial transparency on a material’s carbon footprint, energy consumption, and emissions, enabling designers to make informed choices aligned with sustainability goals. Addressing both operational energy (daily energy usage) and embodied energy is vital, as buildings account for 75% of electricity use in the US. Strategies to reduce operational energy include efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, and renewable energy sources, while low-impact materials contribute to reducing a building's environmental footprint from its inception. To integrate Low-E glass and other efficient materials effectively into biophilic and sustainable design, several practical steps are essential. These include defining clear energy and environmental goals, analyzing climate considerations to select appropriate Low-E glass types, consulting with sustainability experts for life cycle assessments, orienting buildings for optimal solar benefits, incorporating dynamic shading systems, thoughtfully adding biophilic elements, and targeting green building certifications like LEED or WELL. By following these guidelines, architects can create structures that not only meet high performance standards but also foster a deeper connection between occupants and the natural environment, pushing the boundaries of environmental design towards more energy-efficient and nature-integrated spaces. #BiophilicDesign #SustainableDesign #LowEmissivityGlass #GreenConstruction #NetZeroCarbon #BuildingMaterials #EnergyEfficiency #EnvironmentalProductDeclarations

This article discusses the technology and applications of smart privacy glass, a material that can transition from transparent to frosted with an electrical current. While not yet in widespread use, this technology has existed for several years and offers various practical applications. For instance, it can be used for home windows, potentially eliminating the need for traditional blinds. In commercial settings, it could be implemented in storefronts for nighttime privacy or in bathrooms where privacy is paramount, albeit requiring a certain degree of trust in the technology's reliability. Saint-Gobain, a French company, manufactures an 'intelligent' glass product called Privalite. This glass operates by sandwiching a polymer liquid-crystal film between two glass plates. When an electrical current is applied, the film's liquid crystals align, making the glass transparent. When the current is off, the crystals scatter randomly, resulting in a frosted, opaque appearance. The transition between these states is nearly instantaneous and can be activated as frequently as needed. Real-world applications of privacy glass are highlighted, such as its use in the dressing rooms of the Koolhaas-designed Prada flagship store in SoHo, New York. Another notable example is found at Bar 89 on Mercer Street in NYC, where the bathroom doors utilize privacy glass that is activated by an infrared sensor. This demonstrates both commercial and public space implementations of the technology. The underlying principle of privacy glass is polymer liquid-crystal optics. The laminated glazing consists of two glass sheets, which can be clear or tinted, and a liquid crystal film. The film's surfaces are coated with a transparent, electrically conductive material. When the power supply is off, the liquid crystals are randomly dispersed, diffusing light and rendering the glass non-transparent. When the power is switched on, the crystals align themselves, allowing light to pass through and making the glass completely transparent. The rapid switching capability between opaque and transparent states offers flexibility in managing light and privacy. Beyond its current applications, this smart glass technology holds significant potential for energy efficiency. By being integrated into residential windows, it could contribute to substantial savings in heating, cooling, and lighting costs. This suggests a future where buildings can dynamically adjust their transparency to optimize indoor climate control and natural light utilization, thus reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. #PrivacyGlass #SmartGlass #Privalite #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDesign #HomeTechnology #EnergyEfficiency #LiquidCrystalTechnology

While marble has historically been a foundational element in both architectural marvels and sophisticated home interiors, a new material is emerging as a compelling alternative: onyx. Often confused with agate, onyx is characterized by its layered bands of chalcedony and has long been revered for its perceived protective qualities. Traditionally utilized in small-scale applications like jewelry, onyx is now making a significant impact in interior design, thanks to innovative architects and designers. Famed French design studio Liaigre, in collaboration with Dutch architects Powerhouse Company, recently showcased onyx's potential in a Munich home. They transformed the space into an avant-garde masterpiece, featuring a green onyx bar where the veiny panels enveloped nearly every surface, save for a dark floating shelf. The master bathroom pushed this dramatic use further, extending the stone to the ceiling, creating a luxurious and immersive retreat. Onyx, while sharing some characteristics with marble, distinguishes itself with a unique richness and depth that can often be absent in its more ubiquitous counterpart. This material introduces vibrant and diverse aesthetic possibilities across various applications in the home. One notable category is the green variety of onyx, which evokes a sense of calm and restfulness, reminiscent of natural elements like eucalyptus. Its wave-like veins make it an ideal choice for accent walls in bathrooms, contributing to a serene atmosphere. For those looking to incorporate green onyx on a smaller scale or a tighter budget, accessories such as raw-edged coasters can introduce the stone's beauty. Even alternatives like agate trays, with their unique patterns, can offer a similar high-end aesthetic. Another striking application of onyx is in pink hues, which can infuse warmth into otherwise cool stone surfaces. Examples include pink onyx gracing bathroom sinks, as seen in notable establishments like Annabel’s Mayfair Club. Designers are also exploring its use in furniture and decorative items, such as the aspirational chair by Claste, which combines rose-tinted onyx with clear glass for a transcendent effect. Smaller, functional items like sculptural, hand-polished soap dishes offer an unexpected way to introduce pink onyx into a bathroom, preventing bar soaps from slipping while adding a touch of luxury. Additionally, medium-sized onyx tables, like those from Baxter, can serve as elegant accent pieces or complement existing coffee tables. Beyond vibrant greens and pinks, onyx also presents in a range of natural earth tones, including scorched yellows, muddled browns, and lustrous taupes. These warmer variations highlight the stone’s versatility, seamlessly integrating into contemporary furniture designs. The UÑA table by Nomade Atelier, with its coffee-colored swirls and seemingly levitating tiered slabs, exemplifies how Mexican-sourced onyx, a product of the world’s largest onyx producer, can create a sophisticated and modern aesthetic. Even small decor items like Carl Kleiner's block-like vase, featuring a slim brass wire stemming from an onyx and marble base, demonstrate how earth-toned onyx can be incorporated with minimalist elegance. Furthermore, onyx in caramel-colored swirls can set the stage for luxurious displays of perfumes and beauty products, elevating the everyday experience of a bath or dressing area. This diverse color palette and inherent beauty make onyx a compelling and sophisticated alternative to traditional marble in various interior applications. #OnyxDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #LuxuryMaterials #StoneDecor #BathroomDesign #LivingSpace #ModernInteriors #DesignInspiration