Glass bricks have been around for years, yet the uniqueness about them gives any home décor a touch of elegance, versatility and contemporary atmosphere. Here’s a lowdown on glass bricks.
Tough side of glassGlass bricks or glass blocks are ideal for large space but when used in small area, they render a spacious feel to it. They are three to four inches thick and bound together by a heating process with air trapped in the middle.
Nupur Gupta, interior decorator, Alchemy says, “Unlike popular belief, they aren’t breakable and can be used innovatively in different shapes and designs. They blend well with various materials like; wood, concrete, metal and stone.” Also the construction method of glass brick, makes them ideal as an insulation material, both protecting the room from heat gain or loss, and from noises.
Use differentlyGlass bricks are often used as an architectural element in underground washrooms, swimming baths, spas, where privacy or visual obscuration is desired, while admitting light. The possibilities of use for them are only limited to your imagination.
“Glass bricks can be used as partitions, inserts or stand alone highlighters,” says Amit M Juvekar of Poesia Glass Ltd. “The coloured glass bricks can be used for interior walls to separate bathrooms from main living areas, exterior windows on the side of a building or home, or even for a shower wall, kitchen backsplash, bar or conference room,” he adds. Caring for glass blocks is easy. If used in a bathroom, simply use a sponge to wipe them clean and for any other area, dust them once in a while.
{{/usCountry}}“Glass bricks can be used as partitions, inserts or stand alone highlighters,” says Amit M Juvekar of Poesia Glass Ltd. “The coloured glass bricks can be used for interior walls to separate bathrooms from main living areas, exterior windows on the side of a building or home, or even for a shower wall, kitchen backsplash, bar or conference room,” he adds. Caring for glass blocks is easy. If used in a bathroom, simply use a sponge to wipe them clean and for any other area, dust them once in a while.
{{/usCountry}}QUICK FACTS They are available in more than 20 shapes and sizes for walls, pillars, roofs and in a variety of colours. A traditional brick (full brick) measures of 24.7 cm x 11.6 cm x 5.3 cm (L x H x W).Glass bricks can cost anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per piece for junior bricks and may go up to Rs 2,500 per piece depending on the size and colour.Walls built with solid glass bricks, when properly installed, can resist wind, snow, frost and rain. They are made to withstand rust, mould, thin dusts and chemical products (except for acids).