Curved glass contributes with the facades of the future

Posted by Frank on February 4, 2012
Posted in: Uncategorized.

Structural glass symbolizes modern architecture and it is considered an added value to achieve all glass facade and non-metal supported transparent structures.

The prospect of shapping glass has contributed to attain a broad variety of aesthetical and structural options through oversized pieces of glass with complex geometries. Its versatility has allowed to achieve a better integration between the aesthetic and functional objectives.

The Casa da Musica in Porto (Rem Koolhas, 2004) is an example how to make the best of curved glass, because glass develops both functions: structure and enclosure. The glass shape increases the set stiffness and it is not necessary any metallic frame. Glass is anchoraged at the top and at the bottom part of its 6 meters length.

In glass bending technology, one distinguishes between hot-bending and cool-bending. Hot-bending consists on bending glass at high temperatures, being the most common manufacture method. On the other hand, cold
bending can be done in two modes: bending during the assembly at the construction site or laminated bendsare done in factory, both cases, the glass are brought to the desired shape by means of external contact pressure.

In order to achieve double-curved, spherical, curves with small radius and complex geometries, high temperatures are recquired during the manufacture process.

This post is under construction. In fact, it will be under construction during a long time. Creativity  is the limit, because curved glass contributes with the facades of the future.

Source: renatocilento.blogspot.com

Repost from the GKD pressroom