5 Hot Glazing Trends You'll Love
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Glazing Trends
You might not think glazing is a very sexy topic. But over the past few years there have been some massive advances in glazing technology and trends. You know what? It looks like glazing is bringing sexy back.
Whether you're building, renovating or just in the home improvement planning stages, here are the top 5 glazing trends you'll love:
1. Coloured Glazing
A far cry from the amber bottle glass of the '70s, coloured glass is making a comeback. All types of vibrant hues are now available. Even if you can't find the exact colour you want, acrylic films can be custom made in any colour of the rainbow.
From clerestory windows in hot pink, to a custom designed stained-glass window, the options are limitless. Depending on the hue you choose, you can totally transform the look of the room. Green glass will bring a cooling, relaxing feel to the room, while yellow glass will give the sense of eternal sunshine.
What colour glass will you choose? To check out your options, get in touch with one of our professional glaziers.
Above: Here, a vibrant array of several different colours creates a stunning kaleidoscope internally.
Above: Hot pink clerestory windows bathes a home in warm, rosy light. Even in the depths of winter this space feels inviting.
2. Environmental Glazing
It's no secret that our environment is in trouble. In our homes, the largest energy guzzler is our heating and cooling systems, so the more we can reduce our need for auxiliary heating and cooling, the happier mother nature is. Thermally, windows are the weak point in any home -- letting our warmed or cooled air escape because glass is a very poor insulator.
Double glazed windows have been common in Europe and North America for many years due to the extreme cold many countries in these areas experience. Us Australians are only just catching on.
No matter where you live in Australia, there's an environmental glazing solution to suit your needs. In tropical Queensland, the aim of the game is to block the sun, but retain the ability to open the house up to cooling breezes. In this case, louvres with a UV blocking Low E-glass is a great solution.
In cooler parts of the country, such as down here in dreary Melbourne, another solution is necessary. Double glazing is a great way to keep warm air inside during winter months. Modern double glazing systems can be very sophisticated -- argon gas is sometimes used in the cavity and thermally separated window frames will give you the best protection. Using Low E-glass on the exterior pane is also advisable on North and West facing windows to keep the home cooler in Summer months with the double benefit of reflecting warm air back inside when it's cooler.
Contact an expert to discuss the environmental glazing that's right for you.
Double glazing system showing off its insulating features.
3. Self-Cleaning Glass
If you hate trying to get your windows streak free as much as I do, you'll be extatic to hear about the latest advance in glazing -- self-cleaning glass.
It works by breaking down dirt that collects on the surface and resisting the adherence of dirt. Then, when it rains, the water droplets form a sheet across the surface and wash away all the build up.
It's like employing a window cleaner every time it rains! So put away the windex and let nature do the job for you.
Not convinced? Ask one of our glazing experts about the effectiveness of self-cleaning glass and whether it's right for you.
Left: Normal Glass
Right: Self-cleaning Glass
4. Louvre Windows
Louvre windows are another glazing trend from the past that is back with a vengeance. Louvres today are nothing like the thin, leaky variety you used to see in toilet blocks. Modern louvres look great, seal well, can be fitted with a range of different glasses, and can even be electronically controlled.
The best part about louvres is the sense of connection to the environment you get when they're opened. It's like the window disappears. Louvres improve airflow to keep your house well ventilated and cool. They can even be fitted with aluminium or timber panels for when privacy or blocking out sunlight is important.
Discuss the range of options with a qualified glazier.
5. Picture Windows
Don't worry, we're not getting sick of floor to ceiling glass any time soon. But not every situation calls for that much glass.
Perhaps you want to capture part of the view, but block out the unpleasant neighboring property. Or let morning light into your breakfast nook without catching a glimpse of your clothes line. Or make the space feel more isolated by highlighting a view of treetops and sky instead of the nearby road. Whatever the purpose, small, well thought out picture windows are a great way to make a particular view special and put in on display.
If you're building or renovating, spend some time considering the perfect views to capture with a picture window or get some help from and architect or designer and then contact a window manufacturer to make your picture window come to life. You won't regret a well planned picture window, guaranteed.
Above: Even if your views are not this special, a well-place picture window can make the most of what you do have.
About the Author
Brodie Norris runs Lunchbox Architect, which features one architecturally designed home each weekday. Recently Lunchbox Architect featured a stunning Australian beach house that uses well-placed windows to highlight its natural setting.
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