Architects and designers are recognising the merits of using glass in modern residential and commercial design, with glass used extensively in some of Australia’s award winning design projects.
One of the year’s most innovative designs is a home in Toorak, designed by building design consultants McLauchlan and Associates. They won the prestigious ‘Design of the Year’ and also ‘Most Effective Use of Glass’ awards at the 2001 Building Designers Association of Victoria annual awards evening for this project.
Rob McLauchlan, Managing Director at McLauchlan and Associates, said, “Glass plays a crucial role in the design of any building, it’s one of the most important materials at our disposal. Positioning, shape, tint and, ultimately, the glass chosen for windows play a vital part in the internal and external appeal of a building.”
He feels the key to great design is helping clients understand the capabilities and features of glass.
“When designing custom built houses we spend considerable time with clients discussing what we can achieve with different types of glass. We place great emphasis on getting light inside, controlling the sun, energy and conservation levels, and creating an indoor-outdoor atmosphere - this is where glass comes into its own.”
The Millers’ house is a perfect example: with a brief to design a modern family home for parents and two teenage children, the designers set out to create a functional floor plan with simple lines and open spaces. The result is a modern, minimalist design suited to a contemporary family lifestyle.
The use of glazed window walls in the upper level living area captures the landscaped boundary and opens the house to an outdoor entertaining deck and city views. Double-glazing to the north and west provides solar insulation without shutting out natural light and elongated highlight windows to the south provide privacy but allow upper level illumination, creating an ambient effect in the art gallery-like passageway.
The small cinema-like windows to the master bedroom and ensuite add to the drama of the curved front facade, designed to reflect the identical curve of the cul-de-sac boundary.
Properties such as energy conservation, sound-reduction, safety, fire protection, privacy, security, seasonal comfort, interior fading, extra light, and space levels all play a crucial part in the success of design projects. By understanding and appreciating the diversity of glass, designers and architects can achieve new, enhanced levels of design.
“Pilkington now partners with individuals and companies to stretch the capabilities and the applications of glass and, as a result, we’re seeing some dramatic changes to the architectural landscape,” said Chris Barker, Marketing Manager at Pilkington.
“It’s through projects like this that we’re witnessing a fundamental shift in modern design – a shift driven by designers with a visionary approach to the use of glass and a solid understanding of its diverse applications, whilst capitalising on the powerful natural affect of daylight.”
