Until quite recently, we were all sure that the traditional Vacation home must be built of wood or brick.

Such buildings meet the requirements of comfort and are warm for our climate. But the windows in them are small, so the rooms are usually a bit dark. And you can admire nature only on the veranda, and even then only in summer. Therefore, it is not surprising that now designers and architects offer us to settle in glass houses.

Thanks to modern technologies construction and the efforts of architects, fabulous "castles" made of glass have become a very real thing. It became possible to create not just buildings with glass facades, but also completely glass houses. In our country, such cottages have already appeared, where almost everything is made of this fragile, at first glance, material. Glass can be facade, roof, sliding doors, peaks, ladders, partitions, protections and even a floor.

Of course, absolutely glass House will not be comfortable for everyone. But individual details (for example, glass walls) may be of interest to most people. In such a house an unusual atmosphere is created, a feeling of lightness, airiness and all-penetrating light and warmth. These are absolutely new impressions when perceiving the space of a dwelling. The boundary between home and nature seems to be erased. Through the transparent walls you can admire the greenery of the garden, the glass ceiling allows you to watch the clouds. Thanks to the transparency of the glass, the rooms are filled with light and visually expand.

Especially popular today french windows- this is panoramic windows from floor to ceiling in the form of a sliding wall. They simultaneously function as a window, bearing wall and doors to the garden or balcony. Despite their visual fragility, they retain heat well and are highly durable.

French windows in a glass house allow a person to be closer to nature. And in order to feel comfortable, automatic or manual blinds are built into them, which protect against too bright light or night darkness. Also, special sunscreen or mirror coatings can be provided on the glasses.

In modern glass houses, in addition to walls, other translucent structures are often used. For example, glass roofs, which can be installed over the entire house or over part of it. It is most appropriate to install them in halls and living rooms.

The bedrooms on the upper floors look good attic panoramic windows. Full glass can be made winter gardens and tunnels leading to adjacent rooms. Glass is used to create entrance doors, stairs, canopies, terraces and balconies.

The strength of a glass house

Despite the apparent fragility, glass houses are very practical. When they are created Special attention given to safety. Many technologies are used to increase the strength of glass. During construction, glass is used, which has a special composition and has undergone special processing.

• For example, laminated glass consist of several glued layers of different thicknesses and types.
• tempered glass are considered 5 times more durable than conventional ones.
• BUT reinforced glass have a metal mesh inside that holds the fragments when broken.

Also used composite materials, glass made of polymers, transparent slate, plexiglass, glass covered with a special film.

Reliability glass house also depends on profile systems, which can be wood, plastic, aluminum or steel. All parts of the glass house are manufactured at enterprises, so they are distinguished by the speed of construction.

Glass house - photo

Buildings made of glass and concrete are very interesting and specific, therefore they are gaining popularity. This style is perfect for energetic people who value comfort and look after fashion trends in construction. Feature of glass - possibility of application different forms and concepts. The energy saving efficiency of such buildings is much higher than gas-block ones.

Features of houses made of concrete and glass

In addition to the prestigious appearance, concrete houses with glazing endowed with a number of positive qualities:

1. Internal partitions in the house and external walls from glass provide sufficient lighting, which can significantly save energy. Sliding glass structures are especially advantageous in this regard.
2. The transparency of the glass does not interfere with the view of the landscape surrounding the house, so it will not be difficult to keep track of everything that happens in the yard.
3. High environmental friendliness is achieved through the use of natural materials.
4. glass walls will become ideal solution for people with asthma or other type of allergic disease.
5. Glass more effectively maintains a constant temperature in the room throughout the year.
6. An impressive range allows you to choose the option according to your needs. Widely used designs with glass of varying degrees of transparency, with built-in solar panels or self-cleaning mechanism.
7. Glass has a service life of over 70 years.
8. High sound insulation and protective properties - from moisture, dust, wind, poplar fluff, plant pollen.
9. aesthetic appearance inherent in modern glass.
10. Wide range of textures and light transmission. Art film, airbrushing of any complexity can be applied to glass. Stalinite with a matte tint not only closes the view from the outside, but also has increased strength.

Veranda - a small unheated room of the house, built on a lightweight foundation. Its purpose is to protect the main room from precipitation, wind, cold or heat. The main building element of the veranda is the windows, and the larger they are, the brighter the room. Today we offer a wide range of profiles in standard and non-standard sizes:

1. Swing windows of two or three parts. This model effectively retains heat. Frames up to 0.8 m wide are suitable for arranging verandas. One or more parts can open.
2. Sliding profiles are practical and aesthetic. Windows move on rails. They effectively keep cool in summer and warm in winter. The presence of a pull mechanism in some models ensures maximum tightness of the closure.

Glass verandas are suitable for those who do not dare to create a completely glazed house, but strives for the new and fashionable. Today, verandas are completely isolated spaces with their own electrical and plumbing connections. Various design solutions are offered for their construction. The best option is with a glass round platform. This solution allows for good review around the house space and save on the finishing of corner supports. The use of oval wall design allows the installation of ceilings on frames made of reinforcing beams. This design does not require the arrangement of a massive foundation. For decoration of verandas it is recommended to use plastic windows. They differ in reliability, durability, high rates of isolation and sealing.

How much do glass walls cost?

The cost of glass walls is determined by:

• the size of the windows used;
• the number of paintings;
• type of glass and its decor;
• frame material;
• quality, quantity and manufacturer of fittings and components;
• installation complexity.

Today you can choose different profiles under glass windows for walls:

• wood mass;
• steel profile;
• aluminum.

Used types of glass for internal partitions and external walls:

• stalinite;
• plexiglass;
• polycarbonate glass;
• classic;
• triplex.

At the same time, glasses can be transparent, frosted, deaf, combined.

Of course, a material such as glass, although not entirely safe due to the fact that it can not only break, but also severely injure a person, is extremely popular. They make from it beautiful furniture(remember dear coffee table in the living room), stylish interior doors and even build entire houses out of glass. Of course, this is not the only material used in construction, but glass walls and roofs can occupy such transparent houses. large area. Glass houses can often be found in America, which most likely indicates a more liberated American mentality. If you have nothing to hide, and you do not suffer from modesty, then you can put aside wooden planks and bricks and start building a magic glass house.

The advantage of this material
lies in the fact that one and the same material in its essence can be completely
different: matte, mirror, tinted, transparent, etc. you can achieve
desired effect by simply combining a couple of these options. Also such
material like glass can give designers
the opportunity to realize the most creative and daring fantasies and
get as a result not just a banal house, but a real work of architectural
art. Certainly in construction glass houses various
technologies to maximize good result- this is glass cutting with water or beveling.

Many people, especially those who
there are small fidget children, for no reason to decide on construction
glass house because the fragility of glass can lead to irreparable
consequences. But in fact, there is nothing to be afraid of: modern technologies
make it as strong and durable as possible. Glass walls are capable
will withstand the heaviest load and
while remaining safe and sound.

Worth paying attention
glass classifications that are used as Construction Materials. This
information will make the process much easier.
choice and make it much more enjoyable. Glasses are: lime, lead,
sodium silicate, quartz, borosilicate and others. The first type of glass
calcareous - are good because they melt easily, and their cost is quite low.
Most mirrors and sheet glass are made from it. lead glass
it costs more than the previous one, but, at the same time, it has good dielectric abilities. sodium silicate
glass does not have much good property- maybe
dissolve in water. The advantage of quartz glass is that it
has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and also has a high
electrical resistance. But the disadvantages include the high cost and
severity of processing. Borosilicate glasses are remarkable in that they have
resistance to various chemicals, as well as thermal shock.

As for the glass design
at home, then all the holidays of government must be given into the hands of the designer. Build yourself a similar object to you
it will be very difficult. After all, you don't want to get just a little glass
a hut with four walls and a shabby roof. Here you need the hands of a professional,
who will tell you with what materials
it is best to combine glass, where it should be more, and where it should be less.

By the way, pay attention
also that a glass house, for example, does not have to be completely
be made up of this material. It may have either a glass roof or, to
For example, only one wall. In this case, even the interior can be glass. What
as for furniture, there are some restrictions, for example, it can be
tables or small shelves. In addition, doors can be made of glass.
They will look very stylish, bright, colorful and add their own style to the interior.
zest.

It is worth saying a word about glass roofs. Their main merit
It's definitely a nice aesthetic look. They can provide maximum
lighting, which will have a good effect on the mood of the inhabitants of the house. By the way, they
transmit not only light, but even heat, respectively, can be significantly
save on space heating. But at the same time, such roofs let through
harmful ultraviolet rays, which, of course, is a huge minus.

Whatever it is, one thing is clear:
glass houses the future. And if earlier it was the prerogative of only the rich and
bourgeois, today more and more people are thinking about how to
build a glass house.

From glass to glass

When glass appeared 2000 years ago, almost immediately a person thought of covering the entrance to the dwelling with it. It never occurred to anyone to make windows in the house: the glass let in light, but it did not protect well from cold, wind and rain.

Centuries passed, housing construction was actively developing, many architectural masterpieces were born - however, glass was still practically not used. Until the 20th century, when glass consumption sudden jump- Reinforced concrete frame was invented.

However, the frame was not enough to start a real building glass boom. Having enjoyed the first delights of the "glass walls", the architects realized that in summer such buildings are unbearably hot, and in winter - very cold. An office as a sacrifice to art can still be built, but a private residential building is unlikely.

Meanwhile, already in the late 1940s, research began on how to improve the thermal insulation of glass. In reflection on this topic, the concept of double sealed glazing was developed - what we today call a double-glazed window. And when in the 1970s Western Europe the energy crisis began, the production of double-glazed windows became massive.

It is clear that in the double-glazed window there is also a profile, a distance frame between the glasses and air or gas launched inside, providing that very additional insulation. However, 80% of any window consists of glass. It is on the properties of glass that protection from external noise (and restful sleep), temperature control in winter and summer, the appearance of the house, the safety of the home, and even the health of its residents. These window properties are provided by special glasses.

Frost at all

Do you still not believe that it may not be cold in the "glass castle"? It seems that the Irkutsk architect Andrey Tiguntsev dotted the “and” once and for all: he built a residential building with glass walls on the shores of Lake Baikal, where it drops to -50 in winter.

How? What for? Why? Upon completion of the construction, the miracle house was filmed by several TV channels at once. And it turned out that the architect took the request of the head of a family of three to make “more glass and fewer visors” as a challenge: to local traditions, mentality, climate.

As a result, two facades facing sunny side, completely glass, and the facade from the side of the entrance to the house, on the contrary, is almost completely deaf. Stopsol Supersilver Clear glass from AGC was used in this home, with a pyrolytic coating and enhanced sun protection.

An alternative heating system is fighting Siberian frosts - warm floors. The air naturally rises from the bottom up, there is no condensation on the glass, and the windows themselves are not blocked by bulky radiators.

But the main condition for the ability to build a "transparent house" in such a harsh climate is, of course, the choice of the right energy-efficient double-glazed window.

Gases, metals and plastics

Energy efficiency is the next step in improving the thermal insulation of an insulating glass unit. The next one is after the very idea of ​​combining several glass plates into a single multilayer structure and pumping various gases into the gaps (experiments have shown that inert gases such as argon have the lowest heat transfer coefficient).

They switched from gases to metals: it turned out that the application of a metal - vacuum magnetron or pyrolytic - coating makes the glass low-emissive, that is, it reflects the absorbed heat back into the building. Compared to ordinary glass, low-emissivity glass looks and transmits light in exactly the same way, but at the same time significantly - by 70% - reduces the heat loss of the room.

Well, the latest heat-insulating development is a plastic spacer, including metal-reinforced, which replaced steel and aluminum. The thermal conductivity of plastic is much less than that of steel or aluminum, so the plastic spacer reduces heat loss in the edge zone of the double-glazed window.

Sun stop!

With the help of a special coating, glass is given not only heat-insulating, but also sun-protection properties. And it's not just toning.

The fact is that the heat that penetrates from the outside into the room comes from the total flow of solar radiation, that is, visible light, ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Therefore, if you learn how to block UV and IR radiation, but at the same time let visible light through, then the amount of heat can be limited and controlled. Glasses with such properties are called selective ("selective").

One does not interfere?

Obviously, a truly "smart" glass must be multifunctional: protect from noise, the sun, control the illumination and indoor climate, be durable and safe. And such glasses already exist!

A typical example is Stopray Neo from AGC Glass: glass used, in particular, in all the cottages of the Seven Oceans village near Vladivostok. The nanocoating applied to the surface cuts off the entire invisible part of the spectrum, thereby limiting the aggressive effects of summer sun rays. And in cold weather, a layer indistinguishable by the eye does not release heat from the batteries.

In summer, air conditioning costs are reduced, in winter - for heating, so that windows with energy-efficient double-glazed windows pay for themselves in a year.

The enemy will not pass

It is difficult to imagine that a window that is transparent in appearance can have properties similar to metal or concrete. It is even more difficult to believe that two layers of film enclosed between glass plates give it such characteristics - AGC Stratobel glass, arranged in this way, according to GOST, received the official status of "Safety glass".

Stratobel laminated glass cannot be punched with a glass cutter. And if a thief wants to break the glass, then he will have to spend so much time on it and make so much noise that there is no chance of going unnoticed at all. It turns out that such glass does not need additional gratings or roller shutters.

Separately, it should be said about the soundproofing properties of Stratobel. It reduces any sounds from the outside to 34 dB - while according to GOST, the permissible noise level indoors is 40 dB during the day and 30 dB at night.

Finally, Stratobel glass takes on the function of protecting the interior from fading of colors: two layers of film will not let harmful substances inside. ultraviolet radiation. And if one of your own manages to break the glass, then the same film will not allow it to shatter into small pieces, all the fragments will remain on it, and the risk of cuts will be minimized.

It turns out that today it is possible not only to build a glass house, but also to make it a real fortress - modern, comfortable and at the same time reliable.

As recently as thirty years ago glass house was considered magic and something inaccessible, fantasy, today it is already a reality, the most real reality. Previously, colored glasses were in fashion different shades and tones, with a mirror image, in the facades there are construction-transom and balanced. Later, a significant change occurs and more calm tones of glass are used, there are fewer reflectors. Planar glazing is gaining momentum. To date, unbroken complicated systemic facades remain fashionable, energy-saving, durable glass is popular, which can serve in all seasons. The main thing at all times has been and remains reliability and caution when building a glass house.

Safety and reliability in the construction of a glass house

If you decide to build a glass house, just these important conditions and are reflected within the transformation documents, the work on which is within the framework of the Project federal law, which says about the safety of glass and glass products that are used in buildings and structures. "In the light of the requirements of this law, using the example of European countries, there must be a certificate for glasses consisting of many layers, information on noise insulation, especially in institutions medicine. The requirements also state that in buildings where a terrorist attack can be committed, glass that can withstand an explosion. And three floors there is a need to install glass with many layers or tempered. This document also reflects what level of protection glass can have used in everyday life and in all areas of human life.

How is glass produced and manufactured, so necessary in order to build a glass house.

There are so many names required glass, but it must have many layers and be safe.
Manufacturing Methods various kinds there is a lot of glass.
Protecting from the sun, saving heat, isolating noise, having many functions, bulletproof, explosion-proof - not every manufacturer can make such glasses.

What does laminated glass mean??

According to GOST 30826-2001, at first glance, this glass has a glass consisting of many layers, which is a very flat design, which consists of 1 or more glass sheets and film or liquid silicate or polymer materials which can bond and/or coat glass. An intricate sandwich, the intermediate layers of which are polyvinyl butyral film (PVB film), gel or light-cured polymer or two-component resin.

How is laminated glass made?

After the glass is loaded onto the conveyor, it is already clean, cleanliness is a guarantee that dirt will not get into the triplex. In perfect purity, a PVB film is applied and then the next sheet of glass is laid down. Then the initial pressing is carried out and the glass is loaded into the autoclave, and already there the triplex is finalized at the desired temperature under the press, and receives the desired qualities (safety, impact strength, noise insulation and other properties). This glass has been assigned its designation 34.5. The first two numbers indicate how many glasses and its density, and the next numbers are the thickness of the film - the equivalent in millimeters. The resulting triplex has two glasses of 3 mm each and the film thickness is indicated.

The demand for laminated glass is very high, they are popular and in great demand. This glass has many advantages. It is almost impossible to break it (when checking for strength, it is hit with great force). The main function of such glass is protection from criminals and robbers. There will be no cuts from it, since it does not disintegrate (the film protects against this), there will be no protruding fragments from it, from which you can get injured. Various terraces, balconies, fences represent a very great safety for a person - it is impossible to break it, which means that injuries and accidents are excluded. Today, laminated glass flooring is often used.

As an example, a platform made of glass in the shape of a horseshoe, which is located above the Grand Canyon in America. Its height is over 1000 meters. People walk on ten-centimeter glass, not afraid to walk over the abyss. Such a structure can withstand strong winds and even an earthquake of about eight points.

An excellent example of safety is in one small town Austria. Behind the facade of a beautiful laminated glass building, which resembles a sanatorium, is the city prison. It will be difficult and impossible to escape from such a structure, this is not just a lattice.

Laminated glass creates sound insulation in rooms (especially in modern buildings), has a beautiful aesthetic appearance, feels cozy, lasts for many years, and provides energy characteristics.

At all times of the year, due to the fact that the glass protects from the sun and saves heat, thereby saving money. The film in laminated glass does not allow penetration into apartments ultraviolet rays, protects everything in the room from radiation.

Products made from such glass are long-term, do not wear out, do not deteriorate, and leave the same color. The film in laminated glass can be chosen in any color you like, which means that the designer or architect will be able to create construction miracles.

To build a glass house, you can also use "Translucent buildings based on ETFE films". Today it is the newest and most durable technology. Structures made of film (fluoropolymer) are very modern and original.

It resembles in structure an ordinary plastic sheet with a similar air mattress arranged inside, into which air is pumped. The air pressure is constantly monitored by sensors.

What is the advantage of such a film?
- fire safety (thanks to high technology, the film does not burn);
- creation of large architectural structures (stadiums, entertainment centers resembling a ball have been built in many countries);
- there is a saving in the cost of washing (practically you can not wash for more than 4 years), the cost of sun protection measures is reduced;
- products made of ETFE film are not afraid of temperature changes, withstand high loads;
- in case of damage, it can be easily repaired (stick specialized glue desired part of the film).

Now, having become familiar with different approaches and materials, we start building a glass house.

How to build a glass house?

We have long been accustomed to the fact that houses are built of wood or brick. But houses made of glass are stronger, warmer, give a lot of light, more comfortable, safer, and this task is feasible today.

Designers, as well as architects, can help you create a project for your glass house. It will be all glass or only the floor, roof, facade - you choose.

For some people, the idea of ​​​​a completely glass house may not suit, but you can come up with some elements (facade, walls, roof, floor, balcony), decorate with laminated colored glass and your house will be complete perfection and splendor. In such a house you will be cozy, comfortable, easy, there will be a lot of light and heat. There will be completely unforgettable impressions, a feeling of joy at the sight of beautiful landscapes near the house, with glass ceiling You can admire the sky not only during the day, but also at night. The glass house creates a representation of breadth and space.

If you still prefer not a completely glass house, but only glass elements, then wall-sized windows (from ceiling to floor), the so-called French windows, are very suitable for you. They are very popular, it is fashionable to combine them with a balcony, a door. You should not assume that they are brittle - this is only at first glance, but in fact they have high safety, strength, and perfectly contribute to the preservation of warmth and comfort both in summer and winter.

The advantage of such windows in a glass house is also based on the fact that you can install any blinds in them that will protect you both day and night.

On glasses french windows there may initially be various coatings that protect from the sun or reflect.

To build a glass house, you can also initially design a glass roof (the entire roof or part of it). Such roofs are preferably installed in corridors, lobbies. Glass floors are very beautiful and original, practical and modern.

On the top floors of high building you can also install panoramic windows, make them sliding and use them on a sunny summer day like a solarium.

In sanatoriums and hotels, it is beneficial to use laminated glass in transitions from building to building, in the construction of a hall, balconies, and facades. In almost all major shopping malls entrance doors made of glass.

Glass doors offer great practicality and security.

You are now convinced that building a glass house is very profitable, safe and practical, especially if you build a house from glass, which has passed many tests, has quality technologies established at the global level.

Once again, we recall what kind of glass it is:
- multilayer (or laminated), very resistant to shock, withstands different temperature changes, you can choose any color and thickness;
- tempered glass (tests have shown that they are six times stronger than those that we use today in apartments);
- glass, with an inconspicuous filled inside metal mesh, which protects the glass upon impact and keeps the fragments from scattering (reinforced);
- polymer glasses, organic glass, transparent materials to cover the roof.

Naturally, it is impossible to build a house from glass alone; there must also be structures that will give strength to the house. They are made of any durable material that has been tested over the years - wood, iron, aluminum, plastic. All materials for building a glass house have long been tested, quickly and reliably made to order in factories.

As an example of a successful application in the construction of glass, the glass house of the American architect Philip Johnson, who built it back in the middle of the twentieth century. This house still attracts with its originality and functions as a museum (since 2007). This house is not only unique in that it is made of glass, but it also contains valuable items belonging to the owner, who has been collecting throughout his life.

The extraordinary idea of ​​​​Philip Jones, to build a glass house, and today inspires many designers to build grandiose glass buildings and just people to their own little masterpieces.