Glassy performer

Glass block might be cool to touch, but the hot design tool adds dramatic appeal to interior spaces while maintaining privacy and bringing in light. Elegant and timeless, glass block can be used in a variety of applications in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, entryways, interior finishings, partition walls and windows.

Glass block is an attractive decor option because of its artistic form and the way it plays with outside light, says Ottawa architect John Donkin.What´s nice about glass block is the way light bounces through it. You can get glass block with interesting finishes, which distorts light in many different ways inside the home. It makes the light active and more complicated," says Donkin.Glass block is available in a wide array of sizes, shapes, patterns and colours. It is typically framed with a white or almond-coloured aluminum frame or vinyl-wrapped aluminum frame. Another option is silicone grouting.

Bob Trottier of Ottawa´s Merkley Supply says many clients use glass block in bathrooms around shower stalls or in an exterior bathroom window. The blocks, which are made by Pittsburgh Corning Glass, come in two width sizes: 3 7/8 inches for exterior walls and 3 1/8 inches for interior walls. Merkley sells individual blocks, kits and ready-to-install units for use in both windows and freestanding walls in both straight and curved designs.

"Glass blocks are also energy-efficient as they have roughly the same thickness as two panes of glass and an R-value rating of 1.9," says Trottier.While there are many styles and options to choose from, Trottier says the Decora and Icescape blocks are popular with homeowners. The Decora measures eight-by-eight-by-3 7/8 inches and retails for $6.69 each. The Icescape design costs $8.26 a block. Colour blocks are available in the Decora line in blue, bronze and pink.

Todd Jolliffe, owner and general manager of Manotick´s Glass Block Solutions, says glass block is fast becoming a popular feature in many new communities where homes are built close together."With decreased lot lines in new construction, the esthetic appeal of glass block is increasing. We are seeing it a lot more in powder rooms and bathroom windows. It basically lets you enjoy your neighbours without seeing them."Homeowners like the fact that glass block is fire-rated and offers a waterproof solution in bathrooms, adds Jolliffe."We retrofit a lot of bathroom windows. Glass block can be installed flush with interior tile work because of the thickness of the glass. You delete the problem of window and wall rot with glass block."

The biggest advantage of glass block is that it draws light into areas of the home that need it such as stairwells and front entrances, says Jolliffe. Another benefit is added security against break-ins."Police would rather see homeowners use glass block in basement windows than bars on the windows," says Jolliffe. "Glass block is virtually indestructible, and would-be thieves can´t see in."

While Jolliffe estimates glass block is typically 20 per cent more expensive than installing a regular window, he says homeowners won´t have to invest in drapery.Jolliffe works with many of Ottawa´s top architects, designers and builders, including Urbandale and Cardel. Customers can order pre-assembled glass-block panels and window units and install them themselves or have Jolliffe´s company do the work."Depending how you use glass block in your home, it can look classic or modern. One thing is for sure: It´s always going to be in style."