A masterclass in glass construction

As a specialist in glass processing, there’s nothing we love more than seeing glass being put to some amazing uses in construction projects.

From skyscrapers in the heart of the city to some more ‘left field’ examples, glass is everywhere in construction projects. So here at Tufwell Glass, we’ve pulled together some of our favourites from around the world to show just how durable and versatile that the material can be.

30 St Mary’s Axe, London

If you aren’t familiar with 30 St Mary’s Axe, you might be if we called it ‘The Gherkin’.
30 St Mary’s axe is a commercial skyscraper in the centre of London.

Opening in April 2004, it stands at 180m tall and is made up of over 7,400 individual toughened, thickened glass panels.

The panels, although looking curved, are flat and positioned in diagonally interlocking steel beams that make a series of triangular prisms on the building’s facade. Only the top panels of the Gherkin are curved.

               

CN Tower Glass Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The glass floor of the CN Tower, Toronto is the only thing standing between intrepid visitors and a 342m (1,122ft drop).
The panels of the Glass Floor are more than 6cm thick and feature four 1.25cm panels layers between a pocket of air for insulation. They are made from silica, sodium oxide, lime and magnesia, the same raw materials that are used to make household glass.
Strong enough to hold the weight of 35 moose – their words not ours – the panels are a perfect example of the strength of glass as a material and just why it is such a popular option in construction.

Montreal Convention Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Staying in the East coast of Canada, the Palais de congres de Montreal shows the stunning aesthetic effects that coloured glass can create.
Built in the 1970’s, the coloured glass facade was added during renovation in the early 2000s. The facade features 390 panels, with 332 being coloured, creating a vibrant and eye-catching stream of colour when hit by the sun.
Coloured glass is made by adding different minerals and elements to clear molten glass, and can transform a structure into something more than just a building.

               

Whatever your glass requirements Tufwell Glass can deliver. Contact us today on 01293 533 533 or at sales@tufwell.co.uk for more information.