A Brief History of Glass
Friday, February 3rd, 2012Glass has been produced and used by mankind for thousands of years, and its use in architecture has developed significantly with technological advancements in production.
The ‘Glass buildings’ Category
The legacy of Modernist Architecture in the UK
Friday, October 7th, 2011
Modernist architecture mainly concerns structures that were designed and built in the years immediately after the Second World War up until the early 80s. These buildings were renowned for having a distinct appearance in comparison to surrounding structures that were built before them and for employing concrete, glass and steel as key construction materials.
Modernist buildings grace the majority of towns and cities in the UK and are often considered landmarks for their unique appearance. They also represent a historical vision of the future and were once deemed to be socially progressive buildings that provided a forward thinking modern urban housing solution.
Some of the most well know modernist buildings include the iconic Grade II listed Trelik Tower located in North Kensington, London, and the soon to be demolished Central Library in Birmingham. Both of these buildings represent two great examples of the modernist approach and highlight the key principles of the architectural style, especially when it comes to the versatility that combining concrete and glass can bring to a project.
In recent years many modernist buildings, like Birmingham Central Library, have been marked for demolition, however over in Sheffield the once run down Park Hill estate has just undergone a full renovation that has breathed new life into one of the country’s’ most renowned modernist high rise estates.
Opened in 1961 Park Hill was seen as the future of social housing with many referring to its layers of walkways as ‘streets in the sky’, a far cry from dirty narrow terraces that the first phase of residents had endured during the early half of the 20th Century. However, over time the estate fell into disrepair and became notorious for crime, something that was said to be heightened by the network of walkways and dark corners that were common across the site. The entire estate would probably have been raised to the ground if it wasn’t for its Grade II listed status that was granted in 1998 making it the largest listed building in Europe.
Since undergoing a full renovation Park Hill is set to rekindle its status as one of Sheffield’s most liveable buildings. Apartments within the estate, thanks to new ceiling to floor windows, provide occupants with fantastic views over the city and surrounding South Yorkshire countryside. This, coupled with the installation of energy-efficient measures, make Park Hill an interesting and modern place to live offering a reminder that large dilapidated social housing projects can be transformed and refurbished for the good of a community.
Modernist architecture also has an influence on the working lives of many of the staff in our St Helens office, and the site is a glowing example of the discipline. Also a grade II listed building the former Pilkington Head Office was designed by Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew in the late 1950s. It was completed in 1963 and appeared at a time when the company was undergoing extensive growth as a result of the success in creating and exporting the float line process. The innovation that occurred during this period is still flourishing today as our glass technicians and staff devise new glazing solutions that are helping architects make their mark on the future, just like the modernists did almost half a century ago.
Renovation on the banks of the Mersey
Thursday, August 18th, 2011
The recently opened ‘Museum of Liverpool’ is the latest addition to Liverpool’s waterfront that is officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Housing relics from the city’s past, the new museum is the largest national museum to be constructed in the UK for over a century and is also being billed as the largest City museum in the world. The building itself has a modern appearance and combines large concrete curves with glass to create a great civic space for all to enjoy. The large glass windows installed at the highest point of the uniquely shaped building offer detailed views of the waterfront’s ‘Three Graces’ buildings that includes the world renowned Liver Building.
The introduction of the Museum of Liverpool to the banks of the Mersey is symbolic of the City’s gradual regeneration that has so far been respectful of its fantastic architectural heritage. This approach to urban renewal is something that Liverpool City Council has employed over the past ten years with most of the modern buildings in the Docklands area being built in order to fit in with their surroundings and not dominate them.
The Museum of Liverpool
Pilkington has in the past been called upon to aid renovation in this particular area of the City, most notably our involvement with the construction of a 350 metre long pier and Cruise Liner terminal in 2008. Built on floating concrete the modern facility employed Pilkington Planar™ structural glazing for the reception building and it was also used to glaze the 177 metre walkway that links the reception building and the terminals pilot building.
This modern pier provides a great example of how glass products can be used to create unconventional buildings with ease and efficiency. In addition, the Pilkington Planar™ structural glazing is also combined with Pilkington Suncool™ to provide an aesthetically pleasing feature offering excellent solar control properties with high light transmittance. The use of Pilkington glass products has ensured that cruise liner passengers are welcomed to Liverpool in style and when they depart their transport are presented with a clear and protected walk into the heart of the historic waterfront.
Live Twitter chat with George Clarke 29th July
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
On Friday 29th July TV presenter and architect George Clarke will be joining us for a live Twitter chat to discuss the MOT Your Home™ initiative. George is going to be with us for an hour from 1pm and will be keen to answer questions you may have about improving the energy rating of your home, energy-efficient glass and how to make the most of your property.
George Clarke
George, as many of you will be aware, is best known for his work with Channel 4 and is an advocate of sustainable building practices. Through his work with Pilkington George has helped raise awareness of a number of measures that home owners can take to reduce the carbon footprint of their house. They range from simple actions like turning down your thermostat and switching off electrical appliances to more extensive tactics such as the fitting of energy–efficient windows or the insulation of cavity walls.
So, if there is anything you would like to ask George on Friday 29th July simply tweet @MrGeorgeClarke your question and include the topic #motyourhome (don’t forget the #) and George will respond with his expert opinion. Remember, George will only be available for an hour so make sure you get your questions in early.
Sustainability is a key priority for Pilkington so in the lead up to the Twitter interview we are giving away an ‘Eco PU Velcro’ universal phone pouch from the fantastic green mobile phone case retailer e – pouch™ to one lucky person every day up until Friday 29th July (excluding Sat 22nd and Sun 23rd).
In order to be in with a chance of winning please follow us on @MOTyourhome and tweet a link of this blog post to your followers. Each winner will be announced via the @MOTyourhome twitter account at 5pm on each day that the competition is being run. These dates are Thursday 21st July, Friday 22nd July, and Monday 25th July through to Friday 29th July.
So, go and spread the word about this great opportunity to get some professional advice on improving the energy efficiency of your home and if you are lucky you may win yourself an eco- friendly phone case in the process.
Good Luck!
This Eco PU Velcro is made from imitation leather made using only water based processes and is also made from recycled plastic bottles
Green buildings in the developing world
Monday, July 18th, 2011
When discussing construction in the modern world, it is difficult to look beyond urbanisation in the developing countries like Brazil, China and India to see where some of the most innovative energy- efficient buildings are being designed. These countries are experiencing a period of accelerated growth that is arguably, especially in the case of China, on a larger scale than the post war reconstruction that occurred in Europe, Japan and the US in the years immediately after the Second World War.
However, unlike the 1940’s and 1950’s, the well being of the environment is now something that architects take on board and is becoming just as important as the functionality of the buildings they are designing. This approach to construction in no more apparent than in the plans for a mid-rise office building in Santa Catarina, Brazil, that will soon be complete and ready for the local Council of Administration to move into. The energy – efficiency of the building is outstanding and begins with its location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a position that allows the building to take advantage of the sea breeze and use it to avoid running the air conditioning. In addition, the building features energy – efficient glass, solar panels and extensive greenery on the roof that helps to insulate it during the mild Brazilian winter.
Plans for the new headquarters of the Regional Council of Administration of Santa Catarina
Over in India, work is underway on a green multi sports complex that is set to generate most of the energy required to operate through solar and piezoelectricity (a system that sees paths of heavy foot traffic harvesting kinetic energy generated by crowds). In addition, energy – efficient glass will also be installed throughout the complex where necessary in order to harness the benefits of energy created by the sun. This is an ambitious project that is due to be complete in 2012 and highlights how architects designing large building projects in the developing world are applying energy – efficient measures to their work.
Here at Pilkington we have a list of improvements that home owners can make to ensure that their house is energy – efficient. These measures are part of our MOT Your Home™ campaign that is fronted by architect George Clarke. For more information on this and details on how you can improve the energy-rating of you home visit the Pilkington website here.
The legacy of Modernist Architecture in the UK
Friday, October 7th, 2011Modernist architecture mainly concerns structures that were designed and built in the years immediately after the Second World War up until the early 80s. These buildings were renowned for having a distinct appearance in comparison to surrounding structures that were built before them and for employing concrete, glass and steel as key construction materials.
Modernist buildings grace the majority of towns and cities in the UK and are often considered landmarks for their unique appearance. They also represent a historical vision of the future and were once deemed to be socially progressive buildings that provided a forward thinking modern urban housing solution.
Some of the most well know modernist buildings include the iconic Grade II listed Trelik Tower located in North Kensington, London, and the soon to be demolished Central Library in Birmingham. Both of these buildings represent two great examples of the modernist approach and highlight the key principles of the architectural style, especially when it comes to the versatility that combining concrete and glass can bring to a project.
In recent years many modernist buildings, like Birmingham Central Library, have been marked for demolition, however over in Sheffield the once run down Park Hill estate has just undergone a full renovation that has breathed new life into one of the country’s’ most renowned modernist high rise estates.
Opened in 1961 Park Hill was seen as the future of social housing with many referring to its layers of walkways as ‘streets in the sky’, a far cry from dirty narrow terraces that the first phase of residents had endured during the early half of the 20th Century. However, over time the estate fell into disrepair and became notorious for crime, something that was said to be heightened by the network of walkways and dark corners that were common across the site. The entire estate would probably have been raised to the ground if it wasn’t for its Grade II listed status that was granted in 1998 making it the largest listed building in Europe.
Since undergoing a full renovation Park Hill is set to rekindle its status as one of Sheffield’s most liveable buildings. Apartments within the estate, thanks to new ceiling to floor windows, provide occupants with fantastic views over the city and surrounding South Yorkshire countryside. This, coupled with the installation of energy-efficient measures, make Park Hill an interesting and modern place to live offering a reminder that large dilapidated social housing projects can be transformed and refurbished for the good of a community.
Modernist architecture also has an influence on the working lives of many of the staff in our St Helens office, and the site is a glowing example of the discipline. Also a grade II listed building the former Pilkington Head Office was designed by Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew in the late 1950s. It was completed in 1963 and appeared at a time when the company was undergoing extensive growth as a result of the success in creating and exporting the float line process. The innovation that occurred during this period is still flourishing today as our glass technicians and staff devise new glazing solutions that are helping architects make their mark on the future, just like the modernists did almost half a century ago.
Renovation on the banks of the Mersey
Thursday, August 18th, 2011The recently opened ‘Museum of Liverpool’ is the latest addition to Liverpool’s waterfront that is officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Housing relics from the city’s past, the new museum is the largest national museum to be constructed in the UK for over a century and is also being billed as the largest City museum in the world. The building itself has a modern appearance and combines large concrete curves with glass to create a great civic space for all to enjoy. The large glass windows installed at the highest point of the uniquely shaped building offer detailed views of the waterfront’s ‘Three Graces’ buildings that includes the world renowned Liver Building.
The introduction of the Museum of Liverpool to the banks of the Mersey is symbolic of the City’s gradual regeneration that has so far been respectful of its fantastic architectural heritage. This approach to urban renewal is something that Liverpool City Council has employed over the past ten years with most of the modern buildings in the Docklands area being built in order to fit in with their surroundings and not dominate them.
The Museum of Liverpool
Pilkington has in the past been called upon to aid renovation in this particular area of the City, most notably our involvement with the construction of a 350 metre long pier and Cruise Liner terminal in 2008. Built on floating concrete the modern facility employed Pilkington Planar™ structural glazing for the reception building and it was also used to glaze the 177 metre walkway that links the reception building and the terminals pilot building.
This modern pier provides a great example of how glass products can be used to create unconventional buildings with ease and efficiency. In addition, the Pilkington Planar™ structural glazing is also combined with Pilkington Suncool™ to provide an aesthetically pleasing feature offering excellent solar control properties with high light transmittance. The use of Pilkington glass products has ensured that cruise liner passengers are welcomed to Liverpool in style and when they depart their transport are presented with a clear and protected walk into the heart of the historic waterfront.
Live Twitter chat with George Clarke 29th July
Thursday, July 21st, 2011On Friday 29th July TV presenter and architect George Clarke will be joining us for a live Twitter chat to discuss the MOT Your Home™ initiative. George is going to be with us for an hour from 1pm and will be keen to answer questions you may have about improving the energy rating of your home, energy-efficient glass and how to make the most of your property.
George Clarke
George, as many of you will be aware, is best known for his work with Channel 4 and is an advocate of sustainable building practices. Through his work with Pilkington George has helped raise awareness of a number of measures that home owners can take to reduce the carbon footprint of their house. They range from simple actions like turning down your thermostat and switching off electrical appliances to more extensive tactics such as the fitting of energy–efficient windows or the insulation of cavity walls.
So, if there is anything you would like to ask George on Friday 29th July simply tweet @MrGeorgeClarke your question and include the topic #motyourhome (don’t forget the #) and George will respond with his expert opinion. Remember, George will only be available for an hour so make sure you get your questions in early.
Sustainability is a key priority for Pilkington so in the lead up to the Twitter interview we are giving away an ‘Eco PU Velcro’ universal phone pouch from the fantastic green mobile phone case retailer e – pouch™ to one lucky person every day up until Friday 29th July (excluding Sat 22nd and Sun 23rd).
In order to be in with a chance of winning please follow us on @MOTyourhome and tweet a link of this blog post to your followers. Each winner will be announced via the @MOTyourhome twitter account at 5pm on each day that the competition is being run. These dates are Thursday 21st July, Friday 22nd July, and Monday 25th July through to Friday 29th July.
So, go and spread the word about this great opportunity to get some professional advice on improving the energy efficiency of your home and if you are lucky you may win yourself an eco- friendly phone case in the process.
Good Luck!
This Eco PU Velcro is made from imitation leather made using only water based processes and is also made from recycled plastic bottles
Green buildings in the developing world
Monday, July 18th, 2011When discussing construction in the modern world, it is difficult to look beyond urbanisation in the developing countries like Brazil, China and India to see where some of the most innovative energy- efficient buildings are being designed. These countries are experiencing a period of accelerated growth that is arguably, especially in the case of China, on a larger scale than the post war reconstruction that occurred in Europe, Japan and the US in the years immediately after the Second World War.
However, unlike the 1940’s and 1950’s, the well being of the environment is now something that architects take on board and is becoming just as important as the functionality of the buildings they are designing. This approach to construction in no more apparent than in the plans for a mid-rise office building in Santa Catarina, Brazil, that will soon be complete and ready for the local Council of Administration to move into. The energy – efficiency of the building is outstanding and begins with its location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a position that allows the building to take advantage of the sea breeze and use it to avoid running the air conditioning. In addition, the building features energy – efficient glass, solar panels and extensive greenery on the roof that helps to insulate it during the mild Brazilian winter.
Plans for the new headquarters of the Regional Council of Administration of Santa Catarina
Over in India, work is underway on a green multi sports complex that is set to generate most of the energy required to operate through solar and piezoelectricity (a system that sees paths of heavy foot traffic harvesting kinetic energy generated by crowds). In addition, energy – efficient glass will also be installed throughout the complex where necessary in order to harness the benefits of energy created by the sun. This is an ambitious project that is due to be complete in 2012 and highlights how architects designing large building projects in the developing world are applying energy – efficient measures to their work.
Here at Pilkington we have a list of improvements that home owners can make to ensure that their house is energy – efficient. These measures are part of our MOT Your Home™ campaign that is fronted by architect George Clarke. For more information on this and details on how you can improve the energy-rating of you home visit the Pilkington website here.