Whether it is energy efficient, laminated, toughened, clear or tinted, glass has been the staple for modern architecture and never goes out of the option when designing commercial and residential buildings. Before it earned its great popularity nowadays, only wealthy people could afford it centuries ago. In particular, the earliest form of architectural glass was created for the most significant structures in Italy and was very expensive if used in building homes.
As glass production continues to grow increasingly in the ensuing years, glass doors and windows have remained to be exclusive for the rich people to afford. Take for example the particular case in England wherein the more glass windows a home contains the wealthier the owner is. It is, therefore, quite unthinkable that people before were taxed depending on the number of glass windows found in their homes. When this said tax policy was lifted, the price of architectural glass also dropped significantly to almost half the original cost.
In addition, with the advent and introduction of automated float glass manufacturing techniques, the glass became widely available at a moderate cost but with the same consistent high quality. This production method was utilized to make flat glass planes in which molten glass is being poured into a thin bath for it to spread smoothly and flat. What further makes the manufacturing of architectural glass increases tremendously is the advancement in steelmaking.
Steel frames became the most commonly used material to support buildings. It means the walls are relieved of their load-bearing burden and can now be made entirely of glass, or popularly known as curtain wall. With this advancement, architects along with glaziers are pushing this glass to its limits. Though glass material is very delicate it is so strong and is very flexible that tapped great potentials and possibilities for the next generation to unfold.
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