Archive for the ‘Glass Block’ Category

Replacing Single Pane Basement & Bathroom Church Windows with Glass Blocks In Columbus Ohio

Monday, May 13th, 2013

 

After Glass Block Church Windows at St James Episcopal Church with Composite Trim Board

After Glass Block Church Windows at St James Episcopal Church with Composite Trim Board

 

Let’s face it – single pane wood framed windows have a lot of pitfalls – they are poor insulators, can be broken into easily and the frames surrounding the sashes deteriorate over time. Transform Construction contacted the Columbus Glass Block division of Innovate Building Solutions to find a long lasting and high quality solution for this problem. The old basement windows to be replaced were part of a basement renovation for St. James Episcopal Church. Learn below the advantages of glass block church windows and the installation approach used to ensure these windows last over time.

 

Before - single pane wood framed windows at St. James Episcopal Church in Columbus Ohio before glass blocks were installed

Before - single pane wood framed windows at St. James Episcopal Church in Columbus Ohio before glass blocks were installed

Continue reading “Replacing Single Pane Basement & Bathroom Church Windows with Glass Blocks In Columbus Ohio” »

Frosted Glass Blocks Create a Cool Mood, Privacy & Unique Style to any Room

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

 

Colored & Frosted Glass Block Shower Wall Using Finished End Blocks

Colored & Frosted Glass Block Shower Wall Using Finished End Blocks

Are you looking for more privacy (without having to use blinds or curtains) for a bathroom window (or basement window for that matter)? Do you want to move some colored light from one space to another while having a understated look? If so – frosted glass blocks are an option to consider. Learn below what a frosted glass block is, the various options available and where they can be used to create add privacy, create a cool mood or just provide a decorative look in a residential or commercial space.

  Continue reading “Frosted Glass Blocks Create a Cool Mood, Privacy & Unique Style to any Room” »

Project Spotlight: Transforming a 75 year old small bathroom with a glass block tile shower – San Diego California

Saturday, April 27th, 2013

 

Glass block shower wall using 8 x 8 colored glass blocks and 4 x 8 alternating blocks

Glass block shower wall using 8 x 8 colored glass blocks and 4 x 8 alternating blocks

When you live in Southern California it’s essential to make every inch of a small bathroom count….and that’s exactly what Jeff R. accomplished in his recent bath renovation project. As Jeff said, “The bathroom in our 75 year old home was shot. The tile had hairline cracks, the shower area was dark, the shower pan was failing, and the earthquakes and tremors where part of the cause of the tile falling apart.” It was not possible to change the size or layout of this room – so the challenge would be to make the space nicer and more functional…but how?

 

Existing small shower enclosure

Before renovation - old tile shower enclosure was closed in by stud walls

Learn below how Jeff, his wife, an interior designer and their contractor not only used materials like a unique “floating” glass block wall to create a fresh contemporary look – but also embraced a famous tile design element to make their small space sparkle.

Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Transforming a 75 year old small bathroom with a glass block tile shower – San Diego California” »

Anatomy of an Accessible & Universal Design Master Bathroom – A Visit to the Universal Design Living Laboratory (Part 2)

Friday, April 19th, 2013

 

Rosemarie Rossetti & Mark Leder in Universal Design Master Bathroom

Rosemarie Rossetti & Mark Leder in Universal Design Master Bathroom

Who ever said accessible bath design cannot look cool and relaxing has never visited the home of Rosemarie Rossetti and Mark Leder. This home – built in Columbus Ohio – is a living example of how inspired design can also be a safe and functional space for people of all abilities, sizes or ages. This home called the Universal Design Living Laboratory is the brainchild of Rosemarie and Mark and will be open to the general public in a few short months.

 

This article (which is Part 2 in a series– Part 1 looked at the Guest Bath) will look at the key features and benefits of an accessible and universal design master bathroom.

  Continue reading “Anatomy of an Accessible & Universal Design Master Bathroom – A Visit to the Universal Design Living Laboratory (Part 2)” »

Garage Windows with Glass Blocks – An Excellent Product for an Area Growing in Importance

Saturday, April 13th, 2013
Garage windows using glass blocks being mortared for high security and increased privacy

Garage windows using glass blocks being mortared for high security and increased privacy

You may be asking – why should anyone care about the windows being used in a garage and why would glass block windows make sense in this space? Well in case you haven’t noticed garages are becoming a “hot” area of a home. Check out some of these facts:

 

  • According to the U.S. Census 1.3 million garages per year are being converted into living space.

 

  • From the National Association of Home Builders in 1950 58% of new homes had no garage – today 91% of new homes have a garage and 83% have a 2 car garage or more.

 

  • 17% of new homes in the United States have a 3 car garage.

 

So – what is prompting this increased interest in garages and what does that have to do with glass block windows? The reality is homeowners are looking for cost effective spaces that can be used as “flex” areas (i.e. for more than one use). In addition to parking cars people are now using garages for hobby and craft areas, workshops, children’s play rooms, ping pong and pool tables, poker rooms and exercise rooms. With this increased interest (and money) being put into garages there is a need for better windows– that is where garage glass block windows come into place.

 

Learn below the benefits and options of these windows vs. the old single pane windows that are generally installed when the garage was built.

Continue reading “Garage Windows with Glass Blocks – An Excellent Product for an Area Growing in Importance” »

5 Tips to Use Glass Block Sizes, Shapes & Colors for a Unique Window, Shower or Wall Design

Friday, March 29th, 2013
Colored and frosted glass blocks using 4 x 8 and 8 x 8 blocks in a bath window

Colored and frosted glass blocks using 4 x 8 and 8 x 8 blocks in a bath window

When most people think of making a glass block window, shower or wall they envision 8” x 8” units being stacked on top of each other – but why settle for a boring look when you can jazz things up using different sizes, patterns and colors? Learn 5 tips below to add some pop to your next glass block project.

Continue reading “5 Tips to Use Glass Block Sizes, Shapes & Colors for a Unique Window, Shower or Wall Design” »

Entry Door Sidelights with Glass Block can add Security, Privacy, Style & Reduce Costs

Friday, March 22nd, 2013
Entry Door Sidelights with Glass Blocks

Entry Door Sidelights with Glass Blocks

To add to the curb appeal and provide light many homes have entry door sidelights– that is the good news. The bad news is these sidelights provide an easy and quick place for a burglar to enter your home. While you could use wire in the glass or wrought iron bars for security they can make the appearance of your home look industrial or just not fit your home’s décor. Fortunately there is another option – a glass block sidelight. Learn below the advantages of using glass blocks, the decorative options, best prefabrication techniques and installation tips.

Continue reading “Entry Door Sidelights with Glass Block can add Security, Privacy, Style & Reduce Costs” »

Curved & Bent Glass Shower Enclosures – Cool, but can they be affordable?

Friday, March 8th, 2013
Curved sliding glass enclosure corner base 54 x 54 size

Curved sliding glass enclosure from Fleurco using a 54 x 54 acrylic base

There is nothing quite as sleek, stylish and contemporary as a curved glass shower enclosure – but the question is can they be affordable? Learn below the benefits of these systems, the most popular types of curved glass showers, where they can be used and what are some of the more cost effective options.

Continue reading “Curved & Bent Glass Shower Enclosures – Cool, but can they be affordable?” »

Decorative Glass Block Shower Wall & Sentrel Wall Surrounds Featured at Central Ohio Home & Garden Show

Friday, February 22nd, 2013
Decorative glass tile block shower wall with Sentrel wall surrounds

Decorative glass tile block shower wall with Sentrel wall surrounds

If you’re wondering what’s hot and new in the world of glass block showers and decorative wall surrounds you need to look no further than the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show. Learn below about this cutting edge shower display from Columbus Glass Block & Bath Doctor (at booths 9N, 10N & 11 N) starting this weekend . If you can’t make the show (or don’t live in this area go to these web links or call to learn more).

Continue reading “Decorative Glass Block Shower Wall & Sentrel Wall Surrounds Featured at Central Ohio Home & Garden Show” »

Project Spotlight: Using Art Glass Tile Blocks in a Kitchen Backsplash to add Light, Color, Privacy and Style

Monday, February 4th, 2013
Art glass tile blocks used in a kitchen backsplash

Kitchen backsplash using art glass tile blocks

Question – how do you get light, privacy, contemporary style and color through a kitchen backsplash area? Answer – by using decorative art glass tile blocks. Learn below how Erin Cornelius of Davis California was able to create a light filled focal point in her kitchen remodeling project by adding an area of artistically designed glass tile blocks in between two rows of cabinetry.

  Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Using Art Glass Tile Blocks in a Kitchen Backsplash to add Light, Color, Privacy and Style” »