Exceptional Glass Structures

While Allenby Glass may specialise in windows, we are not averse to unusual creative use of our favourite amorphous solid. Rather than thinking of glass as that stuff we see through or drink out of, we’ve had put our thinking hats on and compiled a fun list of remarkable glass creations. Without further ado, here are our top five favourite fancy glass formations!

• The Louvre Pyramid

Completed in 1989, this magnificent glass and metal pyramid remains one of France’s most inspiring cultural landmarks. Not only is it a stunning work of minimal architecture in its own right but it also serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum itself – spellbinding stuff.

• Willis Tower’s Glass Balcony

Chicago’s Sky Deck is simultaneously invigorating and terrifying. If you’re unfamiliar with the building and its credentials we recommend you watch the following video – at 1,353ft, the view really is quite staggering.

• Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision

This is truly one of the most inspiring works of contemporary architecture we’ve ever laid our eyes upon. Again, watch the video below and bask in wonder at this feat of surreal glass genius.

• Selgas Cano Architecture Office

If you work full time in an office, chances are you frequently lament the lack of outside exposure and nature. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day isn’t good for anybody but hey, that’s the way the modern world works. Not for this Madrid based Architecture Office though, they have quite possibly the most beautifully formed office environment we’ve ever seen with a natural surrounding that promotes productivity and peace of mind. More like this please!

• IT House by Taalman Koch

Located in the desert, this outstanding work of glass architecture stands singular and bold in solitude. While not far from the Joshua Tree National Park, the home is completely off grid with solar panels providing the home with power all year round. Its large glass walls allow the residents to enjoy the stunning view while remaining safe and sound. The design is one of many similar structures crafted by the outstanding LA architecture firm Taalman Koch.

What are your favourite glass structures? Let Allenby Glass know on Facebook and Twitter.

Fun Facts About Glass

Every wondered why wine bottles are always tinted?

The team at Allenby Glass could be accused of being ‘glass geeks’ but what would life be without a little passion? For a bit of fun, we’ve put our heads together and come up with ten trivial facts and jokes about glass that you may not know.

Depending on the company you keep, we reckon they’ll at least crack an awkward smile on your friends faces next time you share these jokes down the pub!

Facts

1. Did you know the oldest recorded glass artefacts date back a phenomenal 3665 years? While various glass oddities were uncovered in Egypt, it is believed that the Romans were responsible for inventing transparent glass.
2. The first glass production plant to open in the United States was in 1608 and could be found in Jamestown, Virginia. It is believed that Dutch settlers opened this plant.
3. China is the world’s largest producers of glass and is believed to control approximately 34% of the worldwide glass market.
4. It takes over 1 million years for glass to fully decompose – REMEMBER TO RECYCLE!
5. Another reason to recycle! Glass can be recycled countless times and never degrade in quality.
6. Decent quality beer will always be contained in brown or green tinted glass to stop UV light spoiling the drink.
7. From the moment you drop that glass bottle in the recycling bin, chances are it’ll be back on a shelf as a new product within 30 days. How’s that for a turnaround!?
8. Glass consists of only three ingredients; these are – sand, soda ash and limestone.
9. Glass is a perfectly natural product formed from the earth melting minerals together at extreme temperatures.
10. Recycling glass saves considerably more energy than making a whole new glass product from raw materials. The power saved from recycling a single glass bottle can power a computer for approximately half an hour.

Jokes                              

“Did you hear about the glass blower who accidentally inhaled? He ended up with a pane in his stomach!”

“Dad, there’s a man at the door collecting for the new swimming pool.
Give him a glass of water!”

“I heard that joke when taking a beer bottle to the recycling center. They wouldn’t take it. They insisted it was the pint of no return.”

We’re sorry about the appalling jokes… blame the internet!

For more from Allenby Glass Lincoln please like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.