06 Jul Glass in stained glass and enclosing structures
The refusal of customers of stained glass fences from the traditional metal frame is increasingly frequent. The previous model of fence structures is given to the new one, in which the system is held by a system of ropes and rods. The features of such a model are the lack of lateral framing and the lack of fear of showing the seams: they can be covered with mastic or completely remain empty. This system can be used both in traditional buildings from ceramic bricks, and in modern structures.
Perhaps the most famous example of a frameless stained glass structure is the Louvre pyramid (1985-1989), built by the American architect Yo Ming Piam. All walls of the structure are made of two -layer glass, the inner belt is made of steel ropes; belts are interconnected by rod spacers.
A similar system is used in another, smaller design, also located in the Louvre. This pyramid hanging on a square base is interesting, first of all, by the fact that it contains four cable farms that form a cube inside the frame with the help of a rope and sieves, which increases strength and creates an unforgettable design.
Bank building in g. Braunschweig (Germany) excellently demonstrates what are the possibilities of frameless glass structures. In particular, in this way, a transparent ceiling is made over its operating room. The main load is carried by a grid of ropes, oriented in the direction along the diagonal to the main axes. In addition, the ancient building of the city bath in g. Strasbourg (France) during the recently carried out repair also received an entrance group built by this principle. Nevertheless, it should be noted that today this building is not used for its intended purpose and, starting in 1952, is a museum.
However, stained glass structures can be combined not only with a straight surface. For example, the Augsburg Book Publishing House boasts a geodetic dome fully composed of glass and steel ropes; The strength of the dome composed of two layers – glass and cable mesh – give special steel parts of the triangular shape, fastening fragments in the places of their contact.
We express our gratitude to the administration of the construction site for permission to use some information necessary for the preparation of this article.
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