Multifaceted reflections: the optics of grooved glass

12/12/2020 | Print view

The glass is available with vertical, horizontal or diagonal grooves, which can be cut in a V- or C-shape. - © sedak — © sedak

The glass is available with vertical, horizontal or diagonal grooves, which can be cut in a V- or C-shape.

Panes of glass with grooves create a dynamic visual impression that changes according to the viewing angle and the incident light. sedak now realises such fascinating optics by cutting the grooves into float glass.

The major advantage of the new process developed by sedak is that it provides a variety of design options. In comparison to conventional casting or pressing production methods, this gives the glass an unusual brilliance. What is more, these lively glass panes with their highly precise structure can be further processed into insulating glass or safety glass.

With its characteristic look, grooved glass opens up a broad spectrum of applications and creates an optical highlight on facades or can be used as a striking room divider to provide privacy.

Also suitable for laminated glass

With its new production competence in grooved glass, sedak once again demonstrates how versatile glass can be as a building material. The grooved panes cut from float glass have a high level of brilliance; the cutting of the grooves is absolutely precise – vertically, horizontally or diagonally, cut in a V- or C-shape and with a freely selectable distance between them. The glass can be processed up to a maximum size of 3.6 by 20 meters. It can also be tempered, which makes it possible for laminated, insulating and safety glass for facades to be realised with this new look.

There is an interplay between the glass and the illumination, which changes depending on the viewing angle and the incident light.

Whether as a design highlight in the interior or as large-area facade glass – the grooves in the glass playfully refract the light. This charming form of transparency creates a symbiosis between light, shadow and translucence. The grooved glass is also available as curved panes.

Constantly changing appearance

Enchanting reflections are created when rays of light are refracted by the grooves in the glass, casting spell-binding three-dimensional effects on the glass surface. The proportions and the orientation of the grooves provide a tantalising interplay with the light and a fascinating relationship develops between viewing angle, daylight, artificial light and the glass itself: Fluted glass can sometimes reflect clear light and sometimes create colourful refraction patterns. The appearance is altered constantly: Static architecture becomes living design that changes as the light changes.

A number of first projects with large-sized grooved glass have already been realised by sedak in Canada and the Middle East.