Glass Replacement
Glass Replacement Project 2007
Glass Replacement Report [PDF 1050K]
Glass is a signature material utilized in Modern architecture to promote and enhance the interplay between home and environment. Over time glass panes can crack or shatter for a variety of reasons, building codes will evolve, and glass panes will require replacement. The process of a 2007 glass replacement at the Philip Johnson Glass House, a National Trust Historic site, will be used to exemplify glass replacement procedures for the modern homeowner illustrated with photos and resource links.
The Glass House: A Mid-Century Example
The Glass House was completed in 1949 with the original glass contractor, Franklin Glass in Stamford, Connecticut, who continues to oversee the glass needs of the Glass House. The original glass was ¼” plate, a type of glass that cannot be used in contemporary construction due to current and more stringent building codes. Today there are no original panes of ¼” plate glass in the Glass House as each pane has been replaced with ¼” laminated, ¼” tempered or ⅜” tempered glass. In addition to the size and thickness of the glass, the appearance is also of significant consideration as it reflects the original design intent. In the case of the Glass House, the choices must be consistent with the original intent of the architect and owner, Philip Johnson who intended the home as a platform from which to view the surrounding landscape. and therefore is clear with no tinting and consistent thickness. Crucial characteristics in choosing glass include color, type, thickness and solar control.
Glass Maintenance
The replacement of glass at the Glass House has been on an as needed basis, replaced if and when glass shattered or was severely cracked. Preventive maintenance includes bi-weekly cleaning, steel corrosion removal every 2-3 years, routine conditions survey (notes, drawings and photos) last conducted in 2006, and daily visual examinationas well . More information on maintenance is provided in the report and can be found in through the links below.
Glass Replacement Options and Procedures
There are a variety of glass replacement options available, however here is a general outline of steps that can be taken when taking on a glass replacement project. Glass replacement in a Modern home should follow these steps:
- Record current conditions with photos, drawings and notes
- Research appropriate glass replacement types (i.e.color, thickness, type and solar control)
- Understand the framework material (i.e. steel, wood, masonry)
- Contact a glass replacement contractor to conduct a site visit, from which information and an estimate will be provided
- Hire a contractor to complete the work
- Document the procedure for future homeowners (photos, notes from conversations with contractor, invoices, drawings, etc.)
The Glass House Glass Replacement
Photos: Sandy Amenta, the Philip Johnson Glass House
Resources
General
www.glassonline.com/index.asp
www.glassonline.com/infoserv/dictionary/index.html
www.glasswebsite.com
www.glass.org
www.wwglass.com/PDF/Proper_Procedures_for_Cleaning_12-3-02.pdf (cleaning)
www.oldcastleglass.com/case_studies_template.php (case studies)
www.oldhouseweb.com/suppliers/windows/glass-for-restoration
Glass Conferences + Events
www.glassfiles.com/events/
www.gpd.fi/?Deptid=5426
www.sunguardglass.com/architecturalglass/aiacontinuing.asp
Architectural Glass Companies
www.oldcastleglass.com
http://www.viracon.com/index.php
http://www.bendheim.com/
http://www.sunguardglass.com/
www.franklinglass.com (local installer)
Books
Allen, Edward and Patrick Rand. Architectural Detailing: Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007.
The Philip Johnson Glass House, a National Trust Historic Site, offers its 47-acre campus as a catalyst for the preservation and interpretation of modern architecture, landscape, and art; and as a canvas for inspiration and experimentation honoring the legacy of Philip Johnson (1906-2005) and David Whitney (1939-2005).
199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 203.594.9884 glasshouse@nthp.org