COMMISSIONING GLAZED PARTITIONS Expert advice on replacing internal walls with glass divisions

Glass walls are a clever way to break up spaces – consider these points before investing in this design feature

• Homes & Gardens

• 1 Apr 2022

REPLACING internal walls with glass partitions has many advantages: they open up a layout but keep areas defined, they afford beautiful views from one room to another, they let the light flow throughout and are architecturally striking, too. ‘I love dividing larger spaces using glazed partitions as it allows the light to flow freely while separating various areas for different usage and privacy without closing them off completely,’ says Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors.

CREATE ZONES Some architects consider internal windows to be just as important as those facing the outside. ‘I’m a big fan of glass divisions as they create a divide without losing light,’ says interior decorator and architect Natalia Miyar. ‘We have moved away from the idea that we need to live in a series of boxes with walls, but we still need to define areas for different purposes,’ says Natalia. ‘A glass wall can be a feature as well as a tool for separating these different zones.’

CHOOSING THE GLASS Selecting the right glass for the partition needs careful consideration, believes Max de Rosee of De Rosee Sa architecture and design studio. ‘We prefer ribbed glass if we want to provide privacy and enjoy the slightly retro quality it has, but we’re now starting to experiment with cast and stained glass on recent projects,’ he explains. ‘We tend to avoid frosted glass as we find it looks too corporate.’

Interior designer Sara Cosgrove says that she’s seeing the use of fluted glass transfer more and more from the hospitality sector into residential schemes. ‘It’s a fantastic way to maximise light while adding texture to a room that needs a glazed element.’

HALF-AND-HALF In hard-working rooms of the house such as kitchens and utility spaces, think about the layout first before considering the glazing, recommends Tom Cox of Hám Interiors. ‘Semi-glazed walls work particularly well in kitchens as you can design a run of cupboards below the glazed portion, maximising the layout and maintaining a light feel.’

NEW MEETS OLD Glass partitions in old houses come in different forms, explains architect Richard Parr. There are two main approaches: the first is to ask what the architect of the house would have done and be true to the era of the original building, considering sizes of glass panels, ironmongery and detail to ensure the materials are authentic.

His practice has also inserted glazed partitions where the intention is to be very obvious that the glazing is contemporary. ‘In this case, we celebrate that and use all the sophistication of today to achieve this. Avoiding or hiding frames, using glass and silicon structurally, maximising the sheet size of the glass are examples.’

FRAMING THE SPACE At the same time as thinking about the position in a room, consider how the panels are framed. ‘Metal-framed screens tend to have a thinner profile, especially steel, which is what Crittall windows are made from,’ explains Max. Steelframed screens require a coating, usually galvanised and painted, as the material will react with water and rust. ‘Metal framing is a great way to create support for the glass panels as well as add a modern industrial style,’ says Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR For rooms looking out onto a garden or terrace, floor-to-ceiling glass and metalframed doors which open out will seamlessly allow light to flood into the room during the day, creating a harmonious connection between the indoor/outdoor space. Using an internal glazed partition will also set off views toward the garden or terrace. This is particularly effective when space is a consideration as it will make the whole living area seem larger, says Clara.

调试釉面隔板 专家建议，用玻璃隔板更换内墙 玻璃墙是打破空间的聪明方法 -

在投资此设计功能之前，请考虑以下几点 Homes & Gardens 1 4月 2022 用玻璃隔板取代内墙有很多优点：它们可以打开布局，但保持区域清晰，它们提供了从一个房间到另一个房间的美丽景色，它们让光线流经整个房间，并且在建筑上也很引人注目。"我喜欢使用玻璃隔板划分更大的空间，因为它允许光线自由流动，同时将不同用途和隐私的各个区域分开，而不会完全关闭它们，"VSP Interiors的Henriette von Stockhausen说。 创建区域 一些建筑师认为内部窗户与面向外部的窗户一样重要。"我是玻璃部门的忠实粉丝，因为它们在不失去光线的情况下创造了一个鸿沟，"室内装饰师兼建筑师Natalia Miyar说。"我们已经摆脱了我们需要住在一系列带围墙的盒子里的想法，但我们仍然需要为不同的目的定义区域，"纳塔利娅说。"玻璃墙可以是一种特征，也可以是分隔这些不同区域的工具。 选择玻璃 为隔断选择合适的玻璃需要仔细考虑，De Rosee Sa建筑和设计工作室的Max de Rosee认为。"如果我们想要提供隐私并享受它所具有的略微复古的品质，我们更喜欢罗纹玻璃，但我们现在开始在最近的项目中尝试铸造和彩色玻璃，"他解释道。"我们倾向于避免使用磨砂玻璃，因为我们发现它看起来太企业化了。 室内设计师萨拉·科斯格罗夫（Sara Cosgrove）表示，她看到凹槽玻璃的使用越来越多地从酒店业转移到住宅计划中。"这是一种极好的方式，可以最大限度地提高光线，同时为需要玻璃元素的房间增添质感。 在房子的辛勤工作的房间里，如厨房和公用设施空间，在考虑玻璃之前，先考虑布局，推荐Hám Interiors的Tom Cox。"半玻璃墙在厨房中特别有效，因为您可以在玻璃部分下方设计一系列橱柜，从而最大限度地提高布局并保持轻盈的感觉。 新与旧房子中的老玻璃隔断有不同的形式，建筑师理查德·帕尔解释说。有两种主要方法：第一种是询问房屋的建筑师会做什么，并忠于原始建筑的时代，考虑玻璃面板的大小，铁艺和细节，以确保材料是真实的。