Masonry Magazine September 1970 Page. 32
High insulation value of brick walls, faced on the inside with concrete block, is supplemented by upper panels of Pittsburgh Corning glass block. Partial vacuum sealed into each block gives insulation value equivalent to a 12"-thick masonry block wall, contributing to lower heating and air conditioning expense.
Glass Block Solves High School Design Problems
Project: Sharon Senior High School, Sharon, Pa.
Architect: Hunter-Heiges & Associates, AIA General & Masonry Contractor: Mellon-Stuart, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Specify a breakage resistant window material that admits abundant natural light without glare, provides privacy, has high insulation value, and requires a minimum of cleaning and maintenance. This was the problem confronting Hunter-Heiges & Associates, AIA, of Sharon, Pa., in developing a design plan for Sharon Senior High School. The firm recommended extensive use of glass block in the school's physical education areas.
The entire upper wall of the gymnasium of this recently-completed $7-million school consists of 194 panels of sculptured glass modules, five rows wide by seven high. A geometric wedge shape is pressed into each 12-in. square glass block to a depth of 12-in. on both sides. A white fibrous insert provides control of brightness and solar heat control. So much natural light is diffused through the panelling that artificial lighting is rarely required during the day.
The panelling surmounts exterior walls of brick backed up with concrete block. Insulation value of this type construction is supplemented by the glass block, contributing to economies in heating and air conditioning expense. A partial vacuum sealed into each glass block gives insulation value equivalent to a 12-in. thick masonry block wall, almost double the insulating value of standard window glass.
Condensation control combined with natural lighting, insulation and privacy were factors which led to the use of the same type glass block in the natatorium. The upper wall overlooking the Olympic-sized swimming pool consists of 12 glass block panels, five blocks wide by 11 high. The vacuum sealed into the block results in virtual elimination of surface condensation, in contrast to the high condensation factor of single-glazed flat glass.
In both gymnasium and natatorium, glass block contributes to reduced cleaning and maintenance expense. Glass block requires substantially less cleaning than standard window glass. Periodic wiping with a damp cloth keeps the glass clean.
Olympic size swimming pool at Sharon Senior High School reflects the 12 glass block panels which admit natural light to natatorium. Glass block was installed here for condensation control, privacy and insulation values.
masonry
September, 1970