Masonry Magazine May 1970 Page. 20
Quiet, plush-carpeted lobby of Panorama Tower Apartments is separated from adjoining swimming area by this sculptured relief panel of Pittsburgh Corning Chiaro glass block. Spotlights in ceiling add sparkle to the glass.
Panorama Tower Apartments
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Architect: A. M. Holland, Holland & Rockliffe
Mason Contractor: J. J. Crust, Masonry Ltd. Consulting Engineer: Emil Drucker Associates
Optimum benefits of the functional and decorative values of architectural glass block are derived from an intriguing design concept in Panorama Tower Apartments, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
This apartment is unique in that its lobby adjoins the swimming pool. The proximity of pool and lobby posed several potential problems, namely (1) keeping dampness out of the plush-carpeted lobby; (2) making visitors aware of the pool while maintaining the privacy of bathers, and (3) preventing the two areas from intruding on one another.
All of these problems were solved by installing a floor-to-ceiling panel of Pittsburgh Corning Chiaro glass wall units. The watertight module of four-inch thick Chiaro effectively insulates the lobby from dampness, splashing and noises from the pool. A partial vacuum hermetically sealed into each unit provides the high insulation value required and eliminates surface condensation.
From the lobby side, limited vision through the glass block clearly reveals the presence of the pool, yet not in such detail as to disturb the privacy of swimmers. Fun and frolic can be enjoyed at poolside without detracting from the decorum in the lobby.
The sculptured relief panel, 34 columns wide by 14 courses high, is of Chiaro I and II in offsetting layers to provide a distinctive and attractive pattern. Each 8 x 8 x 4-in unit is of clear glass accentuated by opaque black fired on ceramic frit. On the lobby side, spotlights set in the ceiling add sparkle to the relief surfaces of the glass.
Limited vision through glass block panel preserves privacy in swimming area and insulates lobby on opposite side from dampness and noise.
20 masonry May, 1970