8 of the Most Amazing Glass Buildings from Around the World
We love glass structures here at iGlaze – we live and breathe them every day! But while having your very own bright and airy conservatory or orangery to relax in is great, there are some works of architecture that take the meaning of glass to a whole new level.
We’ve selected eight of our favourite glass buildings from around the world, from ornate and beautiful glass houses to feats of modern engineering. Which is your favourite? Let us know on our Facebook page!
The National Grand Theatre of China
Bejing, China
This multi-functioning glass building was designed by architect Paul Andreu. Smooth and sublime, the structure looks incredibly futuristic standing on a man-made island. It hosts an opera house, a concert hall and a shopping district and is made from glass and titanium.
Kawangawa Institute of Technology Workshop
Kawangawa, Japan
The Institute of Technology in Kanagawa, Japan, has an almost completely transparent studio, allowing students to work in optimal natural lighting. This glass building was designed by Junya Ishigami and Associates.
One Angel Square
Manchester, UK
Head office of the Co-operative Group in Manchester, this innovative building is one of the most sustainable large buildings in Europe, thanks in part to its glass form. The exterior of the building has a double skin façade with a cavity between the outer glass panel structure and the inner windows. It also benefits from a glass roof which is titled towards the south to maximise passive solar gain.
The Botanical Garden of Curitiba
Curitiba, Brazil
A stunning geometrical greenhouse inspired by the famous Crystal Palace of London. This romantic and grand structure was designed by architect Abraao Assad. The surrounding botanical gardens mimic the geometric style of the glass structure.
Netherlands Institute for Sounds and Vision
Hilversum, Netherlands
Designed by leading architects Wilem Jan Neutelings and Michiel Reidijk, the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision is one of the most colourful and dramatic glass buildings in the world. Shaped like a cube, each side features hundreds of panels of coloured cast-glass.
The Glass Home
Milan, Italy
As the name suggests, this is a house constructed almost entirely from glass – right down to the furniture and fixtures. Designed by Carlo Santambrogio, the entire building is constructed using 6mm blue tinted glass panels. We would recommend using a shower curtain while washing, and not throwing stones!
The Aldar Headquarters
Abu Dhabi
Looking a lot like a crash-landed flying saucer, the Alder Headquarters is a completely circular office building. The distinctive building as voted the “Best Futuristic Design” by the Building Exchange Conference. Completed using a steel diagrid to maintain the circular shape, it was then covered with over 10,000 different pieces of glass to complete the façade.
The Gerkhin
London, UK
One of London’s most iconic skyscrapers, The Gerkhin (or 30 St Mary Axe if we’re using it’s official name) maximises the use of natural light through its glass exterior. Architecture firm Foster and Partners used a thick, laminated glass to surround the building. It even has a stunning Sky Garden where visitors can admire the views over London.