Glass blocks or glass bricks are wall bricks made of glass. They add a charm to interior design and helps light transmission from outside, division of rooms and privacy.  These blocks are used for wall fabrication, flooring, skylights and as decorative elements.  There are some salient features of Glass Blocks.

Features:

• The blocks are 2-3 inches thick and transmit less light than regular windows.
• The blocks can vary in colour, size, texture and form.
• The blocks can be square or 3D in its shape.
• Typical sizes of glass blocks are 4x8’’, 6x8’’, 8x8’’ in dimension.
• The glass blocks are pressed with different patterns to provide different effects.
• Glass bricks pressed with different patterns provide differing effects.

Different Styles of Glass Blocks –

1. See-through
2. Frosted
3. Random wave
4. Vertical/horizontal
5. Diamond
6. Leather
7. Crystalline
8. Grid

• See-Through Glass Blocks - Glass blocks do not distort the vision. It allows maximum transmission of light. These blocks are commonly used in a grid pattern.
• **Frosted Glass Blocks-**These blocks have a frosted texture on the inside faces of the glass. The patterns are formed within the glass.
• Random Wave Glass Blocks - There is a random wave pattern inside these blocks which enables privacy and also an eclectic look.
• Vertical/Horizontal Rib Glass Blocks - These glass blocks have rib like designs in both the vertical and horizontal directions. It allows minimal light transmission and enables privacy.
• Diamond Glass Blocks - Diamond glass blocks have diamond patterns provided within them. Elegant and stylish these glass blocks are high in demand.
• Leather Glass Blocks - Leather glass blocks give an elegant rustic look and feel. It provides both privacy and light transmission.
• Grid Glass Blocks - Apart from providing the necessary privacy and light transmission, the blocks follow a grid pattern which eliminates glares.

There are several advantages of using glass blocks:

• Glass blocks permits daylight to pass through the space while enabling privacy.
• The blocks are customizable.
• They provide good thermal and sound insulation.
• They are strong and provide safety.

Disadvantages of Glass Blocks

1. For earthquake prone areas the glass blocks are unsafe
2. Alkali solution may cause corrosion of glass blocks.
3. Glass blocks are brittle and needs to be taken care of and watched over.
4. Manufacturing of glass requires high temperatures for processing raw material. This results in high energy consumption.

Apart from these minor demerits glass blocks are high in demand for a combination of elegance, style, natural light transmission and privacy.

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