Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 12 New Zealand | Page 74

Fluid options Sculptural curved glass, framed in wood – another safety utility turned star feature with Glasshape Curvaceous glass balustrades create an attractive, practical architectural element without blocking natural light or views. Traditionally seen with metal and stainless fixings, now their flexibility goes further. This feature staircase in a house built by Fowler Homes Manawatu is a case in point. Leading architectural glass experts Glasshape created the distinctive curved glass designed to fit the timber balustrade. Glasshape’s technical manager Ken Ware says the company’s close coordination with Brad MacLean of Viridian and Fowler Homes ensured the project went smoothly and the client was delighted with the result. “The toughened glass was curved to fit into a very tight channel in the timber and the sizing had to be extremely accurate,” says Ware. “People often associate curved glass with metal frames or fixings, but here traditional timber framing was more in keeping with the style of home while the curved glass adds a modern accent.” Glasshape’s product and service has many advantages. The glass offers superior search | save | share at trendsideas.com clarity, with no green hue, and can be shaped to a tight radius, increasing design options for both architects and specifiers. For details, contact Glasshape, phone [phone]. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.glasshape.co.nz save & share 47600 at trendsideas.com This page: A curvaceous glass balustrade framed in wood creates a traditional-meets-contemporary feature in this house by Fowler Homes Manawatu.