Glass Block

Glass Block Exterior Wall Details

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Exterior Glass Block Walls can be a dramatic addition to a building, but may not work everywhere. Sun and views need to be handled with care. This example is an industrial building where bringing light in through a stairway seemed desirable. Views were ’industrial’ and not a concern.

This glass block wall emphasized the entrance by its size and curvilinear plan. There is a limit to the size of glass block panels. This made it necessary to have intermediate curvilinear beams to carry the block as well as column-backed mullions.

Another feature of glass block that needs care is how it is terminated, which you see below in the details. These requirements are spelled out in the manufacturer’s installation guidelines (see Comments).
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Glass block is about the same cost as low rise curtain wall. The ability to curve the wall without segmentation is unique in light transmitting wall materials.

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B2010-G - Glass Block Details

COMMENTS:

• These details are needed to specify the configuration, construction and materials required for the glass block wall. 
• These details require further details and specifications covering these conditions.
• Glass block must be divided into panels of 12 SF. Pittsburg Corning is a good design reference.
• Building Codes have an impact on aspects of the work shown here.
• You may want a specification covering the quality and installation aspects of these materials.
• The details should be placed on the Exterior Details sheet, the A-500 series of sheets per the National CAD Standards, contrary to the designations shown here.
• A zipped file of the PDFs of the drawings can be downloaded here.
• See the Terms of Use for disclaimer.