Glass makes a dramatic office appearance

The days of intimidating paneled boardrooms, opaque, studded walls and wooden doors could be numbered; glass is catching on in the workplace faster than ever. It adds sophisticated architectural statements rarely rivaled by other materials. Additionally, glass remedies the bomb-shelter syndrome in offices by allowing natural light in, creating bright, productive spaces conducive to modern work styles.

Popular in Europe, glass in the workplace has crossed the Atlantic to the United States. The trend has been partially fueled by the availability and affordability of textured glass products that provide privacy and the benefits of traditional glass. A few years ago, textured glass had to come from a manufacturer piece by piece, straight from a kiln. In contrast with kiln pieces, textured glass is now available in more than 100 standard patterns at 75 percent less cost.

In addition, architects now demand functional commercial-grade hardware that doesn’t compromise the aesthetics of glass. Whether the office houses six people or 600, hardware options from Dorma Glas Inc. of Millersville, Md., and other hardware manufacturers, make all-glass interior office spaces extremely functional. Some examples:

• The Arcos line of hardware for tempered glass doors features flowing lines and elegant design. Each Arcos component shares the same radius.
• Stainless steel fixtures and components give Manet Compact system glass doors a clean, modern look. Designed for use on tempered glass doors, the Manet offers a variety of sleek-looking components that enable smooth sliding and pivoting action. Components that attach directly to the glass surface feature strong, single-point fittings that deliver a tasteful, uncluttered appearance.
• The Double-Acting Hinge, part of the Arcos line, offers self-closing fitting options to eliminate the requirement of hydraulic-closing mechanisms. This helps to maintain the elegance and beauty of glass while ensuring reliable door control.
• Safety is often a concern in glass office applications, especially in medical offices. As a result, anti-pinch glass doors are becoming more prevalent. The Beyond system locates the pivot point of the glass door at the glass edge, thus eliminating the nip hazard. The system is safe and offers a striking, attractive, modern design. It numbers among the smallest radiused mechanism of its kind.

For more information, call 800/451-0649 or visit www.dorma.com/usa.