One of the more elaborate residential projects that has come across our kilns in the last year was a residential remodel project in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, WA. This grand home received a major facelift, which included our glass as feature pieces in both exterior and interior areas.

 Exterior: Long Layered Glass Table

Designer Karen Skadan contacted us to create a large outdoor glass table. Karen Skadan is Principal of Karen Skadan Design (established 1997), a full service company specializing in residential design and custom furniture design. Karen has had the privilege of working with great clients and on projects that have taken her to Whistler, BC., Chicago, Palm Springs, San Juan Islands, Idaho and Los Angeles.  She is currently working on a penthouse condominium in Beverly Hills, CA.

Ten foot long outdoor layered glass table top for Capitol Hill residence.

For the Capitol Hill home, Karen worked with Bernie Baker Architects and Morningstar Design, a landscape design firm, to create a soothing and tranquil outdoor retreat for a family of five, as well a functional space for entertaining. The clients requested a 10’ long outdoor table for entertaining that would have an artistic element and require little or no maintenance. “We looked at many different alternatives including 3 Form materials and stone before deciding on the  fused glass by Glassworks, Inc,” Karen explains. “The four layers of fused glass definitely has that ‘wow’ factor,  it is super easy to maintain and we love the practicality of the surface.  It looks like a river of water.” Karen also notes that “communication and attention to detail” were the most notable benefits to working with Glassworks on this project.

This 10′ table and 1″ thick glass table top was created using four layers of low-iron glass, fused in our largest kiln with a gentle “water” texture on the underside, leaving the top surface exceptionally smooth and easy to clean. This project allowed us to utilize our large capacity kilns and resulted in a breathtaking feature piece that the family loves to use.

Looking ahead, Karen is excited about a new project starting in February that with bring her and her team back to Whistler, BC. Thank you Karen and we look forward to collaborating with you again soon.

Interior: Textured Glass for Double Vanity

Kiln-formed glass vanities with mirrored "water" texture.

General contractor Toth Construction contacted us while working on this same residence. They asked us to partner with them to create a pair of intricate glass vanities that included irregular cutouts for inset porcelain sinks, as well as kiln formed glass backsplash and skirt pieces. For over 36 years Toth Construction has been a sought after contractor for premium quality custom projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. Established by Walter F Toth in 1976, sons Klaus & Erik currently run the daily operations. Leading an exacting and cohesive company, outfitted with especially gifted craftspeople and managers, Toth Construction continues to hold the bar at the highest standards for quality and excellence.

This vanity project is a wonderful example of their precise methods of working with many different materials including custom glass. The results are as stunning as they are functional, creating contemporary features in a beautiful bathroom. One interesting feature of these vanities is the kiln-formed texture that was then mirrored, making each opaque to hide what was underneath while enhancing the reflectivity and luminescence that can only happen with glass. We appreciate working with such fine craftsmen. Thank you, Toth Construction!

Karen Skadan Karen Skadan is a native Seattleite and studied at Seattle Pacific University. In 1997 she established her design firm, which is a full service company specializing in residential and custom furniture designs. In 2010 she opened her store front office in the Laurelhurst area, where she has expanded to three staff members. Karen has had the privilege of working with great clients and on projects that have taken her to Whistler, BC; Chicago; Palm Springs; San Juan Islands; Idaho and Los Angeles. She is currently working on a penthouse condominium in Beverly Hills, CA.

Toth Construction We have two tried and true priorities: relationships and service. These are the mainstays of our business and are the elements of what sets us apart from other contractors. Our mission is committed to making the process of fulfilling your design as easy and enjoyable as possible. Building your vision should be exciting, not daunting. We make it happen by developing excellent customer relationships where expectations are clear, trust is predominant and our quality is unsurpassed. www.tothconstruction.com

Working with both firms was such a pleasure. Designers help push our creative bounds and good contractors make installations go smoothly. Good project synergy occurs when the team works well together to provide the very best outcome for our clients, which is ultimately everyone’s goal.

We look forward to working with our design partners from initial concept, through custom fabrication, to final installation. If you have a great design idea to explore with us, please call us at (206) 441-4268 or contact us by email.

If you’ve read the previous articles in our ongoing educational series then you are familiar with styles of glass available and how you can prepare to request a custom architectural art glass quote, so in this third article we’ll explore the factors that can help you make the decision to include architectural art glass in your project. We receive many inquiries about our glass, including the following questions which we call “The Big Three”. We’ll take a closer look at the answers to these questions and more in this informative article.

By the Time You Read this Article You Will Know:

1. How does the value of hand-made glass outweigh the cost?
2. How difficult is it to install custom glass?
3. How long will it take to create my custom design in glass?

1. Value

How does the value of hand-made glass outweigh the cost?

Whenever possible, glass pieces produced by Glassworks, Inc. are 100% glass. This material purity allows our unique products to enjoy a longer useful life than other comparable materials. In order to clearly see the benefits of glass over other materials, let’s compare them side by side.

Materials Comparison - The information in this chart is general industry knowledge and confirmed by industry sources.

Durability – The simplest response to the question of durability is to compare glass to granite. Glass is made of silica, which is the main element found in granite, offering a similar hardness and long useful life. Pure glass is stain-resistant and completely non-porous, so no more worrying about that grape juice or pasta sauce staining your kitchen counter top. Glassworks, Inc. uses 100% glass in our recycled glass counters, as opposed to glass composites, like Vetrazzo, which use 85% glass mixed with 15% resin according to their website. By not using resin or other materials with the glass, we preserve it’s natural qualities & benefits. Because glass is 100% inert, it won’t react with substances which come into contact with it during normal use. And glass doesn’t require sealing,  so you never have to worry about the costly and toxic re-sealing process that can be as frequent as every 6 months with other materials.

Curved Island Glass Counter Top - Click to View

Health – Glass is 100% non-toxic and does not emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) or radon (which can be emitted by Granite and other natural stone products), making it one of the most environmentally safe materials to have in your home or business. Also, glass is non-porous which leaves no place for germs to hide. All it takes is a quick once over with water or mild glass cleaner to remove dust and other particles from the surface. For these health reasons so many hospitals, doctors offices, and dental offices purchase glass transaction tops from Glassworks, Inc. These medical professionals are well aware of the health benefits of glass.

Style – The look of glass is classic and timeless so your piece retains it’s stylistic appeal for the life of the product. To review glass styles, refer to Architectural Art Glass 102: Glass Style.

Luxury – The bottom line with custom glass is that you get what you pay for. If price is the most important factor in your buying decision, then glass is likely not the best choice for you. But, if you are looking for quality, the most long-term value, an exceptionally durable and healthy material, the “Wow!” factor, and the unique fusion of function and style that only glass can create, then architectural art glass is the right material for your project.

At Glassworks, Inc. we can guarantee that you are getting a top of the line product that is hand-made by skilled artists in our Seattle, USA studio from start to finish. And to us, that’s priceless.

2. Installation

How difficult is it to install custom glass?

Custom architectural art glass often requires custom installation, and during the quoting process our expert designers can help you to determine the best way to install your custom piece. However, installation is very similar to other materials used in similar applications. If hardware is required for installation you can provide it, we can help by suggesting options for you to choose from, or we can provide the necessary hardware. Also, you have the option to install your custom piece yourself or through your contractor. In many cases you can easily install a counter or shelf yourself.

General Installation Tips to Install Architectural Art Glass Counters or Shelves Yourself:

• We recommend having two points of contact for every two feet of counter or shelf.
• Clear silicone should be used to cushion and fasten the glass to the supports.  Our glass should not rest on bare metal supports. For most horizontal installations the weight of the glass alone is enough to set it in place, so only a minimum of silicone adhesive is required to prevent the glass from sliding.
• Since glass is translucent, for counter installations the top of the cabinetry should be finished.  A thin sheet of metal can be used as a subsurface.

Glass Counter installed on metal brackets - Click to View

3. Time Frame

How long will it take to make my custom design in glass?

Glassworks, Inc. can place your piece on our studio production schedule as soon as you accept our quote and pay a deposit. If you would like to review the steps to the quoting process, refer to Architectural Art Glass 101: Getting Started.

After your piece is placed on the schedule, the typical time it takes to create a piece is between four to eight weeks, not including time in transit if your piece is to be shipped or delivered after fabrication. To give you a better understanding of the process of creating these pieces, here is a summary of the studio production timeline our talented & dedicated artists traverse to hand-make your custom architectural art glass from start to finish:

Preparation: Our production manager reviews dimensions, drawings, templates and any other materials needed to compile the full picture of what your final piece looks like and how to get there. Production tasks are then scheduled and your custom piece’s kiln is reserved on our schedule.

Loading the Kiln: If you are ordering a cast glass piece, cullet will be prepared. Glass is then loaded into the large kiln. It’s not simply shoveling cullet or placing layered glass in the kiln, there is a methodology to this process. This can take from 2 – 5 hours depending on the size and complexity of the piece.

Firing in the Kiln: The glass is then “fired” in the kiln. Depending on the size of the glass this can take from 1 to 5 days.

Crashing/Annealing: After the firing phase, the kiln is turned off, a.k.a “crashed” and then the piece slowly cools down from molten glass to room temperature. This can take from 1 to 5 days.

Re-Firing: For more complex glass pieces, the process of firing and annealing may happen more than once.

Finishing: When the annealed piece(s) exit the kiln, edges are “rough” and will most likely require cutting and polishing. Your piece may require one or several cuts to be made to create a rounded curve or a square cutout area or holes for sinks if it’s a vanity countertop. The amount of finishing work can vary widely from piece to piece depending on its design and final installation.

Pickup/Delivery/Shipping: Depending on arrangements made you will pickup your custom piece at our studio in Seattle, we will deliver & potentially install the piece, or we will ship the piece via truck or airplane to your location. The time in transit is typically not factored into the lead time given at the start of a project, so if your piece is being shipped be aware of this.

Clear as Glass

Glass Balustrade - Click to View

Architectural Art Glass offers unparalleled value and style while providing the health benefits of an inert VOC free material. It has an exceptionally long useful life, a unique custom look that is timeless and hand-made, and installation options similar to and sometimes easier than installing comparable products. And all of this value is delivered as quickly as a few short weeks. Only glass can offer all of this and provide that intangible yet unforgettable “Wow!” factor. What are you waiting for?

 Give us a call to continue the conversation, at our office (206) 441-4268,

toll free 1 (888) 441-4268 or email us  info@glassworksinc.com

Robbin Tracy

What kind of degree and training do you have?

I have B.A. degrees from the University of Minnesota in both Art History and Spanish/Portuguese.  Despite my more academic focus in college, I’ve always created art.   My glass training has all been “on-the-job.”  Inspired by the luminescent simplicity of Gothic stained glass windows, I landed a job at a stained glass supply store in Minneapolis where I learned how to build windows.  At that point, I was hooked, and began working on a professional level at an architectural art glass studio in Minneapolis, where I was exposed to kiln-working and etching while still creating custom stained glass.  Again, I was hooked; and a couple of years later, I decided to make the move to Seattle to build on my glass-working skills.  I started working with Glassworks 6 months after moving here, and have been here since!

Tell us a little about yourself, what are your hobbies?

In my free time I like to design and create smaller-scale works; from jewelry, leaded glass panels, or my latest focus of terrariums.  I’ve always found inspiration from nature, and I love being able to incorporate my love of “green-thumbery” with glass.  Aside from that, I enjoy music, playing Mahjongg with pals, pickling anything, eating Indian food and snowboarding.

What is the hardest aspect for you when working with glass?

The most difficult aspect at times can be making sure all the variables are accounted for. We use time-tested and well-researched techniques; but, because our work here is custom there is always an X-factor at play. When we’re thrown a curve ball, figuring out which variables to change to make the finished product turn out perfectly takes some work and creative problem-solving.  Glass is not the most forgiving medium.  It can misbehave sometimes.  It keeps me on my toes!

What is the most rewarding part of glassworking for you?

As challenging as the custom aspect can be, it is also very rewarding and still my favorite part of this industry.  Working within the parameters of what glass can do and what the design calls for can be an enticing challenge.  The process is collaborative with other glass workers and designers bouncing ideas off of one another to create the best strategy. It takes timing and instinct to bring these projects to life. There is a very satisfying moment when the finished piece is ready and its execution has that little something extra beyond what we were going for. I also love working with color and look forward to any opportunity to incorporate it into a project.

What is the newest, freshest approach or technique you are bringing to the job?

Research and development of new processes is always exciting for me. A recent job has allowed us to do some interesting things with colored glazes, enamels and painting – it’s opened up a lot of new design possibilities.

Robbin, thank you for taking the time to give us a snapshot of your work here at Glassworks, Inc.  I know our customers and especially everyone here at Glassworks really appreciate your efforts and enthusiasm.

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Do you have a question for Robbin? Email her “Attention Robbin Tracy” via our Contact Form.

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Holiday Hours:  ** Please note that Glassworks will be closed on December 26th and January 2nd. **

Recent Glassworks News and Events

Looking at Glass Blog

Glassworks Downtown Seattle Penthouse glass was featured on the “Looking at Glass” blog written by interior designer Patricia Linthicum.

Battle of the Chefs

Glassworks was honored to have been a part of the “Battle of the Chefs” Luxe Magazine event.  To view photographs and for more info on this event visit the official BOTC facebook page.

Hosted group from Weaver Architects

We hosted an early evening gathering with Weaver Architects complete with wine, fabulous cheese and an informal Q&A about our glass and ourselves. This was a great way to get to know our new industry partner and we had a great time!  For anyone wanting to learn more, give us a call and we’ll schedule an appointment to chat.

Click to View

Click to View

This summer, we have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Seattle based architecture and interior design firm Mesher Shing McNutt on two university food court projects: Penn State University and Virginia Tech. Teaming up with a partner like this gives us the opportunity to show off our capacity to manufacture large-scale glass designs that are created for high traffic and heavy use. The Penn State project, called the “Pollock Dining”, was recently completed, and included an etched and back-painted glass entry wall by Glassworks, Inc.

Awards
Examples of award winning designs include the food services at the University of Washington Husky Den, which won the NACUFS award for best multi-platform design for 2003; Food Management Magazine’s 2005 Best Concept Award for Terry Lander Resident Hall and recently the 2008 Project of Distinction award for the Purdue Memorial Union by College Planning & Management publication.

More info on Mesher Shing McNutt:
Mesher Shing McNutt is an architecture and interior design firm specializing in restaurants and food service facilities for clubs, hotels, corporate food service providers, and universities across the country. Clients include nationally recognized food service campanies HMS Host, Bon Appetit, Sodexo, Westin Hotels, Marriott, and Hyatt; corporations such as Startbucks, Microsoft, and Amazon.com; universities including the University of California Berkley, Purdue University, University of Washington, and Princeton University. Completed and current projects include BOKA restaurant in the new boutique Hotel 1000, Seattle Art Museum “Taste” Café, designs for NASA Space Center Houston, Seattle Aquarium for Sodexo, 20 food concepts at SeaTac and Portland Airports for HMS Host and ongoing university projects at UC Davis, Virginia Tech, Pennsylvania State University, and Michigan State.

Mesher Shing McNutt, as the designer and architect of record completed 70,000 square feet of food and dining services at Microsoft’s just completed $1 Billion expansion project on their Redmond, Washington campus. The Block C Commons, consisting of three buildings with retail and food services is the centerpiece and destination for retail and food services for the 40,000 employees on campus. Mesher Shing McNutt conceptualized, programmed and designed 14 distinctive food venues with seating for 1,600 at an estimated cost of over $21 million. Currently Mesher Shing McNutt is creating food service designs for Amazon’s new South Lake Union campus that includes two large cafes and two coffee bars totaling 37,000 square feet with seating for 900, at an estimated project cost food services of $15 million.

More info: www.meshershing.com

Glassworks, Inc. has been in the business of one of a kind, functional glass creations for over 40 years. We are really proud of our custom work and value the relationships we have built with architects, designers, and home & business owners across the United States.

A few months ago, two of our design partners, Urban Development Group (UDG) and MAK Interior Design, contacted us with an opportunity to participate in a HGTV / DIY Network “Bath Crashers” episode filmed here in Seattle. We learned very quickly that “reality” shows like this operate in a very narrow framework with short timelines, requiring much of the planning to occur before we even knew who the “target” was. This project was easily one of the more challenging projects of the season. The episode was first aired on July 4, 2011 and continues to be played in reruns. This episode is titled Teak Tub Retreat.

We had the pleasure of working closely with Carl Baker from UDG and Mariko Kydd from MAK at the beginning of 2010, on the design of the West facing penthouse in the Escala Building on 4th and Virginia. Since we were solely focused on the glass vanity top for this project, we have asked Mariko to help us tell the whole story.

Glassworks: How did the HGTV opportunity come about? How did you get involved?

Mariko: The DIY Network producers found Urban Development Group’s website through an internet search for design-build firms in Seattle, they interviewed us, and chose us to get involved.

Glassworks: Who was in charge of each aspect of the design and construction? How many companies were involved?

Mariko:I was involved with the design and Carl was in charge of the construction. I was the one that chose all the vendors and got them on-board. Here is a list of many of the companies that were involved:

Matt Meunster, host of DIY Network's "Bath Crashers"

• AAA Kartak – Glass Shower Doors
• Builders’ Hardware – Hardware
• Frank Lumber – Doors
• GWB – Framer
• Kohler – Plumbing Fixtures
• Lighting Supply – Downlights and Vent
• LUWA Studio – Tile
• Paramount Mechanical – Plumber
• Pental Granite and Marble – Pebbles
• Pure Flame – Fireplace
• Robern – Cabinets and Light Sconces
• Rocco – Electrician
• Terra Mai - Teak Wood Floor
• Velux /Tam – Skylight
• Wipliance – Sound System
• Wolf Gordon – Scuffmaster Paint
• And Glassworks, Inc. – Custom Glass Vanity Top

VANITY - BEFORE

VANITY - AFTER

“I love how Glassworks’ art glass is custom and
I had the flexibility to choose any color and design I wanted.”
~ Mariko Kydd of MAK Design

Glassworks: Wow! That is an impressive list. We know that we had to move quickly to get our vanity top done in time. How much time did you have to complete the entire project?

Mariko: We saw the space mid February, and we had until end of March to finish the project, giving Carl one week from starting the demo to completing the finished bathroom.

Glassworks: We were very impressed with the level of organization required to accomplish this task with so many unknowns. What is the overarching theme or concept behind the design?

Mariko: I would say the Teak wood that carries from the floor, and travels up the tub deck, and onto the wall. This is how the episode got its title.

Glassworks: Were there any specific design challenges that were unique to this project? How did you overcome these challenges?

Mariko: Many of the design challenges were compounded by short notice with the space, and not having all the details of construction until filming began. For example, we did not know exactly where the beam/column was landing, we had to make several adjustments once they opened up the walls, and there were issues with the plumbing and lighting too.

Glassworks: Why did you choose to include Glassworks’ art glass? How did our glass accomplish your design goals?

Mariko: I love how Glassworks’ art glass is custom and I had the flexibility to choose any color and design I wanted. Glassworks’ glass accomplished my design goals by allowing me to choose the color and style, and size that I desired. Thank you for doing such a great job! It’s always a wonderful experience working with Glassworks.

Glassworks: And thank you Mariko for including us in your fantastic design! We learned a lot and we look forward to working with you again soon.

Click here for more info on this episode and air dates:

~ ~ ~ ~

More info on MAK Design:
Mariko Kydd at MAK Design is passionate about interior design and strives to create timeless and harmonious interiors for a wide range of clients. While working closely with you, MAK Design will evaluate your needs and interpret your requirements in order to create your perfect space. I love the quote by Ivan Chermayeff: “Design is directed for human beings. To design is to solve human problems by identifying them and executing the best solution. ” What are some of your most notable projects to date? I would say the Escala Penthouse, Bath Crashers, “Suite” Restaurant in Bellevue Place.

More info: www.interiormakdesign.com

More info on Urban Development Group:
Where art, nature, functionality, and construction coexist. Urban Development Group works with a network of interior designers, architects, and construction contractors. We understand that the ideal solution deserves the freedom of choice. This network provides choices for design, architect and construction venues allowing the right fit and comfort for our clients while emphasizing the largest value received for project costs. Our network has an emphasis on small/medium size business relationships; we believe that the cost structure associated with that range of business model provides the expertise and more important the end value required in today’s economic times. Our integrated work environment allows our partnered companies to expand on traditional internal expertise by partnering within the network.

More info: www.urbandevelopmentgroupinc.com

By the Time You Read this Article You Will Know:

1. Unique aspects of Kiln-Formed Glass, Surface Textured Glass and Introducing Color Elements.
2. How each technique can be used individually or combined resulting in Functional Works of Art.

The joy in using glass as our artistic medium is the versatility it affords by utilizing one or several techniques when forming a custom design. Glass is a fluid substance allowing tremendous variation and range of artistic expression, while requiring careful planning and technique. Every well versed interior designer, artist and style enthusiast knows that the key to working with your palette is to first get to know it. Instead of colors, we’re going to get familiar with the palette of glass.

Kiln-Formed Glass

Kiln-formed glass, also known as “warm” glass, is created by placing glass in a kiln or oven and melting it to form different textures or thicknesses. The oven temperatures typically range from 1400 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. This category includes the techniques of Slumping, Fusing/Layering and Casting.

Slumped - Click to View

Slumped Glass is created by using a combination of heat, gravity and bending to mold flat glass into textured and/or three-dimensional shapes. The texture is created within the kiln, resulting in designs that range from an overall organic impression to a precise representational relief. Slumped glass is one of the more cost-effective and versatile types of art glass, and the techniques applied work well for either horizontal installations, e.g. table surfaces, counters and vanities; or vertical installations, e.g. door inserts, windows and partitions. With this technique, we were able to recycle a post-industrial glass panel into the lovely wine door pictured here.

Layered - Click to View

Fused / Layered Glass is created by stacking panels of glass together in the kiln and heating it until the pieces melt together. When you see glass that has visible layers, you are encountering fused glass. This glass obtains a slight texture as a result of the fusing process. Fused / Layered glass looks best when we create organic edges that look scalloped or wavy, as seen in the picture of a layered glass desk. This type of glass works best as a horizontal installation and, in combination with the edge treatment, is very eye pleasing on glass vanities, kitchen counters, table tops, and the like. Color elements can be added between the layers for striking design features.

Cast - Click to View

Cast Glass is created by using tiny pieces of crushed glass (called cullet) which is melted in a custom mold in our kiln. Bubbles are the unique characteristic of cast glass, created when air is trapped between the cullet pieces at high temperatures. We are also able to create an ‘iced’ or ‘halo’ look if desired. Cast glass is found most often in horizontal glass surfaces with a thickness between ¾” to 1 ½”, and can be used in counter tops, tables, mantles, transaction tops, and other novel projects; and as vertical installations, e.g. balustrades, shower enclosures, and room partitions. The cast glass technique is the most time and energy intensive, but offers the most all-around possibilities of the kiln-formed glass with virtually limitless color and thickness; it can be cut to any shape, and it diffuses light beautifully with varying levels of opacity possible. The picture to the right shows a sea green cast glass kitchen countertop with medium opacity.

Surface Textured Glass

Surface textured glass is created when the glass surface is sandblasted to produce a textured non-glossy surface. The varying techniques include Etching, Glue-Chipping and Carving.

Etched Glass - Click to View

Etched Glass displays a technique to impose decorative patterns on otherwise plain glass by using a thin film “resist” to cover the areas to remain transparent. This type of glass allows for a varying degrees of obscurity by removing the shine from the glass. The application of frosted / etched glass is typically on vertical installations, and, while traditionally used in privacy oriented projects, has expanded to other areas of the home or office including closet doors and even desk tops. This process can be fairly economical and may be applied on all types of glass ranging from simple 1/8″ glass to kiln-formed custom art glass pieces.

Glue Chipped - Click to View

Glue-Chipped Glass results from a process of applying hot organic-based glue to the surface of previously etched glass. As the glue dries it shrinks, pulling chips of the glass surface away over many hours.

Carved - Click to View

Carved Glass is an artistic statement that involves sandblasting to varying depths and levels, giving the glass a “hand carved” appearance. Carving adds an element of three-dimensional depth to the glass, and requires a high degree of skill. As with etching, carved glass is usually seen in vertical installations, e.g. entries, partitions and walls.

Surface Texture not only adds depth, design and interest to your glass piece, it tells your unique story.

Introducing Color Elements

Colored glass might seem a simple concept, but there are many ways to add color elements to glass, either along with or in addition to any of the kiln-formed or surface textured techniques. Colored glass techniques include the use of Glass Frit, Painting and Silvering.

Frit - Click to View

Glass Frit is composed of tiny pellets or powders of colored glass which are applied as a part of the kiln-forming process. This technique offers a wide variety of colors and intensities, from subtle to bold and usually works best when creating shapes or designs in our low-iron or clear glass. Frit is often used in tandem with layering to introduce color at various depths within the finished piece. The major benefit of using frit is that it is fused right into the finished piece allowing color that is exceptionally resistant to scratches and will not fade or change color with time as other color elements can. Frit remains congruent with the main glass content of the piece and will look brilliant and bold for decades to come.

Back-Painted - Click to View

Painted Glass is accomplished by applying glass paint to the back or textured side of the glass, and the piece is then viewed from the front or glazed side. Painting is an expressive and versatile transformative tool because the color range is unending, allowing for subtle to bold design or overall tint. This technique is the perfect solution when an exact color match is required. Painting is also easier to control than frit, making detailed and life-like designs possible. The paint is applied with brushes for bold strokes, sprays for even coats, by airbrush to achieve blends and gradients, or in any combination thereof. Painted glass is most often found in vertical surfaces, e.g. doors, windows, and wall coverings. The example photograph to the left shows a bamboo pattern slumped in the glass and then painted to achieve a 3-dimensional life-like quality.

Mirrored - Click to View

Silvered Glass is created by adding a shiny metallic surface to the underside or textured side of kiln-formed glass. This is the same process used to create a regular bathroom mirror, but we often apply the mirror after we have slumped a texture into the glass, which creates a piece able to capture, reflect and refract the light like no other. We can also wipe away some of the silver, creating a semi-mirror which lets some light through while creating a partial reflection. To go even further, we can incorporate back-painting with a partially mirrored and slumped interior window as in the picture shown here.

Functional Works of Art

Functional Works of Art in Glass - Click to View

In purchasing a custom glass piece you are acquiring a functional work of art. Our architectural art glass offers a durable surface made for everyday use, with a custom design which reflects the authenticity of your vision and offers the selective indulgence you desire. Focusing on your end vision and overall impression is our main goal, as we use our palette of glass to bring your design to life.

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the options available at Glassworks, Inc., and with some new concepts to your toolkit, you are now conversing like an art glass pro!

Give us a call to continue the conversation, at our office (206) 441-4268, toll free 1 (888) 441-4268 or you can contact us via email.

For more information on our glass, our process and our people, feel free to read more articles in our Glassworks, Inc ongoing educational series:

Architectural Art Glass 101

Steve Shahbaghlian founded Glassworks in 1968. A self-made artist and craftsman, Shahbaghlian’s innovative work immediately caught the attention of architects and designers. His first major commission was a leaded mural for Herzl-Ner Tamid Synagogue on Mercer Island and before long, his glass icons became the design centerpiece for buildings and interiors of all shapes and sizes. One of his first large commissions was the leaded windows for all the Black Angus restaurants that dot the American landscape. An auspicious beginning, from there, the company has grown into one of the most sought-after art glass fabricators in the country.

Over the years, Shahbaghlian has expanded the techniques used by the Glassworks team to include carving and etching, kiln-forming “hot” glass including slumping and casting, the use of colored glass, painting and mirroring, among countless other combinations. Today, Shahbaghlian guides our production team as they come up with creative solutions to produce stunning works of functional glass art for residential, commercial, hospitality, and health care projects.

Steven Hensel of Hensel Design Studios

We have the privilege of collaborating with many of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated architects and designers. Perhaps none is more celebrated than Steven Hensel and Hensel Design Studios based in Seattle, who just recently won the prestigious Seattle Homes & Lifestyles Publisher’s Choice Award in partnership with Seattle Design Center’s Northwest Design Awards. The Northwest Design Awards, Seattle Design Center’s annual design competition, rewards design excellence in 10 categories. Continuing a tradition started last year, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles annually presents a Publisher’s Choice Award to one of the first-place-winning projects. Essentially, this award is for the best of the best, and Hensel Design Studios won for their “Wildbird” project in Big Sur, California.

Steven Hensel of Hensel Design Studios creates contemporary interiors through an artist’s eye. Trained as a fine artist, Steven has founded several companies including Artex Designs textiles and Studio Steel furniture, architectural details, and artworks – all represented nationwide. In 1996, Steven consolidated his companies into one entity, Hensel Design Studios, providing interior design services to its clients.

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Click to Enlarge

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Steven Hensel refers to this award winning project as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. The “Wildbird” home is perched 600 feet above the Pacific Ocean and actually cantilevers out on a perilous isthmus with spectacular views, crashing waves beneath it and ever present condors circling the property. Originally built in the late ’50s for Nathanial Owings of Skidmore Owings and Merrill fame, the home had fallen into disrepair and was in desperate need of updating. The new owner had purchased the property as a birthday present for his wife, and hired Hensel Design Studios to bring this unique property a more modern aesthetic. Working closely with the architects, Fletcher/Hardoin of Monterrey, Steven and his team felt it was clear that the modernist designs needed to speak to the original architecture while playing a secondary roll to the magnificent setting. This goal was accomplished and exceeded through excellent choices of finishes and textures as well as custom furniture design by Hensel Design Studios to respect the history of the space while providing comfort.

Cast low-iron glass feature wall with embedded copper design

One challenge of the project was a long and potentially boring entry wall. Fortunately, Steven had a plan. “I had experimented with Glassworks unique abilities before at Daniels Broiler on Lake Union and several residential projects with great success,” explains Steven. “I created a design that would incorporate copper details that needed to be precisely located in the crushed glass to coordinate with other architectural elements as well as the lighting designer’s method to illuminate the artwork.” Glassworks took this design and created the standout feature wall from cast low-iron glass. “This was a daunting task of very tight tolerances and precise details that could have gone wrong in a myriad of ways,” Steven continues. “Glassworks excelled at every level – my design was delivered just as I conceived it. Their engineering, teamwork, implementation and quality control were exemplary. They even loaded it on their own truck, drove it down the coast and installed it for me!”

Looking ahead, Hensel Design Studios is taking the buzz and excitement the Wildbird project generated and applying it to an amazing five acre site on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The owners have seen the glass feature wall, and Hensel hopes to include architectural art glass in this new two-year design project. Hensel Design Studios is also about to install a small compound in central Oregon that is evocative of the Greene & Greene style and then a beach house on Whidbey Island. “This has been a great time for my studio in spite of the economy, we’ve yet to slow down,” says Steven. It is always an honor to work with such talented designers and we wish Steven Hensel and his team continued success.

Homeowners Glen and Deb Bruel invite you to visit their new ‘Natural Balance House’ – expected to be the first LEED Platinum home on San Juan Island featuring Architectural Art Glass by Glassworks, Inc.

Architectural Art Glass by Glassworks, Inc. includes:

• Cast Glass Countertop
• Recycled Glass Wine Room Door
• Fuzed Glass Light Fixture

Big thanks to Ravenhill Construction who included us in this project.

WHEN: Every Saturday in May, from 11am to 4pm.

WHO: Tours will be led by the building professionals and designers involved in the project. Homeowners Glen and Deb Bruels will also be on hand. In addition, each Saturday will feature a special presentation by a professional involved with the project:

• SATURDAY, MAY 7: “Getting to LEED Platinum”
  with Ravenhill Construction (presentation at noon)
• SATURDAY, MAY 14: “Art from Around the World”
  with the homeowners and regional artists Lori Blessing and
  Andy Nichols (presentations at noon and 2 p.m.)
  
• SATURDAY, MAY 21: “Water-Wise Shoreline Development”
  with landscaper Steve Schramm of Island Gardens
  (presentations at noon and 2 p.m.)
• SATURDAY, MAY 28: “Sustainable Design”
  with designer Michael McNamara of Blue Sky Design
  (presentations at noon and 2 p.m.)

GETTING THERE: The Natural Balance House is located on the northwest coast of San Juan Island. Free parking is available in the upper lot of Snug Harbor Resort, with continuous shuttle service to the home from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The island accessible by ferry, plane, or seaplane. Directions to Snug Harbor Resort from the Friday Harbor Ferry Dock: Turn right at Front St., left onto Spring St., 2nd right onto 2nd St. Continue onto Guard St., turn right to stay on Guard St., left at Beaverton Valley Rd. Continue onto W Valley Rd., left at Mitchell Bay Rd. Destination on the left. Address: Snug Harbor Resort, 1997 Mitchell Bay Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

ADMISSION: Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation to the Island’s Whale Museum in support of efforts to safeguard local orcas. Please no children under 10, pets, or food or drink. The home is not wheelchair-accessible.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to arrange a private tour for your group of 4 or more:
Pam Worner, Green Dog Enterprises, email Pam, 206.883.6688

Website: www.naturalbalancehouse.com