CREJ - Building Dialogue - September 2015
The design future is clear for stunning and sustainable back-painted glass Back-painted architectural glass, which continues to rise in global popularity for commercial and residential use, clearly demonstrates a dramatic union between function and - - fashion. It’s not only durable, versatile and eco-embracing, it’s simply striking. “It’s a functioning product with a purpose,” said Vick Channel, national sales manager for Englewood’s Summit Glass Coatings LLC. “It also brings the ‘wow effect’.” Glass has been used for centuries to create beautiful spaces. Now, as architectural and design trends place increasing emphasis on brilliant and versatile usefulness, it’s expected that glass will continue to be among the most favored building materials for future internal and external environments. Coupled with the cachet of a sustainable product, glass delivers high-performing solutions for energy efficiency, lighting, spatial division, sound and even health-related design and building considerations. Back-painted glass, which allows vivid color options through the use of low-iron glass, brings the pizzazz. Summit Glass Coating’s fabrications, featuring a vigorously tested adhesion promoter that bonds the color coat and glass surface, are available in an array of standard and custom colors. Adding metallic flakes, pearl or faux finishes and texturing can truly add one-of-a-kind impact, Channel added. Popular commercial and institutional applications range from gleaming walls, conference tables, brand signage and reception areas, with equally stunning options for use in custom residential kitchens and bathrooms. Back-painted glass is a chic, green and enduring alternative to design products such as tiles and laminates, Channel explained. Large, smooth, virtually seamless surfaces prevent mold and bacteria, are water resistant and stand up to even the most rigorous cleaning requirements when used in medical and food-service settings. From an environmental perspective, Summit’s coatings are low in volatile organic compounds and the company is currently conducting in-house tests on even lower VOC finishes. Additionally, back-painted glass often promotes the “harvesting” of natural light and can contribute to LEED points. Channel agrees the design future of back-painted glass is bright. “We’re seeing about a 20 percent increase annually in the demand for back-painted glass,” Channel noted, recognizing Summit’s market experience, both in Denver and nationally. “Right now we’re seeing primarily commercial use, especially in workspaces and high-end retail, where color is a critical design element.” Glass walls and marker boards are among the most sought-after applications, Channel added. Summit has participated in a number of projects in what he called the “energy and political markets,” including fabrications for the Pentagon, Comptroller of the Currency and the U.S. Naval Academy in Washington, D.C. Summit also created large glass marker boards for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s East Coast office, also based in the nation’s capital. With a full commitment to product quality and brand promise, Channel is particularly proud that Summit submits its products for third-party independent testing and posts those results – which have been stellar – on its website. “We want clients and potential clients to see these results,” he explained. “It’s an expression of our confidence in our products.” He added that Summit is committed to meeting or exceeding the standards of ASTM, a global standard-setting organization representing more than 140 member countries.