The Glass House

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to live in an ultramodern house that is made from glass? The latest developments as far as glass solutions are concerned make it possible to incorporate more and more glass elements into your home, giving it that ultramodern feel and stylish glass appeal.

Latest trends

Skylights have always been a beautiful feature to any home and with the use of reflective glass 76% of solar heat is eliminated. This allows for larger areas of the home to be covered with glass roofs. www.skyroofsolutions.co.zawww.skyroofsolutions.co.za has invented a brand new concept called a patio roof system, which is a solution to covering a large area, whether the intention is to use the area for a patio, adding an extra room or walk-way. It comes with electric down lights, skylights, gutter system and down supports. When covering large areas with a skylight, one can expect a heat build up, especially if the area is exposed to direct sun for most part of the day. As previously mentioned, reflective glass can be used, however it is very expensive. The patio roof system is designed to allow natural light in with the use of skylights, but eliminates uncomfortable heat build up.

What is available?

Skyligths / Skyroofs
Skylights maximises the use of natural light in darker areas of your home. It creates the illusion of space which is ideal for smaller homes and also allows a piece of nature into your home. Skylights can help cut your electricity bills as it lessens the need for electric lights during daytime. It also helps to heat up your home naturally during the day and allows you to save electricity and preserve the environment. Skyroofs have modern appeal and add value to your home.
Different styles: There are different styles and shapes of skyroofs available to suit individual needs.

• Pyramid skyroof: Suitable for circular openings in a concrete slab. You also get Ridge Pyramid roofs that are well suited as segment inserts in tile roofs.
• Segmented dome skyroof: Suitable for circular openings in a concrete slab or brick opening.
• Barrelvault type skylights: Can be fitted to any type of roof due to its self-flashing aluminium frame design.
• Skytube: Ideal for small areas like pantries, hallways, toilets, walk-in-wardrobes, etc. The skytube is an acrylic dome to that is attached to a metal flashing and is suitable for any type of roof.

Glass entrance canopies
This latest innovation from Skyroof Solutions for entrance doors is extremely popular. It is modern, attractive and suits any style house, especially if the entrance door is exposed to rain and sun. It is the perfect way to welcome guests and make an unforgettable first impression.
Different styles:

• Barrel canopy: This is an arched entrance canopies with an aluminium bar on each side.
• Mono-pitched entrance canopy: This is a straight entrance canopy that is fitted in a downward slope.
• Hipped entrance canopy: This glass canopy is shaped like a mini Tuscan-styled roof and is mounted directly to the wall.

Glass doors
According to Skyroof Solutions the latest trend when it comes to sliding doors is to bring the outside into your home by the use of either the folding sliding doors or the frameless doors. The difference between the two products is that with the frameless system you have a completely unspoilt view of your garden whether the doors are open or closed. The folding sliding doors give the same benefit only when completely open.
Different styles:

• Framed glass sliding/folding door: Supported by high quality, aluminium framework on all sides.
• Frameless glass sliding/folding door: This system offers an uninterrupted view and is supported by top and bottom aluminium tracks. Suitable for angled and uneven surfaces.

Did you know…

• That Smart Glass has manufactured different types of glass that can be incorporated in sliding doors, windows, skyroofs etc. Here are a few examples of what they have to offer:
• PrivacyGlass™ can be switched on to be seen through and switched off to conceal any space in an instant. This type of glass is made from a patented system where a liquid crystal sheet is laminated between two glass panels. PrivacyGlass™ is strong, shatter proof and easy to maintain.
• Solarshield™ is a combination of metallic coating and clear PVB that is designed to keep out as much of the sun’s harmful rays (99%) as possible.
• Armourclad™ can be described as toughened enamelled safety glass that is strong and durable.
• InsulVue™ is manufactured from two or more panes of glass, held apart by a metal spacer and bounded with a secondary seal. This type of glass is almost transparent and allows a lot of light through.