Home design trends in 2020 are evolving to incorporate smart and sustainable building practices. Many twists being observed in recent home design trends are geared towards construction of energy-conscious and sustainable buildings. For example, smaller sized footprints, use of building materials with enhanced functionality, and incorporating natural light have all become increasingly popular. Homeowners and building designers seeking to embrace this century’s eco-savvy and cost-effective home design trends can easily do so with glass block.

Why is Glass Block On Trend?

Glass block is on trend because it’s a material that offers limitless possibilities while supporting the top engineering and consumer demands of modern home design. Glass block can do this because:

 

1. It’s an aesthetically pleasing material. 
2. It is energy efficient.
3. It can be used for both form and function.

 

Let's take a closer look at some of today’s top home design trends and see how glass block is being used for creating spaces in line with today’s leading home design trends.

Sustainable Home Design

Sustainable home design is an attractive goal for any new home build in North America for a good number of reasons. Some of these include:

• Lower costs associated with heating/cooling a home.
• Less use of non-renewably resourced building materials.
• Lower maintenance costs over the long term.
• Build living spaces that are both comfortable and efficient.

 

 

Glass Block Helps Make Home Design Sustainable

Glass block is an energy efficient building material that helps home design become more sustainable. Building a low-energy and sustainable home requires calculated engineering designs that incorporate energy efficient building materials, such as glass block. 

Glass Block for Thermal Insulation

Glass block can be used in home construction as a way to conserve energy and control surface temperature. It is energy efficient and has a thermal insulation value of 1.1 Wm-1K-2 making it comparable to thermal pane glass performance.

Glass Block is a Renewable Building Material

Glass block is a building and design material that is recyclable and renewable. Use of our products in home design projects helps eliminate use of non-renewable materials for construction. And, because it is easily recycled, any broken or discarded block are unlikely to end up in a landfill.

Indoor - Outdoor Living Spaces

Blending traditional indoor and outdoor living spaces cleverly maximizes a home’s use of space and also connects building occupants with natural elements of the environment. Indoor - outdoor living spaces provide a comfortable place to relax and entertain while offering protection from harsh weather elements.

Use Glass Block for Seamless Indoor - Outdoor Transitions

Glass block can be used to create a seamless transition from an indoor living space to an outdoor area. Partitions and separation walls constructed with our products provide privacy and protection from sun, wind, and rain. And, they do so while still letting in the  natural light from an enclosed outdoor space.

Gain Privacy

In urban outdoor living spaces, such as a condominium balcony or a rowhouse terrace, privacy can be tricky to create. Often, adding a partition or privacy measures also means blocking natural light from an outdoor space, which is unappealing. Maintaining privacy outdoors without creating a dark and shady area is easily done with glass block design.

Add Landscape Appeal

As outdoor living becomes more important to North American homeowners and home builders, so too does the need for efficient and enticing landscape designs. Landscaping with glass block adds function, form and modern design features to exterior living spaces. Use of the renewable material for pavers in walkways or as solar powered LED lights are examples of how to amplify outdoor design with a durable and weather-resistant material.

Smaller Spaces with More Light

North Americans are choosing to live in smaller sized homes that are both cost-effective and energy efficient. Condos, micro-homes, and small-sized family homes are becoming increasingly sought by homeowners, especially in densely populated urban areas.

Glass Block is Ideal for Brightening Small Living Spaces

But, smaller spaces also mean less opportunity for natural light to come through. This can make a home’s design appear dark and feel gloomy. Quality products from Seves Glass Block Inc., are perfect for brightening small homes. 

Glass Block Maximizes Natural Light

Bright, invigorating interior design can be achieved with glass block windows and walls. Natural light transmission can be maximized when glass block is used as part of a small home’s design features. Additionally, more natural light in a home keeps the need for electric light use down.

Glass Block Dividers Prevent Dark Corners

Small space living is often achieved with the use of open concept floor plans. However, creating division of the open concept space is often needed to support a room that serves multiple functions. Glass block walls and room dividers help create much needed division of space without creating dark corners or a creepy alcove.

Use Seves Glass Block for Innovative Home Design

Seves Glass Block Inc., has been the world’s leading manufacturer of glass block for over one hundred years. We are committed to innovative design and research to produce the best quality building products that today’s homeowners and home designers insist upon. For more efficient and attractive home design ideas, browse our website.