A glass block (or glass brick) is a hollow or solid unit of glass used to build translucent, non-load-bearing walls and floor panels. The hollow type consists of two glass halves fused together with an air cavity between them.
Application
Glass blocks let daylight through but provide privacy because they blur the view. They are stacked and laid with special mortar or adhesive, usually with reinforcing bars in the joints. Applications:
- Internal walls — for example between a bathroom and hall for light with privacy.
- Facades and light bands — as a translucent facade element.
- Basements and stairwells — where daylight is wanted without a direct view.
The air cavity in hollow blocks provides some thermal and acoustic insulation. A glass block wall is non-load-bearing: it must not carry structural load and is set stress-free within a surrounding frame.
Related terms
- Glazing
- Glass
- Light transmission
- Wall
- Glass floor
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