In the world of design, glass is more than what meets the eye, it’s a blend of art, innovation, and endless possibilities. From the intricate stained glass windows of historic cathedrals to the vibrant glass artistry of Firozabad in India, its journey through centuries showcases human ingenuity and artistic expression. Today, glass remains a cornerstone of modern design, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Its transformative versatility makes it a favourite among architects, interior designers, and homeowners alike.
From skyscrapers to homes, glass is now synonymous with modern design and functionality. In a recent webinar hosted by Saint-Gobain’s Glass Academy, Ms. Akanksha Pant, Marketing Manager at Saint-Gobain Glass India Pvt. Ltd., shared insights on how glass is transforming urban Indian homes. With over 14 years in design, Ms. Pant has led projects across India and Southeast Asia and worked with global brands. At Saint-Gobain she collaborates with architects and designers to showcase how glass is revolutionizing both residential and commercial interiors, including the launch of Saint-Gobain’s Home Impressions Glass Studio in Chennai.
The Glass Revolution
Ms. Akanksha Pant opened the webinar by shedding light on the rising popularity of glass in the construction and design industry. Loved for its lightweight and sustainable qualities, glass has become a go-to material, with its use in interior design growing rapidly. Thanks to advancements in technology, glass has evolved into an incredibly versatile material, offering a stunning range of options to choose from. From vibrant colours and elegant textures to glossy, matte, or even reflective finishes, glass now caters to diverse design needs and styles. Once a staple in commercial spaces like hotels and offices, it is now finding its way into urban Indian homes, driven by a growing appreciation for its functionality and durability.
Glass and Urban Indian Homes
Designing interiors for urban Indian homes is no small feat, it’s a process as unique as the individuals who call these spaces their own. Every homeowner dreams of a space that reflects their personality and strikes the perfect balance between modern trends, practicality, and individuality. In this journey of creating “dream homes,” as they’re often lovingly called in Indian culture, glass has emerged as a game-changer.
With its ability to combine aesthetics and functionality, glass offers endless possibilities for customization, making it a favourite among residential designers. By understanding the homeowner’s lifestyle and preferences, designers can use glass to crnaft spaces that are as personal as they are visually stunning. During the webinar, Ms. Pant shared insights into the various types of glass available for residential use. Here’s a closer look at some of the popular choices:
- Toughened Glass: Toughened glass is created through a Toughening process that involves subjecting glass to controlled thermal or chemical treatments. This process heats the glass to high temperatures and then rapidly cools it, increasing its strength remarkably compared to regular annealed glass. In case of accidental breakage, it disintegrates into small, harmless blunt pieces, ensuring safety. Toughened glass is versatile and can be clear, tinted, or lacquered, making it ideal for applications like railings, partitions, facades, shutters, and skylights.
Source – Collage Architecture Studio, Bengaluru
- Lacquered Glass: Shiny, vibrant, and versatile, lacquered glass features a coloured, opaque finish on one side, making it a feature addition to any home. Its resistance to humidity and scratches makes it especially suited for kitchens and bathrooms, where durability and hygiene are essential. The SGG Colormaxx, Saint-Gobain’s latest range of lacquered glass offers a wide array of colours, making it the perfect choice for backsplashes, wardrobe shutters, and decorative wall panels.
Source – Area 3 Dezine, Surat
- Shatterproof Mirrors: Designed with safety in mind, shatterproof mirrors come with a protective coating that keeps fragments intact if broken. Ideal for wardrobes, ceiling panels, lift lobby designs and other interiors, these mirrors combine functionality and a polished aesthetic, making them both practical and elegant.
- Reflective Glass: With its mirror-like finish and striking colours like gold and rose gold reflective glass adds a touch of luxury to any space. It’s durable, resistant to corrosion, and perfect for humid areas, making it a go-to choice for wall panels, pillar cladding, and ceiling designs that stand out while remaining functional.
- Smart Glass: If you’re looking for cutting-edge technology in your interiors, smart glass is the way to go. It effortlessly shifts between transparent and translucent with the touch of a button, offering privacy when needed. Perfect for partitions in modern homes, it works beautifully in living rooms, kitchens, or home offices where flexibility is key. SGG Priva is a laminated, switchable smart glass that lends a high-tech edge to any space.
- Sound-Insulating Glass: Say goodbye to noise with sound-insulating glass, engineered with acoustic layers to reduce sound levels. Whether used for windows, facades, or workspaces, it’s a must-have for creating calm, quiet environments. It’s as durable as it is functional, offering added safety and long-term reliability.
- Solar Control Glass: For homes in tropical climates like India, solar control glass is a game-changer. It lets in natural light while blocking harmful UV rays and reflecting up to 70% of heat, keeping interiors cooler and more energy-efficient. Perfect for windows, skylights and facades, it’s a smart choice for sustainable living. Explore the SGG Sun Ban.
Source – Collage Architecture Studio, Bengaluru
Why Choose Glass Over Traditional Materials?
Ms. Pant further explained why designers are increasingly choosing glass over traditional materials. Glass has swiftly become the “new wood” in interior design, offering unparalleled versatility compared to materials like wood and stone. Thanks to continuous advancements in technology, glass has evolved far beyond its original transparent form. Today, it comes in a wide range of colours, strengths, and finishes from glossy to matte, providing designers with endless creative possibilities.
One of glass’s standout features is its ability to adapt in so many ways. It’s the only material that can be opaque, transparent, translucent, tinted, or even reflective, all with customizable finishes. Whether you want vibrant hues, intricate prints, or subtle patterns, glass can bring any vision to life. Whether it’s wood, stone, or metal, glass blends effortlessly, enhancing the overall design of any space. It also proves its adaptability across a variety of design styles, debunking the misconception that it only suits contemporary aesthetics.
Source – Saint-Gobain
Innovative and Practical Glass Applications for Your Home
Ms. Pant shared some practical and creative ways to incorporate glass into urban Indian homes. Let’s explore a few examples of how glass transforms spaces:
- Glass in Facades: Glass facades not only enhance the look of a home but also improve functionality by connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They let in natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, while also blocking UV rays and heat. This makes them energy-efficient and perfect for India’s climate, creating a bright and comfortable indoor environment.
- Skylights: Skylights flood a home with natural sunlight, creating a bright, airy atmosphere while offering stunning views of the sky. Positioned under the open sky, they provide more light than traditional windows, enhancing the sense of space and openness. Available in various shapes, sizes, and styles, skylights also feature ventilation and temperature control options, making them an ideal addition to transform the ambience of any room.
- Partitions and Railings: Toughened glass is commonly used for modern railings and partitions, offering both safety and a streamlined, contemporary look. Movable glass partitions are especially popular in urban homes where space optimization is essential.
Source – OWM Architecture, Coimbatore
- Decorative Elements: Lacquered glass is a favourite for adding vibrant colour and style to spaces like kitchen backsplashes, wardrobe shutters, and wall panels. Its reflective quality and glossy finish make smaller spaces feel larger.
Source – Saint Gobain
- Glass Walkways: Glass walkways create visually striking connections between parts of the home, offering views of gardens or water. Vertical glass louvres with hand-painted designs also serve as beautiful functional partitions, blending modernity with tradition.
Source – Hiren Patel Architects, Ahmedabad
Glass is not just a building material; it’s a transformative force in urban Indian homes. From facades to skylights, partitions, and decorative elements, glass adds a unique dimension to interior design. With its perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics, glass has become a cornerstone of modern living, elevating both the beauty and practicality of homes. As designers continue to experiment and innovate, the possibilities for glass in residential spaces are truly endless, ensuring its place as a favorite material for years to come.