Unusual Materials





           

           Glass is used for many things. It is a usual material that can be used in unusual ways. Glass can come from bottles, dishes, and mirrors and other everyday objects. In this particular case, broken glass was used as countertops and as a backsplash in a corporate office in downtown Dallas.

In the Huitt-Zollars corporate office where my father works, there are countertops in the kitchen area made of broken glass from different bottles and mirrors. The different colors of this broken glass include blue, clear, and light green. Pieces of broken mirrors are also used. This broken glass comes from beer bottles, blue glass, soda bottles, and mirrors. All the broken glass is placed down and sealed with a material in between the broken glass and on top of the glass to give it a smooth surface that is stain resistant.

This broken glass, constructed in the same way, is also used as a backsplash tile around different areas of the office. This backsplash of broken glass is used in the kitchen and the hallways leading into the kitchen. It is also used in the coffee bar area as a countertop and as a backsplash. This beautiful, random arrangement of blue, light green, clear, and mirrored broken glass goes well with the furniture used in the kitchen. There is a nice contrast to the red bar stools in the kitchen and the modern white and chrome tables and chairs.

Catherine Hampton was the designer who designed Huitt-Zollars corporate office. She runs her own interior design firm called Hampton Design. Catherine Hampton also designed Huitt-Zollars other 14 office locations, including Seattle and Fort Worth.

Other applications of broken glass include being used in different art forms such as vases. Glass blowers use recycled broken glass to create new and specific pieces in different colors. Broken glass can also be dated and mortared and embedded in grout on top of a wall to keep people from climbing over the wall.

Reusing glass is a great way to recycle and reuse materials that would normally be in our landfills and be nothing but waste. Using broken glass as a countertop and backsplash is a great way to reuse glass for design in interiors. It’s a great way for companies to be green and help the environment.