Founded in 1986, Glasshape® is a family-owned business based in Auckland, New Zealand, known for its expertise in designing and manufacturing specialty glass products. Their innovation in bent, tempered, laminated, and digital ceramic print glass has made them a preferred partner across multiple industries, including marine, architectural (residential and commercial), cyclonic, high-security, and heavy machinery projects. With a commitment to growth through ingenuity and excellent customer service, Glasshape delivers high-performance glazing solutions worldwide.
Photo: Glasshape Project for Galleria, Glendale, Colorado
TemperShield®: A Focus on Safety and Strength
Glasshape’s signature product, TemperShield®, has been integral to many high-profile architectural projects, where it has been used in breathtaking staircases and railings. TemperShield® is a tempered (toughened), bent glass that undergoes a rigorous heating and rapid cooling process, making it significantly stronger than standard annealed glass.
One of its key benefits is safety: when broken, TemperShield® shatters into small, rounded fragments that reduce the risk of injury, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like internal partitions, stair and atrium balustrades, and frameless doors.
In addition to TemperShield®, Glasshape offers laminated glass, which consists of two panes bonded together with an interlayer. This design enhances strength and ensures that even if the glass breaks, it stays intact, providing additional safety in high-risk environments. Laminated glass is a prime choice for projects requiring enhanced durability and security.
TemperShield® Features and Applications
Key Features:
Custom Shapes: TemperShield® can be bent into complex curves, including 2D, 3D, conical, spherical, and J-curves.
Variety of Thicknesses: Available in sizes ranging from 4mm (1/8") to 19mm (3/4").
Large Dimensions: Glass sheets up to 3900mm (154") by 2440mm (96") with oversize capabilities.
Versatility: Compatible with laminates, digital prints, and a wide range of tints and glass types, either standard or bespoke.
Applications: TemperShield® is a versatile solution for both commercial and residential projects. It’s used for:
Exteriors: Curved windows, storefront displays, revolving doors, and rooflights.
Interiors: Glass partitions, railings, skylights, stair balustrades, frameless doors, and glass floors. VisionInk® technology can also add colorful, customized digital images to the glass surface.
Cabinetry and Displays: Bent glass for presentation cabinets, enhanced with BanditShield® technology for added security against break-ins.
Photo: Glasshape Project for Galleria, Glendale, Colorado
Highlighted Project: Galleria, Glendale, Colorado
One of Glasshape’s standout recent projects is the Galleria in Glendale, Colorado. The renovation transformed a two-level mall and its upper 12 office floors into a vibrant, modern workspace. The remodel included an abundance of glass elements, particularly in the main lobby and atrium, designed to flood the space with natural light.
A key architectural feature of the redesign was a striking circular staircase in the atrium, providing access between its two levels. Glasshape partnered with Living Design Studios to create the staircase's stunning glass railings. Living Design Studios provided 3D CAD drawings, which Glasshape’s team translated into precise production designs to manufacture 14.28mm (9/16 inch) TemperShield® clear, bent, tempered (toughened), and laminated glass railings. The collaboration ensured a flawless fit, adding a sleek, modern touch to the remodeled space.
Explore Glasshape’s Expertise
Glasshape continues to innovate in the specialty glass market, offering solutions that combine beauty, functionality, and safety. From curved glass railings and pool fences to skylights and shower enclosures, their products enhance architectural projects around the world. To explore their full portfolio or learn more about their work, visit their Mortarr profile.
For more on their TemperShield® product, visit the Glasshape website.
Photo: Glasshape Project for Galleria, Glendale, Colorado
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