Though we’ve long been familiar with the use of glass in our
homes, offices and public spaces, we’re normally used to seeing it used
vertically as windows or as glass doors.
Seeing glass placed horizontally and used as a floor, no matter
how strong we know it to be, is still something a of a mystery to most people. And
creates a surface that seems to float in mid air, working against all of the
laws of physics.
This technique has now been used to create some fantastic
tourist attractions and private homes. Here are five of the best glass floors
from around the world.
Glass floors provide a great viewpoint on the city below
1. The Grand Canyon
Skywalk
Number one on the list has got to be the Grand Canyon Skywalk in
Arizona.
The attraction was commissioned and is managed by the Hualapai
Indian tribe, who have lived in the area for generations.
The skywalk is around 1,450m above sea level, with the direct
vertical drop below the walk ranging from 150m to 240m.
The walkway above the Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive
in the world
Visitors walk out onto the glass floor to look directly down
into the canyon, gaining a fantastic view of this unique site as well as of the
surrounding landscape.
2. The Spinnaker Tower,
Portsmouth
Opened in Portsmouth in 2005, the Spinnaker Tower rises for 170m
above the city’s harbour, giving visitors a spectacular view of the surrounding
area.
Its glass floor is the largest in Europe measuring 7.70m2, and at
100m up, is only for those who have a good head for heights.
3. The Sears Tower, Chicago
When this enormous skyscraper opened back in 1973 it was the
tallest building in the world, a title which it held onto for almost 25 years.
Measuring 442m in total (108 floors) the tower dwarfs everything
else in the nearby skyline.
Visitors to the tower can experience what it’s like to be almost
half a kilometre up, by travelling to its 103rd floor viewing
platform, where retractable glass balconies provide a view 412m straight down
onto the city below.
Only opened in 2009, the balconies are made completely from
glass and allow visitors to feel the sway of the building whilst giving them an
unobstructed viewing experience.
4. Salvador Dali’s Glass
floor
As one of the foremost artists of the 20th century
you’d expect Salvador Dali to have a few quirky design features in his home and
studio, and one of his most famous was a custom made glass floor.
Used as an aid for foreshortening perspective and creating weird
and wonderful patterns, the glass floor was responsible for many of the most
famous images associated with the Spaniard.
5. Tianmen Mountain,
China
Echoing the Skywalk of the Grand Canyon, this gravity defying
walkway in China’s north western Hunan province has got visitors clinging on
for dear life.
With a 4000ft drop on one side and a sheer cliff face on the
other, this mountain pass is definitely not for the faint hearted.
For the length of the walk the glass is just 2.5 inches think
and 3ft wide and gives those brave enough to traverse it a clear view of the
valley below.
There’s no doubt that glass can be used in inventive and
exciting ways to add character and thrills to our best loved attractions.
So why not take inspiration from the Grand Canyon, Dali or the
Spinnaker Tower and create your very own glass floor, giving any visitors to
your home a surprise that they’ll remember.
Author Bio
The
Top 5 Most Incredible Glass floor was produced by Cantafix
– The market leaders in specialised glazing and skyframes.
"As one of the leading decorative backlit glass suppliers in the UK, we can provide a range of Glass Splashbacks, Stone Sublistyle, Backlit Stone Wall Options, Glass Floor Panels, Glass Balustrades, as well as other decorative glass products. So not only will your architectural glass be safe, it will also be decorative. To find out more on the types of decorative glass we offer please contact us or call on 0203 280 3031.
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