When it comes to creating unique signature designs, architects and interior designers can explore endless opportunities with direct-to-glass digital ceramic printing. According to Stephen Balik, director of architectural sales and marketing, GGI, Secaucus, NJ (generalglass.com), almost any design can be created and reproduced on virtually any type of glass and glass configuration, including tempered, laminated, insulated, and bent glass.

Creative, elaborate, beautiful designs are produced using ceramic frit paint that is digitally jetted onto the surface of the glass, then fused into the glass during the tempering process. The result is a durable, decorative, and functional glass solution that can be used for exterior and interior applications.

Direct-to-glass printing offers several important benefits over traditional silk-screen printing and printed interlayers, Balik said. Among these are:

• High durability. Ceramic frit is fused into the glass creating a permanent design. Images are UV-, fade-, and scratch-resistant—suitable for any interior or exterior application and ideal for public art displays.

• Digital files. No screens, setup, or storage fees are needed. Variable data and unique panel sizes and shapes are easily incorporated into the design; files are saved electronically and can easily be accessed and reprinted.

• High-resolution printing. The method is suitable for producing fine lines, typography, and complex images. This is useful for reproducing photographs, artwork adaptation, and material imitation.

• Precision processing and printing. Images can be printed in layers, creating different views on each side of the glass. Single images can be tiled across entire facades and walls, with accurate alignment between panes. The layering of three or more designs is also possible, adding more dimension to the design.

• Insulated for greater functionality. Direct-to-glass printing can be incorporated into insulated glass units for building facades. A high-performance low-e glass can be used on the outboard lite for energy-efficiency, or fire-rated and other protective glazing on the inboard as needed to meet fire-safety or impact code requirements. The following projects provide illustrations of the direct-to-glass printing technique, found in a range of applications and installations.

Harlem Hospital

NEW YORK, NY

In this design, 429 completely unique, laminated, insulated, digitally printed pieces of glass come together in a 13,000-sq.-ft. modern masterpiece that pays homage to historic murals. Careful testing was conducted to determine the varying opacity levels needed for the digital imagery. This helped control the light levels required to maintain privacy in the building, while creating a marvelous glow, inside and out.

ARCHITECT

Goettsch Partners, Chicago (gpchicago.com)

GLAZING CONTRACTOR W & W Glass, Nanuet, NY (wwglass.com)

Ma Stair Plan

EL PASO, TX

This 40-ft. public art project commissioned by the City of El Paso required complex color matching to accurately render the work of the prominent graffiti artist WERC. It is an example of the color and intricate detail that can be achieved using direct-to-glass digital printing. It also demonstrates the cost effectiveness over using screen printing when the design incorporates multiple distinct images.

GLAZING CONTRACTOR

Arrow Building Corp., El Paso (arrowbldg.com)

ARTIST

WERC (wercworldwide.com)

Palo Alto Medical Center

SUNNYVALE, CA

Digital imaging can create biophilic designs that effectively connect people with nature. This custom-leaf pattern, inspired by a William and Morris wallpaper design, is digitally printed on the glass, turning a structural façade into art. The direct-to-glass printing process allows the pattern to fade as it moves upward. This helped fulfill the architect’s vision of creating an interior garden by animating the interior space with a shadow play of light, combined with an energy-efficient low-e on the outboard lite to control solar heat gain.

ARCHITECT

Hawley Peterson Snyder, Sunnyvale, CA (hpsarch.com)

GLAZING CONTRACTOR

Exterior Cladding Systems, Corona, CA (ecsinc-usa.com)

ARTIST

Larry Kirkland, Washington, DC (larrykirkland.com)

2 Gatehall Dr.

PARSIPPANY, NJ

A feature wall showcases a gradient of various shades of yellow and brown that, when seen from a distance, creates the illusion of a landscape. With 15 glass panels and back lighting, the wall creates a compelling abstract design and adds warmth to an otherwise minimalistic building lobby.

ARCHITECT

Studio 1200, Short Hill, NJ (studio1200.com)

GLAZING CONTRACTOR

AMC Precision Glass, East Hanover, NJ (abraprecisionglass.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brett Beyer, New York (brettbeyerphotography.com)

The Vermont Hotel StaircaseLOS ANGELES

Artist Cliff Garten worked with Jerde Partnership to ensure the artwork on this unique staircase would complement the “Heart of Compassion” public art display suspended over the entrance of The Vermont Hotel. The staircase consists of 1-in.-thick tempered, laminated, low-iron glass panels on each side, with an intricate design digitally printed on each panel using ceramic frit paint. This illustrates the strength and visual unity that integrates the art and architecture as the staircase flows throughout the building.

ARCHITECT

Jerde Partnership, Los Angeles (jerde.com)

ARTIST

Cliff Garten Studios, Venice, CA (cliffgartenstudio.com)

GLAZING CONTRACTOR

Walters & Wolf, Los Angeles (waltersandwolf.com) CA