Opaletch – a new Era of Design for Decorative Glass
21st August 2012

Opaletch, is a new range of high end design etched glass that offers high light transmission together with varying degrees of privacy. Using different degrees of transparency Opaletch designs heighten the movement of light through glass.

Manufactured using high quality translucent float glass, and distributed by Uniglass, Opaletch is available in a variety of decorative designs. Each design gives different light and privacy characteristics.

The acid etched designs were created in partnership with interior architecture design specialists Spring & Mercer. Sam Chapman Managing Partner commented “The Opaletch project provided the opportunity to combine the skills of our graphic design and architecture team. We are used to dealing with glass as a material in our architectural work, as it is increasingly used as a structural component and has obvious structural and aesthetic advantages. Our graphic designers are always interested in negative space and geometry, so we began by looking at ideas based on moiré patterns or ‘Overlapping Circles’. This gave a degree of opacity to the glass but also a sense of ‘movement’ as you move past it. We have always envisaged the glass being used in an environment in which there is significant movement of people, so it will be interesting to see where Opaletch begins to appear”.

The product has already been put to good effect at Milton Keynes Central Station, where it has been used as part of a covered walkway for passengers using the station. An additional benefit of Opaletch, claim the manufacturers is that whilst providing high end design it can also aid DDA compliance.

Opaletch is ideally suited for use in all manner of glass applications; from doors and windows to partitioning, balustrading, cladding and facades. More decorative uses include kitchen cabinets and splash backs, shower screens, shelving and glass Furniture.

Opaletch is available through Uniglass Ltd, exclusive distribution partner for the Opaletch range. From a glass processor’s viewpoint the glass is suitable for interior and exterior use, it can be stored and processed as ordinary float glass and maintains its quality of finish throughout the toughening process. The full range of designs are available from stock in 4mm, delivered in pack quantities. Standard sizes are 2140mm x 1320mm and 3120mm x 2250mm, with other thicknesses available on request.