Recently Like many other small businesses, we have been negatively impacted by the current economy; however we have been fortunate to keep this program active. We have had wonderful clients who continue to refer more wonderful clients to us. We recently made donations on our clients’ behalf to Kentuckiana Children’s Center, Seattle Asian Art Museum and the American Red Cross. We are happy to continually support non-profit organizations that contribute to the richness and well being of our communities.

Entryway Balustrades

Safe and Sophisticated
All architectural glass balustrades are fabricated to meet safety codes by either using tempered or laminated glass panels. There are many design, color and texture options available and glass panel designs can be ornate or simple. At Glassworks, we feel the imagination of designers and architects or the glass used to create dynamic and safe environments need never restrict creativity.

Entryway Balustrade

Naturally Friendly
Glass does not emit volatile organic compounds, nor does it require VOC emitting cleaning products. One of our glass panel options is made of 100% recycled glass, obtained within 500 miles of our studio and fabricated from start to finish here in our studio. At Glassworks we are active in making our fabrication process energy efficient and are sensitive to our “carbon footprint.”

An investment in taste
Glass allows light to pass through it and doesn’t take up a lot of visual space. By allowing natural light to pass through to interior spaces, glass is a beautiful design element without ever being over stated. Because of its neutrality of color and translucency, glass doesn’t detract from other design elements. More impressive and yes, a little more costly than clear glass, the neutrality of the material is complimentary to many future design element changes, making it a good investment.

Kiln-formed with slumped "crumble" texture, tempered safety-glass, compound curve in areas of balustrade, Hawaii private residence.

A snap to clean
Our glass panels are ultra easy to clean. The problem of fingerprints and visible dust particles that are evident with clear glass are not issues with textured or cast glass due to the nature of the fabrications, which in turn means cleaning less often.
Kiln-formed with slumped crumble texture, tempered safety-glass, compound curve in areas of balustrade, Hawaii private residence.

Top and Middle photos: Entryway balustrades made of cast glass panels add an ambient feel to the space and complement the surrounding artwork.

Bottom Photo: kiln-formed with slumped “crumble” texture, tempered safety-glass, compound curve in areas of balustrade, Hawaii private residence.

What’ up next for Tish? Determined to make the company and their fabricating process more sustainable, Tish is deeply committed to sustainable building practices. The company’s beautiful new series of recycled glass countertops create amazing impact but are fully functional as well. Plans are currently in the works to heat their facility with the heat from the kilns they use. Oye’s perspective is that it’s about the little things smaller companies can do to lower their carbon footprint and be a good neighbor at the same time.

The Solution
Taking into consideration thickness, safety, and design, we created a number of sample pieces. We knew the glass had to be structurally sound yet translucent. From the sample stage, we fabricated a mold with a wave-like texture and created twenty-two individual pieces of green glass, each measuring 28″ x 36″ and 2.4″ thick. The pieces were mitered to fit the boat radius seamlessly and then pieced together inside a 24-foot metal frame that was designed to hold the glass boat and the matching glass countertop.

The Result
The bar was assembled at the Glassworks studio for a test run and then disassembled for shipment. Once installed at its final location, the “boat” created an ideal working space for the resort’s staff as well as a compelling centerpiece for the resort’s guests. The result was so stunning, the client asked us to use the same glass to create matching directional signs to be used throughout the resort area.

The Solution
To create the indoor waterfall, we designed glass panels that covered the lion share of the interior wall space. We etched the panels with a dynamic waterfall image and fabricated large, kiln-formed glass panels to look like colorful native rocks. Mid-way through the process, we mocked up one of the waterfall panels in our studio, and worked with the water structure manufacturer to insure water would flow smoothly over the glass panels.

The Result
The result was a majestic, flowing waterfall that offered eighty lineal feet of etched glass panels and ten lineal feet of colorful, kiln-formed waterfall-like “stones” that mimicked the outdoor, African waterfall experience. Aside from being pleased with the design and function of the installation, Glassworks was able to complete the project well within the needed timeframe, adding further value to the customer experience.

Spotlighting the exhibits were textured glass that resembles ice. Born from a project for the ICE SPA at the SHERATON ANCHORAGE, the process allows designers to implement crisp, innovative glass materials as a unique design element. Also featured are the firm’s latest offerings of slumped and mirrored glass. Ideal for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, the reflective glass surfaces provide detail and variety that traditional splash back materials cannot achieve. Always exploring the use of color, the booth also featured samples of Glassworks ’ innovative use of multi-colored glass and glass with painted designs. A unique opportunity for customization and design, the multi-colored glass and paint processes can be fabricated to echo any color element in a design pallet and can be matched to interior or exterior tile, paint, fabric, or even upholstery.

The show was also an opportunity for Glassworks to draw attention to its ongoing partnership with Quantum Building Products of Kailua-Kona, HI. Featured at the Quantum Building Products booth were two examples of wooden doors built with Glassworks ’ door panels fabricated in “illustrated” slumped glass. The first door incorporated slumped glass panels with a creative, life-size bamboo pattern. The second door integrated a traditional kimono pattern into the slumped glass process. Part of Glassworks innovative way of using molds and pattern glass, the ‘illustrative’ effect can be realized in any pattern or shape and can be customized to fit any door or window Quantum Building Products makes.

As part of the Glassworks’ trade show tradition, there was a drawing for a large, kiln form decorative glass bowl. This year’s lucky winner was Heather Beerman of Susan Palmer Designs.

Sandler is Director of Interior Design for Sandler Kilburn Architects LLC in Seattle, WA, on of the leading interior design forms in the Northwest. A graduate of the Massachusetts Interior Design institute, Sandler has received the Designer of Distinction Award and has been a featured speaker at the ASID National Convention.

The American Society of Interior Designers was founded in 1975 and is the leading organization for interior design professionals. Through education, advocacy, and community building, the Society strives to advance the interior design profession and demonstrate how the power of design to can change people’s lives.

Created as a tourist and business destination, the Convention Center at the TULALIP RESORT CASINO is home to 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and reception space. Designed to accommodate large and small groups, the welcoming design of the Convention Center is defined by ten, floor-to-ceiling glass pillars created by GLASSWORKS. Offering a combination of history, elegance, and function, each backlit pillar is embedded with glass icons that represent an essential part of the Tulalip tribe tradition. “Working with input from tribal leaders, we found a way to place icons that have been used by the Tulalip tribe for thousands of years, right into the glass,” explains GLASSWORKS owner, Tish Oye. “The pillars create an awe-inspiring public space that engages the senses and invites the mind to learn more about the heritage of the Tulalip tribe.”

For those in need of a good night’s rest, guests of the resort can enjoy a home away from home in the première luxury of the TULALIP PENTHOUSE SUITE. Inspired by a high a contrast color palette and designs based on traditional Tulalip art forms, GLASSWORKS created a magnificent, red cast glass vanity. Functional as well as beautiful, the 3″ thick countertop delivers an artisan presence yet can be used as a practical tabletop. GLASSWORKS also formed a 150 pound, 24″ x 24″ solid glass accent pedestal that tucks along the edge of the suite’s handmade cabinetry and connects the room in a breathtaking swath of translucent red glass. An elegant visual that complements the suite’s amenities (which includes a natural stone fireplace, hydrotherapy tub for two, and floor-to-ceiling windows), the TULALIP PENTHOUSE SUITE and GLASSWORKS’ artistry is the pinnacle of the TULALIP RESORT CASINO experience.

As part of the on-going opening festivities, on October 27, the local chapter of the Network of the Hospitality Industry (NEWH) hosted a tour of the TULALIP RESORT CASINO. The premier networking resource for the hospitality industry, the GLASSWORKS pieces were featured icons on the tour.

Hawaii, HI

The tempered glass used for shower doors is a perfect “raw” element for the recycling process. When the shower doors arrive at Glassworks, they are broken up into small, pebble-size pieces. The pieces are then put into a mold and re-fired. Under the heat of the Glassworks kiln, the “pebbles” melt together to form translucent cast glass. “The end result has the same integrity and beauty of glass made from non-recycled materials,” continues Oye, “But these pieces have the added benefit of not contributing to a landfill.”

The new recycled panels are available for custom designs and are a welcome addition to builders and remodelers in the commercial and residential marketplace who are seeking to create dynamic green building offerings. The show also was an opportunity to renew relationships with colleagues including professionals from Group 70 International: Architects Hawaii; ADI Design Group Inc; and Kober Hanssen Mitchell Architects. It was also an opportunity to meet with representatives from WATG, Peter Vincent and Associates; RIM Architects and Fung Associates and discuss the future of glass in the design process.