Corning's Gorilla Glass, known for its durability in smartphones, is making inroads into the architectural and home building industries. While more expensive than traditional glass, its strength, scratch resistance, and potential for slimmer, lighter designs are attractive features. Uses include windows, doors, facades, railings, and interior partitions, offering benefits like increased natural light, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced security. Though adoption is currently limited by cost, Corning is betting on growing demand for premium, high-performance building materials to drive wider acceptance of Gorilla Glass in residential and commercial construction.
The Wall Street Journal article explores the burgeoning application of Corning's Gorilla Glass, a material renowned for its strength and scratch resistance in consumer electronics like smartphones, within the realm of residential architecture. The piece details how this specialized glass, originally engineered for smaller devices, is being adapted and scaled for larger applications such as windows, doors, and other structural components in homes. It elaborates on the inherent advantages that Gorilla Glass offers in this context, including enhanced durability, potentially leading to reduced maintenance and replacement costs over the lifespan of a building. Furthermore, the article discusses the potential for energy efficiency gains due to the glass's properties, which could allow for thinner panes while maintaining structural integrity and insulation, thereby reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
The journalistic investigation also delves into the challenges and considerations associated with incorporating Gorilla Glass into home construction. These challenges encompass the adaptation of manufacturing processes to accommodate the larger dimensions required for architectural elements, as well as the logistical aspects of transporting and installing these larger, more delicate pieces. The cost factor is also a key consideration, with the article acknowledging that the premium nature of Gorilla Glass compared to traditional building materials could pose a barrier to widespread adoption. However, the piece suggests that the long-term benefits, such as reduced maintenance and energy savings, could potentially offset the initial higher investment.
The article further illuminates Corning's strategic efforts to penetrate the construction market, highlighting collaborations with architectural firms and builders to showcase the potential of Gorilla Glass in various applications. It touches upon the evolving aesthetic possibilities afforded by this material, such as larger, seamless glass panels that can enhance natural light and provide unobstructed views, contributing to a more modern and open design aesthetic. Finally, the piece offers a glimpse into the future of Gorilla Glass in architecture, hinting at ongoing research and development focused on further enhancing its properties and expanding its potential applications within the built environment, potentially revolutionizing the way we design and construct our homes.
Summary of Comments ( 69 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43456936
HN commenters are skeptical of Gorilla Glass's viability in home construction, citing cost as the primary barrier. They argue that while technically feasible, it's significantly more expensive than traditional materials like double-pane windows and offers little practical advantage for the average homeowner. Some suggest niche applications like skylights or balconies where the added strength is beneficial, but overall the consensus is that widespread adoption in residential buildings is unlikely due to the price difference. A few comments also point out the potential issues with replacing broken panes, which would be considerably more costly and time-consuming than with standard glass.
The Hacker News post "Using Gorilla glass for home building" (linking to a WSJ article about Corning's Gorilla Glass) has several comments discussing the potential applications and challenges of using such glass in construction.
Several commenters express skepticism about the cost-effectiveness of Gorilla Glass for large-scale applications like home building. They point out that while Gorilla Glass excels in impact resistance for small devices, its cost would be prohibitive for larger surfaces like windows and walls. One commenter highlights the existing availability of tempered and laminated glass options that already provide adequate strength and safety at a lower price point. Another user mentions the potential difficulties and costs associated with replacing large panes of Gorilla Glass in case of damage.
Durability and practicality are also questioned. One commenter raises concerns about the long-term durability of Gorilla Glass against environmental factors like wind, debris, and temperature fluctuations, wondering if it would be more susceptible to scratches and haze over time compared to traditional glass. Another user points out the issue of cleaning large Gorilla Glass surfaces, particularly in high-rise buildings.
Some commenters discuss alternative applications where Gorilla Glass might be more suitable. Suggestions include interior partitions, skylights, railings, and other smaller architectural features where the enhanced strength and unique properties of Gorilla Glass could justify the higher cost. One comment specifically suggests using Gorilla Glass for balconies in high-rise buildings, arguing that the added strength and safety would be worth the investment in such a scenario.
A few commenters express interest in the potential aesthetic benefits of using Gorilla Glass in architecture, imagining sleek and modern designs. However, others counter this by highlighting the potential for glare and reflections, which could be problematic in certain settings.
One user brings up the manufacturing and logistical challenges associated with producing and transporting large sheets of Gorilla Glass. Another questions the feasibility of cutting and shaping such large panes to fit specific architectural needs.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a generally cautious and pragmatic view of the prospects of using Gorilla Glass in home building. While acknowledging the material's impressive strength and potential aesthetic appeal, many commenters express concerns about cost, practicality, and long-term durability. They suggest that niche applications and further development might be more realistic pathways for Gorilla Glass in the construction industry.