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.
Sand trafficking is a growing environmental and criminal problem in Latin America, driven by the global demand for construction materials. Criminal groups, sometimes colluding with corrupt officials, are illegally extracting sand from rivers, beaches, and coastal areas, devastating ecosystems and harming local communities. This illicit trade fuels violence, corruption, and money laundering, impacting countries like Jamaica, Guatemala, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. The stolen sand is primarily used for construction projects within the region itself, further fueling development at the cost of irreversible environmental damage and social unrest. The lack of strong regulations and enforcement, combined with high demand, allows these illegal operations to thrive.
HN commenters discuss the surprising scale and environmental damage of sand mining, connecting it to broader issues of unregulated resource extraction and corruption. Several highlight the tragedy of the commons aspect, where short-term profits outweigh long-term ecological consequences like coastal erosion and habitat destruction. Some question the article's focus on organized crime, suggesting that the real issue is lax environmental regulations and enforcement. Others draw parallels to similar problems with gravel and other readily available resources, while some debate the feasibility and practicality of alternative building materials like hempcrete. A few express skepticism about the claimed $90/ton price tag of sand.
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.