“The greatest contribution to glass block architecture made in the world o date”. Vetroarredo has brought a new quality standard to glass block production as a result of its involvement in Renzo Piano’s project for the Maison Hermès in Tokyo. In fact, it is no coincidence that, in order to meet the challenge of building the Japanese Hermès venue, Renzo Piano – famous for his lightweight constructions and use of materials with creative simplicity – found in Vetroarredo a valid partner which was able to help him achieve his ambitious objective of creating a magic lantern to accommodate the Hermès “mega store”: 13,000 glass blocks, 45 meters high, 11 floors, in the center of the Ginza district of Tokyo.
The only company in the world willing and able take up this difficult but exciting challenge, trusting in its ability to innovate production processes as well as the products themselves, Vetroarredo created a new experimental type of glass block for the Piano/Hermès project, with truly unique features: the Hermès block, with its extraordinary dimensions, 42.8 x 42.8 cm.
The Hermès block is not only a tangible expression of the remarkable glassmaking production with which Vetroarredo has abundantly surpassed currenttechnological production limits, but also a symbol of architectural excellence. In fact, apart from its extraordinary dimensions, two additional solutions have been used for the Hermès block:
• more prominent edging, making it possible to improve the positioning ofadjacent blocks; the visual effect obtained means that the metallic supporting
structures are hidden, thus reducing the “gap” between the block s;
• metalicized painting of the sections marking the edges of the block: an elegant and sophisticated detail which accentuates the luminous reflection
of the Hermès building.

Click on image to enlarge

Pegasus.
CGS Continuous Glass Surface™ technology.

The advantages offered by Pegasus can enhance design proposals, providing solutions that perfectly combine beauty with practicality. In fact, by using the CGS Continuous Glass Surface™ system, it is possible to realize unique glass walls, while guaranteeing the same technical performance of a traditional block. Additionally, the innovative Pegasus solution offered by the 6 mm perimeter section provides a dual structural function:
• improved positioning of adjacent blocks, reducing the gap – which is normally 10 mm - to just 2 mm;
• supporting elements are invisibly housed in the hollow spaces between the blocks.

TECHNICAL FEATURES
The edges of the Pegasus block extend 6 mm at each side, 4 mm mor than conventional glass blocks.
The overall dimensions of the glass block remain the same (190 x 190 x 80 mm) face dimension. The technical features of Pegasus block are unchanged with regard to their fire resistant (REI 15 and RE 60) and light transmission properties, whilst their performance in the following areas is improved:
• resistance to breakage
• resistance to compression
• thermal shock
• heat insulation
• sound-proofing

ASSEMBLY
Pegasus can be installed:
• using traditional laying methods (cement mortar and bracing with 6 mm steel reinforcing rod) with a standard range of 4 spacers: the new type for 2 mm and 5 mm joints; the conventional type for 10 mm and 16 mm joints.
• using the modular wood system.
• using the Posavelox method (except for the metalized version). With
the Posavelox method, the size of the joints is automatically reduced
to approx. 4 mm.

Pegasus offers a number of safe and unique advantages:

• Pegasus walls with a 2 mm joint have the same mechanical resistancecharacteristics as walls made using conventional glass blocks with 10 mm gaps;

• Pegasus walls with 10 mm joint offer a greater mechanical and structural resistance than conventional glass block walls, since a greater amount of cement mortar can be inserted into the hollow spaces and reinforcing iron rods of a greater diameter can be used;

• It is possible to vary the joints (2, 5, 10, 16 mm) on Pegasus walls using traditional laying methods with a standard range of Vetroarredo spacers;

• A more attractive and perfect gap is obtained when Pegasus is laidwith a cement finish compared to other laying methods using silicone;

• The close proximity of the elements on Pegasus walls exalts theessential quality of glass: transparency

• Mirror effect metalized Pegasus (only in the neutral corrugated andsmooth version) radiates light, adding distinction and offering greaterluminosity and brilliance.

Pegasus. A lightweight effect for all-glass walls.

The challenge of the Hermès project meant many years of experimentation for Vetroarredo in order to develop the production skills necessary to meet the project’s goals. The investment in innovation in order to realize the Hermès block has allowed Vetroarredo to orient its development strategies, launching a similarly innovative product onto the market. “The fruit” of this technological and production investment is a complete new range: the Pegasus block.

With its innovative external edging solution (6 mm), Pegasus by Vetroarredoinherited from the Hermès block the ability to create wide, continuous surfaces, with no perceptible joints, thanks to a dedicated system which makes it possible to limit the opening between each block to a thickness of just 2 millimeters.

In order to guarantee the market-oriented evolution from the Hermès blockto Pegasus, Vetroarredo has adopted its own patented technology: CGS Continuous Glass Surface™. CGS is an integrated system of components and assembly techniques created to offer both designer and installer unparalleled freedom from the traditional restraints of glass blocks. With Pegasus, the all-glass wall makes its entrance: it becomes possible to use light to furnish ambience, to play with lightness and transparency in complete safety, without reducing flexibility.

The metalized Pegasus, with its mirrored band along the internal edges, tofurther accentuate the appearance of continuity from block to block, as well as giving the perception of reduced wall thickness, also descends from the Hermès block. All-glass walls are thus brought to life by reflected ambient light, dividing ambience without separating it.

Available in a wavy and smooth designs in both the crystal clear versions as well as in a wide variety of pastel shades – a Vetroarredo worldwide exclusive – Pegasus provides the potential that only its comprehensive range can offer.