Architecture Awards Highlight Expanding Role of Digital Ceramic Printed Glass

The world of architecture has recently bestowed several prestigious awards on architects and projects that made dramatic use of digital ceramic printed glass. In each project, the glass, printed with Dip-Tech technology played a unique role in the structure. Digital printed glass with ceramic-based inks enables controlled glass functionality, unlimited design possibilities and unmatched durability.

The Transitional Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand, a recent project by Shigeru Ban, the 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, was built after the city’s iconic cathedral with stained glass rose window was severely damaged by earthquakes. Digitally printed glass was used to reinterpret the original rose window by reviving the stained glass images, ultimately restoring a significant spiritual landmark for the community.

The Glass House at Dælenenggata 36, in Oslo Norway, designed by Element Arkitekter and named Norway Building of the Year 2013, creates a transformative experience for the public through digital ceramic printed glass. With the ability to reproduce any pattern or design, digital ceramic printed glass enabled the creation of a virtual green oasis in the city. The innovative, beautiful, and imaginative architectural design consists of three facades that create the illusion of looking through the leaves in a tree canopy, shifting passersby’s point of view.

Architect Giorgi Khmaladze’s Fuel Station + McDonalds in Batumi, Georgia was awarded ArchDaily’s 2014 Commercial Building of the Year and received Special Mention at Next Landmark 2013, Helsinki. The structure is entirely enveloped in digital ceramic printed glass. The large curtain wall is exposed to direct sunlight and the durable ceramic ink black dot pattern-printed glass controls UV ray transmission while visually blending into the roof.

Giorgi Khmaladze said: “Digital glass printing was the only solution to achieve the necessary shading control. The digital printing gave full control over the dot radii, which ultimately controlled the level of transparency, allowing for a gradient effect.”

By allowing unlimited creativity in combination with highly controlled functionality, as well as long-lasting durability and support for sustainable architecture, Dip-Tech’s digital ceramic in-glass printing technology provided these top architects and designs with a new medium for expression.

About Dip-Tech

Dip-Tech is the world’s leading provider of digital in-glass printing solutions that combine the durability of ceramic inks with the versatility and quality of digital printing. With more than a decade of market experience, Dip-Tech provides an unmatched and field-proven solution for all exterior and interior flat glass printing applications spanning a full range of artistic and functional requirements