Magical Materials: Luminous Kalwall Lets the Sunshine In
Translucent, pliable material lights up your home and adds privacy, too
In the 1970s a new building material gained traction in the marketplace. This material had all of the advantages of a skylight while being superior to skylights in energy efficiency and structure. It's no wonder that many architects started specifying Kalwall where the only option had been a glass or plastic product.
Kalwall, which was actually developed in the '50s, is a fiberglass-reinforced translucent sandwich panel. Though initially used for commercial and institutional buildings, Kalwall has become increasing popular for homes. This is especially true for an entire, luminous ceiling or where light is desired but privacy must be maintained.
Kalwall, which was actually developed in the '50s, is a fiberglass-reinforced translucent sandwich panel. Though initially used for commercial and institutional buildings, Kalwall has become increasing popular for homes. This is especially true for an entire, luminous ceiling or where light is desired but privacy must be maintained.
The canopy continues inside to provide that wonderfully luminous glow in this foyer.
More photos of Kalwall in homes
More photos of Kalwall in homes
The Kalwall ceiling at this home provides a luminous kitchen space that has to be wonderful to work in. The black painted structure, echoed in the color of the counters, provides a monochromatic Mondrian-like quality to the ceiling.
The Kalwall ceiling continues into more than just the kitchen of this home. This sitting area is bathed in a luminous light from above.
Kalwall can also be used in lieu of glass when light as well as privacy is the goal. While Kalwall can be quite opaque during the day, Kalwall can turn a building into a glowing lantern at night.
The light filtering through the Kalwall becomes luminescent at the interior, complementing the distinctly Japanese aura of the spaces.
Interior walls made of Kalwall share light while maintaining privacy.
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Here, Kalwall was bent to form a vaulted entry canopy, which extends beyond the wall of the house.