The story of Lambert‘s channel glass begins back in 1887 when “Glasfabrik Lamberts” was the largest, privately-held glass factory in Europe. This impressive longevity is just one reason why Bendheim Wall Systems (no newcomer to the game either at 80+ years in business) takes pride as the exclusive North American distributors of Lambert’s patented LINIT Channel Glass. If you’ve not heard of the product before, here’s Bendheim’s summary: ” A translucent U-shaped cast glass produced in several widths ranging from 9″ – 19″ and lengths to 23 feet.”

Ice. Manufactured by Bendheim Glass.

LINIT is fabricated by introducing recycled glass into an oxygen fired furnace (the unprecedented technology has concomitant benefits, including a cleaner burn) to create a molten slurry, which is then formed into the aforementioned lineal U via a troop of steel rollers and shafts. The resulting creation has a markedly different profile from conventional glass wall systems: the twin ridges of the sheets can interlock (especially in double glazed applications—see diagram), which makes frameless installations a tempting alternative. To wit, the horizontal exterior system, H60, first utilized in Brooklyn’s own Schermerhorn House, can be “pre-assembled as unitized construction by the glazier.” This means cheaper installation, less framing, and more glass—better aesthetics, in other words.

Bloch Building I at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO.

Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.

Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Structure.

Interior applications boast efficient assembly as well, the frame design permitting a dry-joint assembly which dispenses with messy, expensive (and stinky) silicone sealant. Finishes (“surface textures” and “coatings” in industry parlance) run the gamut, from the purely cosmetic—”enamel colors” feature multi-hued ceramic frits, to the highly functional—”azur” improves solar/thermal characteristics while imparting a quite captivating blue-gray tint.

The latest surface innovation at Lambert is “Ice,” a frosted, translucent finish that captures the beady mysteries of said state of molecular suspension. “Ice” not only evokes the contemplative aura of Superman’s crystal palace (if the reference is too old school for some readers, see here), it imparts textural interest that far transcends the 60’s fondness for the ubiquitous glass brick. In fact, the more I think of it, Ice represents a kind of glass brick for the new millennium. With a high recycled content, an eco-wise manufacturing process, and the prospect of a 23 ft. tall unblemished privacy wall, Lambert’s Ice eschews vintage in favor of smart, stylish, and ultra-contemporary.