| Keppler Glass Constructions, Inc. |
Daylighting Constructions |
871 |
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KEPPLER GLASS CONSTRUCTIONS, INC.
Pavements, Vaults, Floors, Roofs, Train Sheds, Skylight,
Fireproof Windows, Partitions, and Crystal Ceilings
Architects Building, 101 Park Avenue
NEW YORK, N. Y.
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Products.
KEPPLER
ALL-GLASS-UNDERSURFACE
FLOOR-, ROOF-, PAVEMENT-,
VAULT-LIGHT, TRAIN SHED
and SKYLIGHT CONSTRUCTIONS—unit
formation; steel-reinforced cement ribs.
KEPPLER
TRANSLUCENT GLASS
PARTITIONS—unit construction; steel-reinforced
cement cores; both surfaces practically all glass; fireproof.
KEPPLER
FIREPROOF WINDOWS—unit
construction; steel-reinforced cement cores; both surfaces practically
all glass; translucent.
KEPPLER
TRANSLUCENT CRYSTAL CEILING
CONSTRUCTIONS—unit assembly; electro-glazed.
Services.
Our business is Glass Constructions.
But is also making the best possible use of daylight in all parts
of Commercial Buildings, Hotels, Apartment Houses and Fine
Residences, from roof to basement.
Our experience in the use of Glass
Constructions, together with information and co-operation in
planning all or part of Installations for admitting and
distributing daylight, is freely at your disposal.
Keppler All-Glass-Undersurface Constructions—Vaults,
Pavements, Floors, Roofs, Train Sheds and Skylights.
These constructions are composed of
three stock parts: Glass units, reinforcing rods, and cement.
The units are clear glass; but careful designing for diffusing
and reflecting the light makes them translucent instead of
transparent.
More Light—These
constructions transmit and distribute approximately 40 per cent
more light. The top surface, which admits light rays, has a
large glass area, so that most of light striking the constructions
passes into the glass units. These units widen into a
practically all-glass undersurface, and a great deal of this
light passes right through to the room below without striking
the cement ribs (Fig. 2).
The light which strikes the
concaved sides of the units next to ribs is reflected below with
very little absorption. This is possible because the sides
compose a series of accurately designed ribs, painted white to
prevent absorption and increase reflection (Fig. 1).
Better Light—Because
of the practically all-glass undersurface and light-reflecting
white-painted sides of units, cement ribs are almost invisible
from below, and the construction becomes one large source of
light, instead of a number of small round or square units. This
eliminates heavy shadows from cement ribs and gives an even,
well-distributed light to see and work by.
Better Appearance—Top
surface is even and lies in the same plane as floor, pavement or
roof. The all-glass undersurface gives the advantages and attractive
appearance of glass, and the feeling of substantial masonry.
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Adaptability—In addition
to ordinary uses, such as vaults, pavements and skylights,
Keppler All-Glass-Undersurface Constructions are used in buildings
where light and appearance are of equal importance, and are used in
place of light-shafts in lofts, factories, warehouses and abattoirs,
extending through three and four stories, as roof for top story and
as floor and ceiling for each succeeding story.
The latter use gives the advantages of
a light-shaft without having to sacrifice the space or risk the
dangers of a shaft in case of fire. The even top surface and the
sustaining power make the construction a regular part of the
floor.
Fireproof—This construction
is fireproof and meets requirements of building regulations.
Reinforcing rods are embedded in cement, where fire cannot reach
them—only thick glass and cement are exposed.
Waterproof—It is guaranteed
waterproof, and affords no place for water or dirt to collect (Fig.
6).

Elevation |

Section |
| Fig 1. VIEWS OF 4-INCH KEPPLER VAULT
LIGHT UNIT |

Fig. 2. DETAIL VIEW OF CONSTRUCTION
A and B light rays show large
area available for direct transmission of light. C shows one of
many rays transmitted through Keppler Vault Light. Sides of
units next to cement ribs are painted white to reflect rays. Very
little light is absorbed or shut off.
The glass units are set
1⁄12
inch apart to allow for expansion. The effect from below is
of an all-glass construction.
Weight and Sizes—Average
weight is twenty pounds per square foot. Sizes of units vary
from 3 by 3 up to 8 by 8 inches; thickness, 1¾ to 2¾
inches. These constructions are built to sustain any of the usual
loads required in commercial buildings, strength being varied by
type of units used.
Built to Last—Materials
entering into this construction are selected with care, for lasting
quality. Glass units are examined with a polariscope to ensure
good annealing and absence of interior strains.
One part of best slow-setting Portland
cement and two parts of clean, sharp sand are used for the ribs.
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| 872 |
Daylighting Constructions |
Keppler Glass Constructions, Inc. |

Fig. 3. TOP AND BOTTOM VIEW OF VAULT LIGHT UNIT

Fig. 4. SHOWING GLASS AREAS OF TOP AND BOTTOM

Fig. 5. DETAIL OF INTERMEDIATE I BEAM SUPPORT
Fig. 6. SECTION OF PAVEMENT LIGHT AND BULKHEAD SUPPORTED BY
STRUCTURAL BEAM

Fig. 7. OPEN COURT INSTALLATION OF 6 IN. SQUARE ROOF LIGHTS WITHOUT UNDERCEILING SASH AS IN CHASE NATIONAL BANK, NEW YORK, N. Y. Kimball & Roosa, Architects
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After finishing the work, we keep the construction under wet
sand for several days, before it is exposed to the drying action of
the air. In this way best results are secured in the cement
work.
In addition to properly designed
expansion joints, which go clear through the entire depth of the
plate, contraction and expansion are also provided for by an
elastic light-reflecting cushion around each unit.
No maintenance is required except
cleaning, which is easily done because of the even top surface
and the all-glass undersurface.
Single units can be replaced easily,
if broken, without disturbing or removing the entire panel.
Immediate Delivery—All
parts are stock parts and always on hand. No special framework
is required. Deliveries can be made immediately.
Installation—We install
the constructions or furnish the materials, as desired. Installation
is simple, the units being laid out on a falsework and the joints
filled with cement and reinforcing rods.
SPECIFICATION FOR KEPPLER
ALL-GLASS-UNDERSURFACE CONSTRUCTIONS
Floor-, roof-, vault- and
pavement-lights shall be of unit construction with steel-reinforced
cement ribs. Top surface shall be even, without any places for
water or dirt to collect. The undersurface shall be practically
all glass, one twelfth of an inch being allowed between units at
the bottom for expansion.
The units shall be of clear
glass, made translucent by design to diffuse and distribute
light.
The sides of the units shall
compose a series of bonding ribs, over which shall be applied an
elastic light-reflecting cushion, to prevent shaling and to increase
light reflection.
Expansion joints, extending
clear through the entire depth of the panels, shall be provided
to take up compressional strain and temperature stresses.
No metal parts shall be exposed
to fire or rust. The entire construction shall be fireproof and
water-proof, and shall be installed and completed in a workmanlike
and satisfactory manner, and guaranteed against all defects in
materials.
Keppler Glass Partitions, Fireproof and Translucent.
Keppler Glass Partitions are composed
of glass units and steel-reinforced cement cores. Units are clear
glass made translucent by design, giving advantages of great
diffusion and forming a perfect screen—no one can see
through (Figs. 8 and 11).
More Light—They transmit
light from one room to another, instead of shutting it off as
masonry does; and are a source of daylight for rooms without windows
and skylights. They make artificial illumination more valuable by
transmitting it.
Appearance—Both surfaces
are practically all glass. They have the substantial appearance of
masonry. The four concave sides of units around cement cores are
painted white, making cores almost invisible.
Fireproof and
Sound-proof—They have had thorough fire tests in actual
contact with flames (Fig. 9).
Fireproof-metal picture mouldings,
chair rails, surbases, doors and transoms are used.
Partitions are sound-proof, affording
privacy.
Adaptability—They can be
furnished in panels and put up and taken down, the same as
ordinary partitions.
Because of lighting value, appearance
and adaptability, they are available for both permanent and
temporary partitions in office buildings, department stores,
factories, lofts, and other buildings with interiors removed
from windows.
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| Keppler Glass Constructions, Inc. |
Daylighting Constructions |
873 |
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Fig. 8. Partitions transmit light
from one room to another, and are an actual source of light for
rooms without windows. They are translucent, sound-proof and
fireproof |
Fig. 9. Fire Test: Heat raised to
1800 degrees Fahr. in half hour and maintained for next half hour.
Construction was then subjected to a force of water from fire hose
and stood test intact |
| KEPPLER GLASS PARTITIONS AND FIREPROOF WINDOWS |
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Easy to Install—Any
bricklayer or tile setter can install these constructions (Fig. 10).
We furnish the materials or the complete panels. When desired, we
install the constructions.
Immediate Delivery—Glass
units, reinforcing rods and cement can be shipped immediately.
Panels can also be delivered promptly.
Weight, Sizes and Cost—Weight,
ten to fifteen pounds per square foot. Sizes, 6 by 6 and 8 by 8
inches. Cost, $1.20 to $1.50 per square foot in place.
SPECIFICATION FOR KEPPLER GLASS PARTITIONS
Partitions shall be composed of
glass units, with steel-reinforced cement cores. Units shall be
clear glass, made translucent by design, ensuring absolute privacy.
Concave sides of the units next to the cement cores shall be painted
white to increase reflection. Both surfaces shall be practically
all glass, one twelfth inch being allowed between units for
expansion.
The entire construction, including all
picture mouldings, chair rails and surbases incorporated in the
partitions, shall be fireproof.
Work to be done in a thoroughly
satisfactory manner.
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Fig. 10. DETAIL AND ELEVATION SHOWING CONSTRUCTION
AND INSTALLATION OF KEPPLER GLASS PARTITIONS AND WINDOWS
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Keppler Fireproof Translucent Glass Windows.

Fig. 11. ELEVATION OF 6-INCH PARTITION AND
WINDOW UNIT
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These windows are composed of glass
units and steel-reinforced cement cores. The units are of clear
glass made translucent by careful design, giving the advantage of
great diffusion with minimum absorption. Both surfaces are
practically all glass, and cement cores are rendered almost
invisible by painting the four concave sides of glass units white.
Fireproof—They have been
tested up to 1800 degrees Fahr. At this heat they were subjected
to a force of water from a fire hose and remained intact (Fig. 9).
They cannot be opened and are,
therefore, a logical installation for windows near fire-escapes in
factories and lofts, and for warehouses and light-shafts, combining
the lighting advantages of glass and the fireproof advantages
of a wall.
Note—Any window that can
be raised, lowered or opened is a source of danger if located near
a fire-escape, a light-shaft or on the fire-exposed sides of a
building.
It is for such uses that Keppler
Windows are intended. Where there is no danger of fire contact,
regular windows or wire-glass windows that can be opened should be
used.
Expansion and contraction are provided
for by an elastic cushion around each unit and by properly
designed expansion joints.
Installation—Any
bricklayer or tile setter can construct Keppler Fireproof Windows,
or we will install the constructions ourselves.
Weight, Sizes and Cost—Ten
to fifteen pounds per square foot. Sizes, 6 by 6 and 8 by 8 inches;
thickness, 2 inches. Cost, $1.20 to $1.50 per square foot in
place.
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| 874 |
Daylighting Constructions |
Keppler Glass Constructions, Inc. |

Fig. 12. KEPPLER TRANSLUCENT CRYSTAL CEILING
Made by repetition of small panels composed of glass units
ornamental in relief. Keppler Crystal Ceilings can be designed to
carry out or harmonize with any architectural style or idea. They
are thoroughly substantial in appearance, giving the feeling of
masonry rather than glass.
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Delivery—Stocks of glass
units, reinforcing rods and cement are always on hand for immediate
delivery.
SPECIFICATION FOR KEPPLER FIREPROOF
WINDOWS
Fireproof windows shown in
plans shall be composed of glass units with steel-reinforced
cement cores. Both surfaces shall be practically all glass,
one twelfth of an inch being allowed between units for expansion.
The concave sides of the units shall be painted white to increase
light reflection, and an elastic cushion shall be applied
over the white paint to provide for expansion and contraction
by properly prepared cushions around the four sides of the
windows.
The windows shall be
stationary, so that they cannot be raised, lowered or opened at
any time.
The entire construction shall
be fireproof and waterproof, and completed in a workmanlike and
satisfactory manner.
Keppler Translucent Crystal Ceilings.
Keppler Crystal Ceilings are constructed
of clear glass units ornamented in relief, making them translucent.
Units are copper electro-glazed in panels at the factory, and these
are installed on iron or concrete frame-work at the building (Figs.
12 and 13).
These ceilings are thoroughly
substantial looking and give the impression of masonry rather than
glass.
More Light—They transmit
an evenly diffused light, and reduce the need of artificial light
by day.
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Fig. 13. DETAIL OF PANEL SHOWING ORNAMENTATION OF UNITS IN RELIEF
Panel is made of small clear
and amber glass units electro-glazed together. Units are
ornamented in relief, making them translucent and substantial
looking
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Decorative and Ornamental—The
ceilings are highly decorative. There are one hundred and fifty
different units, which can be assembled by us in a multitude of
different designs to carry out any architect's desires. Units are
of clear glass or golden amber. Special units designed when
necessary.
Adaptability—This method
of construction is used extensively in Europe, in banks, stores,
hotels, libraries, railway stations and fine residences. It is
now available in America also.
Strength—A man can walk
upon them when cleaning. With large spans, small T and I beams
are worked into the design.
Fire Resistance—Numerous
tests have proved them as resistant as the best wire-glass.
Weight and Cost—Average
weight, nine pounds per square foot. Cost, $1.25 to $2.50 per
square foot.
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Sweet's Catalogue of Building Construction · 1915
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