SEPTEMBER 2009

Our specialty is bullet resistant barriers, but we were surprised to learn of the many other ways bullet resistant glass is used.

While it may not fit everyone's budget, for big spenders with more than 50 watches who want them securely protected, Buben & Zorweg designed the Solitaire Deluxe, a watch-winder cabinet selling for $165,000. This large piece doubles as a safe and is outfitted with bulletproof glass doors, "a bar, an electronically controlled humidor and a stereo system." 1

If you can afford the Solitaire Deluxe, then this next use of bullet resistant glass may interest you. One-way bullet resistant glass is increasingly popular for use in security vehicles because passengers are protected from incoming bullets while security guards can shoot out. Armored cars, however, aren't just for the President. BMW offers a full lineup of security vehicles built with bullet resistant glass and reinforced steel armor to protect against standard handguns and even an AK-47. 2

Perhaps these last two uses don't fit your lifestyle, but this next idea anyone can achieve. Lisa Kirks, a NY artist, recently built a "time-share" at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and is renting it out for an affordable $199.99 per week. But before you make your reservation, you might want to hear about the amenities. Constructed completely of found objects, "the beds are hammocks made from construction webbing, the bar is bulletproof glass from a bodega, [and] the sink is a wok on top of three tires." 3

This one may sound like a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean. In July, Zac Sunderland, a 17-year-old from California, became the youngest person to sail around the world alone. During his year long journey, he encountered pirates off the coast of Indonesia "forcing him to lock himself behind the bulletproof glass of his cabin, while radioing for help." 4

While people are continuously finding new uses for bullet resistant glass, its core purpose remains protection. Know of any other uses for bullet resistant glass? Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook and share your creative ideas for bullet resistant glass.

1 http://www.bornrich.org/entry/solitaire-deluxe-watch-winder-another-feather-on-bubenzorweg-s-cap/
2 http://www.bmw-security-vehicles.com/security_vehicles/en/index.html
3 http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2009/07/14/2009-07-14_shack_up_in_rentashanty_artists_project_is_one_novel_hovel.html
4 http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20290119,00.html
Image from http://www.bornrich.org/entry/solitaire-deluxe-watch-winder-another-feather-on-bubenzorweg-s-cap/.