In 2026, lobby architects are abandoning bulky metal frames. The dream of an 'invisible building' has become a reality thanks to transparent aluminum—Aluminum Oxynitride (ALON). This ceramic material combines the transparency of sapphire with the strength of metal. At Reception Space, we use ALON to create panoramic glazings and reception desks that look like weightless glass yet can withstand impact loads that would be destructive for any laminated glass. We examine the possibilities of this revolutionary material.
ALON: The Strength of Transparency
Transparent aluminum is not just tempered glass. It is a polycrystalline ceramic with a hardness index close to ruby. In 2026, it allows us to reduce glazing thickness by 3-4 times while maintaining the same strength. An ALON partition only 1.5 cm thick is bulletproof. This enables the creation of a sense of absolute openness and connection with the street in a lobby, while providing a level of security comparable to a bank vault. Visual purity here meets extreme protection.
Optical Perfection: Zero Distortion
Crystal clarity in atriums
Ordinary glass has a greenish or bluish tint that intensifies with thickness. Transparent aluminum is absolutely neutral. It transmits up to 85% of light in the visible and infrared ranges. In a 2026 lobby, this means a guest sees the world outside without color distortion. ALON also possesses an order of magnitude higher scratch resistance (it cannot be scratched even by sand or keys), making it the ideal material for high-traffic zones—from reception to stair railings.
