These colorful windows glimmering in the sunlight are made out of quite the unexpected material. As part of the Storm King Art Center's Light and Landscape show in 2012, artist William Lamson designed and built this 11×9 foot functional greenhouse, entitled Solarium, featuring windows made out of caramelized sugar. For each of the 162 window panes, Lamson cooked sugar at different temperatures to obtain the various colors. He then sealed the liquid between two panes of glass, enclosing the edges with silicone to prevent the window from absorbing water and leaking, and then installed each piece into the steel frame structure.
To experience the meditative space, visitors had to travel across a broad, open landscape and into the small room. From inside, they could observe the three species of miniature citrus trees, and peer out through the various shades of yellow, orange, and brown to witness the natural glow of unusual light as it radiated through the edible material. According to the artist's project statement, “the house functions as a hybrid sanctuary at once evoking a plant conservatory, a chapel, and zen garden.” To watch Lamson at work producing the windows and building the final structure, you can check out the video below.
