Structural Glass defines the range of frameless structural systems that employ glass as a load-bearing element/ a supporting structural component. This technology includes various structural system types and design applications, from stick-to-point fixed glazing systems.
All-glass design solutions represent one of the most innovative forms of structural glass facades.
Glass to glass connections with invisible fittings grant the glass structure an airy and light finish and are an ideal design option when the architectural intent is maximum transparency and minimal design.
The result is a frameless and almost invisible facade, with no use of steel or concrete elements, designed to resist wind load and seismic forces and provide weatherproofing.
The structural facade systems comprised of glass fins and glass beams are bespoke designed on a case-by-case basis to suit the project's aesthetic and performance criteria and require intelligent design and precision engineering.
Types of structural glass Design:
Glass Floors
Frameless Glass roof and Rooflights
Glass walls and partitions.
Glass facades and canopies.
Frameless Windows
Shower enclosers
Structural glass' refers to a frameless assembly of glass where a portion of the structural load is taken by the glass itself rather than by a supporting frame. This can create a brighter enclosed space, a clearer view into and out of space, and a feeling of 'lightness' compared to more massive conventional types of structure.
Structural glass typically has additional thickness and strength compared to conventional, framed glass assemblies. It is generally formed using toughened glass or laminated glass. Structural glass assemblies are typically bespoke and so can be expensive.