Structural glass assembly
The term '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 a space, and a feeling of 'lightness' compared to more massive conventional types of structure.
Types of structural glass assembly can include:
- Glass floors.
- Frameless glass roofs and rooflights.
- Glass balustrades and staircases.
- Glass walls and partitions.
- Lift shafts.
- Glass facades and canopies.
- Frameless windows (although not all frameless windows are structural).
- Shower enclosures.
Accurate glass specification and fixing details are essential for the safe and secure installation of structural glass assemblies. This might include glass fins and beams to give additional support to the structure, or the use of minimal or hidden fixings.
Composite structures may include elements of structural glass, supported by conventional structures such as cable nets, space frames, beams and columns and so on.
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.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.