Structural glazing refers to the use of glass in building facades and other architectural elements where the glass itself serves as the primary load-bearing material, often in combination with minimal framing or structural supports. This creates a sleek, modern aesthetic with wide, uninterrupted views. There are several types of structural glazing systems, each offering unique advantages in terms of installation, aesthetic, and performance. Here’s an overview of the main types:
1. Frameless Glazing System
Description: As the name suggests, a frameless glazing system uses no visible framing around the glass panels. The glass panels are mounted with minimal visible structural members, making this system highly transparent and offering a near-unobstructed panoramic view.
Advantages:
Aesthetically pleasing with clear, open views.
Maximum transparency, allowing natural light to flood interior spaces.
Robust and resilient, with the glass itself providing structural support.
Applications: Common in high-end residential buildings, commercial spaces, glass balustrades, and glass box extensions.
2. Unitised Curtain Wall System
Description: In a unitised curtain wall system, prefabricated glass units are manufactured off-site and then transported to the building for quick installation. These units are attached to the building using brackets and fixings.
Advantages:
High-quality glazing with minimal installation effort.
Offers excellent thermal insulation, acoustic properties, and fire safety.
Durability and longevity, as the materials are resistant to corrosion.
Applications: Typically used in large commercial buildings, office towers, and high-rise residential buildings.
3. Stick Glazing
Description: Stick glazing is a more traditional method where glass is installed in individual pieces using gaskets and pressure plates. The glass is often manufactured in a factory but installed on-site.
Advantages:
Offers great flexibility, as it can be used in various frame designs and facades.
Suitable for complex or angular designs.
Smaller sightlines for more visually appealing facades.
Applications: Ideal for smaller-scale projects, window installations, and buildings with more intricate or customized facades.
4. Fin Supported Glazing
Description: In this system, vertical glass sheets, or “fins,” are used to provide additional support to the glazing. These glass fins are installed perpendicularly to the facade and are secured with fasteners and silicone sealants.
Advantages:
Increases the structural stability of the glazing system.
Provides a sleek, modern aesthetic while supporting larger glass panels.
UV-resistant and highly durable.
Applications: Common in large glass facades, commercial buildings, and retail spaces.
5. Tension Systems
Description: Tension systems use high tensile cables or stainless steel rods to support glass panels by applying stress to the structure. This allows for a transparent and unobstructed view, as the glass appears to “float” in place.
Advantages:
Allows for unique, geometrically structured designs.
Exceptional clarity with minimal visual obstructions.
Can be used for custom, artistic glass structures.
Applications: Ideal for architectural features like atriums, skylights, and modern building facades.
Summary of Types and Applications:
Frameless Glazing: Offers transparency and clean lines for residential and commercial spaces.
Unitised Curtain Wall System: Prefabricated, efficient installation with high thermal and acoustic performance.
Stick Glazing: Flexible and adaptable for complex designs.
Fin Supported Glazing: Provides structural support and sleek design for large facades.
Tension Systems: Allows for unique, artistic glass features and unobstructed sightlines.
YIHAI Glass offers a variety of structural glazing solutions tailored to residential and commercial projects, such as glass box extensions, glass balustrades, wine cellars, and glass staircases. Each system brings different benefits to the table, allowing for customized, aesthetically pleasing, and durable glass structures.
