Frameless Structural Glass Balustrades

The first option and the preference for the majority of projects have been frameless balustrades (also known as frameless structural glass). Frameless structural glass provides the means to achieving an uninterrupted view from the balcony itself, with a minimalistic appeal when looking from the ground up.

There are three core parts to frameless structural glass balustrades; the base fixing, the glass, and the handrail (or Capping). These sections explore each in turn.

The design of the Cassette® balcony system makes for a rigid base fixing to be achieved simply, whichever specification of structural glass is specified.

The second critical design consideration is the selection of glass itself. This needs to designed to perform to structural requirements for deflection, loading and impact, whilst providing optimal safety to users on the balcony and persons below.

Glass can also be used decoratively to create effects or to introduce more privacy for users and prevent wind on balconies.

In the UK it is currently banned by the fire regulations if using a laminate glass interlayer. To find out more and understand if it is a safety issue or a safety benefit view our laminate glass whitepaper which was written for the UK government. Alternatively, you can view a video recording of UK glass experts debating the use of laminate glass in structural glass balustrades on balconies. It is available to view at www.resi.build

Base fixing

The base fixing of frameless structural glass is the first of the three considerations for the balustrade design.

Whilst the glass choice and the base fixing need to be considered together, rather than isolated, we start with the base fixing choices. These govern how the balustrade will be connected to the Cassette® and is the part of the balustrade which will most affect the aesthetics. Primarily because the fascia options stem from which base fixing method is chosen.

Glass overview and Balustrade Design Choices

The second key choice with frameless structural glass is the glass itself.

Both monolithic and laminated glass must always be toughened to comply with regulations.

Handrails/Cappings

When using monolithic glass, a handrail needs to be specified to perform a second guarding in line with BS6180. Capping’s an only be used with laminated toughened glass as they don’t perform a structural duty.

By far the most common option is the square aluminium capping. The advantages are, firstly that they can be extruded in a single 6m length, unlike bespoke metal cappings which are made from a sheet. Secondly, the aluminium extruded sections have special groves built in, these allow innovative locking joiners, and end caps to be slid into place.

Extruding is more accurate and consistent than sheet metalwork, which need more tolerance because of material variance, tooling, settings, etc. Aluminium cappings can be powder coated or anodised, however, the most common choice is to use a brushed anodised finish to look like stainless steel.