BUILDING ENVELOPE (GLASS & GLAZING)


framed, with the glass panels being fixed within a steel or aluminium framework, but frameless structural balustrades are now proving very popular. These are fixed solely along the bottom edge with glass panels aligned and sealed against each other without a framework, providing exceptionally clear, uninterrupted


sightlines. For frameless balustrades, toughened laminated glass is normally used, even at ground level, as its added strength helps to provide a very robust structure.


The balcony itself can be constructed as a platform integral to the structure of the building, or bolted on afterwards.


Increasingly, we are seeing a trend towards the use of pre-fabrication, in which the entire balcony is fabricated and glazed off site. With all types of balcony construction, you must ensure that the loading of the balcony from the weight of the frame and the glass is firmly within the appropriate safety standards. The glass processor – although they can advise on options for type of glass, functionality and finish – cannot specify panel size, load bearing or structure. For this you should consult the balustrade constructor and a structural engineer. On the patio, at ground floor level, you might also wish to consider a glass balustrade to provide protection from the wind while dining or enjoying the view and the garden. Monolithic glass 15 mm thick is frequently used as a highly practical solution, but if you have keen cricketers and footballers in the family, you might still wish to consider toughed laminated glass here too! Undoubtedly, the advances in design and functionality in glass have resulted in there being far more glazing choices to make than simply the size of your windows, as well as far more scope to realise your vision.


Susan Sinden is commercial director at ESG Glass


76 www.sbhonline.co.uk


july/august 2019


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