Structural glazing has been an important element in architectural design for decades. Since the turn of the 20th century, office blocks have become increasingly commonplace in major cities and towns around the world, and since businesses occupy office blocks and skyscrapers and other buildings that use a lot of structural glazing, its use has only become increasingly widespread.
Structural glazing specifically refers to the glass that’s intrinsic to a project’s design. In terms of business buildings, large glass panels are often utilised, which act in holding some of the massive structure’s load. Structural glazing, as often installed by international glazing companies, allows for large glass installations to be installed with minimum impediments.
And with the market size as measured by revenue of the glazing industry hitting £1.1 billion, and with a project growth of 9.8% in the next year, it’s easy to see that structural glazing for businesses is more important than ever. In this article, we’ll discuss in further detail exactly why that is and what it means for businesses around the country.
What is structural glazing?
Structural glazing properly is glass that is a key feature for the design of a building. It’s made up of large glass panels that are able to bear tremendous weight. It includes frameless sliding glass doors and high-strength, highly durable and load-bearing glass floors. Structural glazing is so robust that it can be anchored back or bound to a structure without the use of pressure caps or plates.
Structural glazing suits business buildings in part because it can be carved vertically or horizontally. A structural glass floor, for example, is designed to withstand walk-on loads across its surface. And frameless glass can be made to withstand heavy loads. Structural glazing is made of glass that is laminated, dual-glazed and even triple-glazed. They’re insulated glass units which make them popular for businesses looking to cut costs on energy over time.
Structural glazing also looks the part. It’s great for creating a flush and clean exterior which allows a lot of natural light through. And no matter the style or budget, structural glass can be made to suit the requirements of any business.
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The history of structural glazing.
Today, structural glazing can be seen everywhere. But this wasn’t always the case. Back in the 1900s, glass blocks were developed and used in newly developed industrial spaces with the prime aim of letting more light in.
As time went on, structural glazing was used more extensively and with a wider range of noticeable benefits. In recent decades, this type of glass has been used in frameless glass features, which have become increasingly popular in more modern business buildings. And it’s ability to bear heavy loads in doors, walls and floors with great safety has further increased its prominence in modern architecture around the world.
Where is structural glass implemented?
Businesses of all shapes and sizes rely on structural glass because of its design capabilities and host of benefits. Before undertaking a structural glass project, however, it’s important that the specifications of the glass (thickness, lamination requirements etc.) are required. It’s also important that before full implementation, each stage is planned meticulously, including what techniques need to be used, what the makeup of the building and walls will be and how finishing the building with structured glass will affect the appearance and visibility of the building.
Structural glass is used exclusively in skyscrapers. The ability to use long vertical planes and the distinct, clean lines and pristine clarity of structured glass makes it highly desirable by architects around the world. Structural glazing can also be implemented in smaller offices, too. And for people and teams who work from home, it’s versatile and affordable enough to be used in homes, also.
Architects, engineers and designers continue to increase the range of utility that structural glazing has. They take advantage of the limitless design possibilities and how robust and easy-to-use the material is. It can be implemented as floors, frameless walls and even roofs.
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The benefits of structural glazing.
The benefits of structural glazing lay bare the important place it has today in the construction of workable, livable business environments.
Advances in technology have proved that insulation is one of the best benefits of structural glazing. It’s fantastic at allowing floods of natural light to penetrate buildings without disturbances or overheating or loss of heat at night. It makes for a more natural environment, with more light, where people, especially business employees, feel a greater sense of connection with the outside world, well-being and are more productive. This means businesses need to use less or no artificial light, which has been shown to be bad for people’s mental health, physical health and means businesses can save money in the long run.
Some of the other benefits of structural glazing include:
- The material used is free from corrosion, long-lasting and secure.
- It uses aluminium frames so it can take heavier loads.
- The material gives structure and flexibility, allowing for various designs that can be implemented throughout a building.
- It’s aesthetically pleasing and adds a natural element that’s both modern and chic.