Glass Facades for International Projects
Glass Facades can be a great addition to luxury homes or commercial projects such as hotels. Glass Facades allow for a building to be “opened up” using large structural glass systems.
What is a Glass Facade?
A glass facade is an exterior surface for a structure that is mostly made of glass panels or glazing and is supported by a metal or concrete framework. It is a non-structural component created to give the building’s façade an appealing appearance and maximise the amount of natural light that enters the structure.
For strength, durability, and energy efficiency, high-performance materials like tempered or laminated glass are frequently utilised to create the glass panels that make up a glass facade. These panels often sit inside of an aluminium or steel frame, which offers structural support and makes the process of installation and maintenance simple.
Structural Glass Facades
The main structural support for the building is provided by the glass panels themselves in a building envelope system called structural glass facades, commonly referred to as structural glazing. Specialised bonding techniques are used in structural glass facades to securely attach the glass panels to the framework of the building.
The glass panels in a structural glass facade system are typically made of tempered or laminated glass, which was chosen for its durability and safety characteristics. Using bolts, specialised point-fixing systems or high-strength adhesives, these panels are secured to the building. The connections are intended to transfer structural stresses from the glass panels to the building’s steel or concrete columns and beams, especially wind and weight loads.
IQ International were contracted to manufacture and install 2 levels of structural glass to create a home which is dominated by glazing. Villa Schilde located in Belgium is a modern home complete with Glass Facades, Slim sliding doors, glass balustrades and other glazing features. The building seems as if it is being wrapped around the glazing due to the large curve towards the left side of the building. This gives the desired effect that the glass is the main structural element of the project.
Highline facades
With the continual development of glazing minimal windows have developed a product which brings glass facades into the modern era. This innovative glass facade system combines large, fixed elements for structural glazing with ultra-slim profiles, making it ideal for large, uninterrupted glazing installations.
The slender and frameless design of our glass façades enhance the pure minimalism of current architecture. minimal windows® Highline solution combines large, fixed elements with ultra-slim profiles, up to 18m² this glass façade system is ideal for high-rise buildings, both residential and commercial.
The slender glass façade system creates opportunities for minimalist architecture and can support larger pane sizes that can span across the horizontal and vertical planes. The system would be best applied in projects where maximum glazing height is required.
Three varying types of connections are available, as we understand that each project has its own set of requirements. All variations are designed as a flush surface glass façade but with two tracks, allowing for the option to incorporate a sliding pane into the facade design. Combing outstanding performance featured with such large capabilities offers architects high thermal performance, air permeability and more, without having to compromise on a modern and minimal design.
Bespoke glass facades
Our specialised glass facades are made to order and specifically meet a project’s needs. To fulfil the different needs of architects, builders, and property owners, we provide a variety of design alternatives, finishes, and configurations.
The term “bespoke” indicates that the glass facades are custom-made and uniquely created rather than being pre-made products. This enables more design flexibility and alteration to fit the project’s architectural goal.
Minimal windows’ glass facade systems typically feature slim aluminium frames or profiles, allowing for maximum transparency and a minimalist aesthetic. The slim profiles are designed to minimize sightlines and maximize the view through the glass. The use of large glass panels and minimal framing creates a sleek and contemporary appearance, often sought after in modern architectural designs.
These bespoke glass facades from minimal windows are commonly used in residential and commercial projects, including private residences, office buildings, retail spaces, and public facilities. They are particularly popular in contemporary or minimalist architectural styles where a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and a sense of openness are desired. This is commonly needed for projects in countries with warm weather.
Our glazing technicians are available for online meetings or in-person if you are UK Based, For more information contact the team today.
Why Work With Us
We are able to work with designers and specifiers from an early stage of a project to ensure that no compromises have to be made on design. Our expert glazing technicians are here to help your design become a reality, lending their years of experience to your project team for design advice, performance guidance and cost implications.
To find out more or arrange a meeting with one of our expert glazing consultants or just contact the team on 01494 722 880.
EXPERT GLASS TECHNICIANS
Our years of experience allow us to create bespoke glass constructions with minimal detailing and expert quality.
IN HOUSE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Our specialist in house contract management team oversees your glazing project from beginning to end.
KNOWLEDGEABLE & RELIABLE
Our technical skillset and high levels of customer service mean that architects and contractors return to us time and again for their commercial glazing projects.
UNRIVALED DESIGN
Our in house team of CAD designers and engineers contains twelve expert designers and is fully supported by a structural engineer for specialist structural glass calculations.
TECHNICAL PRE-TENDER MEETINGS
Our expert glazing specification advisors are available to help you finalise your architectural glazing designs before the tender stage.
GLASS SPECIFICATION ADVICE
We offer a full NBS style specification service for architects who wish to ensure the correct aesthetic and performance is achieved from their documentation.
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FAQs
Depending on the scope of work and what is more suited to the individual project, there are 3 options for our installation services. These include installation on site, IQ supervisor provided to manage works by a local team or supply only with installation instructions and guidance via email/call/video call. Read More
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. IQ have installed glazing in some extremely tricky locations such as a rocky hillside in Africa, which sat on the edge of a cliff and only had steep dirt road leading to it. Our skilled installation teams experience allows them to think of innovative ways to safely transport the glazing for installation. Read More
With any construction project, hitting dates to avoid project delays is a massive issue. The UK has very strict regulations when it comes to planning, schedules, construction and site safety, and these processes can be applied to any project in the world to ensure work is carried out in a safe and efficient manner.
Glass manufacturing standard vary between continents, and glazing solutions manufactured in Europe tend to use toughened glass rather than float glass, offer a wider variety of glazing solutions such as solar control glass and are less like to end up with roller waves in the glass, this is why IQ use European glass for our systems. Read More.
Not only does IQ have world renowned British project management skills, but we also offer a wide variety of award-winning glazing systems that use high-quality glass manufactured in Europe. Our year of experience installation bespoke glazing packages around the world allows us the know how to advise on glazing for all types of climates. Read More