Glass-to-glass corner glazing in Padstow

Glass-to-glass structural returns without a corner mullion

Invisio structural glazing formed the fixed sections at both levels. The panes return into the internal corner with a glass-to-glass joint, removing the need for an aluminium corner mullion at the junction.

The glazing profiles were coordinated in front of the floor slab and around the steel interface. This kept the structural division between floors behind the glazed plane and allowed the glass-to-glass return to be repeated at ground and first-floor level.

Top-hung ventilation and open-out access clear of the slab

The initial lower-floor tilt-and-turn proposal could not operate inward without hitting the slab. IQ Glass resolved the conflict with a ground-floor open-out casement door, including a head-fixed restrictor, and a top-hung casement vent at the upper level.

This arrangement provides ventilation and access without introducing moving components at the internal corner. It keeps the opening units clear of the junction and preserves the glass-to-glass corner glazing in Padstow as a fixed structural detail.

Technical details

- Fixed frameless structural glazing: thermally broken fixing profile depth 63mm; maximum glass thickness 41.5mm; expected Uw 1.1 W/m²K; minimum fixing setback 55mm; structure deflection allowance 5mm. Used for the two-storey glass-to-glass corner returns, with the largest project glass unit recorded at 182kg.

- Aluminium casement window: Uw from 1.1 W/m²K, calculated per project; glass range 24mm to 40mm; air Class 4; water Class E1200; wind resistance to 2400 Pa; PAS 24 listed. A top-hung configuration was used at the upper level.

- Aluminium casement door: 101mm profile sightline; glass thickness 24mm to 40mm; maximum sash size 1200mm wide x 2400mm tall; maximum leaf weight 90kg; Uw from 1.4 W/m²K; air Class 4; water Class 9A; wind Class A3. The project uses a ground-floor open-out door with a head-fixed restrictor.

- Coastal glazing specification: marine-grade finish specified to exposed aluminium profiles; visible metalwork finished in RAL 7044 Matt; PPC handles selected to match the framework; aluminium pressings included. Confirmed project wind load 800 Pa.

Cross Street demonstrates how structural glass and aluminium opening elements can be coordinated when floor slabs, steelwork, coastal exposure and restricted access all affect the glazing detail. This approach is suited to architect-designed residential extensions that require a frameless corner without giving up ventilation or practical access.

Planning glass-to-glass corner glazing in Padstow or elsewhere in Cornwall? IQ Glass can develop the structural glazing, opening strategy, marine-grade finish and building interfaces as one coordinated package. Contact us to discuss your project now.