IQ Glass Solutions LTD, Sky House, Raans Road, Amersham, HP6 6FT
Specification
What is the maximum size of a fixed window?
What shapes can a fixed window be?
What is the typical specification for a Frameless Fixed Window?
What is the typical performance of a Fixed Window?
What glass options are there for fixed windows?
IQ Glass design, manufacture and install a range of fixed windows and fixed glazing solutions for high specification architectural projects. Fixed window elements can be engineered as part of wider window configurations, or designed as frameless structural glass where the brief calls for the most minimal aesthetic.
Whether you are looking for a completely frameless fixed window, a floor to ceiling fixed window, or a fixed window to frame a specific view, IQ Glass can advise on the best solution for your opening size, design intent and performance requirements.
What is a Fixed Window?
A fixed window is a non-opening glazed element. It is specified where ventilation is not required in that opening, and where the glazing design needs to prioritise daylight, views and a clean, consistent elevation.
Fixed windows can be used as standalone panes, or combined with opening elements elsewhere in the façade to create a balanced window layout while keeping sightlines and external framing consistent.
What is the difference between a Fixed Window and a Picture Window?
A fixed window is the broad category: any window element that does not open.
A picture window is a type of fixed window used primarily to frame a view and maximise visual clarity. At IQ Glass, “Picture Windows” often refers to fixed frameless structural glass windows where the aim is to achieve a completely frameless appearance once the details are finished.
Frameless Fixed Windows
Where a large fixed window is required, IQ Glass can design a frameless structural glass installation to create a completely frameless glazed opening. These fixed frameless windows, often dubbed ‘picture windows’, create a clear view to the outside with no visible frame or fixings on show once the building finishes are complete.
IQ Glass use our proprietary Invisio® thermally broken fixing system for frameless structural glass windows. Invisio® has been developed in-house by IQ Glass to maintain the key frameless glass design of structural glazing while improving thermal insulation and reducing cold bridging through a fully thermally broken fixing detail.
Frameless structural glass can also be designed to connect around a corner using the same approach, creating frameless corner windows or a contemporary twist on the traditional bay window. See oriel windows for more information about creating 3D frameless window forms.
Aluminium Framed Fixed Windows
IQ Glass also supply fixed window elements within aluminium window systems where a minimal but defined frame is required. Aluminium windows are a versatile, durable choice for modern architectural projects, offering thermally broken performance, low maintenance finishes and a wide range of colour options.
Fixed aluminium elements can be combined with opening windows as part of a wider window configuration to keep the external appearance consistent across the elevation. For projects that require a stylish exterior finish, flush glazed window designs can be specified where the insulated glass unit is detailed to conceal the frame externally.
Steel and Bronze Framed Fixed Windows
For projects that want the character of a metal-framed window with modern performance, IQ Glass offer steel and bronze framed window solutions with thermally broken framing. These systems are often specified where the design intent is a traditional steel window appearance without the inherent thermal performance issues of older industrial systems.
Metal window frames can be specified in a range of finishes, including galvanised steel, stainless steel, Corten steel and architectural bronze, allowing fixed window elements to suit both contemporary and heritage-led aesthetics.
Looking to transform your space with fixed windows? Contact us now.
Specification
What is the maximum size of a fixed window?
A single structural glass fixed pane can typically be manufactured up to 6m x 3m. For longer expanses of glazing, multiple panes can be silicone jointed together to create extended runs of fixed glazing with slim glass-to-glass joints. Site feasibility factors such as access to the opening and weight restrictions can influence achievable pane sizes.
What shapes can a fixed window be?
Fixed windows can be designed in a wide range of bespoke shapes, including arched heads, angled bases and cut-out notches. Curved fixed windows are also possible using toughened curved glass units in double or triple glazed build-ups. For curved structural glazing, tighter curves may be possible depending on the glass specification.
What is the typical specification for a Frameless Fixed Window?
IQ Glass typical frameless fixed window specification is engineered to suit the opening size, installation conditions and performance requirements.
System / fixing method
- System: Invisio® thermally broken structural glazing fixing system (developed in-house by IQ Glass)
- Thermal break: polyamide thermal breaks set within extruded aluminium
- Fixings: designed to suit the project by IQ Glass (typical methods can include steel angles and fixings; final methodology confirmed in design)
Glass
- Configuration: double or triple glazed units (designed to suit size and installation)
- Typical spec: TXD glass in a double glazed unit with low e coating used as standard
- Specialist options available: curved glass; low iron glass; low maintenance coatings; coloured/decorative interlayers; anti-reflective glass; translucent privacy finishes; strengthening interlayers; privacy glass; electrochromic glass; solar control coatings; sandblasted glass; acoustic reduction glass
Invisio profile options (system data)
- Invisio: profile depth 63mm; max glass thickness 41.5mm; expected Uw 1.1 W/m²K
- Invisio+: profile depth 72mm; max glass thickness 62mm; expected Uw 0.9 W/m²K
- Invisio Curve: profile depth 63mm; max glass thickness 41.5mm; expected Uw 1.1 W/m²K
- Invisio Custom: on application (size, glass thickness and thermal performance calculated on application)
Design / install
- IQ Glass design all fixing and connection details as part of the project design process
- All installation is carried out by IQ Glass in accordance with IQ Glass design drawings produced uniquely per project
- Assumed wind load: 0.65 kN/m² unless otherwise specified
What is the typical performance of a Fixed Window?
Performance depends on the chosen system, glass build-up and the size of the fixed window element. Typical glass performance values used for structural glazing specifications include:
- Double glazed typical Ug: 1.1 W/m²K
- Triple glazed typical Ug: 0.7 W/m²K
For frameless structural glass fixed windows using Invisio®, expected whole-window values can be:
- Expected Uw: 1.1 W/m²K (Invisio)
- Expected Uw: 0.9 W/m²K (Invisio+)
What glass options are there for fixed windows?
Fixed windows can be specified with a wide range of specialist glazing options, including:
- Solar control coatings
- Low maintenance coatings
- Low iron glass
- Acoustic reduction glass
- Privacy finishes (translucent / sandblasted)
- Coloured or decorative interlayers
- Anti-reflective glass
- Strengthening interlayers and laminated build-ups
- Electrochromic glass
- Curved glazing (where required)