Oriel Windows

Contemporary Box Windows can be constructed by IQ Glass using high specification structural glass for a frameless Oriel Window design. Perfect to create large glazed window seats.

Frameless Box Windows

Windows boxes have long been used in residential architecture to provide bright, light filled places for occupants to sit and relax.

IQ Glass is an expert in creating these modern structural glass bay windows, known as Oriel Windows, achieving a frameless pop out glass box. These protruding windows can be used as either a large and multi-dimensional surface for light ingress, or as a bright and comfortable place to sit.

By using our expertise in frameless structural glazing, and our knowledge of high specification structural glass design, IQ can design glass bay window seats to be frameless at large sizes. Where the panels of glass meet on a corner, no framings are needed.  Instead, the structural glass units can be connected together using structural silicone creating a slim weather proof seal with a neat internal and external appearance.

Using our thermally broken structural glazing system - Invisio - you can be sure of high levels of insulation.

Modern Window Seats

With the use of strengthening interlayers within the vertical glass components, no supporting steel work is required within the window boxes; instead the vertical and horizontal glass panels can be sealed together with structural silicone with the roof load being taken by the glass itself.

Solid structural elements, such as a solid base or side, can be introduced into the window box design to suit each individual installation and use. Opening elements can be integrated into the structural glass box for ventilation purposes, however this will require additional framing and perhaps steel supports.

Using black painted glass spandrel panels, we design the glass to step over any external solid structure for a sleek, fully glazed external design to the Oriel Windows.

We can also design these frameless 3D windows at various angles and sizes to create a modern version of bay window. These frameless bay windows are used on modern design projects where the bay window shape is required.

At the Showroom

We have a large structural glass Oriel Window on show at the IQ showroom in Amersham.

The large glass window seat is constructed on a cantilevered steel base. The external glass panes of the Oriel Window are stepped over this base structure for a sleek, all glass design.

Internally the ‘seat’ structure is also finished in back painted glass.

The vertical panes of glass include strengthening interlayers which allow then to support the roof unit of glass with no integrated steels required. The end result is extremely minimal with only glass to glass connections at each corner.

Contact us to arrange your visit to the IQ Glass showroom in Amersham to see this impressive structural glass window for yourself.

Size and Glass Specification

The glass specification for each Frameless Box Window will be designed and calculated by IQ Glass in accordance with the performance requirements of the project and the size of the architectural glass installation.

In most cases toughened laminated glass will be specified for the vertical elements of glazing to create a stronger surrounding glass structure that required no integral steel supporting goal post structure.

As an Oriel Window is a structural glass construction and there are no framing elements various laminates and glass interlayers can be used within the construction easily.

Specification

Oriel Window Fixing Details

Each Oriel Window is a complex structure made from frameless structural glass panels. We use our exclusive Invisio structural glass fixing system to connect this glass structre to the building. These fixing details can be completly hidden by your building finishes.  

IQ Glass will design each Frameless Box Window to suit each project in accordance with the desired appearance, size and building structure. All Oriel Windows will be designed to be frameless, without an steel supporting structural framing, wherever possible.

The fixing details between the frameless box window and the building structure will also be designed to suit the project specific requirements. These fixing elements can be hidden on most projects beneath the building finishes, both inside and outside.

You can download our typical CAD details of the Invisio system here. But the IQ design team will detail your project for you once we are appointed to the project.

Window Base Design

The base of an Oriel Window does not have to be solid. An all glass 'pop out' window design is very possible with the correct design and specification of glazing. 

If a solid base to the window is required, then this structure is built by others. The glass elements of the Oriel Window will be designed and detailed by the team at IQ. We can advise on the requirements of the structure, the weight of the glass that will be installed and can work with the project team to devise the best fixing details for the project. 

For an all glass window design, back painted glass can be clad over the solid window base. This can be designed and provided by the team at IQ to ensure that the appearance of glass sails over the structure, creating a sheer glass elevation. 

Performance

As these frameless windows are created using structural glass, the performance of the Oriel Window can be designed in line with the requirements of the project. 

Thermal performance, acoustic performance, wind load requirements, security and more can all be considered within the glass specification.