Oversized Sliding Sash Window

Large sliding glass doors designed as a contemporary vertical sash window

Specification

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Large Sash Windows

The sliding door system can be designed to create large vertically sliding glass windows. These oversized vertical sash windows are impressive feats of glazing technology, pairing minimalist detailing with smooth action openings.

The large insulated glass units are available at sizes up to 29m2 that slide effortlessly upwards, creating a gravity defying elevation of glass.

The minimally framed opening system functions by connecting the vertically sliding glass units to an integrated and hidden pulley system. Through the engineering of counterweighting the glass panes can slide naturally upwards manually. Even with oversized glass units the system operation can be manual and smooth.

Vertical Sliding Window

With the use of ultra slim frames, these vertically sliding glass walls offer extremely minimal sightlines of only 20mm horizontally. All other surrounding framework is designed to be hidden by the building finishes for a modern yet beautifully simple window design.

These vertical sliding windows offer feelings of traditionalism with the smooth vertical sliding action of the opening. But the slim aluminium framing offers a modern design with sophisticated design and technological precision.

With panel sizes up to 29m2 per sliding pane architects can achieve impress widths of glass openings, allowing the use of minimally framed glazing as moveable glass walls.

As with all solutions from IQ's sliding range, the vertically sliding sash solution offers an architectural resolution that encompasses light and transparency, which is a key element of modern architecture.

Vertical Sash Windows at the Showroom

If you would like to see an oversized vertical sash window in a real-life situation, the newly renovated IQ showroom is now home to an automated vertical sash. 

Reaching a staggering height of 6.5m and a width of 3.4m, this impressive vertical sliding window solution is opened and closed at ease with just the push of a button. The motorised cantilever that is used for the automation moves these oversized glass panes slowly and smoothly with a dead man switch making it extremely easy to control. 

The vertical sash was installed alongside an oversized automated sliding door pane, also reaching 6.5m tall. Both systems were finished with a polyester powder coating in a colour known as Axalta Horizon. 

For more information about the IQ showroom, click here.

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Speak to IQ about Oversized Sash Windows 

If you have any questions about the use of these oversized sash windows, including cost, details and possibilities, contact the team at IQ here.

Our technical team are on hand to answer any questions.

Specification

How does the window work?

Hidden Counterweights

One option for movement is via hidden counterweights. This operation is most common when a two panel system is used.

Counterweights are hidden within the side structure or within the building with a pulley-weight hidden within the head of the sliding glass wall. This option is suitable for both vertically sliding or descending glass walls.

You don’t have to hide the counterweights. These could be exposed on the outside of the building as a design feature if wanted.

Counterweighted Glass

Another option is to counterweight the sliding glass panels against each other. This is used for three panel openings with a fixed middle pane. The top and bottom glass sashes are counterweighted against each other, sliding and sitting over the fixed middle panel when option.

We have this example on show at our showroom in Amersham.

Operation

The majority of installations can be manually operated via an internal pulley system, or  motorised automation for oversized glass.

What is the maximum size?

The maximum size of a vertical sash window installation will depend on the glass weights and thickness as well as the wind load.

Typically, if using the minimal windows profile, the maximum size per sliding sash is 8.5m2 with the 4+ profile allowing sliding panels up to 12m2.

The team at IQ can advise on the maximum recommended size for your application. Get in touch with the team to find out more.

minimal windows lite

minimal windows 'lite' is our most compact vertical sash window yet, offering the same reliability and performance as our larger models, but in a more cost-effective design for smaller sizes. This sash window offers the same slim sightlines but with slightly different glass specifications and maximum sizes to provide a lighter version for smaller openings. 

Max glass thickness - 30.5mm
Max height - 2569mm
Max width - 1644mm
Max sash size - 1.69m2

Other sizes available on request. 

What is the glass specification?

The glass specification of your vertical sash window installation is tailored to suit your project requirements in relation to performance and design.

The maximum glass thickness for the minimal windows profile is 34mm with the 4+ profile allowing glass units up to 56mm deep. Double or triple glazing is used as standard with a low e coating. Additional coatings such as solar control can easily be integrated with more complex glass specifications – such as heated glass or electro chromic glass – assessed on a project-by-project basis.

The team at IQ can advise on the recommended glass specification for your performance targets. Get in touch with the team to find out more.

Further Reading

How to Choose the Right Window

What should you consider when choosing the right window? 

Read more

Oversized Glazing Projects

A selection of our completed projects showcasing the use of oversized glazing. 

Read more

Glazing for Double Height Windows

What options do you have when creating a double height window? 

Read more