How does structural glass seamlessly connect with brick or stone walls? 

What is Structural glass? 

When glass is used as a load-bearing component in building construction, it is referred to as structural glass. It involves utilising glass panels or other structurally sound components to support and stabilize the entire building system. Structural glass, as opposed to conventional non-load-bearing glass, such as windows or walls, is made to support weight and transfer loads. 

• Glass curtain walls or facades: To provide both structural support and aesthetic appeal, structural glass elements are frequently integrated into glass curtain walls or facades.  
• Transparent or translucent glass can be used as flooring or stair treads in interior or exterior applications. Glass floors and steps. 
• Glass is utilised to make transparent walkways, canopies, and bridges, allowing for unhindered view while maintaining structural integrity.  
• As a roofing material, glass is widely used to provide natural light into a place. Strong design and engineering are needed for structural glass roofs and skylights in order to withstand the loads put on them by wind, snow, and other natural variables. 

Common Methods used to connect glass and brick/stone. 

To establish a secure and long-lasting connection when connecting structural glass to brick or stone, numerous factors should be taken into account. Depending on the design requirements and the materials' ability to support their weight, a specific approach will be employed. Here are a few typical methods: 

• Point-supported glazing: With this technique, metal brackets or discrete fittings are used to secure the glass panels to the supporting structure. Typically, stainless steel or another corrosion-resistant material is used to make the fittings. Using specialised anchor bolts or through-bolts, they are fastened to the nearby brick or stone. With point-supported glazing, a simple, clear appearance is possible. 
• Channel glazing: In this method, metal channels that are fastened to the brick or stone hold the glass panels in place. The channels serve as a frame around the glass's edges and are fastened to the building in the proper places. While allowing for wider glass spans and considerable movement, channel glazing offers a stable connection. 
• Structural silicone glazing: In this technique, the glass is bonded to the brick or stone directly using a structural silicone glue. For applications involving structural glazing, the adhesive must be carefully created and tested. Strong and adaptable bonds are created that can withstand thermal expansion and contraction. However, to guarantee a trustworthy connection, suitable surface preparation and application methods are essential. 

How does the connection become seamless? 

A common worry for home owners and architects is ensuring that every visible fitting, hinge, screw or join is hidden to the best of their ability. Connecting structural glass to brick or stone has been developed overtime and now has a very simple solution to hiding the fittings.

The number one choice for architects is to use brick slips. Brick slips are fake bricks made from a material such as plastic, metal or even sometimes brick. Brick slips will slide over any fixing if enough room is provided. Another solution is building a brick wall after the glazing is installed. This is a more expensive process but will allow for the builders to assess the glazing and conjure the best possible way to build a wall to conceal the fixings.  

A great example of this is Princelet Street. This project has a large structural glass fixing which was hidden with a fake brick wall after installation. The outcome of this project (seen below) has given the property owners the desired glazing to brick effect.  

Another example of the glazing to brick effect can be seen at Little Marlow. This home has a large kitchen and living area extension that features our bespoke slim sliding doors. The frames of the glazing are slightly recessed into the brick work of the extension. This creates the effect of the glazing being framed directly ino the brick structure.  

A final example would be Cranbourne Road. Cranbourne has the same design choice as Little Marlow, however the configuration of the extension is more unique. The hidden frame gives the illusion that from the interior of the property the glazing is fully fixed into the house structure which was desired by the clients.  

If you have any questions about bespoke glazing finishes and effects, please contact the team today.