Replacing timber infill with glass can give existing balustrades a more modern look and create a more open feel on the patio. In a housing project for C4 Hus in Kristianstad, we supplied glass solutions for 24 terraced houses, with a total of 342 metres of balustrade and 144 glass panels. By combining Core glass and clamp fixings with the Forma glass balustrade, a cohesive design was created in which both existing structures and new balustrade solutions could be used.
How can glass balustrades transform an entire neighbourhood?
When several terraced houses have similar patios, the design of the balustrades becomes an important part of the area’s shared architecture. Materials and details that recur from house to house affect how the façades are perceived, while each patio also needs to work for the residents.
In the C4 Hus project, the goal was to give the outdoor spaces a more open and contemporary look. By replacing traditional timber elements with glass panels, the view was better preserved and more daylight could pass through the balustrades.
The project included both upgrading existing balustrade structures and new glass balustrades. To create a cohesive whole, solutions were chosen that combine glass with aluminium details and can be adapted to different fixing conditions.
Which glass balustrades were used in the project?
The project combined two different balustrade solutions: Core for installing glass on existing structures and Forma for sections where a complete glass balustrade with aluminium posts was needed.
By selecting solutions based on the specific conditions of each structure, the project was able to achieve a cohesive visual style without having to design all the outdoor spaces in exactly the same way.
- Scope of the project
- Glass balustrade solutions were supplied to a total of 24 terraced houses in a cohesive residential community.
- Quantity and material
- The project included a total of 342 metres of balustrade and 144 glass panels, along with the associated glass clamps and top rail.
- Core glass and glass clamps
- Glass panels were mounted using aluminium clamps on the exterior of existing structures, which made it possible to update the appearance of the balustrades by replacing the timber infill with glass.
- Forma glass balustrade
- For areas where a new balustrade design was needed, we used Forma, our glass balustrade with aluminium posts. This helped create a uniform design for the patios and balconies.
How can you update an existing timber balustrade with glass and clamps?
In some cases, an existing timber balustrade can be given a completely new look by replacing the timber infill with glass panels. With glass and glass clamps, the glass can be mounted to a suitable existing frame, which allows parts of the structure to be retained if they are in good condition and meet the requirements for the intended use.
In the C4 Hus project, Core – our solution with glass and clamp fixings – was used to fit glass panels to existing structures. By replacing denser timber elements with transparent glass, a more open look was created without having to replace all the balustrades in full.
Glass clamps are available in various designs that make it possible to adapt the glass’s fixing to the balustrade’s design. The condition, load-bearing capacity, and fixings of the existing frame must always be checked before installing the glass, especially if the balustrade is to serve as a fall protection.
When is a complete glass balustrade with aluminium posts a better choice?
When an existing structure is not suitable for retention, or when a completely new balustrade is to be installed, a complete glass balustrade system may be a better option. In such cases, posts, the glass, and fixings are designed together based on the site’s dimensions and conditions.
Forma, a glass balustrade that combines aluminium posts with glass panels, was used in parts of the housing project. This model makes it possible to create a cohesive design across multiple patios, while allowing the dimensions and installation to be adapted to each specific location.
The combination of Core and Forma demonstrates how different balustrade solutions can work together within the same residential area. The consistent use of glass and aluminium creates a unified design language, even when the structures behind the balustrades differ.
Can a glass balustrade also shelter the patio from the wind?
Glass in a balustrade can help reduce airflow through the balustrade’s infill and create a more sheltered feeling on the patio. Unlike open timber slats or other balustrade infills with gaps, the glass forms a continuous surface that slows the wind where it is installed.
How much wind shelter the balustrade gives depends on the height of the glass, the position of the patio and the wind direction, among other things. Surrounding buildings and openings in the structure also affect the result.
What type of glass is used when upgrading existing balustrades?
The type of glass that is suitable depends on the balustrade’s design, fixing, and how the glass will be used. For the C4 Hus project, laminated safety glass was supplied, consisting of glass panels joined together with an intermediate layer.
If laminated glass breaks, the interlayer helps hold the pieces together. The suitability of the glass as balustrade infill or part of fall protection must still be assessed based on the whole structure, including clamps, posts and substrate.
The appearance of the glass also affects the end result. Clear glass gives an open view, while frosted or tinted glass can be used when you want to influence privacy or create a different visual expression. The available glass options and their technical properties are shown on the relevant product page.
Why is aluminium used in glass balustrades and glass clamps?
Aluminium is a common material for balustrade posts, glass clamps, and top rail because it offers good corrosion resistance and can be finished in various ways. The material is therefore well-suited for many outdoor environments where the balustrade is exposed to the elements and moisture.
In the C4 Hus project, aluminium was used for both the glass clamps and balustrade details. Top rails provided the glass sections with a cohesive finish and contributed to a unified look along the various outdoor spaces.
Both glass and aluminium need to be cleaned as needed to remove dirt and buildup. How often this is necessary depends on the location and the surrounding environment. Always follow the product’s care instructions to preserve the appearance of the materials.
What does the project reveal about combining new and existing balustrades?
The C4 Hus housing project shows how glass can change the appearance of a large number of outdoor areas without every structure having to be solved in the same way. By using Core with clamp fixings where existing frames could be kept, and Forma where new balustrades were needed, a cohesive solution was created for the 24 terraced houses.
With a total of 342 metres of balustrade and 144 glass panels, the result is a cohesive combination of glass and aluminium that gives the outdoor areas a more open and modern look. At the same time, the project highlights the importance of tailoring each solution to the existing structure, intended use, and safety requirements.
For those who want to update an existing balustrade, more information about available models, fixings, and glass options can be found on the product pages for Core glass and glass clamps.
