A frameless glass balustrade can give spectators an unobstructed view across an arena while also creating a clear boundary at the stands and at changes in level. For Arena Åstorp we supplied a comprehensive balustrade solution with Vista, our frameless glass balustrade, complemented by stainless steel handrails, top rails and specially adapted glass panels. The project combines transparent glass surfaces with different fixing solutions to meet the arena’s architectural and technical conditions.
How do you create an unobstructed view and clear boundaries in an arena?
In an arena, the audience’s experience is closely linked to the design of the stands, walkways, and balustrades. Visitors need to be able to follow the action on the playing surface while ensuring that differences in elevation and other parts of the facility are appropriately separated.
A balustrade with dense panels or many vertical posts can obstruct the view, especially from seated areas. By using transparent glass without traditional balustrade posts, it is possible to create a more open feel while maintaining the connection between the audience and the arena.
For Arena Åstorp, a solution with a frameless glass balustrade as the main component was therefore chosen. The balustrade was complemented with custom glass panels and stainless steel details to work with the facility’s different levels, staircases and spectator areas.
Which glass balustrades and handrails were supplied to Arena Åstorp?
The project included several types of balustrades and installation solutions. The majority consisted of Vista, our frameless glass balustrade, which was complemented by balustrades with bevelled glass and continuous handrails made of stainless steel.
By combining different designs, the balustrades could be adapted to the site’s conditions, while glass and stainless details created a cohesive look.
- Frameless glass balustrade
- A total of 136 metres of Vista with top mounting, where the glass is anchored along the top of the supporting structure.
- Side-mounted glass balustrade
- An additional 3 metres of Vista was mounted on the outside of the structure to adapt the balustrade solution to the layout of the site.
- Custom balustrade sections
- The project also included 32 metres of balustrade with bevelled glass and stainless top rail, customised for parts of the facility with different geometric specifications.
- Stainless handrails
- A total of 46 metres of continuous handrails made of stainless steel was delivered as part of the comprehensive solution.
- Additional handrail
- An additional handrail was included to give extra grip and a more usable design for the facility’s walkways and stairs.
Why was the Vista frameless glass balustrade chosen for the arena?
Vista is a frameless glass balustrade in which the glass panels are anchored without traditional vertical posts. This creates a minimalist look with large, transparent glass surfaces and fewer details that obstruct the view.
At Arena Åstorp, the open design was a key part of the project. When balustrades are placed along stands and other raised areas, a frameless system can help give spectators better contact with the playing area and the surroundings.
The continuous glass line also creates a modern look that complements the arena’s other architectural elements. The balustrade becomes a distinct part of the structure without the vertical fixings dominating the overall impression.
You can read more about the product's design, installation options, and current technical specifications on the product page for Vista frameless glass balustrade.
How is a frameless glass balustrade fixed at stands and changes in level?
The installation method must be adapted to the supporting structure and the intended use of the surface. For frameless glass balustrades, various mounting solutions may be appropriate depending on the substrate, the balustrade’s location, and the project’s technical requirements.
At Arena Åstorp both top fixing and side fixing were used. Most of the Vista balustrades were anchored with a continuous aluminium channel on top of the substrate, while a shorter run was fixed along the outside of the structure.
An aluminium base channel forms a continuous fixing along the bottom edge of the glass and gives the balustrade a uniform visual base. Side fixing can be an alternative where the design of the structure makes it more suitable to place the fixing on the outside.
Other frameless solutions may use separate floor fixings or point fixings. Which method is suitable must always be assessed on the basis of the balustrade system in question, the load-bearing capacity of the substrate and the loads the structure is to handle.
What do you need to consider regarding safety glass and crowd pressure in arenas?
Glass balustrades in arenas and other public spaces must be designed based on how the spaces are used and the loads that may be encountered. In grandstands and areas where large numbers of people gather, it is particularly important that the glass, fixings, and the supporting structure work together effectively.
Toughened and laminated safety glass was selected for the frameless balustrade at Arena Åstorp, with a build-up adapted to the technical conditions of the project. Lamination means that an interlayer helps hold the pieces of glass together should the glass break.
The properties of the glass must always be evaluated as part of the overall balustrade structure. The design of the fixings, the load-bearing capacity of the substrate, and the ability to withstand the relevant loads are also critical factors in selecting a solution.
Why were glass balustrades combined with stainless steel handrails?
In larger facilities, the balustrade solution often needs to cover more than just the boundary at raised areas. Handrails and grab rails can be important parts of staircases, walkways and other places where visitors need support when they move around.
Arena Åstorp was supplied with 46 metres of continuous stainless steel handrails and an additional handrail. These parts were included in the overall design to create a cohesive system of balustrades and grip points.
The project also included 32 metres of balustrade with bevelled glass and stainless top rail. The custom glass shapes made it possible to follow parts of the facility’s geometry, while the stainless details created a visual connection to handrails.
A top rail can give the glass balustrade a clear finish and contribute to a unified look. If the top rail is also to have a structural function, this needs to be part of the design and technical assessment of the balustrade.
How do aluminium and stainless steel perform in a stadium setting?
Aluminium and stainless steel are often used in balustrades and handrails because these materials can be combined with glass and offer good corrosion resistance. They also make it possible to create a cohesive look with clean lines and relatively understated details.
At Arena Åstorp, aluminium was used for parts of the glass balustrade’s fixing and stainless steel for handrails and top rails. The combination creates a unified material feel while the different components fulfil their respective functions.
In environments where many people gather, glass, handrails, and other surfaces may be exposed to fingerprints, dirt, and repeated contact. Therefore, these materials must be cleaned and inspected in accordance with the product instructions and the facility’s care and maintenance procedures.
What does the project show about glass balustrades and handrails in larger arenas?
The project at Arena Åstorp shows how different balustrade solutions can be combined to create a cohesive design in a larger public setting. With the frameless glass balustrade Vista, custom glass panels and stainless steel handrails, the facility has a solution in which transparency and choice of materials work with the building’s architecture.
By combining different mounting methods and complementary balustrade components, the solution could be adapted to the arena’s varying conditions. The project demonstrates the importance of planning sightlines, usage, and technical functionality as parts of a single, integrated whole.
