A glass balustrade on a jetty can create a clear boundary without blocking the view of the water. In this customer project, Forma – our glass balustrade with aluminium posts and clear laminated safety glass – has been fitted along a jetty by a cove. The balustrade’s straight lines and transparent glass panels give the jetty a discreet frame, while the water’s surface and the surrounding landscape remain the focal point.
Why choose a glass balustrade for a jetty with a view?
On a jetty, being close to the water is often an important part of the experience. A solid balustrade can create a clear boundary, but at the same time obstruct the view of the lake or bay. With a glass balustrade, the edge of the jetty can be marked without losing the connection to the surroundings.
In this project, clear glass was chosen to preserve the view of the water. The transparent glass panels allow the eye to pass through the balustrade, while the aluminium posts create a recurring pattern along the edge of the timber deck.
The combination of glass and aluminium gives the jetty a modern, pared-back look. The balustrade becomes part of the design of the site without dominating the natural surroundings.
Which glass balustrade was used on the jetty?
The choice was the Forma aluminium glass balustrade, a model in which aluminium posts are combined with glass panels to create an open boundary.
In this customer project, clear laminated safety glass and a top-mounted solution on the jetty’s timber decking were used. The discreet fixing details and straight lines let the glass take a prominent role without the structure feeling heavy.
- Balustrade model
- Forma, a glass balustrade with aluminium posts and transparent glass panels that create an open frame.
- Aluminium posts
- Aluminium posts form the structure of the balustrade and give a pared-back look that works with timber and waterside settings.
- Laminated safety glass
- Clear glass panels that preserve the view of the bay and allow daylight to pass through the balustrade.
- Top mounting
- The balustrade is mounted on top of the jetty's timber decking using discreet fixings. The anchoring must be adapted to the load-bearing structure.
- Location
- A jetty right on the water, where glass balustrade frames part of the swimming area without blocking the view of the bay.
What do you need to keep in mind when installing glass balustrade on a jetty?
A jetty may have different structural requirements than a standard deck. The foundation may be affected by moisture, water levels, waves, and movement, all of which must be taken into account when installing a balustrade.
In this project, Forma has been mounted on top of timber decking. With this type of installation, posts must be anchored to a suitable load-bearing structure. The deck boards alone cannot be expected to withstand the loads to which the balustrade may be subjected.
It is also important to check whether the jetty is firmly anchored or can move relative to the water. Fixing, the placement of the posts and the dimensions of the balustrade must be adapted to the actual design and the loads that may occur.
How does laminated safety glass work in a jetty balustrade?
Laminated safety glass consists of glass panels that are bonded together with an interlayer. If the glass breaks, the interlayer helps hold the glass pieces together. This is an important feature in many balustrade designs, but the glass’s construction must always be adapted to the specific application.
Clear glass is used on this jetty to maintain visibility. The transparent sections allow the water's surface and the surroundings to remain visible, while the balustrade marks the edge of the jetty.
The appropriate glass thickness and construction depend, among other things, on the balustrade’s dimensions, fixings, wind conditions, and how the jetty is used. Glass and aluminium posts must therefore be evaluated as part of the same balustrade system.
What safety considerations should you keep in mind regarding a balustrade near water?
A balustrade on a jetty must be designed with both elevation differences and the way the area is used in mind. At a swimming area, it is also important to plan how people can safely get in and out of the water.
The placement of the balustrade must not obstruct necessary passageways or access to, for example, swim ladders and any rescue equipment. If the balustrade is also intended to serve as a fall protection, the glass, posts, and fixings must be dimensioned for that function.
How do you maintain an aluminium glass balustrade near water?
Aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion and is a common material in outdoor structures. However, this does not mean that every aluminium balustrade is suitable for all environments near water or that it is completely maintenance-free.
On a jetty, the balustrade may be exposed to moisture, water splashes, and dirt. If the location is near saltwater, salt deposits may also increase the need for cleaning. Aluminium profiles, glass, and fixings must therefore be maintained in accordance with the product instructions and the conditions at the site.
Also check the post fixings and the jetty’s load-bearing timber structure regularly. It is especially important to look out for damage, movement or changes in the substrate that could affect the stability of the balustrade.
How does Forma enhance the experience of a waterside jetty?
This customer project demonstrates how a glass balustrade can become part of a waterside setting without obstructing the view that makes the location special. With Forma, aluminium posts, and clear laminated safety glass, the jetty has been given a subtle frame that allows the cove and the landscape to remain the focal point.
The combination of timber, glass, and aluminium creates a modern yet natural look. When the balustrade’s design is tailored to the jetty’s construction and intended use, it can contribute to a well-thought-out overall design that accommodates both views and functionality.
