Frameless glass canopies create a modern addition to the external face of buildings. Utilising glass in building design, especially glass canopies, adds a contemporary twist to the facade while enhancing the surrounding architectural design.
They can be used for a variety of external additions including balconies and to create a contemporary front porch. Glass canopies can also be designed to offer a shelter over seating areas next to buildings, such as a bench placed against the external face of the building.
The minimalistic design of the structural glass canopy creates an elegant design, its invisibility allows for the surrounding building aesthetic to make a statement. For an incredibly clear design, Two Point Seven Facades Ltd recommend using low iron glass which removes the green tinge often seen in standard float glass to ensure a beautifully clear finish.
Structural glass canopies can be created by extending glass from an existing glass roof, glass link, glass box extension or as a new structural glass element cantilevered to the brickwork, façade or structure of the building.
Glass Canopies create a contemporary finish to properties while providing a beautifully designed shelter that is practical but doesn’t block out daylight or obstruct the surrounding architecture. These structural glass canopies can be used for shelter in various locations around buildings including;
The addition of a structural glass canopy can both enhance the architectural design of the property and create a unique design feature itself.
There are several glass options that can be used for a glass canopy such as sand blasted glass and decorative interlayers.
Sand-blasted glass is great to add privacy for overlooked entrances as the sand-blasted glass allows light to flow through but not vision.
Similarly, a decorative interlayer can provide a small amount of privacy, however, you will still be able to see through the glass to a certain extent and light can still shine through.
It is possible to use frameless glass for glass canopies as the glass can be toughened to a suitable strength for structural overhead glazing.
For a beautifully clear design that accentuates the minimalistic appearance of the glass canopy, glass beams can be used to support the canopy structure to provide a completely frameless and translucent design.
Many building are being renovated with the installation of a glass box extension or a glass link between buildings.
Glass Canopies can be added to these designs to extend the glass out into the outdoor living spaces. It is often possible for the structural roof supports of the new glazing to be extended out along with the structural glass used for the roof to create a Glass Canopy.
Frameless Glass Canopies (pdf)
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