Curved Glass Balustrade - Glass Balustrade

Curved Glass Balustrades provide a bespoke frameless glass guarding system designed for staircases, landings, balconies, terraces and mezzanines. Each installation is manufactured to suit the specific project geometry, enabling accurate alignment to curved staircases, spiral staircases, curved balconies and flowing floor edges.

Glass panels are individually manufactured to the required radius, shape and height, with curves typically available from approximately 500 mm radius upwards. Each panel is formed to a single consistent radius to ensure visual continuity and structural integrity. Where layouts incorporate varying geometry, the balustrade is divided into coordinated segments to maintain accurate curvature across the full run.

The system is intended for use as frameless glass guarding in both internal and external environments. It is suitable for high-end residential, multi-residential and commercial projects where uninterrupted views, light transmission and minimal visual obstruction are key design requirements.

Glass specification

Panels are manufactured from toughened laminated safety glass in accordance with relevant British Standards. Laminated constructions may incorporate superior interlayers suitable for increased structural performance and post-breakage integrity. Glass thickness is determined by project-specific loading requirements, span, fixing method and building classification.

Edge finishing, polishing and radiused corners are provided as required.

Optional manifestations, colours or specialist interlayers may be incorporated where required for safety, privacy or aesthetic performance.

Structural performance and compliance

Curved Glass Balustrades are designed to meet the guarding and load performance requirements of applicable Building Regulations and relevant standards, including those relating to line load, uniformly distributed load and impact performance for domestic and commercial applications.

Design considerations include:

• • Building use classification and required imposed loads
  • Panel height and unsupported span
  • Fixing centre spacing and structural substrate
  • Tolerance management between glass and structure

Fixing systems

Four principal fixing variants are available, each suited to different structural and architectural conditions:

Double row of standoffs

A twin-line point-fixed system using pairs of 50mm diameter standoffs, providing strong lateral restraint through two vertical fixing lines. Typically specified where finishes are complete and the exposed stainless steel bolts form part of the architectural expression. Suitable for curved stair balustrades and commercial environments requiring robust performance and defined visual rhythm.

Single row of standoffs

A bespoke single-line point-fixed system used where structural depth does not permit a double row arrangement. At 100mm diameter, Individual bolts are generally larger than those used in twin-line systems, but the overall fixing footprint is reduced. Appropriate for curved staircases and mezzanine edges where structural constraints exist but a point-fixed aesthetic is required.

Clamping plate system

A side-mounted plate arrangement securing the curved glass panel along its base edge. Typically used where a visually concealed fixing detail is required and where finishes can subsequently be installed to conceal the plates. Commonly suited to major refurbishment or new build projects where final finishes are not yet complete at the time of installation.

Channel set balustrade

A continuous base channel system retaining the glass along its full length, adapted to follow the required radius. Provides uninterrupted support and a fully frameless appearance with no visible posts or bolts. In curved applications this system is generally limited to larger radii, typically greater than 3 m, and is often the highest-cost solution due to the complexity of forming curved channels.

Design integration

Curved Glass Balustrades are intended to integrate with stair structures, slab edges and supporting steelwork without reliance on vertical posts or intermediate rails. The absence of traditional balustrade framing allows the curved glass itself to define the guarding line and architectural character.

Particular attention should be given to:

• • Structural suitability of supporting substrate
  • Coordination with floor finishes and upstands
  • Drainage and water management for external installations
  • Handrail requirements, if required,  where dictated by regulation or loading class

Where tighter radii are required, point-fixed or clamping systems are typically more appropriate than channel-based systems.

Complies with:

• BS 6180:2011.
• BS EN 12600:2002 (supersedes BS 6206: 1981).
• BS ISO 11485-2:2011 Part 2.
• BS 6399-1:1996.
• BS 6262-4:2018.
• BS EN 12150-1:2015.
• Approved Document K.