Structural Glass Products

Structural Glazing

Architect-specified structural glass solutions for landmark residential and commercial projects across Surrey, London and the South East. From frameless glass extensions to walk-on rooflights, every element is engineered to your exact specification.

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Bespoke Structural Glazing, Engineered Without Compromise

Structural glazing transforms architecture. It eliminates the boundary between interior and exterior, replacing conventional walls with engineered glass assemblies that bear loads, resist weather and deliver thermal performance that meets or exceeds current Building Regulations. At Direct Trade Windows, we design, specify and install structural glass solutions for architects, specifiers and discerning homeowners who demand precision engineering and flawless execution.

Every structural glazing project begins with a detailed consultation. We assess your site, review your architect's drawings and produce AutoCAD detailed drawings that define every glass panel dimension, fixing detail and structural connection. Because structural glazing is a bespoke, architect-specified investment, we provide initial consultations to establish accurate costings before any commitment — ensuring your project is engineered to budget as well as to specification.

We work with the UK's leading glass processing partners and hardware manufacturers including Q-Railing to deliver frameless balustrades, bonded glass corners, walk-on floor panels and full structural glass envelopes. Our manufacturer-agnostic approach means we select the optimal system for every application — whether that requires structural silicone bonding, channel-fixed balustrades or thermally broken framing systems.

  • Full AutoCAD detailed drawings for every project
  • Structural silicone bonding for frameless glass-to-glass joints
  • Laminated safety glass assemblies from 12mm to 31.5mm+
  • Compliant with BS 6180:2011 barrier loading requirements
  • Thermally broken aluminium framing where required
  • Bespoke sizing — no standard panel limitations
  • Initial consultation and site survey included in every quotation

Our structural glazing projects span the full spectrum of architectural glass — from minimalist glass link corridors connecting heritage buildings to full-height frameless glass extensions that dissolve the boundary between garden and living space. Serving architects and homeowners across Surrey, West London, Richmond, Kingston, Guildford and throughout the South East, we bring structural glass expertise to projects ranging from single Juliet balconies to complete glazed envelopes.

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Five Specialist Categories, One Expert Team

Our structural glazing portfolio is organised into five specialist categories, each with dedicated technical expertise and a proven track record of successful installations across Surrey and London. Whether your project calls for a single glass balustrade or a complete frameless glass extension, our team provides the same meticulous attention to engineering detail and installation quality.

Glass Balustrades — Frameless and semi-frameless balustrade systems using Q-Railing channel, post and clamp fixings. From terrace balustrades to Juliet balconies, all tested to BS 6180:2011.

Oriel Bay Windows — Structural glass oriel and bay windows with bonded glass corners and minimal aluminium framing. Heritage and contemporary applications for properties across Surrey and London.

Wrap Around Glazing — Frameless corner glazing that eliminates the vertical mullion, creating uninterrupted panoramic views. Ideal for contemporary extensions and open-plan living spaces.

Glass Extensions — Full structural glass extensions engineered as bespoke architectural statements. Glass roofs, glass walls and frameless connections designed to your architect's vision.

Glass Linkages — Glazed corridors and link structures connecting existing buildings to new additions. Particularly suited to heritage properties where conservation officers require clear visual separation between old and new.

Walk-on Glass Rooflights — Load-bearing glass floor panels and rooflights designed for foot traffic. Anti-slip finishes, laminated safety glass and full structural calculations to BS EN 1991-1-1.

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Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Glass Types Toughened, laminated, toughened-laminated, heat-soaked
Glass Thickness Range 10mm single to 31.5mm+ laminated assemblies
Structural Bonding Structural silicone (DC 993, Dow Corning or equivalent)
Barrier Loading (BS 6180) 0.36 kN/m (domestic) to 3.0 kN/m (public areas)
Walk-on UDL (Domestic) Minimum 1.5 kN/m² per BS EN 1991-1-1
Thermal Performance Double-glazed units from 1.0 W/m²K with argon fill
Max Panel Dimensions Project-specific — determined by structural calculations
Anti-Slip Rating Sandblasted or ceramic frit finish to BS 7976-2
Framing Systems Q-Railing balustrades, thermally broken aluminium, frameless bonded
Design Service Full AutoCAD drawings, structural calculations, site survey

Glass Specification

All structural glass systems are supplied with high-performance double-glazed or laminated sealed units as standard. Upgrade options include:

  • Thermal performance — Warm-edge spacer bars, argon or krypton gas fill, triple glazing available
  • Solar control — Low solar-gain coatings for south-facing applications
  • Security — Laminated inner panes, PAS 24 tested units available
  • Acoustic — Acoustic laminated glass for road-facing or party-wall applications
  • Self-cleaning — Photocatalytic coating for hard-to-reach overhead glazing

Glass Options

All our structural glass systems are available with a choice of high-performance glazing to suit your project requirements:

  • Double-glazed sealed units — standard specification for thermal efficiency
  • Triple-glazed units — enhanced thermal and acoustic performance
  • Acoustic laminated glass — for noise reduction in urban and roadside locations
  • Solar control glass — reduces heat gain and glare while maintaining natural light

We specify the optimal glass configuration for each project based on thermal performance, acoustic requirements and Building Regulations compliance.

Colours & Finishes

Colours & Finishes

Powder Coat Colours

All aluminium frame and fixing components are powder coated to order. Standard colours available from stock:

  • Anthracite Grey — RAL 7016 (most popular for contemporary projects)
  • Jet Black — RAL 9005
  • Pure White — RAL 9010
  • Traffic White — RAL 9016

Any RAL colour is available to special order, typically adding 2–3 weeks to lead time. For heritage projects, BS 4800 and NCS colours can also be matched.

Anodised Finishes

  • Silver Anodised — Natural aluminium appearance with enhanced corrosion resistance
  • Black Anodised — Deep, consistent black finish with a harder surface than powder coat
  • Bronze Anodised — Warm tone suited to traditional and heritage contexts

Structural glass framing is typically specified in minimal finishes — mill-finish anodised, satin black or anthracite grey — to keep the focus on the glass itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much does structural glazing cost?

Structural glazing is a bespoke, architect-specified investment, and costs vary significantly depending on the complexity of the design, glass specification, access requirements and structural support needed. We provide an initial consultation to establish accurate costings for your specific project. Contact us with your architect's drawings or brief for a detailed quotation.

Do you provide structural calculations and AutoCAD drawings?

Yes. Every structural glazing project includes full AutoCAD detailed drawings showing all glass panels, fixing details and structural connections. Where required, we also commission independent structural engineering calculations to verify glass sizes, fixing loads and support steelwork.

What areas do you cover for structural glass installations?

We serve architects, specifiers and homeowners across Surrey, London and the South East, including Richmond, Kingston, Guildford, Weybridge, Esher, Cobham and throughout West London. We also undertake projects further afield for the right specification.

Is structural glazing suitable for listed buildings and conservation areas?

Structural glazing is often the preferred approach for heritage properties. Conservation officers generally favour contemporary glass additions that provide clear visual separation between historic fabric and new construction. We have experience working within conservation area requirements and can advise on appropriate designs during your initial consultation.

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