Project Portfolio: Frameless Glass Balustrade [Stourbridge]

Project Overview

• Client: KDR Resin Systems

• Location: Stourbridge

• System: System 7 Frameless Side-Mounting Glass Balustrade

• Glass Spec: 17.5mm Toughened and Laminated Safety Glass

• Service: Survey, Design, Supply, and Installation

Precision Glazing for Steel Spine Architecture

While the structural foundation of this staircase consisted of a steel spine and chunky oak treads, the "frameless" aesthetic was achieved through precision side-fixing. This method removes the need for bulky vertical posts, allowing the natural grain of the oak and the sleekness of the steel to remain fully visible.

• Safety Compliance: To meet BS 6180 standards for commercial reception areas, we utilized 17.5mm laminated glass. This ensures that even in the unlikely event of a glass failure, the laminate interlayer maintains the structural integrity of the barrier.

• System 7 Side-Fixing: Our popular System 7 design was chosen for its minimalist footprint. The glass panels are secured via discrete side-fixings that bolt directly into the staircase stringer, maximizing the walkable width of the treads.

• Light and Flow: By eliminating visual obstructions, the frameless design allows light to transfer freely through the reception area, creating an "airy" feel that makes the commercial space appear significantly larger.

• Site Survey Precision: Because frameless glass offers no room for error, our team conducted a comprehensive site survey. Every glass angle was custom-cut to follow the pitch of the spine staircase perfectly.

Technical Expert Insight: Structural Deflection in Frameless Systems

In a frameless glass system, the glass itself acts as the structural member. When fixing to a steel spine staircase, it is critical to calculate the potential "flex" of the steel under footfall. If the steel moves but the glass fixings are too rigid, the glass can be put under immense stress. Our decades of research in Sheffield have led to the development of our System 7 fixings, which utilize specific gasket materials to absorb these micro-movements. This prevents "chatter" or cracking, ensuring a silent, safe, and UKCA-certified installation that will last the lifetime of the building.

Explore More from Dio-Met

View our Complete Range of Glass and Steel Solutions:

• Steel Spine Staircases: Explore our full staircase kits featuring oak, steel, and glass.

• Frameless Balustrades: Discover more side-fixed and channel-set glass designs.

• Wine Cellar Doors: See our world-leading automated glass hatches, shipped fully assembled.

• Walk-on Glass: Bring light into lower levels with our structural glass floor panels.

Contact the Experts

Dio-Met is a family-run business with over 30 years of pedigree in bespoke metalwork and glazing. We manufacture all components in our Sheffield workshop and provide expert installation across the UK.

• Email us: sales@diometonline.co.uk

• Call: 0114 243 9009

• See All Projects: Click here to browse our latest commercial and residential case studies.