The design options for internal glazing

The design options available for internal glazing are as wide as the design options available on the external face of a building, but there are two clear trends emerging at the moment and they sit at opposite ends of the design spectrum. IQ Glass explores these trends

Frameless internal glazing has long been used to create minimal, glass partitions and doors separating different areas of a space but in the last year a trend towards modern art-deco designs has seen steel framed systems emerging for use as internal screens and partitions, creating a more industrial, loft style glazing design.

These slim frames are generally made of steel, which helps create a more rugged industrial design. Horizontal and vertical transoms can be integrated into the opening door or partition glass facades to create any number of designs as required. The steel frames can be powder coated any RAL colour but darker colours suit this design better.

Opening doors can be integrated within these steel framed internal partitions with minimal thickening of framing surrounding the door. Door openings are commonly hinged or pivoted rather than sliding to keep all the framing inline and locks can generally be integrated into the internal door frame if needed with simple metal lever/lever handle.

When it comes to traditional frameless internal glazing the design options available are nearly endless.

As there is normally no weather performance requirement for internal glazing and no weather sealing or water tightness required, the opening doors within a frameless internal glass screen can also be completely frameless offering a clear, minimal internal screen design.

Internal glazing can use a toughened laminated glass construction and utilise many aspects of decorative glass to create interesting glass partitions and doors. These decorative

glass techniques can include coloured or printed interlayers as the laminate within the toughened laminated glass that can be printed with logos, patterns or photo reproductions. You can also laminate materials within a glass unit such as papers, wood, materials, to create a more tactile glass surface.

For a more simple design on the glass graduated or patterned sandblasted effects can be used and will then act as a suitable manifestation if one is required. A full sandblasted pattern or a translucent interlayer can be integrated within the glass if privacy is required through the glass.

As there are no framings involved in frameless internal glazing the maximum and minimum sizes available are as broad as the limitations of the glass itself which is 6m x 3m in a fixed pane. Where the panels meet clear silicone can be used, with hidden fixings at the head and the base holding the internal glass in place for a fully frameless appearance.

Frameless internal doors can be hinged, pivoted or sliding depending on the opening requirements. Handles will depend on the type of opening that is required but the designs available are extremely flexible. You can even use a glass handle if you want!

Locking can be slightly more complicated than in a framed system as there is usually no frame in which to integrate a lock but in smaller opening doors a head and base latch lock can be used.

The design options available for internal glass partitions and doors greatly reduce when an additional performance requirement is needed.

Internal fire rated screens and doors will require specialised fire rated framing and design options are limited. Where an internal partition is separating two different climates it may be recommended to use insulated glass, such as a double glazed system, in order to help with climate maintenance.

If the glazing requires a fire rating, acoustic performance or the glass is separating two different climates please consult your glazing company for design advice.