Architectural glass has become an increasingly popular feature of the home. From frameless glass balustrades to architectural glazing, the possibilities are endless. But not all glass is made equal. Architectural glass must strike the balance between design and durability. At Glass by Design, we take this seriously, sourcing from only the best suppliers and matching this with quality fixtures, design, and installation. Learn how glass is made step by step and discover how we select and install our glass solutions.

How Glass is Made, Step-by-Step

• Materials: Glass is made from raw materials like silica sand, soda ash, and limestone.
• Melting: The raw materials are melted in furnaces at temperatures as high as 1500°C to form molten glass.
• Forming: The molten glass can be shaped into flat sheets using:
• Float Glass Process: The molten glass is floated on a pool of molten tin, which gives it a perfectly flat surface.
• Rolling: For textured or patterned glass, the molten glass is passed through rollers.
• Cooling and Annealing: The glass is cooled in a controlled environment to relieve internal stresses and improve its strength.
• Cutting and Sizing: The glass is cut to the required dimensions using precision tools after cooling.
• Quality Control: Throughout the production process, the glass undergoes strict inspections to ensure clarity, dimensional accuracy

Special Glass Treatments

Architectural glass often receives additional treatments for specific applications:

• Tempering: The glass is rapidly heated and cooled to increase its strength and safety.
• Laminating: Layers of glass are bonded with a plastic interlayer, improving safety and sound insulation.
• Coating: Various coatings, such as thermal or solar reflective coatings, can be added to improve energy efficiency and durability.

Glass by Design’s Process

Glass by Design offers a tailored approach for each project by:

• Consultation: Working closely with clients to understand the design requirements.
• Custom Design: Creating bespoke solutions for specific architectural needs.
• Advanced Technology: Using state-of-the-art equipment for precision cutting, edging, and treatments.
• Quality Assurance: Implementing rigorous checks throughout the process.

How We Choose Our Glass

The architectural requirements of each project, such as aesthetic goals, structural integrity, and safety regulations, influence our choice of glass. Here are the key criteria Glass by Design uses when selecting glass for our projects:

1. Type of Glass:

• Low-Iron Glass: Chosen for its clarity and reduced greenish tint, especially for applications like frameless balustrades, glass floors, or staircases where aesthetics are paramount.
• Toughened (Tempered) Glass: This type of glass is used for safety in areas prone to impact, such as doors, balustrades, and staircases. It is up to five times stronger than regular glass.
• Patterned and Textured Glass: Used in cases where privacy or a specific aesthetic is desired. Textured glass adds visual interest while allowing natural light to pass through.

2. Special Treatments:

• Anti-Slip Coating: For glass floors or staircases, where safety is a concern, Glass by Design often chooses glass with digital patterns to provide a textured surface without compromising transparency.

3. Structural Requirements:

• The project’s load-bearing requirements determine glass thickness and strength. The glass must meet specific building codes and safety regulations for structural applications like glass floors, staircases, or facades.
• We also use laminated structural interlayers, which provide additional strength and prevent the glass from collapsing under stress.
• The glass is double or triple-laminated for both glass floors and stairs using either 10, 12, 15, or 19 mm low-iron toughened glass.

4. Consultation and Customisation:

• Each project begins with a detailed consultation with our clients to understand the vision and functional needs of the space.
• The choice of glass is often influenced by architectural trends, client preferences for specific finishes or effects (e.g., frosted, patterned, or tinted glass), and building codes related to safety and performance.
• Our expert designers create customisable glass installations from high-quality glass with the best fixtures and design practices.

Our Quality Glass Suppliers

Glass by Design partners with several hardware and glass suppliers due to the high quality of their glass production. These include:

• Vetro Raccordi: A specialist in frameless glass fittings, providing hardware that ensures secure installation of frameless glass panels.
• Glass Vice: A New Zealand-based supplier that designs and manufactures balustrade and pool fence hardware products.
• Opus Hardware: Provides practical and reliable glass hardware solutions, including fittings for frameless glass shower enclosures and fences.
• Dormakaba: A global leader in security and access solutions, providing innovative hardware for glass installations.
  HenryGlass: Known for its “Made in Italy” craftsmanship.

Create your Glass Installation with Glass by Design

Glass by Design meticulously selects and sources glass for its projects, ensuring that it meets the highest performance, safety, and sustainability standards. By partnering with trusted local and international suppliers, Glass by Design can offer custom solutions that meet the specific needs of each project, from transparent structural glass floors to custom facades.

Step-by-step, from design to installation, you can be sure that your glass project is as durable as it is stylish. Contact us today for a free measure and quote.