Luxury Barn Conversion

Frameless Glass Balustrade

Project

Bespoke frameless glass balustrading in a luxury barn conversion in Somerset

Ion Glass working on behalf of Hopkins Estates

Bespoke frameless glass balustrade consisting of helical glass panels bolt fixed to the individual treads of an elliptical floating staircase; additional frameless bolt fixed glass balustrade to the edge of the first floor landing

Overview

This impressive period barn was converted to provide a luxurious and contemporary home that also meets exacting ecological standards.  At the heart of the property a magnificent floating elliptical staircase built on central tubular steel spine rises up from the ground floor living space to the first floor.

Ion’s brief was to provide curved glass panels that fit flawlessly to each individual steel tread and flow seamlessly up to the first floor where the glass panels continue on either side of the landing creating a spectacular and wholly bespoke glass balustrade to the stairs and landing.   The use of frameless glass balustrading on both sides of the landing construction is in keeping with the light, airy design of the conversion, with an emphasis on ensuring maximum flow of light within the building.

The steel treads of the staircase have been finished in oak.

The combination of glass, metal and wood creates a contemporary edge to the interior, in contrast to many more traditional barn conversions.

Technical Information

The glass panels that form the glass balustrade are manufactured in 21.5mm laminated and toughened safety glass.  Each helical panel is unique, with different dimensions and different radii which poses significant challenges in accurate measurement and also in translating the data into manufacturing drawings to ensure a perfect result. The radius of each panel and the accurate positioning of the bolt holes was critical to the successful installation of the staircase.

The panels are bolt fixed using 80mm diameter satin finished stainless steel through glass point fixings to the edge of each individual tread, with each glass panel spanning three treads.

Ion’s technical experts have developed a system for fixing bolts to curved glass without either damaging the glass or compromising the integrity of the result.  This proved particularly effective in this installation which not only accommodated the variation in radii between each glass panel but also the curve of the steel treads which had some slight variation in manufacture.

Use of 21.5mm safety glass avoided the requirement for a safety handrail.

The straight section of glass balustrade to the landing was channel set in a powder coated base channel:  the colour was commissioned to the clients RAL specification

Comments

Deceptively simple, the use of helical glass panels is exceptionally challenging to measure, draw and manufacture accurately as each glass panel is unique and there is no margin for error or opportunity for substitution.

Ion’s site technicians are familiar with the challenges of installing difficult curved glass and their skills came to the fore when fitting this demanding staircase.

The design and execution of the glass balustrade has created a contemporary result that is both functional and visually striking within this impressive barn conversion.

  • "We are delighted with the glass installation, you and your team have done an excellent job with a tricky installation."

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