Sliding external glass walls using modular glazing
If you admire the sleek glass facades featured in some new build architectural projects, it may interest you to know that a glass wall, or curtain walling as it is also known in the industry, can be a cost-effective option for a home renovation project.
Modular slimline aluminium fixed glass units are now available to form stunning glass walling. This unique modular construction means sliding glass doors and windows can be seamlessly incorporated into the design. It’s an exciting glazing solution if you’re planning a refurbishment extension; curtain walling will bring light into your house and create a real design statement for your renovated home.
As an architectural glazing company, ODC specialise in the design and manufacture of glass structures and walls with dimensions and specifications to suit any property.
The renovation of this 1980s London home required bespoke curtain walling and fixed window sections to bring light into the building.
External glass walling for modern and period homes
Glass walls look stunning in contemporary homes; however, such structures can also create striking architectural contrasts in more traditional homes. Barn conversions will often incorporate glass sections into an entire gable end, and extensions featuring glass walls offer a new, transformative living space for character buildings.
In rural Essex, a large bespoke fixed three pane window, over four metres wide, frames views over rolling farmland.
External glass-to-glass designs
Slim sight lines are possible with aluminium modular glass walling. Capped glazing with a slim 50mm frame profile visible from the outside or capless glazing where the glass gives the impression of being a single sheet are both options for glass walls. And it’s possible to install individual panes up to an extraordinary 5 metres x 5 metres in size to create a curtain wall with real drama.
A popular use of curtain walling is at the back of a house. It’s an ideal glazing solution for terraced homes, opening up the interior to the outside, with views and light throughout the year.
This Victorian house had a shout-out in the Channel 4 series, ‘Extraordinary Extensions‘, and it’s a favourite project of ours!
Glass wall sections with customised finishes
The size and shape of glass wall sections are completely bespoke to the building, complementing or contrasting with the existing architectural features, with frames in any RAL colour. Glass can be solar-control coated or frosted, depending on requirements and aspect.
This award-winning home has external glass walls on the first and second floors set back behind uprights finished in burnt oak.
Security and openings for glass walling
Curtain walling is excetionally secure, meeting the same British Standards as aluminium doors and windows. An external glass wall can be specified to meet PAS24 security standards , ensuring peace of mind for homeowners.
Designed for an archtect’s own home, this side return extension featuring glass walls, transforms a living space
Glass wall thermal efficiency
Glass curtain walling is very thermally efficient. When building regulations changed, requiring thermal efficiency for commercial glazing to match residential standards, it meant that glass curtain walling became more readily available for residential projects. The result: cost-effective high performance glass wall panels for any home renovation.
An architectural glass design team will take into account factors such as your home’s location, orientation and wind loads. The strength of the glass façade comes from the steel frame depth to which the glass is secured with hidden fixings. Frame depths can vary from 50mm to 250mm.
Located on the beach in East Sussex, this new home maximises the view with full-height sliding doors and fixed glass walling.
How external glass walls are made and installed
The ODC technical department calculates the exact specification for each glass wall installation. They are then custom-made in our Poole factory and transported in sections to be assembled on site. Our careful, experienced installation teams are all trained in efficient, accurate assembly, coordinating with your contractor to ensure a smooth process.
Find out more about ODC modular glass extension design for extensions and garden rooms featuring fixed panels, glass roofs and sliding or bifold door systems
For guidance on curtain wall glazing design for your project, please give us a call. We’re happy to help.
