STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

opportunities for exploring faceting and other articulations of the façade surface with this
technology, but most applications are vertical walls either straight or curved in plan. apple
cube
Design issues: Whatever type of glass-fixing system is used, building and façade
movements must be accounted for. Glass panels can be suspended from above like links of
a chain, with the attachment to the fin allowed to slip vertically, but restrained against out-ofplane
movement. Spans over approximately 15 to 17 ft (4.6 to 5.2m) will require spliced fins
of more complex design, fabrication and installation.
Form-finding; not required.
Glass system interface: The glass module is typically oriented vertically to maximize the
number of fins supports. Glass cladding connections to the fin occur at the intersections of
the glass grid where various types of point-fixing options are available.
Resources and Technology
Maturity: This is the oldest of the structural glass façade structure types categorized herein.
Even so, application is everything, and long-span glass fin facades approaching 100 ft (30m)
remain cutting-edge.
Materials and Processes: Glass fins are tempered and/or laminated. Splice plates are
stainless steel with neoprene washers sandwiched between plate and glass to protect the
glass surface. In very long spans, multi-ply laminated fins are sometimes used. All hardware
and components are typically stainless steel.
Material suppliers and subcontractors: Several glass manufacturers including Pilkington and
Eckelt provide complete systems including design support and all materials and hardware.
Less costly solutions are possible with the façade designer detailing the system and a local
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