Extra focus on glass: Safety, quality & freedom of design

Glass plays a starring role in SPARQ's balustrade systems. It provides transparency, openness and a modern look - exactly what architects, clients and residents are looking for. But behind that seemingly simple material is a world of safety, technology, regulations and choices.
According to Jorrit Spijksma, New Business Developer at SPARQ Balustrades, glass is “much more than a panel in a profile. It is a crucial structural element that you have to handle with precision.”
In this article, you will read how SPARQ selects, applies and optimises glass for every project type - from residential to non-residential and from low-rise to complex high-rise buildings.

Glass to suit any application

SPARQ works exclusively with laminated safety glass. For Dutch applications, toughened laminated glass is almost always used, while in Belgium, untoughened glass with a rigid film is sometimes chosen.

Spijksma explains:

“We range from 6.6 to 15.15 and sometimes 3×10 mm, with the glass thickness depending entirely on the purpose of use. Light residential construction requires thinner glass, public spaces, on the contrary, thicker.”

Glass thickness is determined by:

the function of the space,
the required line or point load,
the height of the building,
wind pressure, especially on the coast or at altitudes,
the standards according to NEN and CE.

For example, residential buildings can often do fine with 6.6 or 8.8, while utilities call for 10.10 and public spaces for 12.12 or 15.15.

Standards and safety as a starting point

Safety always comes first. SPARQ's glass structures comply with Dutch and European directives, including CE certification and the applicable glass construction standards.

“We analyse the loads for each project and then choose the glass, profile and handrail that together deliver the right performance.”

The glass combinations have been tested in combination with SPARQ profiles, providing a substantiated calculation for each project.

How SPARQ deals with fracture and residual strength

Although safety glass is exceptionally strong, breakage due to extreme impact can never be completely ruled out. This is why SPARQ always opts for laminated glass.

“With laminated glass, one panel almost always remains intact. The film holds the parts together and prevents injury.”

In the Netherlands, this is done with toughened glass, while Belgium sometimes opts for untoughened glass with a stiffer film - yielding surprisingly good performance in specific situations.

Glass thicknesses are project-specific - never standard

SPARQ offers maximum flexibility: all glass thicknesses fit all clamp profiles. This allows the optimum combination to be determined for each project.

“We create a package of profile, glass thickness and foil that meets the load for each project.”

Meaning:

freedom for architects,
always a technically sound solution,
optimum balance between cost, safety and aesthetics.
aesthetic choices: from extra-bright to shades and prints

Although the majority of projects are carried out with standard clear glass, SPARQ offers many variations:

extra clear glass (less green edge),
grey or bronze tinted glass,
frosted glass,
printing techniques such as screen printing or full-colour patterning,
colour films for unique shades.
coloured glass ex-factory

“With foils, you can create thousands of shades and effects, from soft milky glass to bold colours.”

Many customers choose transparency anyway, as it creates the openness that glass balustrades are known for.

How to fix glass in the profile

SPARQ uses an in-house developed glass clamp system with plastic blocks that ensure stable confinement. By using variable blocks, various glass thicknesses fit into the same profile.

“Seals are usually solved without sealant. We use sealant only when a detail requires specific waterproofing.”

Choosing a kit-free solution contributes to durability and ease of maintenance.

Stability and performance: always underpinned by testing

The strength of a glass balustrade depends on:

glass thickness,
foil combination,
profile type,
and the overall construction structure.

SPARQ only works with glass configurations for which test data are available. Think of:

sandbag tests,
line-load measurements,
deflection tests.

These results form the basis for the calculations SPARQ prepares for each project. In the Netherlands, every project is computationally justified.

Price, appearance and safety: how glass thickness affects everything

Glass is an important component in the cost of a full-glass balustrade. Thicker glass means:

higher price,
greater strength,
and sometimes a more robust look.

Spijksma nuances this nicely:

“Thicker is stronger, but not always prettier or necessary. The trick is to choose exactly what suits the application.”

Oversizing makes little sense and can be aesthetically detrimental.

Sustainability: glass recycling increasingly important

The market increasingly demands circular solutions. SPARQ is actively responding to this.

“We have projects where we take glass and reuse it. We also work with manufacturers who supply circular base glass.”

Glass is, at its core, fully recyclable, offering interesting opportunities within renovation projects.

Innovations: solar glass as a promising future step

SPARQ is experimenting with glass balustrades that generate solar energy.

“We have a demonstration set-up. It is a wonderful solution for high-rise buildings with little roof area.”

Although not yet widely used, SPARQ sees great potential in buildings where energy integration in facades can be valuable.

Maintenance: simplicity for users

Glass stays most beautiful with regular cleaning. Optionally, SPARQ offers nanocoatings that facilitate maintenance. Many residents simply clean glass from the inside, or have glass washing done where necessary.