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. 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.<\/p>\n Spijksma explains:<\/p>\n \u201cWe range from 6.6 to 15.15 and sometimes 3\u00d710 mm, with the glass thickness depending entirely on the purpose of use. Light residential construction requires thinner glass, public spaces, on the contrary, thicker.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Glass thickness is determined by:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Safety always comes first. SPARQ's glass structures comply with Dutch and European directives, including CE certification and the applicable glass construction standards.<\/p>\n \u201cWe analyse the loads for each project and then choose the glass, profile and handrail that together deliver the right performance.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The glass combinations have been tested in combination with SPARQ profiles, providing a substantiated calculation for each project.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWith laminated glass, one panel almost always remains intact. The film holds the parts together and prevents injury.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 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.<\/p>\n SPARQ offers maximum flexibility: all glass thicknesses fit all clamp profiles. This allows the optimum combination to be determined for each project.<\/p>\n \u201cWe create a package of profile, glass thickness and foil that meets the load for each project.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Meaning:<\/p>\n Although the majority of projects are carried out with standard clear glass, SPARQ offers many variations:<\/p>\n \u201cWith foils, you can create thousands of shades and effects, from soft milky glass to bold colours.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Many customers choose transparency anyway, as it creates the openness that glass balustrades are known for.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cSeals are usually solved without sealant. We use sealant only when a detail requires specific waterproofing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Choosing a kit-free solution contributes to durability and ease of maintenance.<\/p>\n The strength of a glass balustrade depends on:<\/p>\n SPARQ only works with glass configurations for which test data are available. Think of:<\/p>\n These results form the basis for the calculations SPARQ prepares for each project. In the Netherlands, every project is computationally justified.<\/p>\n Glass is an important component in the cost of a full-glass balustrade. Thicker glass means:<\/p>\n Spijksma nuances this nicely:<\/p>\n \u201cThicker is stronger, but not always prettier or necessary. The trick is to choose exactly what suits the application.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Oversizing makes little sense and can be aesthetically detrimental.<\/p>\n The market increasingly demands circular solutions. SPARQ is actively responding to this.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have projects where we take glass and reuse it. We also work with manufacturers who supply circular base glass.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Glass is, at its core, fully recyclable, offering interesting opportunities within renovation projects.<\/p>\n SPARQ is experimenting with glass balustrades that generate solar energy.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a demonstration set-up. It is a wonderful solution for high-rise buildings with little roof area.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Although not yet widely used, SPARQ sees great potential in buildings where energy integration in facades can be valuable.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The best results are achieved when SPARQ is involved in the design process at an early stage.<\/p>\n \u201cThe earlier we are involved, the better we can optimise in construction, connection and appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This avoids surprises during construction and gives architects more design freedom.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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.\n<\/p>\n
\nAccording to Jorrit Spijksma, New Business Developer at SPARQ Balustrades, glass is \u201cmuch more than a panel in a profile. It is a crucial structural element that you have to handle with precision.\u201d
\nIn 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.<\/em><\/p>\nGlass to suit any application<\/h2>\n
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Standards and safety as a starting point<\/h2>\n
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How SPARQ deals with fracture and residual strength<\/h2>\n
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Glass thicknesses are project-specific - never standard<\/h2>\n
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\nfrosted glass,<\/li>\n\n
How to fix glass in the profile<\/h2>\n
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Stability and performance: always underpinned by testing<\/h2>\n
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Price, appearance and safety: how glass thickness affects everything<\/h2>\n
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Sustainability: glass recycling increasingly important<\/h2>\n
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Innovations: solar glass as a promising future step<\/h2>\n
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Maintenance: simplicity for users<\/h2>\n
The importance of early consultation<\/h2>\n
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