ARCHITECTURAL GLAZING

Bespoke Glass Façade Solutions

Architectural glazing is one of the most effective ways to bring natural light, transparency, and performance to a building’s envelope. At Structura UK, we specialise in designing, fabricating and installing high-quality architectural glazing systems for commercial, institutional and heritage projects across the UK. Our glazing solutions enhance interior comfort, maximise daylight, and contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal of every building.

 

Whether you’re creating a striking glass façade, an atrium, a glazed entrance or feature wall, our team delivers tailored solutions engineered for longevity, thermal efficiency and regulatory compliance.

What Is Architectural Glazing?

Architectural glazing refers to the purposeful use of engineered glass systems, integrated within a building’s external or internal envelope to control light, vision, thermal comfort, and weather performance. These systems may include large-format glass façades, structural glass elements, glazed curtain walling, skylights, atria, and framed or frameless glazing solutions.

 

Unlike standard residential windows, architectural glazing must meet performance criteria. These criteria are achieved through engineered glazing units, specialised coatings, precision frames, and expertly designed installation interfaces:

 

  • Thermal efficiency and energy performance
  • Wind, water and structural loads
  • Acoustic insulation
  • Safety and impact resistance
  • Fire and smoke considerations

How It Works

Our architectural glazing service follows a proven, quality-driven delivery model that keeps design intent, compliance, and performance at the centre of every stage:

1. Project Briefing & Site Analysis
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your objectives, site constraints, design aspirations and performance requirements.

 

2. Conceptual & Technical Design
Our façade engineers and CAD/BIM designers translate your vision into technical drawings, selecting suitable glass types, frame systems and performance targets.

 

3. Specification & Value Engineering
A tailored specification balances desired aesthetics with energy, safety and acoustic performance while ensuring regulatory compliance.

 

4. Fabrication & Quality Control
Components are precision-manufactured in controlled environments, including specified insulated glass units (IGUs), framing profiles and seals, with rigorous quality checks.
5. Logistics Planning & Pre-Installation
A detailed installation plan coordinates site access, lifting equipment, health & safety protocols and delivery sequencing.

 

6. On-Site Installation & Weatherproofing
Our certified installers implement precision fitting, sealed joints and tested interfaces to protect against air and water ingress.

 

7. Testing, Handover & Aftercare
Final inspections, performance verification and maintenance guidance ensure long-term durability and client satisfaction.

Why Choose Structura UK for Architectural Glazing?

Structura UK combines deep technical expertise with practical delivery experience to set us apart in architectural glazing services:

 

Industry-Recognised Expertise
We’ve specialised in architectural glazing design, fabrication and installation for commercial and listed buildings for over three decades, working with leading UK architects, contractors and property owners.

 

End-to-End Service Delivery
From concept and specification through to installation and aftercare, we manage the entire glazing process, reducing risk, improving coordination, and ensuring consistency.

 

Retrofit & Heritage Capability
Our teams are experienced in sensitive restoration and glazing works on heritage, retrofit, and refurbished buildings – blending modern performance with architectural preservation.

 

Technical Standards & Compliance
We build systems to meet UK and European benchmarks, including CWCT guidance, BS EN 13830 and relevant Building Regulations that govern façades and glazed elements.

 

Custom Solutions & Performance Optimisation
Whether it’s thermal performance, acoustic control, solar management or specialised coatings, we help select the right systems to meet design and sustainability criteria.

 

Quality Accreditations
Structura UK operates with triple ISO certification for quality, environmental, and health & safety management, ensuring performance and compliance across all phases.

Specifications & Standards

Architectural glazing systems must conform to multiple industry standards and regulatory benchmarks, including:

Building Regulations

 

Architectural glazing must meet UK Building Regulations encompassing:

Part L Energy efficiency (thermal performance, U-values and minimising loss).

Part F Ventilation and indoor air quality.

Part B Fire safety considerations for glazed façades.

MATERIALS & SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

 

Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) with Low-E coatings for thermal performance.

Toughened/Laminated Safety Glass to meet impact and safety requirements.

Thermal Break Frames to reduce heat transfer and condensation.

Air/Water Seals designed to prevent ingress and enhance durability.

Performance Standards

 

CWCT Technical Guide

Industry best practice for façade systems, performance and detailing (not a regulation, but widely referenced).

 

BS EN 13830

Benchmark standard for curtain walling and glazing products covering performance criteria like air permeability, water tightness and wind resistance.

Typical Project Timeline

Note: Project duration will vary based on scale, complexity, and system type. Complex heritage or high-reach installations may extend phases.

Phase

Initial Brief & Survey

Design & Specification

Fabrication

Pre-Installation Planning

On-Site Installation

Testing & Handover

Typical Duration

1–2 weeks

2–4 weeks

6–10 weeks

1–2 weeks

4–12 weeks

1–2 weeks

As London-based architectural glazing specialists, Structura supports developers, architects and property managers across Greater London and throughout the UK with compliant glazing solutions that enhance building performance, safety and visual impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does installation normally take?

Depending on project scope and system type, installation can range from a few weeks for smaller façades to several months for large-scale glazing assemblies.

Is architectural glazing suitable for heritage buildings?

Yes, with careful design and specification, architectural glazing can be applied sensitively in heritage retrofit and restoration projects.

Do you offer bespoke glass solutions?

Absolutely. We tailor glass types, coatings, shapes, and performance features to meet specified aesthetic, thermal and acoustic requirements.

What standards will my glazing comply with?

We design to CWCT guidance, BS EN 13830 performance benchmarks, and UK Building Regulations applicable to energy, safety, and weather performance.

Can you coordinate with wider façade work?

Yes. Architectural glazing is often integrated with curtain walling, structural glazing and façade restoration scopes as part of a comprehensive façade delivery.

 Can architectural glazing improve energy efficiency?

Yes. IGUs with low-emissivity coatings and thermal breaks help reduce heat loss, improve insulation, and contribute to compliance with Part L energy regulations.

What makes architectural glazing different from regular glazing?

Architectural glazing integrates engineered glass systems with high performance criteria, including energy, thermal, safety, and structural factors beyond standard residential glazing.

Related Services

Expand your understanding of our comprehensive façades capability:

I personally hadn’t worked with Structura before, but it was a great experience working with them and Triton Building Restoration. The Congress Theatre now looks fantastic and you don’t even realise that it is double glazing. We are already working with Structura again on the refurbishment of a significant 20th century building in London. 

Richard Stocking, Principal Conservation Surveyor, Faithful + Gould Congress Theatre, Eastbourne