Jade Cottee of IQ Glass Solutions discuss the different options available to maximise light with the use of internal glazing
Light is the new luxury in many architectural and interior designs. Improving light within the home has been said to boost happiness, as natural daylight makes us feel more connected to the outdoors. It has often been the case than many homeowners think that the only way to achieve this is by removing the amount of vertical obstructions (walls) within their homes. This is not the case; internal glazing systems can be used in interior designs to create versatile open and ‘broken’ plan living spaces. Whether it’s frameless or framed glazing, light can still flow through into all the living spaces. Pocket door systems are often available with internal glazing systems as well as external, enabling homeowners to open up or close off certain rooms as and when they desire.
Steel glazing systems
Steel framed glazing is a growing design trend and many architects and specifiers across the UK are looking to include these industrial, tactile systems within their architectural designs. Not only are these glazing products being used on the exterior of buildings, but they are also used within interior design to create a contemporary aesthetic for projects internally. Steel framed glazing systems in interior design schemes are often seen as internal doors or steel screen partitions for broken plan living spaces that allow the natural light to continue to flow throughout each area. These steel glazing systems add an artisan style to the design of interior spaces, which helps to add character to the rooms. Due to the robust strength of steel, internal steel glazing can be manufactured with exceptionally slim frames. This elegant design character can be used for fixed areas of glazing, internal doors and windows, for a cohesive design throughout living spaces. Although steel achieves an authentic Art Deco style, it does come with a price tag due to the process involved in making these systems. Many steel systems are manufactured bespoke to each order and require a lot of hands-on processes.
Aluminium glazing systems
There are many alternative options that achieve a similar aesthetic to the steel systems, such as aluminium systems with glazing bars that mimic the Bauhaus style. Aluminium systems often come with a broader choice of colours and configuration options, as they are easier to work with than steel systems. Aluminium is a lightweight and versatile material that can be fabricated into a whole array of designs. Aluminium glazing systems can be easier to slide, push or open, as the material is slightly lighter that steel – which is ideal when you need to slide or fold several panes of glass.
Frameless glass systems
Within vibrant interior designs it is sometimes the case that ‘less is more.’ Therefore, frameless glazing systems can be the ideal solutions as they don’t offer any additional visual obstructions within the room, instead providing a sophisticated finish to the living space. Frameless glazing systems come in a whole plethora of configurations as they are usually manufactured bespoke to the specific location. These single glazed systems can be installed as fixed glass walls that break up an open plan space, for an element of privacy. Frameless glass doors can be integrated within the design to further enhance the frameless appearance. There are many frameless systems out there that help to maximise the light within the living spaces, especially frameless products that don’t interrupt views or natural light.
Frameless glass balustrades
Frameless glass balustrades can be used internally to provide a protective barrier for internal floor level changes while allowing light to continue to flow throughout the home. These glazing systems compliment the interior design as their frameless construction doesn’t obstruct views at eye level, and gives the illusion that the space is larger than it is as you can see beyond the glazing. There are many options for internal glazing, but the choice ultimately comes down to the aesthetic, location and budget limitations.
Jade Cottee is marketing assistant at IQ Glass Solutions