Glass Design

Glass Design

At NFE Structural, we providespecialist glass design and engineering services for façades, curtain walls,skylights, balustrades, and structural glazing systems. Our expertise ensuresglazing solutions are structurally safe, energy efficient, and compliant withinternational standards.

We support architects, façadecontractors, and developers with glass selection, structural verification,fixing design, and performance analysis.

Glass Types & Selection

Selecting the right glass type isessential for structural performance, safety, and energy efficiency. We adviseon appropriate glazing solutions for different façade applications.

Common glass types include:

• Toughened (Tempered) Glass for high strength and impact resistance
• Heat-Strengthened Glass for reduced breakage risk
• Laminated Glass for safety and structural performance
• Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) for improved thermal and acoustic insulation
• Low-E and Solar Control Glass for energy-efficient façades

Our team helps determine theappropriate glass configuration, thickness, and performance characteristics foreach project.

Structural Glass Engineering

Glass is increasingly used as astructural element in modern architecture. We perform detailed engineeringanalysis to ensure glazing systems meet structural and safety requirements.

Our services include:

• Glass thickness and load calculations based on international standards
• Wind load and impact resistance assessments
• Deflection and stress analysis for large glass panels
• Structural design for glass façades, balustrades,  walkways, and roof glazing

Glass Applications

We provide engineering support fora wide range of glazing systems, including:

• Curtain wall glazing systems
• Point-supported (spider) glazing façades
• Glass balustrades and guardrails
• Glass floors, bridges, and walkways
• Skylights and glass roof systems

Each design is verified to ensure structuralsafety, durability, and compliance with relevant standards.

Thermal & EnergyPerformance

Glass plays a key role in thethermal performance of the building envelope. Our analysis helps optimiseglazing systems for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Our work includes:

• U-value calculations and thermal performance assessments
• Solar heat gain and daylight optimisation
• Condensation risk analysis for insulated glazing units
• Guidance on high-performance glazing technologies

These studies support compliancewith UK Part L and international energy standards.

Glass Fixing & ConnectionDesign

Proper fixing systems areessential for safe and durable glazing installations. We design and verify glasssupport and connection systems, including:

• Point-supported spider glazing systems
• Patch fittings and structural brackets
• Structural silicone glazing systems
• Anchors and support structures for curtain wall glazing

Compliance & PerformanceTesting

We ensure glazing systems complywith relevant safety and performance standards.

This may include verificationfor:

• Wind load resistance
• Impact safety requirements
• Fire-rated glazing systems
• Air and water tightness performance
• Acoustic insulation performance

Why Choose NFE Structural

• Specialist expertise in structural glazing and façade engineering
• Advanced analysis using FEA and engineering modelling tools
• Strong knowledge of international glass design standards
• Practical engineering solutions that support safe and buildable glazing systems

NFE Structural deliversengineered glass solutions that combine transparency, structural performance,and energy efficiency.

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