Tips for Creating an Architectural Glass Wall

Boring sheetrock walls getting you down?  Nothing can spice up a modern renovation like using unexpected materials for a wall.  We recently installed a 22 foot glass wall in the center of our home, so here are some tips if you are wacky enough to do the same!

Code is King

Pay strict attention to your local building code if you are using unconventional material for a wall.  Often times there will be rules about fire rating and safety that all material used need to conform to.  In our case we wanted to use a colored plexiglass type paneling in the wall but were limited by fire rating.  Then we found a company called 3-form and their ecoresin line which is available in nearly every color of the rainbow and provides self-extinguishing flammability for code compliance.  Regular glass (which can also be colored but that becomes expensive) can also be used but safety compliance is another issue to consider.  Any glass positioned near a shower/tub, door or 18” from the ground would need to be safety or laminated glass.  As usual check your local code before putting something illegal and unsafe into place. 

Framing the System

A variety of frame applications could be used for this type of glass wall, but we decided to go for a light-weight aluminum storefront system for ease of installation.  Any glass company that manufactures (or can obtain) storefront glass systems can sell you an aluminum framing system.  You would take extremely accurate measurements of the space and the placement of the glass panes and provide that to your storefront system provider.  The unit would come to you in pieces that will literally snap together perfectly into the space. And because these systems are meant for outdoor applications they will be extremely sturdy.  The system we chose came with small spaces that the glass drops into—the glass could be anywhere from 1/4 to 1 inch thick and the spacers could adjust accordingly. 

Colors, Materials, Textures—oh my!

Your imagination is literally the only limiting factor into how you wall will look.  Fabric and organic materials can be placed inside ecoresin to achieve any look you desire.  In our case we kept things simple with a palette of greens and blues and very smooth, shiny textures.  But no two glass walls will be alike if you let your imagination run wild!

Light and Dark

The best glass walls will have some sort of light source behind them to provide a dramatic take on the colors and textures of your choosing.  Sometimes you might want to the wall to be translucent and other times you might want it completely opaque.  In our case we wanted see through elements to show the hall behind one section of the wall but opaque elements to hide the bathroom behind the wall.  No one likes a see-through glass bathroom!  We also used stainless steel panels instead of glass in certain sections to hide structure framing and whirlpool tub innards. 

Sound, Vibrations and Moisture

The glass wall framing system will come with rubber piping to line the sides of your panes—remember this is built for exterior use so you don’t have to use the rubber, but if the glass wall is near a high humidity and/or moisture area it is a good idea.  This will also help keep sound from transmitting through the wall and keep pane materials from vibrating.  Caulking the seams in the section of the glass wall around a shower or tub would also be advisable. 

Well there you go--hope this gave you some good ideas.  And remember my motto--Who says walls need to be made of boring sheetrock all the time?!