Architectural glass does a lot more than fill an opening. It carries loads, diffuses light, defines character, and in some cases, becomes the most talked-about feature of a building. For architects, engineers, builders, and designers, choosing the right glass product is a decision with a real impact on not just aesthetics, but structure and compliance as well.
This guide breaks down the major types of architectural glass, the systems that put them to work, and the applications where they make the most impact. Circle Redmont®, a USA manufacturer with over 60 years of experience in structural and architectural glass, produces many of the systems described here.
What Is Architectural Glass, And How Does Structural Glass Differ?
Architectural glass is any glass product designed for use in construction and design. That covers a wide range, from decorative panels that add visual interest to load-bearing units that support foot traffic on a sidewalk.
Structural glass is the load-bearing subset. It must meet specific performance thresholds for strength, safety glazing, and code compliance. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:
- Laminated glass: Two or more glass layers bonded with an interlayer. Post-breakage, the pieces stay adhered, making it a go-to for safety-critical applications.
- Tempered / heat-strengthened glass: Processed for added strength and thermal durability. When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt fragments rather than dangerous shards.
- Low-iron glass: Reduced iron content means higher clarity and color-neutral transmission. Ideal when you want true visual transparency.
- Glass block and glass brick: Dense, solid and hollow units that diffuse light while providing mass and impact resistance.
- Glass pavers and glass bullets: Walkable, load-bearing units designed for sidewalks, floors, and vault light applications.
- Textured, frosted, and colored glass: Adds slip resistance, privacy, or aesthetic interest depending on the context.
Structural Glass Systems Worth Knowing
The glass type is only part of the equation. The system it sits in determines how it performs. Circle Redmont® manufactures several engineered systems for structural and walkable glass applications:
- 91R™ Glass Pavers & Metal Systems: Modular walkable panels rated for 100 lbs per sq. ft. over a four-foot span. Available with customizable steel or stainless-steel finishes.
- 91R™ Plank Glass & Metal Systems: Designed for glass floors, bridges, and stair treads. Panels can be custom-cut and fitted with traction control frits for slip resistance.
- Glass Block & Metal Systems (Elite™ / SolarWhite™): Pre-engineered wall, window, and daylighting systems. SolarWhite™ supports live loads up to 60 lbs per sq. ft.
- Structural Glass Pavers / Glass Block Pavers: A broad range of paver shapes and sizes for sidewalk and plaza daylighting.
- 81R™ Glass Bullets & Cast Iron Vault Lights: Approved by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, this system excels as a replacement for historic cast iron and glass bullet vault lights.
- 82R™ Composite Cast Iron Walls & Ceilings: A modern take on traditional vault light aesthetics for vertical walls and laylite ceiling applications..
- 71R™ Glass Pavers & Precast Concrete: Engineered for vaulted sidewalk applications.
- Lumex Pavers: This is Circle Redmont’s newest and recently released product for pedestal paver applications with integrated LED lighting.
Where Architectural Glass Gets Applied
Once you know your system, the application usually follows naturally. Common uses include:
- Glass Flooring: Provides multi-level daylighting with walkable transparent floors.
- Glass Decks: Outdoor walkable glass surfaces that channel light downward.
- Skylights & Walkable Skylights: Overhead glass that serves dual duty as a floor surface on the rooftop and daylighting for the inside.
- Glass Bridges: Clear-span walkable passages with structural glass underfoot.
- Glass Stairs & Stair Treads: Illuminated structural stair systems.
- Glass Pavers: Sidewalk and plaza daylighting installations.
- Vault Lights: Historic vaulted and modern below-grade daylighting.
- Barrel Vaults: Curved structural glass configurations.
- Glass Walls & Windows: Glass block partitions, façades, and daylighting walls.
How to Match Type, System, and Application
Start with your structural and safety requirements, not the aesthetic. You can narrow down factors like glazing and system choice only after you know these parameters. Here’s a practical order of operations:
- Define load requirements and occupancy classification.
- Determine interior vs. exterior placement and structural support conditions.
- Identify applicable codes, ASTM standards, and safety glazing compliance requirements.
- Assess whether custom engineering and stamped drawings are needed (often the case with load-bearing or historically sensitive installations).
- Call Circle Redmont and collaborate with a systems specialist to determine what product options would work best for your application.
Structural architectural glass isn’t a drop-in solution. Each project typically requires engineering review to confirm span, load, interlayer type, and system compatibility.
Work with Circle Redmont® on Your Next Project
Circle Redmont® has been engineering structural and architectural glass systems in the USA for over 60 years. Our team works directly with architects and builders, providing specifications, custom fabrication, and stamped engineering drawings where required.
Send your project details to the Circle Redmont® team to get product recommendations, load calculations, and specification support.
