Frameless Glass Balustrades
UNEX Frameless Glass Balustrades are the ultimate solution for those seeking uninterrupted views and sophisticated design. Engineered to meet New Zealand Building Code standards, these balustrades offer minimalist aesthetics with robust performance, making them ideal for residential homes, apartments, and commercial projects.
Crafted from toughened safety glass or laminated safety glass with a SentryGlas® interlayer, our frameless glass balustrades come in various thicknesses-12mm, 13.52mm, 14.28mm, 15mm, and 16.28mm. They are securely installed using high-quality aluminium fittings, including continuous channels (Panorama side-fixed channel, Metropolis top-fixed channel), circular standoffs (Arena Points), and sleek stainless-steel clamps (GlasStrut), ensuring both strength and beauty.
Explore our frameless glass balustrade range today and elevate your space with a seamless, modern finish.
Panorama (Side Fixed)
Metropolis (Top Fixed)
Arena Points
GlasStrut
Key features of this range of glass balustrades include:
- Customisable Design: Choose from styles like Metropolis and Panorama with internal clamped channels, Arena Points with 50mm circular standoffs, or GlasStrut's 160mm tall spigots.
- Compliance and Scope of Use: Our glass balustrades are designed to meet the requirements of the NZ Building Code, including B1 (Structure), B2 (Durability), E2 (External Moisture), F2 (Hazardous Building Materials), F4 (Safety from Falling), and F9 (Means of Restricting Access to Residential Pools). Suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E', and 'C3' as per AS/NZS 1170.
- Pool Safety Compliance: Our glass balustrades can be used as part of a pool barrier, with handrail options that comply with D1/AS1 regulations, ensuring safe and secure enclosures.
- Wind Zone Suitability: Suitable for use in all wind zones, up to and including 'Extra High'. For rare or extreme locations, additional consideration may be needed to mitigate wind reverberation effects.
- Top and Face Fixing Options: Available for top-fixed or face-fixed applications, with specifications allowing for secure attachment into concrete, masonry, timber, and steel. Click here to view our fixing methods.
- Durability and Warranty: All of our frameless glass balustrades come with a 10-year warranty for residential applications and are available in a wide range of powder coated finishes to suit any style.
- Applications: Frameless glass balustrades are perfect for balconies, decks, stairwells, and pool fences (with gate hardware). These balustrades are suitable for both interior and exterior use, adding a sleek, minimalist touch to any space.
Compliance and Technical Support
UNEX Frameless Glass Balustrades meet strict New Zealand Building Code requirements, ensuring safety and style across various occupancy types. Pre-engineered and custom-fabricated, they are tailored to each project’s needs. Specifiers can access PS1s, CAD details, Revit files, and more via our technical portal for seamless specification.
Need a Site-Specific Design?
If your project falls outside our standard details, our Engineering and Design teams are ready to assist with tailored solutions. We assess site conditions, structural requirements, and compliance needs to develop a custom balustrade design that meets your specifications.
Submit your project details today, and we’ll be in touch to help you achieve the perfect result.
Colour Options: Tailored Finishes to Suit Any Style
Choose from a wide range of durable powdercoated finishes to complement or contrast with your space. Whether blending with natural surroundings or making a bold statement, our colour options provide the perfect finishing touch.
Explore our Colour Options to bring your vision to life with UNEX Frameless Glass Balustrades.
Understanding the NZ Building Code and Glass Types
If your balustrade is preventing a fall and you prefer a frameless glass design with no rail, you will need to use Toughened Safety Laminated Glass with a SentryGlas® interlayer.
This type of laminated glass is engineered for superior strength, featuring an interlayer that is 100 times stronger and 5 times stiffer than traditional laminates. This ensures that, even in the unlikely event of breakage, the glass remains intact and compliant with AS/NZS 2208 and AS/NZS 4223.
If the balustrade is used as a pool fence and does not prevent a fall, standard Toughened Safety Glass without a rail may be sufficient.
With a Top or Side Rail Option
For frameless glass balustrades using more cost-effective standard Toughened Safety Glass that are preventing a fall, a top or side rail is required. UNEX offers a selection of six rail styles that can be paired with 12mm or 15mm Grade A Toughened Safety Glass. This option allows you to customise the look while ensuring compliance with fall protection requirements under the NZ Building Code.
Toughened glass is a safe choice for balustrades due to its strength—up to five times stronger than regular glass. If it breaks, it shatters into small, dull pieces, reducing the risk of injury compared to sharp shards from standard glass.
