The History and Evolution of Frameless Glass in Architecture

In the modern era, frameless glass has cemented itself as a staple feature in modern homes — beloved for making any space sleek, stylish, safe and functional. But where did structural glass come from, and how has it changed over the years? We’ve put together this deep dive into the history and evolution of architectural glass so you can come to appreciate this must-have item on a whole new level. Let’s get started! 

 

A brief history of glass 

 

Glass goes way back. It’s a material that has always naturally occurred but was first made by humans some 4000 years ago when we discovered it could be created by mixing sand, soda and lime. From there, glass-making evolved so we could craft beads, vessels and other decorative objects. Between then and now we learned glassblowing, figured out how to colour glass and started mass-producing it. While it was around 100 AD that the Romans are said to have invented the first glass windows, the seeds of inspiration for frameless glass only truly began to take root around the 19th Century or so… 

 

Mid-19th Century: Frameless glass beginnings

 

It’s the mid-19th Century, and despite being a long way off glass pool fencing and sleek glass balconies, the concept of structural glass is developing in the public lexicon. Take a look at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851 which saw the construction of the Crystal Palace. This incredible structure was built from glass and cast iron and is the earliest example of structural glass. Concurrently, stunning French windows grew in popularity, leading to the first Juliet balconies and, over a century later, to the glass balustrade balconies we’re familiar with now.

 

Late 19th Century: The invention of tempered glass 

 

Tempered glass, also known as laminated glass, is a type of safety glass that is processed to enhance its strength and durability. The invention of tempered glass is attributed to the French chemist François Barthelemy Alfred Royer de la Bastie, who patented the process in 1874. It is created by heating glass to a high temperature (around 620 degrees Celsius) and then rapidly cooling it with forced air. It is a preferred glass type because of its safety features, as it breaks into small, relatively harmless fragments when shattered. Today, different varieties of tempered glass are used for glass shower enclosures, pool fencing and other glass constructions to meet safety requirements. 

 

Early 20th Century: Architectural influences 

 

The late 19th and early 20th Centuries saw the emergence of Modernist architecture which emphasised functional design and the use of materials like steel and glass. The Bauhaus, a German design institution founded in 1919, would bring together students to introduce a style of architecture focused on minimalist aesthetics, functionalism, and the use of industrial materials.

This style would be further adapted into the International Style during the 1920s and 1930s by architects like Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius. The International Style is characterised by clean lines, open floor plans, and a rejection of unnecessary ornamentation. The Farnsworth House, designed and constructed by Mies van der Rohe from 1946–1951, is an iconic example of early frameless glass architecture. 

 

Both Modernist and International Style architecture paved the way for the popular, contemporary styles featuring frameless glass which we know and love today. 

 

The 1950s and 1960s: Structural glass innovation

 

The 1950s and 1960s saw an increase in the use of glass walls and facades in commercial buildings. Advances in glass technology, such as tempered and laminated glass development, allowed architects to create larger and more structurally sound glass elements. It was around this time that the glass balustrade guardrail was introduced. In 1967, the first patent for a structural glass balustrade shoe, also known as an aluminium channel, was issued. 

 

The 1970s: Introduction of frameless glass shower enclosures

 

1970 marked the year that frameless shower screens were first introduced in the market, although these would not be as popular or affordable until the 1990s and 2000s. Compared to the humble shower curtain, frameless shower screens immediately became a more durable and easier-to-clean choice. Today, these shower designs are fast becoming the norm in Australia — with many opting to throw out their mouldy curtains in favour of stylish, space-creating glass. 

 

The 1980s: Glass safety requirements

 

As glass balustrades rose quickly in popularity, so too did the need for clear safety codes and requirements. The International Building Code (IBC) established in 1988 addresses strength requirements, safety glazing testing and precautions to include if a glass panel breaks. Most significantly, the code established that “Glass balusters shall not be installed without a handrail or guardrail attached.” 

 

Late 20th Century: Introduction of glass pool fencing 

 

During the late 20th Century and early 21st Century, designers and architects began to experiment with frameless glass fencing as a solution for pool enclosures. The idea was extremely innovative, as it provided safety while keeping the visual openness of the pool area. This led to the development of frameless glass pool fencing systems that rely on toughened glass panels and minimalistic hardware. Originally these sleek pool fences were considered a luxury item, but today they are a relatively affordable choice for the 1 in 7 Australians who own a pool. 

Early 21st Century: Adoption and popularity in modern homes  

In the modern era, where architects are increasingly focused on sustainable design and minimalist styles, we’ve seen a huge rise in the utilisation of frameless glass. This versatile product is used strategically to maximise natural light, provide safety and enhance the overall energy efficiency of buildings. Frameless glass has truly made its mark!  

 

From ancient glass-making to cutting-edge interior design, architectural glass has come a long way. Today there are so many ways you can implement frameless glass into all aspects of your home, for free expert advice, measures and quotes get in touch with the team at Sydney Frameless Glass today and let’s design something for the history books!