Oriel Windows

Frameless oriel windows are not only extremely modern, they also flood a room with light. Structural glass units can be connected together using structural silicone, creating a weather proof seal with a neat internal and external appearance.

Bay-style oriel windows present a myriad of opportunities, delivering both visual appeal and functional advantages. Yet, when architects set out to integrate an oriel window into their design, they're presented with a plethora of considerations and potential challenges. Drawing from our forty years of experience in this field, we'd like to offer some insights...

What exactly is an oriel window?

In essence, an oriel window is a type of window that juts out from a building's exterior but doesn't extend down to the ground level – this sets it apart from traditional bay windows. Oriel windows, with their robust base, often double as window benches, providing a serene and covetable spot for reading or unwinding.

The advent of structural glass in contemporary architecture has reinvented oriel windows, now flaunting a bold, geometric aesthetic, underscoring the adaptability of today's glazing techniques.

Oriel Window Design Elements – Glass Selection Criteria

When focusing on the finer aspects of oriel window designs, selecting the right glazing plays a pivotal role, both for its aesthetic and utilitarian attributes. Two primary considerations when deciding on the glass type are its safety features and its ability to insulate effectively, with the window's precise positioning playing a role in these choices:

Thermal Efficiency:

The glass's thermal attributes rank high in importance. Depending on where the window is facing and its specific orientation, the coating of the glass should be tailored. For instance, South or West-facing windows might require solar control coatings to stave off excessive heat absorption. In contrast, a North-facing window can harness solar energy, capturing warmth even on brisk winter mornings.

Safety with Laminated Glazing:

For the upper portions of oriel windows, glazing should always have an internal lamination for security purposes. All top glazing will incorporate cutting-edge, rigid interlayers. This safety measure is paramount to ensure that even if something impacts the glass causing damage, the overall sheet remains in one piece, offering protection to those inside.

Opting for Low-iron Glazing:

A lot of oriel windows we craft are weight-supporting, frequently serving as seating areas. This demands thicker glass panels. In such cases, it's advisable to use low-iron glass. This ensures not only superior clarity but also minimises the greenish hue that is often associated with thicker glazes.

Additional Glazing Alternatives:

With the fundamental considerations addressed, there's ample flexibility to explore other glazing options. While not all ideas translate perfectly into reality, our seasoned designers possess the expertise to accommodate most glass-related specifications. Some popular choices include switchable photovoltaic glass, added layers of protection like hydrophobic coatings (Enduroshield comes highly recommended), and beyond.

Oriel Window Design Principles

For a glazing expert, crafting an oriel window might seem straightforward. Once the cantilevered framework for the seating is in place and the glass type decided, it chiefly boils down to the window's final touches. However, several nuances need attention during the design phase.

Proactivity in detailing can be a game-changer. Given oriel windows' structural and weight-bearing nature, a glazing expert should provide the engineer with all necessary inputs at the earliest. Collaborative dialogue between the architect, engineer, and glazier is crucial. The connection between the oriel window and the wall must be clear, ensuring a smooth installation, devoid of foreseeable challenges.

Consider Proportions

In the world of oriel windows, structural glazing's weight-bearing aspect dictates a proportional design approach. In simpler terms, a taller window necessitates a more profound base to guarantee structural integrity. At Glass Structures Limited, we typically follow a 1:10 ratio with reinforced glass. So, for a window stretching 2 metres in height, the base's protrusion should ideally be no less than 200mm.

Acknowledge the Building's

Traits Your glazing expert needs a comprehensive understanding of the existing structure. The detailing may need adjustments. For instance, while newer constructions generally allow easy incorporation of channels, older buildings might present challenges due to their lack of alignment. Your specialist must be privy to the requisite finishes and depths involved.

Visual Aspects of Oriel

Windows For many, the visual allure of the oriel window holds prime importance. Aesthetically, these windows offer immense versatility, and based on the glass chosen, they can harmonise with diverse styles.

While there are some constraints (e.g., while UV-bonded 'seamless' corners sound promising, they're practical mostly on vertical joints. Glass Structures Limited is well-equipped to provide tailored advice. Our objective remains consistent: aligning as closely as possible to your envisioned aesthetic.

While there's flexibility in glass aesthetics, with options like minimalistic glazing at your disposal, the base of the oriel window is pivotal. It demands a coherent vision. Of course, our experts are on hand to suggest various designs. A prevalent choice is incorporating back-painted glass panels which overhang the concrete base, producing the sought-after 'all-glass' appearance favoured by many.

Advantages of Oriel Windows

Oriel windows have surged in popularity due to the myriad of functional and aesthetic boons they bestow upon homeowners. Their design not only augments the available space but also bathes interiors in natural light. These windows play a pivotal role in moderating the indoor climate, ensuring a cosy ambience regardless of seasonal fluctuations. Additionally, they craft a snug nook for activities like reading, remote work, or merely sipping on a morning brew. One of their standout features is how they bridge the divide between the inner and outer realms of a home, crafting a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Below we have made a summary of all the benefits of Oriel Windows:

Concluding Remarks

For the optimal glass selection in oriel windows, adhering to the previously discussed pointers ensures that your selected glazing expert has a robust framework to guide their detailing efforts. At Glass Structures Limited, we understand that every endeavour is unique, making 'one-size-fits-all' solutions redundant. While there will invariably be discussions centred around the finer nuances, by heeding the suggestions and insights provided above and pondering upon these universally pertinent factors early on, you're poised for a hassle-free design and installation journey, yielding exemplary outcomes for your clientele.

Should you wish to delve deeper or discuss your specific project with Glass Structures Limited, our team of professionals is ever-eager to engage. Navigate to our contact page, fill out the requisite form, and rest assured, we'll promptly reach out!

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