Our custom structural oriel window design provides a seamless internal view, bringing in abundant natural light and opening up the interior of your home. These glass oriel windows are an ideal feature for residential spaces where external windows may be limited or too distant to offer sufficient daylight — such as corridors, stairwells, or deeper sections of a house.
Additionally, when side windows are restricted by neighbouring properties or boundary lines, commercial glass roofs can serve as a smart and elegant solution, offering vertical daylight and preserving privacy without compromising on brightness.
A glass oriel window offers limitless versatility, blending traditional charm with modern design in a single architectural feature. It creates a space that is both practical and visually impressive. These residential oriel windows can highlight and protect heritage buildings, elevate luxury interiors, or integrate smoothly into contemporary homes. If you have questions about design or installation, our team is happy to assist.
Bay-style oriel windows offer endless opportunities, combining aesthetic appeal with practical benefits. However, when architects or homeowners plan to include one, they face a number of technical and design considerations. Based on our extensive experience, we’ve outlined some useful guidance below.
An oriel window is a type of glazed projection that extends from a building’s exterior but doesn’t reach the ground, distinguishing it from a traditional bay window. Its robust base often doubles as a window seat — a serene spot for reading, relaxing, or enjoying garden views.
Modern glazing technologies have reinvented oriel windows, offering bold geometric forms that showcase the flexibility of today’s structural glass.
The choice of glazing is critical for both performance and appearance. Here are key considerations:
Oriel windows come in various forms, including rectangular and semi-hexagonal shapes. Design decisions are influenced by:
Your choice will impact not only aesthetics but also functionality and structural demands.
Oriel windows are used to:
Our team helps you select the most suitable approach based on your property and goals.
Building a frameless oriel window involves key engineering and aesthetic decisions. Once the structural base is defined, attention turns to fine detailing.
Close collaboration between architect, engineer, and glazing expert is essential — especially to determine connections to the main structure and ensure a clean installation. Proportions also matter: at GSL, we follow a 1:10 ratio for structural integrity. For example, a 2-meter-tall oriel typically requires a 200mm base projection.
Your glazing specialist must fully understand the existing building. While modern structures accommodate channels easily, older homes may require adjustments due to misalignment or materials. Proper finish depths and structural interfaces should be considered from the outset.
Aesthetics are a core benefit of oriel windows. With minimalistic design options, they can suit a wide range of architectural styles. While UV-bonded corners offer a ‘seamless’ look, they are most practical for vertical joints. At GSL, we guide clients toward the right balance between form and function.
Design consistency matters — especially in the oriel’s base. One popular choice is to use back-painted glass panels to conceal the structure beneath, resulting in a clean, all-glass appearance that floats elegantly from the wall.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique Design | Bold, modern appearance enhances visual character |
| Space Enhancing | Adds usable square footage without changing the building’s footprint |
| Expansive Glazing | Allows generous daylight into interior spaces |
| Low Maintenance | Aluminium frames and glass require minimal upkeep |
| Stunning Sightlines | Offers panoramic views and connects interior to exterior |
| Custom-Made | Each unit is tailored for a perfect architectural fit |
We utilise the latest in structural and insulating glazing, offering double and triple-glazed options to keep your home comfortable year-round. Additional features include self-cleaning glass, solar control coatings, and smart integration with interior spaces.
At Glass Structures Limited, we understand that every project is unique — from a listed country home to a new urban development. We tailor our approach to suit your home’s personality and your personal vision.
By addressing structural, thermal, and visual factors from the start, we help ensure that your oriel window installation is smooth, stunning, and future-proof.
If you’d like to speak with our team about your project, simply fill out the form and we’ll be in touch promptly.
Oriel windows are a type of window that projects from the main wall of a building but doesn’t extend to the ground, creating a sort of ‘floating’ appearance. Typically supported by corbels or brackets, they are often found on upper floors and are historically associated with Gothic architecture. They can provide extra space inside a room and are sometimes used as window seats or reading nooks.
Oriel windows, especially those made of modern materials like aluminium or uPVC, generally require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning of the glass and frames with a soft cloth and mild detergent will help keep them looking their best. It’s also a good idea to periodically check the seals and any moving parts to ensure they’re in good working order. If they’re made of wood, they might require occasional repainting or sealing to protect against the elements.
The installation time for an Oriel window can vary based on several factors including the size of the window, the complexity of the design, and the specific conditions of the building where it’s being installed. On average, a straightforward installation might take a day or two, but more complex installations or those that require structural adjustments to the building could take longer. It’s always best to consult with the installation company for a more accurate timeframe.
