Pushing boundaries: how rising expectations changed the world of glazing

In recent memory, innovative architecture has moved house. The curtain has been pulled back, and the kinds of projects that would once have only been seen in the press or occasionally by passersby are now plastered across social media, websites, and television. The public appetite for impressive design has never been greater, and the worlds of architecture and glazing have been changed forever. 

But how has this increase in the visibility of innovation altered the way we work with structural glazing? What matters most for architects and specialists now? And how can professionals keep pushing boundaries in a world where what was once exceptional is now mundane? 

The times they are a’ changin…

Over the three-and-a-half decades Cantifix have been in business, we’ve seen the most innovative and challenging projects move from the remit of a select few bold architects to a much wider section of the industry. Cantifix has actively helped the industry to move in this direction, since we completed the very first structural glazing project way back in 1991.

There’s a simple reason for this: visibility. Clients have more access to inspiration than ever before, from the likes of social media channels such as Instagram and Pinterest, and television shows such as Grand Designs. 

Whereas once a common question was ‘can you?’, now we regularly hear ‘how can you?’. We live in an interconnected world, and visibility has increased immeasurably on glazing concepts and designs that were previously seen as impossible.  Yet despite this, the priorities within the industry itself have changed surprisingly little. Convenience, efficiency and reliability are still king - it’s just that these expectations are placed on far more challenging glazing designs, as clients are less content to settle for out-of-the-box products.

This rise in demand has naturally led to a rise in supply. As recently as a couple of decades ago, only a small handful of businesses alongside Cantifix had the ability to produce the boundary-pushing glazing installations for which we’re known. 

But as these projects led to technological innovations, and began to redefine what was possible with glass, more businesses were able to study and now think that they are able to offer glass solutions that were once the exclusive remit of the most talented specialists.  

Collaboration - the secret ingredient to success

With higher expectations, an increase in innovative  ideas, and the impression that there are far more specialists to choose from, the risks involved inevitably grow.  As different skills are needed to meet these demands, it is more important than ever for architects and contractors to be able to work collaboratively with specialists (and indeed specialists, like Cantifix, to rely on their logistical and supplier partners) when delivering projects. 

This can sometimes be difficult to rationalise for clients who may expect the expertise of their architects and/or contractors to cover every aspect of a project, including the glass. In truth, with more challenging projects now the norm, professionals regularly need to rely on input from a wider range of experts, and good relationships and strong collaborations have never been more important. 

This new working landscape is set in stone: relationships between architects, contractors and their specialists are now the linchpin of effective delivery of projects on time and within budget. 

A broader perspective

In many cases, and particularly on complicated designs, it’s no longer enough for a glazing supplier to simply design the glass for a project and hand it over. Everything from the minute details of the glass design to the installation processes need to be taken into account by the specialist. 

Will cranes be needed? Road closures? Should the specification of the glass be adapted because the wall in question is south-facing? These considerations occur far more frequently now, and architects and contractors need to be able to rely on their specialists to tell them these things. 

Glazing specialists have to be able to spot problems in advance. We need to flag potential issues, and account for them in our designs and plans. The same applies for opportunities, as well as challenges - could the glass in a project be designed in such a way that removes the need for unsightly beams or supports? Could the specification include something like Solstice Glass? 

Taking ownership of these challenges and opportunities has always been the remit of niche experts and suppliers, but with the bar so much higher for so many projects, this has become a standard part of the process of design. Finding a specialist that thinks and works like this must be a high priority for architects and contractors. 

Sustainability matters…

With sustainability rightly in the spotlight, (not to mention the new change to building regulations), any company would be foolish to ignore the call for change. Clients are focusing more on the ecological impact of their projects, with movements like the Passiv Haus design standard leading the way.

While more clients are exploring eco-friendly options such as enhanced insulation, solar control, ultra clear glass and easy cleaning, there is always a balance to be struck between the ideal and the realistic (particularly where budgets are concerned). But while sustainable designs in terms of glass are still in their infancy, and thus can be prohibitively expensive, this will change as technology continues to advance.  

There is also more to sustainability than just product offering. Companies also need to look to see if there are updates they can make to their processes, the raw materials they use, and the waste they create. 

With the bar set so much higher even for ‘everyday projects’, it’s up to everyone involved in the supply chain to educate themselves and each other on why these changes are important, and what they can do. By involving everyone in the process, we will eventually be able to make better alternatives available to a much wider audience. This will be essential in the years to come. 

Final thoughts

In the world of glazing, what was once deemed impossible is now everyday.  We live in a brave new world of technology, but whereas once these kinds of unique and cutting edge designs were resigned to the remit of a few young, innovative architects, increased visibility to the client means that the expectations placed on the shoulders of almost every architect are infinitely higher. 

With greater expectations and risks, architects and contractors need to invest time and effort into building and nurturing relationships with glazing specialists who are able to keep pace with change - or better yet, drive change forwards.

As we move into a brave new world of innovation, maintaining relationships with the right glazing specialists has become - and will continue to be - the make or break factor in delivering outstanding glass designs.