Arcus glass balustrade at Hjärnarp sports hall

How do you ensure a clear view of the playing field with a glass balustrade?

In a sports arena, sightlines play an important role in both the audience’s experience and the venue’s design. The railings along the stands and elevated areas need to delineate differences in level without unnecessarily obstructing the view of the action on the playing field.

A glass balustrade with slender posts can be a suitable solution when openness and transparency are key elements of the architecture. Unlike a solid timber or metal railing, the glass allows the eye to pass through the structure, while the railing’s posts and fixings form a clear frame.

Arcus was chosen for the sports hall in Hjärnarp to combine a minimalist look with good transparency. The slender aluminium posts and glass surfaces contribute to a more airy environment where the playing area and the activities take centre stage.

What type of glass balustrade was used in the sports hall?

The choice for the project fell on Arcus glass balustrade, a system with aluminium posts that gives the glass a prominent role in the design of the balustrade. The model is characterised by a pared-back design language in which the posts take up relatively little visual space.

The solution was tailored to the indoor environment of the hall, with a focus on visibility, materials, and a cohesive look.

Projects and the environment

Glass balustrade for a sports hall in Hjärnarp, with a focus on a clear view of the playing area and an open design of the public areas.

Railing model

Arcus, a minimalist glass balustrade where slender posts make way for larger, continuous glass surfaces and a light, airy visual aesthetic.

Glass and finish

Laminated safety glass with ground and polished edges, used to combine transparency with a refined and uniform finish.

Posts and materials

Aluminium posts were chosen for their pared-back design and the material’s good resistance to corrosion. The aluminium details work with the glass and the rest of the hall’s interior.

Why is a minimalist glass balustrade suitable for public spaces?

In public spaces, railings need to work in harmony with both the building’s architecture and the way people move through the space. A minimalist glass balustrade can create clear boundaries without giving a heavy or closed-off impression.

Arcus features a design language in which the glass plays a major visual role, while posts are kept discreet. This can be an advantage in sports arenas, staircases, and other common areas where the goal is to preserve light, space, and a clear view.

In Hjärnarp, the glass balustrade helps to define the spectator areas and changes in level while keeping the connection to the playing area. The balustrade becomes part of the hall’s architecture without competing with the activities or other interior details.

What do you need to consider regarding the safety of glass balustrades in sports arenas?

Railings in sports arenas and other public spaces must be adapted to the specific use of the space. Near stands, stairs, and changes in level, it is particularly important that glass, posts, and fixings form a structure that is suitable for the specific location and the loads that may be encountered.

Laminated safety glass was used in the project in Hjärnarp. This type of glass consists of glass panes bonded together with an interlayer. If the glass breaks, the interlayer helps to hold the pieces together, which is an important property in many balustrade constructions.

Depending on the application, different types of safety glass and mounting solutions may be required. Any top rail and the design of the glass edges must also be selected with the finished structure’s function in mind. The properties of the glass must always be evaluated as part of the overall balustrade system.

How can aluminium posts be adapted to the architecture of the hall?

The rail’s posts affects how the glass is perceived in the room. By choosing a colour that harmonises with the walls, floors, or other architectural details, glass balustrade can become a natural part of the interior.

Arcus offers a variety of colour options for its aluminium posts, including aluminium-coloured, white, black, and grey options. Available colours and finishes depend on the current product lineup for each model.

A subtle colour choice can make posts blend into its surroundings, while a more distinct contrast can highlight the railing’s lines. Which look works best depends on the architecture of the space and how prominent the railing should be.

How are glass balustrades maintained in high-traffic environments?

In a sports hall where many people gather, handrails can be exposed to fingerprints, dirt, and frequent contact. Therefore, it is important to choose materials that are easy to clean and to have clear procedures for maintenance and inspection.

Aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion and is often used in railing structures. Glass surfaces can be cleaned as needed using products and methods suitable for glass, while posts and other components should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In common and public areas, the condition of the railing must also be checked regularly. Glass, fixings, and other structural components should be inspected in accordance with the instructions and procedures applicable to the installation.

What does the project reveal about glass balustrades in public spaces?

The project in Hjärnarp shows how a glass balustrade with a minimalist design can contribute to an open and cohesive indoor environment. With Arcus, a discreet boundary was created in which the transparency of the glass helps to keep the audience connected to the playing area.

The combination of glass and aluminium also demonstrates how material selection, design, and safety requirements must work together. When a railing is tailored to the building’s architecture and intended use, it can become a natural part of the environment without distracting from the activities taking place there.