A frameless glass balustrade can provide a rooftop terrace with an open and modern frame without obstructing the view with vertical posts. In this customer project on Malmskillnadsgatan in central Stockholm, we supplied 68 metres of our frameless glass balustrade Vista. With blue-painted aluminium rails and top rail, the railing took on a distinctive look that harmonises with the urban environment and the building’s architecture.
How do you create an open rooftop terrace with a view of the city?
On a rooftop terrace in an urban setting, the design of the railing plays an important role in how the space is experienced. When the view extends over surrounding buildings and the city’s rooftop landscape, sturdy posts or solid railing panels can become prominent elements of the overall impression.
For the project on Malmskillnadsgatan, the goal was to create a cohesive and unobtrusive boundary along the terrace. The railing needed to complement the building’s modern design while preserving the open sightlines as much as possible.
The solution was a frameless glass balustrade featuring a continuous aluminium rail. The transparent glass surface creates a sense of openness, while the custom-designed blue details add a distinct yet thoughtful pop of colour.
What type of balustrade was used on Malmskillnadsgatan?
The choice fell on Vista, our frameless glass balustrade in which the glass panels are anchored without traditional vertical balustrade posts. The project included a longer continuous run of balustrade with specially adapted details in blue.
The combination of glass, aluminium, and a cohesive colour scheme gave the rooftop terrace a modern look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding cityscape.
- Scope of the project
- A total of 68 metres of frameless glass balustrade was delivered to the rooftop terrace on Malmskillnadsgatan.
- Railing model
- Vista, a frameless glass balustrade with transparent glass surfaces that provide an unobstructed view without traditional posts between the glass panels.
- Fixing
- The glass balustrade was fixed using an aluminium channel on top of the substrate. The channel forms a continuous line along the edge of the terrace.
- Custom colour
- Aluminium rails and top rail were painted blue to give the railing its own distinctive character and create a uniform look along the entire length.
Why is a frameless glass balustrade a good fit for a rooftop terrace?
A frameless glass balustrade is ideal when you want to create an open and minimalist frame for a rooftop terrace. By anchoring the glass without traditional posts, the railing has fewer vertical lines, which can provide a more unobstructed view and a calmer visual appearance.
On Malmskillnadsgatan, this became particularly important because the railing runs along a large portion of the terrace. When the same design is repeated over a longer stretch, even small design details take on great significance in how the entire structure is perceived.
The transparency of the glass also helps maintain a connection with the surroundings. Instead of a solid boundary, the terrace is given a distinct yet visually light frame, where the city’s buildings and rooftops remain an important part of the experience.
How can coloured aluminium rails and top rail change the look?
Even a minimalist glass balustrade can take on a distinct identity through the colour choices of its metal details. Rails and top rail create lines that follow the shape of the railing, and their colour can either harmonise with the building or be used as a deliberate contrast.
For this project, blue-painted aluminium rails and top rail were selected. The colour makes the top and bottom edges of the railing more prominent, while the transparent glass surfaces retain their airy appearance.
The result demonstrates how materials and colour can interact in a larger architectural project. By using the same shade throughout the entire length of the railing, a cohesive whole is created without compromising the transparency of the glass.
How does a frameless glass balustrade with an aluminium rail work?
The frameless glass balustrade with an aluminium rail features a continuous mounting profile that holds the glass in place along the bottom edge of the railing. This solution makes it possible to create longer sections of railing with a uniform appearance, without recurring vertical posts.
On Malmskillnadsgatan, top fixing was used, with the aluminium channel placed on the terrace substrate. The visible channel gives the glass balustrade a clear base and contributes to the linear design.
Depending on the balustrade system and the building’s specific conditions, side mounting may also be an option. In that case, fixing is installed along the exterior of the structure, which can help preserve more of the usable floor space.
The most suitable installation solution depends, among other things, on the structure of the substrate, its load-bearing capacity, and how the railing will be used. For larger projects, fixing must be planned as part of the building’s structural design.
What do you need to consider regarding glass and safety on a rooftop terrace?
On a raised rooftop terrace, glass balustrade must be adapted to the building’s structure, intended use, and any loads that may occur. The glass’s construction, the mounting system, and any top rail must work together as a well-designed railing solution.
Toughened and l laminated, safety glass, combine different material properties. Toughening affects the glass’s strength and fracture behaviour, while lamination involves an interlayer that helps hold the glass pieces together if the glass breaks. The appropriate glass construction must be selected based on the specific conditions of the project.
The top rail gives the balustrade a clear finish along the upper edge of the glass. If it is also to have a structural function, this must be included in the design and dimensioning of the balustrade solution in question.
How does aluminium affect the appearance and maintenance of the balustrade?
Aluminium is often used in railing designs because the material is highly resistant to corrosion and can be finished in a variety of ways. This makes it possible to combine a minimalist design with a colour that complements the building’s architecture.
In an urban environment, glass and metal components can be exposed to dirt, particles, and changing weather conditions. Regular cleaning as needed helps preserve the railing’s appearance. Always follow the product’s care instructions and use methods suitable for glass and painted aluminium surfaces.
What does the project on pole-free glass balustrades in urban environments reveal?
The project on Malmskillnadsgatan demonstrates how a frameless glass balustrade can combine an open design with distinct architectural details. The 68 metres of Vista create a cohesive frame for the rooftop terrace, while the blue-painted rails and top rails give the design its own visual character.
When glass, fixing, and colour choices are planned as a whole, even a longer stretch of railing can feel integrated into the building’s architecture. For similar projects, it is important to select a design based on both aesthetic and technical considerations. More information about available designs can be found on the product page for Vista frameless glass balustrade.
