A glass balustrade on a jetty can create a clear boundary without blocking the view of the water. In this customer project, Forma – our glass balustrade with aluminium posts and clear laminated safety glass – has been fitted along a jetty by a cove. The balustrade’s straight lines and transparent glass panels give the jetty a discreet frame, while the water’s surface and the surrounding landscape remain the focal point.
Why choose a glass balustrade for a dock with a view?
On a dock, being close to the water is often an important part of the experience. A solid railing can create a clear boundary, but at the same time obstruct the view of the lake or bay. With a glass balustrade, the edge of the dock can be marked without losing the connection to the surroundings.
In this project, clear glass was chosen to preserve the view of the water. The transparent glass panels allow the eye to pass through the railing, while the aluminium posts create a recurring pattern along the edge of the timber deck.
The combination of glass and aluminium gives the deck a modern and minimalist look. The railing becomes part of the space’s design without overwhelming the natural surroundings.
Which glass balustrade was used on the bridge?
The choice fell on theForma glass balustrade in aluminium, a model that combines aluminium posts with glass panels to create an open partition.
In this customer project, we used clear laminated safety glass and a surface-mounted solution on the deck timber decking. The railing’s discreet fixings and clean lines allow the glass to take centre stage without making the structure appear heavy.
- Railing model
- Forma, ett glasräcke med aluminiumstolpar och transparent glasfyllning som ger en öppen inramning.
- Aluminium posts
- Aluminium posts form the structure of the balustrade and give a pared-back look that works with timber and waterside settings.
- Laminated safety glass
- Clear glass panels that preserve the view of the bay and allow daylight to pass through the railing.
- Top mounting
- The railing is mounted on top of the dock's timber decking using discreet fixings. The anchoring must be adapted to the load-bearing structure.
- Location
- A dock right on the water, where glass balustrade frames part of the swimming area without blocking the view of the bay.
What do you need to keep in mind when installing glass balustrade on a dock?
A dock may have different structural requirements than a standard deck. The foundation may be affected by moisture, water levels, waves, and movement, all of which must be taken into account when installing a railing.
In this project, Forma has been mounted on top of timber decking. With this type of installation, posts must be anchored to a suitable load-bearing structure. The deck boards alone cannot be expected to withstand the loads to which the railing may be subjected.
It is also important to check whether the dock is firmly anchored or can move relative to the water. Fixing, the placement of the posts and the dimensions of the railing must be adapted to the actual design and the loads that may occur.
How does laminated safety glass work in a brewing rack?
Laminated safety glass consists of glass panels that are bonded together with an interlayer. If the glass breaks, the interlayer helps hold the glass pieces together. This is an important feature in many railing designs, but the glass’s construction must always be adapted to the specific application.
Clear glass is used on this dock to maintain visibility. The transparent sections allow the water's surface and the surroundings to remain visible, while the railing marks the edge of the dock.
The appropriate glass thickness and construction depend, among other things, on the railing’s dimensions, fixings, wind conditions, and how the dock is used. Glass and aluminium posts must therefore be evaluated as part of the same balustrade system.
What safety considerations should you keep in mind regarding a balustrade near water?
A railing on a dock must be designed with both elevation differences and the way the area is used in mind. At a swimming area, it is also important to plan how people can safely get in and out of the water.
The placement of the railing must not obstruct necessary passageways or access to, for example, swim ladders and any rescue equipment. If the railing is also intended to serve as a fall protection, the glass, posts, and fixings must be dimensioned for that function.
How do you maintain an aluminium glass balustrade near water?
Aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion and is a common material in outdoor structures. However, this does not mean that every aluminium balustrade is suitable for all environments near water or that it is completely maintenance-free.
On a dock, the railing may be exposed to moisture, water splashes, and dirt. If the location is near saltwater, salt deposits may also increase the need for cleaning. Aluminium profiles, glass, and fixings must therefore be maintained in accordance with the product instructions and the conditions at the site.
Also, regularly check the fixings of the posts and the deck’s load-bearing timber structure. It is especially important to look for damage, movement, or changes in the underlying surface that could affect the stability of the railing.
How does Forma enhance the experience of a waterfront deck?
This customer project demonstrates how a glass balustrade can become part of a waterside setting without obstructing the view that makes the location special. With Forma, aluminium posts, and clear laminated safety glass, the dock has been given a subtle frame that allows the cove and the landscape to remain the focal point.
The combination of wood, glass, and aluminium creates a modern yet natural look. When the railing’s design is tailored to the dock’s construction and intended use, it can contribute to a well-thought-out overall design that accommodates both views and functionality.
