Simplified design procedure for individual and sophisticated entrance façade solutions with glass

Mr. Dirk Schulte, DORMA-GlasTec GmbH

The entrance façade as the transparent face of a building gains high significance under consideration of architectural design, construction and material technology as well as access functionality and control.

Individuality is in demand. As a rule, however, this requires complex and cost-intensive planning and design for each customised application. Now, a standardised approach in the form of a simplified design concept has been developed. This combines various
possibilities afforded by different types of frameless glass façade constructions with entrance solutions mentioned.

Whether there is a straight frontage, a segmented façade or a corner solution, the concept ensures reliable fixing of the glazing in all directions to the substructure. The latter may take the form of a steel latticework, a light assembly intricately trussed with tie rods or a glass fin arrangement to perform the self-bearing/stiffening function
under a maximum of transparency.

With this standardized design procedure, the user can be sure of planning reliability right from the initial drafting phase. A pre-dimensioning ensures that the structural components are always correctly designed and safely combined with compatible door
systems. And, of course, such a basis also minimises the work input and costs involved at further planning stages.

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The Authors

Dirk Schulte Business Development Manager, Structural Glass Applications DORMA-Glas GmbH Dirk Schulte is the Business Development Manager for Structural Glass Applications by DORMA. His profession as a civil-engineer with the specialization of structural- and material-engineering enables... Read more