Stylish and reliable base for glass balustrades

IMS Netherlands has been an all-round supplier and distributor of steel, stainless steel and aluminum since 1954. The high-quality materials are used in the machining, aircraft, food, energy, automotive, offshore, utility and residential construction industries, among others. In 2008, IMS Netherlands started developing its own line of fencing components under the name SB-Railing. A few years later, with UNIQ Balustrades, a high-quality series of glass balustrade profiles was also added. The UNIQ profiles are distinguished not only by complete clamping of the glass without chocks and rubbers, but also by their aesthetic appearance. Thus, quick and easy installation is uniquely combined with the highest safety and elegant design.

Glass has become indispensable in today's architecture. Thus, glass balustrades provide even more light, visibility and a pleasant sense of space. Especially for these balustrades, UNIQ Balustrades developed slim glass balustrade profiles in a high-quality stainless steel look, which are strong, light and easy to assemble. "While glass balustrades look transparent and uncomplicated, assembly involves quite a bit of engineering," knows Martin Krakowczyk, Product Manager for UNIQ Balustrades and SB-Railing. "Among other things, the weight of the glass panels, the usage loads and the wind load require quality systems, which we are very happy to provide. In total, we offer five high-quality series of glass balustrade profiles, which can be used to create a reliable, fall-safe and design-ready glass balustrade for any building, any situation and any load."

Mounting on and against the floor

UNIQ Balustrades supplies glass balustrade profiles for mounting on and against the floor. "Our O series (on floor) and A series (against floor) are mostly used in new construction projects, where mounting on the rough floor and under the screed creates a highly transparent whole," says Krakowczyk. "In addition, with our OS and AS profile series, we offer an extremely slim and elegant solution for existing buildings, where mounting on or against the finished floor is most efficient. With the minimalist OXS series, we are also responding to the desire for quick, reliable and aesthetic mounting of privacy or windbreaks as well."

Suitable for various weight categories

For private projects, profiles for linear loads of 0.5 or 1.0 kN are often sufficient, Krakowczyk knows. "In addition, we supply a 2.0 kN variant for private or utility (high-rise) construction projects where higher wind loads apply. With the 3.0 kN profile series, we offer a solution for museums and stadiums, for example, where many people congregate and high usage loads apply."

Full glass clamping

One of the patented features of the UNIQ glass balustrade profiles is the complete clamping of the glass, Krakowczyk says. "We work with an aluminum clamping strip that is exactly the same length as our profiles. This allows the full length of the glass to be clamped in and prevents peak stresses in the glass. Processors therefore face less risk of glass breakage during assembly, while users benefit from the very highest safety. Thanks to full clamping, thinner glass can also be used in some situations."

Minimalist design

"Our profiles have been developed as minimally as possible and can be applied almost invisibly," Krakowczyk emphasizes. "Also, the use of rubber has been reduced to an absolute minimum. Except for two drip rubbers, the profiles are completely finished with aluminum snap strips. The glass balustrade profiles come standard in a stainless steel look and brut, with matching stainless steel handrails or aluminum profiles for the glass cover providing a stylish finishing touch. A number of profiles are additionally available in a satin black finish, bringing us in line with current real estate trends."

The glass balustrade profiles of UNIQ Balustrades can be admired in numerous private and utility buildings. Both in the Netherlands and in Belgium, where, for example, apartment building La Rive in Knokke (B), Harbour Village Het Zilveren Schor in Arnemuiden and Hyde Park in Hoofddorp are real eye-catchers.