Toughened glass

CURVED, LAMINATED & TOUGHENED GLASS

ACJ Glazing Solutions specialises in the design, fabrication and installation of curved laminated and toughened glass for architectural, commercial and residential applications across the UK. Based in Southampton, we provide bespoke curved glass solutions combining contemporary aesthetics with enhanced safety, security, and acoustic performance.

Curved laminated glass comprises two or more identical pieces of curved glass bonded together using a high-performance interlayer - typically PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) or SGP (SentryGlas Plus). This lamination process creates glass assemblies with exceptional impact resistance, post-breakage integrity, and security performance far exceeding standard toughened glass.

Our curved laminated glass installations serve main contractors, architects, developers, shopfitters, and discerning homeowners requiring bespoke curved glass balustrades, staircases, shopfronts, canopies, and architectural features where safety, security, and design excellence are paramount.

WHAT IS CURVED LAMINATED GLASS?

Manufacturing Process

Curved laminated glass is manufactured through a specialist process:

•  1. Bending: Individual glass sheets are heated and bent over formers to create identical curved profiles

•  2. Toughening (Optional): Glass can be thermally toughened before or after bending for additional strength

•  3. Lamination: Curved glass sheets are bonded with PVB or SGP interlayer under heat and pressure

•      4. Quality Control: Inspection for optical quality, correct curvature, and lamination integrity

Key Characteristics

•  Post-Breakage Safety: If broken, glass fragments remain bonded to interlayer, preventing dangerous shards

•  Structural Integrity: Maintains structural performance even after glass breakage

•  Impact Resistance: Considerably more impact-resistant than conventional toughened glass

•      Security Performance: Resists forced entry significantly longer than standard toughened glass

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Retail & Shopfronts

•  Curved Shopfronts: Contemporary curved glass shopfronts for high street retail

•  Display Windows: Curved laminated glass for premium window displays

•  Security Glazing: Enhanced protection for jewellers, banks, and high-value retail

•      Corner Installations: Curved glass eliminating structural corners for seamless aesthetics

Architectural Features

•  Curved Balustrades: Sweeping curved glass balustrades for commercial buildings and shopping centres

•  Feature Staircases: Curved glass staircase enclosures and balustrades

•  Glass Canopies: Curved laminated canopies for building entrances

•      Atrium Glazing: Large curved laminated panels for atrium and void screens

Office & Commercial Buildings

•  Curved Partitions: Internal curved glass partitions and meeting room screens

•  Reception Features: Curved glass reception desks and feature walls

•      Acoustic Screens: Curved acoustic laminated glass for open-plan offices

Leisure & Hospitality

•  Hotel Features: Curved glass installations in hotel lobbies and restaurants

•  Swimming Pool Enclosures: Curved laminated glass for pool screens and spa facilities

•      Stadium & Arena Glazing: High-performance curved laminated glass for sports venues

DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS

Staircases & Balustrades

•  Curved Staircase Balustrades: Elegant curved glass balustrades following spiral or curved staircases

•  Landing Balustrades: Curved glass for galleried landings and mezzanines

•      Safety Compliance: Laminated glass meets Building Regulations for staircase safety glazing

Balconies & Terraces

•  Curved Balcony Screens: Frameless curved glass balustrades for residential balconies

•  Terrace Wind Protection: Curved glass screens providing wind protection while maintaining views

•      Juliet Balconies: Curved laminated glass for contemporary Juliet balcony installations

Architectural Features

•  Curved Windows: Bespoke curved laminated windows for contemporary homes

•  Glass Walls: Curved glass internal partitions and feature walls

•  Shower Enclosures: Curved laminated glass for luxury shower screens

•      Feature Doors: Curved glass panels within entrance doors and internal doors

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Glass Composition

•  Standard Float Glass: Clear float glass for general applications

•  Low-Iron Glass: Ultra-clear glass with minimal green tint for maximum clarity (e.g., 13.5mm low-iron toughened laminated)

•  Tinted Glass: Grey, bronze, or green tinted curved laminated glass

•      Toughened & Laminated: Combination of toughening and lamination for maximum performance

Laminate Build-Ups

•  6.4mm Laminated: 3mm + 0.38mm PVB + 3mm (standard safety glazing)

•  8.8mm Laminated: 4mm + 0.76mm PVB + 4mm (enhanced safety)

•  10.8mm Laminated: 5mm + 0.76mm PVB + 5mm (structural applications)

•  13.5mm Laminated: 6mm + 1.52mm PVB + 6mm (heavy-duty balustrades and security)

•      Custom Build-Ups: Bespoke laminate thicknesses for specific structural or security requirements

Interlayer Options

•  PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral): Standard interlayer for most applications - clear, tinted, or acoustic

•  Acoustic PVB: Enhanced sound reduction interlayer for noise-sensitive locations

•  SGP (SentryGlas Plus): High-performance structural interlayer for demanding applications

•      Coloured Interlayers: Tinted PVB creating coloured laminated glass effects

Curvature Capabilities

•  Radius Range: Typically 300mm minimum radius up to several metres

•  Single Curvature: Curved in one plane (cylindrical curve)

•  Maximum Sizes: Dependent on curvature, thickness, and application - consult for project-specific advice

Bespoke Curves: Custom curvatures manufactured to architect's drawings 

STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE

•  BS EN ISO 12543: Laminated glass standards for safety and performance

•  BS EN 12150: Thermally toughened glass standard (when toughened element specified)

•  Building Regulations Part N: Safety glazing compliance for critical locations

•  BS 6180: Barriers in and about buildings - balustrade safety standard

•      CE Marking: All glass manufactured to European standards with CE certification

DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICE

ACJ Glazing Solutions provides complete curved laminated glass services from initial design through to professional installation:

Our Process

•  1. Design Consultation: Understanding project requirements, curvature, and performance needs

•  2. Site Survey: Precise measurement and templating of curved elements

•  3. Technical Drawings: CAD drawings showing curvatures, dimensions, and fixing details

•  4. Structural Calculations: Engineering calculations for structural glass applications

•  5. Manufacturing: Specialist curved glass fabrication at approved facilities

•  6. Quality Control: Inspection of curvature accuracy, lamination quality, and dimensions

•      7. Professional Installation: Expert fitting using appropriate fixing systems and equipment

Installation Capabilities

•  Specialist Equipment: Glass handling equipment including spider cranes for large curved panels

•  Experienced Teams: Glaziers trained in curved glass installation techniques

•  Fixing Systems: Structural silicone, point fixings, channels, and bespoke hardware

•        Nationwide Service: Complex curved glass installations completed throughout the UK