Coloured and decorative glass

Structural glazing is a load bearing component of a building. Large, often frameless, high-strength glass facades, walls and floors create a contemporary, seamless aesthetic that maximises natural light.

In UK construction, a growing trend is the specification of bespoke structural and architectural glazing design, particularly in commercial buildings. For many commercial projects scheduled for 2026, customised coloured and decorative glass systems have been specified to create striking, high-end spaces, and complement surrounding architecture.

Glasstec Systems works with architects, property developers and contractors to integrate stunning, bespoke structural glazing into build specifications, with coloured and decorative structural glazing designs leading the way.

What is driving the trend in bespoke structural glazing systems?

Bespoke structural glazing balances functional needs with dramatic, high-impact design.

Unique aesthetics and branding

Commercial buildings use unique, visually striking facades to stand out and promote branding. These customised aesthetics elevate the status of a building, creating a premium look. Bespoke images and logos can be digitally printed directly onto the glass.

Versatile applications

Coloured and decorative glass can be used for a range of structural glazing applications including building facades, curtain walls, roof lights, walk-on glass floors and staircases, glass extensions, frameless glass walls, balustrades and railings.

Creative freedom

Glazing technology offers specifiers many options to choose from including transparent, translucent or opaque colours, and smart glass with changing opacity. This provides invaluable creative freedom in the design of high specification commercial buildings.

Enhanced privacy

Bespoke glazing can allow businesses to remain private while still connecting with people outside of the building. Printed messaging, bright colours and logos communicate the culture of the business to the outside world while maintaining its privacy.

Energy efficiency

Some coloured glass products can limit the amount of solar heat that enters a building which reduces cooling costs for greater energy efficiency. Coloured glass can also control glare and block UV radiation.

How Glasstec Systems can deliver complex project requirements through bespoke structural glazing

Glasstec Systems can seamlessly deliver and control complex structural glazing requirements because we design, supply and install each structural glazing system. This is unique in structural glazing with most competitors only offering supply.

Developing and supplying our own structural glazing designs means Glasstec Systems can collaborate and meet specifiers’ design requirements such as custom profiles, oversized units, or specific colour and pattern requests. By collaborating on projects from the outset, Glasstec Systems’ design specialists can provide crucial insight to architects for them to realise their vision and incorporate the designs into the overall build, knowing they won’t face design challenges at a later stage.

Different types of decorative glass

Glasstec Systems can supply a range of decorative glass types, providing specifiers with true design autonomy.

Cast glass

Cast glass is strong, tough glass that has been moulded into a specified unique shape. It can be used for creating durable surfaces such as tiles and bricks so is ideal for partitions and feature walls. Custom moulds allow architects to meet functional needs without compromising on artistic flair, providing structural glass features that are unique to the building.

Etched glass

Glass etching is the creation of decorative patterns or drawings etched out of a frosted or matte effect coating. Etched glass is produced by hand, using stencils and a sandblaster. A similar process is engraved glass which is produced by machines and results in a lower grade quality without the crisp finish of etched glass.

Etched glass is usually specified to either provide privacy, block unpleasant views or reduce glare from the sun. It provides a stylish aesthetic and allows for company names, numbers, logos or drawings to be permanently etched onto commercial building facades and panels.

Glass screen printing

Glass screen printing can be used for internal or external decorative structural glass panels or entire facades. Screen printing opens opportunities for an extensive range of customised colours, patterns and transparency. Surface finishes can also be applied including etching, transparent and opaque colours, and mirroring.

Coloured glass

Specifiers can request coloured glass interlayers to achieve the colour and effect they need for a bespoke, high-end finish. The interlayers are placed between panes of glass to create a customised, single laminated unit. By combining coloured interlayers, designers have access to a vast palette of coloured glass for bespoke architectural effects.

Mirror glass

Structural mirror glass is often specified for practical purposes such as directing and optimising natural daylight or to make spaces look bigger. Mirror glass can also be used to create unique, decorative installations including full height mirrors, framed mirrors, gym and dance studio mirrors, fitting rooms, feature walls and splashbacks.

Specifiers can request bespoke mirror glass finishes in any shape or size. Distressed or antique finishes and tinted variations of mirror glass are examples of unique aesthetics that can be achieved for different environments. Mirror glass can also be toughened for installation near heat sources or other settings that might test its strength.

Contact Glasstec Systems for decorative and coloured structural glass solutions

For high-end specifications and bespoke finishes, get in touch with Glasstec Systems to discuss your structural glazing project.