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Glass Balustrades for Lobby & Feature Stairs in Miami
Frameless glass balustrades for lobby stairs, feature stairs, curved stairs and bridges in Miami, with concealed fixings and precise detailing.
- Glass
- Laminated, low-iron
- Shapes
- Flat, sloped, curved
- Fixing
- Concealed or point-fixed
- Coordination
- 3D with stair steel
About lobby & feature stair balustrades
On a feature stair, the balustrade is part of the architecture. Every joint, fixing and edge is seen up close, often in curved or sloping glass.
We detail the glass, the fixings into the stringer or floor and the handrail as one design, and coordinate with the stair fabricator so the result looks effortless. We use approved systems with a Miami-Dade NOA, or fabricate custom railings to your design, engineered for the code that applies.
Our project · InternationalAnatomy of lobby & feature stair balustrades
- Shaped glass panelsLaminated panels cut to the stair rake, curved where the stair curves.
- Stringer fixingsStandoffs, clamps or channels fixed to the side of the stringer, hidden where possible.
- HandrailsGlass-mounted, wall-mounted or slot-cap handrails in the architect's finish.
- Landings & bridgesBalustrades continue across landings, bridges and mezzanines with matching details.
- Templates & 3D dataGlass is produced from site templates or 3D models for an exact fit.
Railings of every type, for every location, designed to the code that applies.
Performance standards
A glass railing is a life-safety element. These are the code requirements our engineers design and document for every railing, commercial or residential.
Guard loads (FBC 1607.8)
Guards resist 50 lb per linear foot and a 200 lb concentrated load at the top in any direction, plus 50 lb on one square foot of infill.
Laminated glass (FBC 2407)
Glass in guards is laminated safety glass, designed with a safety factor of four, so the panel stays in place if a ply breaks.
Top rail or tested system
A top rail or handrail is required unless a laminated glass system is tested to ASTM E2353 to remain in place as a barrier after breakage.
Guard height & openings
42 in. for commercial guards and 36 in. for most residential guards, with openings that a 4 in. sphere cannot pass.
Handrails
At stairs and ramps, continuous graspable handrails at 34-38 in., with returns and extensions per the accessibility code.
HVHZ approval
Exterior railings in Miami-Dade and Broward use approved systems (Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval) or custom railings with project-specific engineering.
Heat-soaked tempered glass
Heat soak testing reduces the risk of spontaneous breakage from nickel sulfide inclusions in tempered glass.
Code references are summarized for orientation. Final requirements are confirmed by the engineer of record and the building department for each project.
Design considerations
What our engineering team reviews with the design team before the drawings are final.
- Every joint is visibleJoint widths, fixing positions and glass edges are drawn in elevation and approved before production.
- Coordinate with the stair builderFixing points are set in the stair steel before it is finished.
- Curved glass lead timeCurved laminated glass needs molds and more time; we plan it early.
- Finish matchingHandrails and fittings are matched to the stair and lobby finishes.
Our project · InternationalGlass railing mounting systems compared
A quick reference our engineers use with architects and owners when choosing the right system.
| Base shoe (channel) | Spigots | Standoffs (side-mounted) | Post & clamp | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Cleanest, no posts, glass appears to float | Minimal round or square posts | Glass fixed to the slab edge with discs | Visible posts, classic look |
| Mounting | Top of slab, side of slab or recessed | Core-drilled or base-plated | Side of slab or stringer | Top or side mounted posts |
| Best for | Malls, atriums, balconies, terraces | Pool fences, decks, terraces | Stairs, mezzanines, slab edges | Budget-sensitive and long runs |
| Glass | Laminated, engineered per span | Laminated or tempered (pool fences) | Laminated, engineered per fixing | Laminated infill panels |
| Relative cost | Higher | Medium | Medium to higher | Most economical |
What we supply
One package from design-assist to closeout, so there is one team accountable for the result.
- Custom railings fabricated to the design
- Flat, sloped and curved laminated glass
- Concealed stringer or floor fixings
- Handrails and wall rails
- 3D coordination with the stair fabricator
- Engineering and shop drawings
- Installation by licensed and insured partners
Options & specifications
Final systems, glass and finishes are confirmed per project in shop drawings and submittals.
| Glass | Laminated low-iron, curved or sloped |
|---|---|
| Fixing | Side-fixed to the stringer, base channel or point-fixed |
| Handrail | Glass-mounted, wall-mounted or slot cap |
| Finish | Satin or polished stainless, bronze or black |
From plans to closeout
- Plans reviewSend drawings and specs. We review the scope, the wind zone and the code path, and list any questions.
- ProposalA priced proposal with the system, glass and finish, plus value-engineering options where they help budget or lead time.
- Engineering & approvalsShop drawings, structural calculations by a Florida-licensed PE, product approvals and samples for the architect's review.
- FabricationSystems are fabricated to the approved drawings and delivered to suit the site schedule.
- InstallationInstallation by licensed and insured partner crews, with our project manager on site. The permit is pulled by the contractor of record.
- CloseoutPunch list, warranties, as-builts and maintenance information handed over.
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Our project · InternationalLobby & Feature Stair Balustrades: FAQ
Can you supply curved glass balustrades?
Yes. Curved laminated glass is produced to templates or 3D data and coordinated with the stair geometry.
Who coordinates with the stair steel?
We do. We share drawings or 3D data with the stair fabricator so the fixings land in the right place.
Can a feature stair have no handrail on the glass?
Stairs need handrails; they can be mounted on the wall side or on the glass with minimal brackets.
Can you match an existing stair?
Yes. We template on site and produce glass to fit existing stairs and landings.
Request a Lobby & Feature Stair Balustrades quote
Send the scope, drawings or a link to the bid set. We review it and reply with questions, a system proposal or a price.
- Free, no-obligation quote or bid
- Value-engineering options included
- Scope review by our technical team
- One point of contact from bid to closeout
Prefer to talk to our estimating team?