Whitepapers and Guides
We operate in an ever changing industry, and it can be hard to keep up with the fast paced landscape. Minimal Frame Projects Whitepapers help architects and homeowners answer any questions you may have, from rooflights to understanding changing building regulations and thermal performance of our sliding doors.
Sliding & Entrance Systems
Glazed door systems designed for performance, precision, and architectural clarity.
Minimal-Frame Sliding Doors (External)
Glass Pivots & Large Doors (Internal / External)
Automatic Sliding Entrances (Glazed)
Revolving Doors (Glazed Drum)
Rooflights & Overhead Glazing
Roof glazing, atriums, skylights, and overhead structures designed to maximise daylight and visual comfort.
Frameless Rooflights (Fixed)
Atrium & Overhead Glass Roofs
Ridgelights & Continuous Skylights
Walk-On Glass & Balustrades
Structural glass flooring and edge-protection systems designed for strength, clarity, and safety.
Walk-On Glass Floors (Internal)
Walk-On Glass Floors (External)
Walk-On Glass Floors (Fire-Rated E/EI)
Structural Glass Balustrades (BS 6180)
Canopies, Façades & External Glazing
Structural and decorative glass façades, canopies, and rainscreens designed to deliver transparency, precision, and long-term performance.
Glass Canopies (Point-Fixed)
Specification guide for point-fixed glass canopy systems. Covers structural loading, bolt and rod fixing tolerances, drainage details, and maintenance planning for open-edge applications.
Glass Canopies (Framed)
Technical guidance on framed glass canopy assemblies. Explains support integration, edge protection, and interface continuity to achieve weather-tight, visually light roof structures.
SSG Capless Façades (Unitised)
Comprehensive reference for unitised structural-silicone-glazed façades. Includes standards for air-, water-, and wind-tightness, with focus on deflection control and quality assurance.
Toggle-Retained Capless Glazing
Guidelines for toggle-retained glazing systems where silicone or pressure plates are concealed. Details glass stack design, tolerances, and test evidence required for façade approvals.
Point-Fixed (Spider) Glazing
Design framework for spider-fitted glass façades and entrances. Covers fixing geometry, load distribution, rotation capacity, and performance verification for large-format installations.
Cable-Net & Cable-Stayed Glass Walls
Advanced engineering overview of tensile-supported façades. Explores cable pre-tensioning, structural coordination, and optical control for transparent large-span glass walls.
Rainscreen Glass Façade Panels
Specification notes for back-ventilated glass rainscreens. Discusses fixing systems, fire compliance, and thermal movement control to maintain visual alignment and façade integrity.
Structural Glass & Specialist Applications
Glass beams, fins, curved and hybrid systems engineered for transparency, strength, and design freedom.
Edge-Sealed Structural Glass Roofs
Specification guidance for edge-sealed structural glass roof assemblies. Details design loads, sealant performance, drainage strategy, and structural verification to achieve frameless overhead transparency.
Structural Glass Fins & Beams
Comprehensive design guide for glass fins and beams supporting façades and roofs. Covers laminate composition, deflection criteria, and connection detailing for stiffness, stability, and clarity.
Cold-Bent IGUs on Frame
Technical overview of cold-bent insulating glass units used on curved façades. Explains permissible curvature limits, edge compression control, and façade integration for complex geometries.
Hot-Bent Curved Glass (Façade / Canopy)
Guidelines for hot-formed curved glass used in canopies and façades. Includes curvature tolerances, optical quality, and performance verification to EN standards for long-span architectural glazing.
Glass Stairs, Treads & Landings
Reference document for structural glass flooring and stair applications. Outlines load capacities, slip resistance, interlayer options, and edge detailing to combine transparency with safety.
Fire-Rated, Acoustic & Safety Glazing
Systems designed for fire resistance, sound insulation, and ballistic or blast protection.
Fire-Resistant Glazed Partitions (E/EI)
Design guide for internal glazed partitions with E/EI fire ratings. Explains classification, tested systems, interface detailing, and performance verification for compliant compartmentation.
Fire-Resistant Glazed Doors (E/EI)
Specification guidance for glazed door assemblies with certified E/EI fire performance. Covers door geometry, tested hardware, and interface continuity for safety and compliance.
Security Storefronts (EN 1627 RC)
Technical reference for secure glazed storefront systems tested to EN 1627 RC standards. Details resistance classes, locking hardware, and perimeter design to balance transparency and protection.
Bullet-Resistant Glazing (EN 1063)
Performance overview of ballistic-rated glazing systems to EN 1063. Defines glass build-ups, frame reinforcement, and design verification to achieve required BR classifications.
Blast-Resistant Glazing (Concept & Detailing)
Guidelines for concept design and detailing of blast-resistant glazed façades. Includes load path strategy, laminated interlayers, and testing standards for security-critical applications.
Acoustic IGUs & Interfaces (RW/CTR)
Comprehensive guide to high-performance acoustic insulating glass units. Discusses RW/CTR ratings, edge detailing, and flanking control for façades exposed to road and rail noise.
Advanced Glass Technologies
Energy-efficient, high-performance, and smart glazing solutions for modern architecture.
Bird-Safe Patterned / Fritted Glass
Guidelines for specifying bird-safe fritted glazing to mitigate collision risk while maintaining transparency. Covers pattern density, optical contrast, and façade placement principles.
Anti-Reflective Museum-Display Glazing
Technical reference for anti-reflective glass in museum and retail displays. Details coating performance, colour neutrality, and viewing-angle optimisation for maximum clarity.
Low-Iron UV-Bonded Showcases
Design guide for ultra-clear, low-iron glass showcases with UV-cured joints. Includes edge finishing, adhesive durability, and lighting considerations for premium display environments.
Heated Glazing (De-ice / Anti-Condensation)
Comprehensive overview of electrically heated glass systems that prevent condensation and ice build-up. Explains integration with control systems and energy-efficiency parameters.
Electrochromic Dynamic IGUs
Specification guidance for switchable electrochromic glazing. Covers response time, tint uniformity, control wiring, and coordination with façade automation.
PDLC Privacy Laminated IGUs
Explains polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) glazing for instant privacy control. Includes electrical requirements, film positioning, and clarity considerations in laminated builds.
BIPV (Photovoltaic) Glazed Façades & Roofs
Technical framework for integrating solar power generation within glass façades and rooflights. Discusses module wiring, transparency ratios, and electrical safety coordination.
Vacuum IGUs (VIG) in Retrofit
Guidance on using vacuum-sealed insulating glass units for refurbishment projects. Highlights slim-profile advantages, edge sealing, and compatibility with heritage frames.
Triple IGUs in Minimal Frames
Performance reference for triple-glazed minimal-frame systems. Details U-value optimisation, spacer selection, and condensation prevention in ultra-slim profiles.
Warm-Edge Gas Fill & Spacer Design
Specification document outlining best practice for warm-edge spacers and inert gas fills. Explains perimeter sealing, condensation control, and long-term performance verification.
Installation, Performance & Compliance
Engineering, structural loading, QA, and sustainability topics supporting precision installation and long-term reliability.
Drainage & Thresholds at Glazed Doors
Technical guidance for designing and detailing door thresholds to ensure effective drainage and air-water management. Includes falls, weep paths, upstands, and membrane continuity for robust performance.
Condensation & Vapour Control at Interfaces
Explains how to prevent condensation and vapour ingress in glazing interfaces. Covers thermal bridging, vapour control layers, and continuity between façade and structural elements.
Tolerances, Movement & Setting Blocks
Defines acceptable tolerances and movement allowances for glazed assemblies. Provides specification details for setting blocks, packers, and deflection limits to ensure sealant integrity.
Visual Quality & Acceptance (QA)
Outlines visual inspection criteria for glazing. Details quality standards, viewing distances, and acceptance guidelines for coatings, frits, and lamination consistency.
Mock-ups, Tests & Insurer Evidence
Comprehensive framework for façade mock-ups and testing protocols. Describes evidence submission for insurers, warranties, and CWCT sequence validation.
Wind Loads, Zoning & Deflection Limits
Provides calculation principles and zoning criteria for wind load design. Discusses serviceability and ultimate limits, ensuring façade stability and occupant safety.
Thermal Stresses & Heat-Soak Strategy
Guidance on preventing thermal fracture and managing heat-soak testing. Covers glass selection, edge treatment, and solar exposure analysis for compliance with EN 14179.
Sealants, Primers & Compatibility
Details sealant types, primers, and compatibility checks between substrates. Includes workmanship standards and QA measures for airtightness and watertightness.
Ironmongery Loads & Load Paths (Glazed Doors)
Engineering guide to load transfer through glass doors and fittings. Defines hinge capacity, torque limits, and reinforcement design to maintain long-term performance.
Maintenance, Access & Replacement Planning
Outlines lifecycle maintenance and replacement strategies for glazing systems. Covers cleaning regimes, inspection intervals, and safe access planning for future maintenance.
Sustainability & EPD/WLCA for Glazing
Guidelines for assessing environmental performance and whole-life carbon (WLCA) in glazing systems. Covers embodied carbon calculations, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and design strategies to enhance sustainability and compliance with green-building standards.