Glass architecture in its purest form

Transparent glass facades or significant glass enclosures are a favorite means of architectural expression. Expansive facade surfaces are often broken down into smaller window-like surfaces by transoms and mullions – causing the desired liberality to be reduced.

Successfully convinced

Flush-surfaced bonded glazing solutions have been successfully accomplished for decades and their style symbolises the image of the building. The first SSG facade in Germany was the Morandini facade for Rosenthal, supplied by ECKELT in 1984. After 10 years in service, the ift carried out a check and confirmed its complete fitness for purpose.

The initial scepticism raised by the authorities against structural bonding was settled by the introduction of quality control systems and technical regulations and the method has now become state-of-the-art technology for specialised processors.

Approved by authorities

Glass-construction-bonding from supported and non-supported Structural Sealant Glazing has been regulated with respect to the technical requirements by the ETAG 002 (January 2002 Edition). Since such constructions are not yet covered by any harmonized EN Norm and therefore cannot be brought onto the EU market, the Austrian Institute for Building Technology (OIB) has affiliated such glass facades into their building material register ÖE Point 3.1.

Bonded glass constructions, which have an ETA permit in accordance with ETAG 002, are allowed to be used in Austria.

Permitted systems

At this time we possess Schüco SFC 85 SG system, Schüco International KG FW 50+ SG and Wicsky 3 have received an ETA (European Technical Approval). ECKELT is a processor certified by ift Rosenheim to carry out the bonding for these systems.

Bonding without permit

For all other systems which do not have ETA (European Technical Approval) certification, approval must be sought from the local authority by the facade installer.