Glazing tape plays a crucial role in modern glazing systems, providing structural integrity and excellent weather resistance, while allowing facades to be glazed with a clean, minimal aesthetic. However, in selected framing applications such as custom steelwork where the tape is exposed, it results in an unsightly finish.
The Adelaide pool house project demonstrates a solution for architects and building designers seeking to conceal glazing tape. Using digitally printed glass to create an opaque framing border around the edges of the glass panel, glazing tape can be completely hidden. This approach was implemented for over 100sqm of glazing into a custom swimming pool enclosure located in the magnificent Adelaide Hills. Completed by Liink Group and Festival Glass, the outcome is a seamless intersection of glass and steel framing, with no visible tape.
Private swimming pavilion – Adelaide Hills
This stunning private residence in the Adelaide Hills features a 25m lap pool located within a custom-built enclosure. Built by Liink group, the enclosure features extensive use of glazing to maximise light and views to the immaculate surrounding gardens and hilly landscape.
The glazing for the project comprises of over 100sqm of 6mm and 13.52mm low iron glass. All panels are supplied with a pure white ImagInk printed border. The glass was manufactured at Cooling Brothers’ Perth facility and freighted into Adelaide.
The brief
The brief sought a white border detail to be designed and produced to match the white, custom steel framing and conceal the structural glazing tape.
The clean white colour palette of the pool enclosure required all glazing details to match. While this is a straightforward selection for framing and fittings, the custom steelwork for the project meant the glazing technique would result in the black structural glazing tape being exposed, creating a noticeable window framing effect.
A solution for concealing the glazing tape was required that would be cost effective, long lasting, and colour matched to the framing and building structure.
Options for concealing structural tape in glazing applications where tape is visible
When structural glazing tape is visible, it can detract from the overall aesthetics of the glazing system. To tackle this challenge, architects and designers have explored various methods to conceal the tape effectively:
- Coloured or tinted tapes: Using glazing tapes with colours that match the glass or frame can help blend the tape into the surroundings. This approach creates a more harmonious and unified appearance.
- Back-painted glass: Applying paint or a coloured layer on the backside of the glass panel can obscure the tape when viewed from the front, providing a clean and seamless look.
- Integrated channels or profiles: Designing the glazing system with built-in channels or profiles can hide the tape within the structure, eliminating its visibility.
- Printed glass: Printing on glass panels has emerged as an innovative and elegant solution to conceal structural glazing tape while adding artistic patterns or designs to the glass surface.
Glass specification
A 30mm white border was designed, and printed using Cooling Brothers ImagInk digital printing process. UV resistant ceramic inks are applied directly to the glass, which can be installed as monolithic, or further processed into laminated glass. The inks provide a fade and scratch resistant surface – perfect for concealing structural glazing tape.
Benefits of using a printed border to conceal structural tape
Among the various options available, using printed glass to conceal structural glazing tape offers several advantages:
Aesthetic enhancement: Printed glass allows architects and designers to unleash their creativity, incorporating intricate patterns, images, or designs onto the glass surface. This artistic touch not only conceals the tape but also enhances the visual appeal of the glazing system.
Seamless integration: By printing the pattern directly onto the glass panel, there is no need for additional layers or materials, ensuring a seamless and flush surface that conceals the structural tape effectively.
Customisability: Printed glass provides unparalleled customisation options, enabling architects to tailor the design to match the specific aesthetic and functional requirements of the project.
Durability and longevity: The printed patterns on glass are highly durable and resistant to fading, ensuring that the concealed tape remains hidden and visually pleasing for an extended period.
Easy maintenance: Printed glass is easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for architectural applications.
“Using an ImagInk digitally printed border provided the optimal solution for our client’s requirements. It easily and cost effectively conceals the glazing tape, and created a seamless interface between framing and glass – a very important outcome given the large amount of glass and views offered,” said Markus Diko, Liink Group.
Project details
Project: Adelaide Hills Swimming Pavilion
Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Builder & Glazier:
- Liink Group
- Festival Glass
Product: ImagInk Printed Glass
Glass Specification:
- 6mm Low Iron
- 13.52mm Low Iron
