Challenge
Walkable Structural Glass Bridge with Integrated Guardrail
This project required a fully walkable structural glass bridge spanning 53' × 35' x 19' x 10', designed to support pedestrian loads while maintaining a minimal, uninterrupted architectural appearance. The bridge also needed to integrate directly with the glass guardrail, creating a continous all-glass condition, without conventional framing interrupting the transition between the horizontal walking surface and vertical railing. The exterior edge of the bridge incorporated patina bronze cladding, requiring the structural glass, railing, and metalwork to be coordinated as a single assembly.
Project
Facet House | Challenge One
.png)
Process
01
Trü engineered the walkable bridge using a three-ply laminated structural glass assembly fabricated by Sedak, consisting of 8 mm low-iron heat-strengthened glass, 1.52 mm clear SGP interlayer, 10 mm low-iron heat-strengthened glass, 1.52 mm translucent SGP interlayer, and 10 mm low-iron heat-strengthened glass, for a total thickness of approximately 31 mm.
02
At the walking surface, we incorporated a custom anti-slip pattern/coating consisting of Incus X and applied using an acid-etching process. The treatment provided the required slip resistance while preserving the transparency and visual character of the structural glass.
.png)
.png)
03
The bridge edge and support conditions were engineered around the structural glass assembly, with the glass supported by the steel substructure beneath.
04
The transition between the bridge, railing, and surrounding bronze elements required coordination between structural glazing, bronze cladding, waterproofing, and movement conditions.
Result
The completed assembly functions as a fully walkable structural glass bridge with an integrated glass guardrail, maintaining a continuous transparent appearance across the horizontal and vertical elements.
By combining triple-laminated structural glass, a custom anti-slip treatment, structural sealant connections, and concealed support conditions, we were able to achieve the architectural intent without introducing conventional framing into the primary visual field.
The resulting bridge provides the required structural and safety performance while allowing the glass itself to remain the dominant architectural element.
.png)