Specialist Spider Glass Facade Installation
A spider glass facade (Point Fixed) is a system in which glass panels are attached to a steel structure or glass fins via stainless point-fixing connectors (clamps or spider fittings).
The result is an all-glass wall with maximum transparency and minimum visible framing; the first choice for signature lobbies, storefronts, atriums and facades where transparency, daylight and brand presence are critical.
In our projects — from the 1,500 m² glass-fin spider facade of the Parvin Complex to the glazed walls of the Saveh Computer Center — this system has been executed alongside curtain wall and composite cladding with fully coordinated details.
1Spider System Types We Install
- Spider glazing on horizontal/vertical steel structures (Steel Fin or Frame)
- Glass Fin Spider with vertical load-bearing glass fins
- Cable Net for special lightweight, highly transparent facades
- Point-fixed glass roofs (Skylight)
- Glass handrails and point-fixed balustrades
2Key Execution Details
- Selection of tempered or tempered-laminated glass with the right thickness based on span, wind load and impact loads
- Precise glass hole drilling details (Holes) compatible with stainless spider fittings
- Fin and supporting structure design based on structural calculations
- Sealing of edges and panel joints with structural silicone
- Adjustment and calibration of point fixings to absorb structural movement and thermal expansion
- Coordination of spider connection details with adjacent curtain wall, composite and other systems
3Advantages of Spider Glazing
- Maximum transparency and a storefront effect — unobstructed display of interior spaces and brand merchandise
- Minimal, high-tech appearance suited to modern architecture
- Feasible over large spans and great heights
- Individual glass panels can be replaced locally
- Combines with accent and nighttime lighting
4Common Mistakes (and How We Differ)
- Choosing glass thickness by guesswork, without wind load and impact calculations
- Drilling that does not match the fittings, causing the glass to crack
- Ignoring fitting adjustment and the absorption of structural movement
- At Namakaran Fakher Engineering Co., every spider project is executed with dedicated shop drawings, engineered glass selection and stage-by-stage quality control
Custom execution detail
Two-dimensional front elevation: in spider glazing, glass drilling is the most critical operation — every millimetre of drilling error becomes a fracture initiator in the laminated pane.
Part-by-part notes:
- 1Glass fin, laminated 10+10 or thicker — the lateral load-bearing element of the facade; fins are joined fin-to-fin with patch fittings and a sealant bead.
- 2Four-arm spider in 316 stainless steel — the number of arms is selected from the panel aspect ratio; the arms must allow rotation and expansion so the glass is never put into flexure.
- 3Drilled laminated glass heat-soak tested to remove the risk of nickel-sulfide spontaneous breakage — the free edge distance around each hole is provided per the standards.
- 4Neutral structural silicone joint between panels — joint width calculated from thermal movement and installation tolerance; typically 15 to 20 mm.
- 5Top patch fitting anchoring the fin head to the roof structure — this point must be designed as roller or sliding so the fin's thermal expansion stays free.
AI & analytical tools
- Smart cost estimate based on area, spans, height and fitting type
- Recommendation of system type (glass fin, steel structure, cable net) based on the desired transparency and budget
Execution steps
- 1Consultation and analysis of drawings and spans
- 2Selection of system and glass type
- 3Design development of fins/structure and connection details
- 4Procurement of tempered/laminated glass and stainless fittings
- 5Structure installation, controlled drilling and panel installation
- 6Sealing, adjustment and final handover
Price factors
Take the next step
For your project's lobby, storefront, atrium or glazed facade, send us the drawings to receive a suitable spider system proposal and a specialist estimate.