Updated: 1st May 2024
Glass is a modern and versatile building material that not only has many physical and environmental benefits but is also aesthetically pleasing when incorporated into garden design.
Whether you want to incorporate a glass balcony, glass staircase or balustrade into your next project, using glass features can help transform your landscape into a contemporary exterior space.
To help, we have compiled four reasons why you should incorporate glass features in your garden landscape, along with some glass application ideas for small and large garden spaces.
Maintain openness 
Glass partitions are a great way to close off a seating area or create a balcony on a raised platform whilst maintaining natural light. If you have designed a landscape with lots of detail, the last thing you want is for parts of the space to be hidden from view or appear smaller than they are.
Glass panels can divide and section off outdoor areas while maintaining a sense of openness and allow you to see all areas of the garden still. Don’t worry about size and height; at SGP, we can curve, bend and provide flat jumbo glass up to 6000m x 3210mm!
Environmentally friendly
Not only is glass sustainable and 100% recyclable, but it can also help to save natural resources like wood. Glass products are made of abundant raw materials, and melting glass cullets requires a lower temperature, meaning less energy is being used.
At SGP, we work alongside Saint-Gobain and contribute to their Glass Forever Recycling scheme. In 2023, we donated 775 tonnes of cullet glass, which prevented 542 tonnes of CO2 pollution, compared to processing the same volume of new glass.
In addition, glass does not need treatments such as paint, polishes or stains to keep it looking fresh. These chemicals could also damage the surrounding environment and affect plant growth in garden areas, so using glass will protect the garden space.
Long-lasting 
Unlike other materials, glass units won’t rust or wear down after a prolonged time outside. Laminated glass units, made from multiple layers of glass, can withstand sweltering summers of direct sunlight or chilly winters with heavy snow and icy temperatures.
Toughened glass is made from a special heating process, which makes it more resistant to high wind pressure or substantial impact. This benefits homebuilders and landlords as they can invest in high-quality glass features without the worry of having to replace them often.
Easy to keep clean
One of the main concerns about using glass outdoors is how long it will stay clean. Like any form of glass, such as windows or doors, splashes or marks can occur after rain or heavy weather. However, unlike wood or metal, removing dirt with general glass cleaners and a microfibre cloth is easy.
If you want to avoid marks altogether, consider adding a special coating layer to your glass that will keep water and other dirt off the surface. This would be ideal for high-value home projects as the ease of keeping the outdoor space looking clean is a key selling point for buyers.
Garden design ideas for small gardens
Glass balustrading is suitable for small garden design as it maximises the natural light coming into the space, which creates a sense of openness. The feature can also create a seamless connection between different levels of the garden, which prevents small gardens with an uneven surface from looking cluttered or unorganised.
Another way to compliment a small garden using glass is to create a flow between the inside and outside of the home with floor-to-ceiling glass doors on the side of the property. In warmer months, this modern glass feature allows residents to use the garden space for entertaining and relaxing and can even add additional value to the property.
Glass features for large gardens
Larger outdoor spaces have more room for substantial architectural design features, such as large curved balustrading or glass well coverings. Jumbo glass units can create a raised balcony to look over a section of greenery or separate different entertaining levels of the garden.
Large gardens often have space for glass staircases, which prevent any sunlight from being blocked and creates a modern garden aesthetic. Glass staircases can be created with toughened laminated glass to prevent breakages and ensure durability in design projects.
How SGP can help with your next project
Are you looking to incorporate glass into your next garden design project? At SGP, our capabilities are endless. We can supply triple-glazed, anti-slip, insulated, solar-controlled, and flat glass, as well as curved double-glazing, toughened curved glass, and much more.
Contact our team or place an enquiry to find out more about our wide range of jumbo and curved glass solutions to meet your design needs.
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