A Guide to Glass Corner Windows
Here's what you need to consider when designing corner glass windows...
A Guide to Glass Corner Windows
Glass corner windows are among the most impactful architectural glazing features in modern building design. Seamlessly blending form with function, these installations remove visual boundaries, open up panoramic views, and flood interior spaces with natural light. But while the visual effect is clean and minimalist, the engineering behind corner glazing is anything but simple.
At Cotswold Windows, we work closely with architects, contractors, and homeowners to provide ambitious corner glass window designs that are both visually arresting and technically sound. From scene-stealing glass to glass corner windows to fully openable sliding door corner systems, we offer end-to-end support from concept to installation.
What are corner glass windows?
Corner glass windows take the place of two external walls, replacing traditional solid construction with structural glazing. This creates a dramatic architectural feature that maximises daylight and allows uninterrupted views. Designs may incorporate either fixed glazing for minimal visual interruption or movable glass panels that open away from the corner to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. We used Sky-Frame sliding doors to create stunning corner glass windows that complement the natural environment of this architect-designed new development.
Design options: fixed vs openable corners
Corner glazing typically falls into two main categories: fixed configurations and openable systems.
Fixed glass to glass corner windows are the most visually discreet. In this setup, two panes of glass meet – this is usually at a 90-degree junction although we can design variable corner angles too – and are often joined using either structural silicone or a stepped edge detail. The absence of visible framing or corner posts creates a sharp, uninterrupted corner that feels weightless and transparent. These are ideal in settings where the priority is on preserving uninterrupted views or architectural symmetry, such as this project we completed at Oxford University’s Lincoln College, where flush corner glazing reflects close-up views of the chapel and its stained glass windows by Abraham van Linge.
For more dynamic spaces – such as living areas opening onto gardens, terraces, or pool areas like this Sky-Frame pool project at Barton-on-the-Heath – openable corner systems create an incredible sense of drama. With this configuration, both walls of glazing can slide or pivot away from the corner, leaving it completely open. There are no vertical posts to interrupt the corner; instead, the entire aperture becomes a fully accessible, frameless opening.
These configurations are especially popular in homes where the indoor-outdoor relationship is key to the design concept, such as this Lakes by Yoo project where the brief was to soften the boundary between inside and out, creating a deep connection to nature. However, careful planning is required as openable corners require specialist knowledge, and system selection is critical to performance.
Engineering considerations: structure before style
While the visual appeal of a corner glass window is easy to appreciate, the engineering behind it requires considerable foresight. The primary structural challenge is obvious: if you remove the corner post, what holds the roof or upper storey above?
One common approach is to use cantilevered steelwork, where load-bearing elements are redirected and reinforced through the surrounding structure.
By relocating the support post, the corner remains open and unobstructed but the building retains full structural integrity. This allows for a strong architectural statement while ensuring safety and compliance.
At Cotswold Windows, we work closely with structural engineers from the earliest stages of design. Early dialogue is essential as retrofitting structural adjustments late in the process can result in compromises or increased costs. By consulting during the planning phase, we help ensure that every corner glass window design is fully achievable and aligned with the architectural brief.
Sky-Frame and glass to glass detail
Among the most advanced solutions for openable corners is the Sky-Frame sliding system. Known for its ultra-slim sightlines, exceptional build quality, and sophisticated detailing, Sky-Frame enables architects to realise glass to glass corner window details that have no visible support posts or structural interruptions.
Sky-Frame’s open corner system allows both glazing panels to slide away from the junction, leaving the entire corner fully open. The system incorporates flush thresholds, discreet drainage channels, and high-performance sealing, offering both visual elegance and functional excellence, as seen in this stunning Cotswold home glass extension in Nethercote.
Achieving compliance without compromise
All corner glazing installations must comply with key aspects of the UK Building Regulations which means safety glass is a prerequisite. Building regs Part K requires protection from impact, meaning safety glazing is mandatory in most floor-to-ceiling applications. For ground-floor installations or accessible elevations, Part Q mandates that doors and windows resist forced entry.
At Cotswold Windows, we ensure glass corner windows meet these standards by incorporating laminated or toughened glass depending on location, risk and function. You can find out more about using the right type of safety glazing in our recent blog, Toughened Glass vs Laminated Glass: Which is Right for My Project?
Planning your project
Corner glazing is a high-impact feature that delivers real architectural value. But it must be approached with careful planning, technical precision, and the right choice of systems.
Whether you’re aiming for a frameless corner glass window or a fully openable Sky-Frame corner, Cotswold Windows can help you achieve your vision without compromise. Speak to our team to explore our corner glass window design options.