Balustradedesign . has delivered a large-scale railing solution for Arena Åstorp, with a focus on maximum safety and unobstructed views for the audience. Public arenas place unique demands on fall protection, as large crowds and heavy pressure against the railings require a design that goes beyond the ordinary. The choice fell on our post-free Vista glass railing, complemented by stainless steel details to meet the project’s technical specifications.
Project Information:
- Postless railing (Vista): 136 meters of top-mounted railing and 3 meters of outside-mounted railing with 25.52 mm glass.
- Safety Requirements: The design meets the requirement of 3 kN/m, which is the standard for high-load environments.
- Other railings: 32-meter railing with beveled glass (8.76 mm) and stainless steel crossbars.
- Handrail: An additional handrail at a height of 900 mm for improved accessibility.
- Handrails: 46 meters of continuous stainless-steel handrails.
Vista – The post-free choice for arena environments
Our Vista post-free glass railing is our most exclusive model, featuring no posts at all. In an arena, this choice is particularly advantageous because it gives the audience an unobstructed view of the playing surface without any visual barriers. The railing creates a sense of presence without taking up space, which fosters a modern and open atmosphere in the venue.
The system offers great flexibility and the ability to tailor the solution to the project’s unique needs. At Arena Åstorp, a combination of top-mounted and side-mounted brackets was used to optimize placement along the edges of the stands and stairways.
Technical requirements: 3 kN and 25.52 mm safety glass
What sets the project in Åstorp apart is the high safety requirement of 3 kN. This means that the railing must be able to withstand a horizontal load of 300 kg per meter, which is required in environments where large crowds may be pressed against the railing structure.
To meet this requirement, the railing was supplied with 25.52 mm tempered and laminated safety glass. This glass is extremely strong and consists of multiple layers of glass bonded together with a tough plastic film. In the unlikely event that the glass should shatter, the plastic film ensures that the glass remains intact as a single unit, preventing both falls and hazards from loose glass shards. All glass is delivered with ground and polished edges for the highest quality finish and safety.
Flexible installation methods and color options
For the Vista post-free system, we offer three different installation methods depending on the conditions of the substrate:
- Aluminum track: The glass is mounted on a continuous track, which was used for most of the project in Åstorp.
- Floor mounts: Each glass is secured in two discreet aluminum mounts.
- Fixpoints: Round stainless steel mounting points that secure the glass to the outside of the backing.
The aluminum track and floor mounts are available in our standard colors: natural, white, black, or textured gray. When selecting a track, you also have the option to have it painted in any RAL color to match the arena’s other furnishings.
Stainless steel details and accessibility features
In addition to the pillar-free glass sections, the project included 46 meters of stainless-steel handrails and 32 meters of railings with beveled glass for stairwells. To meet accessibility requirements, an additional handrail was installed at a height of 900 mm. This ensures that all visitors, regardless of their needs, can move safely throughout the arena.
Top rails for the Vista system are available in several materials: aluminum, stainless steel, or wood (oak/teak). In Åstorp, stainless steel top rails were chosen, which are secured with a rubber strip to provide extra stability and a uniform look in combination with the other stainless steel details. All of our railing solutions meet the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building, and Planning’s strict standards for fall protection in public spaces.
