Innovating Under Pressure: Glass Balustrade Solution at Heathrow Terminal 3

Project Manager: Hugo Howe

Maximising Load Compliance, Embracing Innovation, and Ensuring Safety

At Design Rationale, we deliver high-performance glass and metalwork solutions tailored to some of the most demanding architectural settings.

A notable example of our ingenuity in action can be found at Heathrow Terminal 3, where we were tasked with installing a structurally robust glass balustrade - without the option of fixing into the slab due to the presence of asbestos.

The Challenge: Fixing Without Drilling into the Slab

Roughly five years ago, our team was commissioned to install a continuous run of glass balustrading within Heathrow Terminal 3. However, an unexpected obstacle emerged: the floor slab contained asbestos, ruling out conventional fixing methods such as mechanical anchors or resin systems.

This constraint demanded a fresh, innovative approach - one that would deliver both structural integrity and full safety compliance, without disturbing the substrate.

The Solution: Adhesive-Based Engineering

Working in close collaboration with Crossley’s, we developed a bespoke solution using only structural mastic and specialist bonding tape to secure the balustrade baseplates directly to the floor surface.

This method required no drilling, no anchoring - just precision bonding, engineered to withstand all anticipated loading conditions.

The project was led by Hugo Howe, whose expertise and problem-solving acumen were instrumental in the successful delivery of this unconventional fix. Under Hugo’s direction, we conducted extensive on-site testing to validate the system’s performance, confirming that it met the required load-bearing standards for impacted areas.

A Standout Achievement in Engineering and Collaboration

This project marked a significant departure from traditional methods - and it proved highly effective. Not only did the solution fully comply with safety regulations, but it also showcased Design Rationale’s dedication to:

• Innovative thinking

• High-quality artisanship

• Adaptive collaboration under restrictive site conditions

Our ability to pivot under pressure and deliver lasting, safe, and aesthetically integrated results is what sets Design Rationale apart in challenging environments.