Spider glass systems create the most dramatic, uncompromising glass facades and feature walls available in modern architecture. No aluminium frame lines. No visible structure. Just large panels of crystal-clear glass held in place by sleek, stainless steel spider fittings — creating the impression that the glass is floating. You will find spider glass systems across the UAE in hotel lobbies, airport terminals, high-end retail, luxury villas, and premium commercial buildings where the design intent demands maximum transparency and visual impact.
Spider glass in a commercial lobby — glass panels held only by stainless steel spider fittings, with no visible frame.
How Spider Glass Works
In a conventional glazed facade, glass panels sit in an aluminium frame — the frame carries the load and holds the glass in position. In a point-fixed spider glass system, the glass panels have holes drilled near each corner (or at intermediate points for large panels), and a bolted fitting — the "spider" — passes through each hole. The spider fitting has multiple arms that connect adjacent panels, and the whole assembly is then connected back to a structural support system.
The result: the glass spans from support to support with no metal frame on its edges or between panels. The joint between adjacent panels is sealed with a structural silicone sealant — a 10–15mm gap that is practically invisible from a distance.
Key Components of a Spider Glass System
Spider Fittings
The star-shaped stainless steel fitting at each support point. Available in 2-arm (edge), 3-arm (corner), and 4-arm (central) configurations. Premium fittings rotate to accommodate structural movement and thermal expansion. Cast stainless steel (AISI 316) is recommended for UAE coastal environments for maximum corrosion resistance.
Glass Panels
Always laminated toughened glass — at minimum 2 x 8mm (total 17.5mm with PVB interlayer). If a panel cracks, the laminate holds all fragments in place rather than allowing collapse. For facades exposed to UAE wind loads, structural calculations determine the required glass thickness. Larger panels at height may require 2 x 10mm or 2 x 12mm laminated glass.
Structural Support
The spider fittings connect to a structural system behind the glass — which can be a steel truss, a tension cable net, a portal frame, or a concrete wall. The choice depends on the span required and the aesthetic desired. Cable-supported spider glass is the most spectacular form — the glass appears to float with only slender cables behind.
Where Spider Glass is Used in UAE
- Hotel lobbies and atriums — large glass feature walls and skylights in Dubai's luxury hotels
- Commercial building facades — fully transparent ground-floor retail and office frontages
- Villa feature walls — dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass walls in entrance halls, living rooms, and stairwells
- Airport and transport hubs — extensive use throughout UAE aviation infrastructure
- Retail and showrooms — high-end brand stores requiring maximum product visibility
Spider Glass Cost — Rough Guide Only
- Standard spider glass (cable or frame-supported): AED 1,800 – 2,800 per m²
- Premium cable-net spider glass: AED 2,500 – 4,000 per m²
- Small feature wall (8–12m²): from AED 18,000 – 35,000
Cost includes glass, spider fittings, structural support system, and installation. Structural engineering calculations (required for all spider glass installations) are typically quoted separately.