Motorized Guillotine Glass Systems
Open-Air Comfort at the Touch of a Button
Transform terraces, restaurants, rooftops, balconies and hospitality spaces with STRUCTAAS® Motorized Guillotine Glass Systems — an intelligent vertical glazing solution designed to combine panoramic visibility, weather protection and effortless open-air living.
At the touch of a button, the glass panels move vertically to transform an enclosed space into an open environment. Stop the system at your preferred height for controlled ventilation, or fully open it to create an unobstructed connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
When opened, the stacked lower glass panels can also function as a transparent protective balustrade, maintaining visibility while defining the edge of the space.
How the Guillotine Glass System Works
The system consists of two or three vertically moving glass panels housed within engineered aluminium side channels.
A motorized drive mechanism raises and lowers the panels smoothly along guided tracks. The system can be operated using a wall-mounted control, remote control or compatible centralized control configuration.
The glass can be stopped at intermediate positions, giving users precise control over ventilation and enclosure.
CLOSED
Full-height glazing provides protection against rain, wind and external environmental conditions while maintaining panoramic visibility.
PARTIALLY OPEN
Position the glass at your preferred height to introduce natural ventilation without completely exposing the space.
FULLY OPEN
The moving panels stack together, opening the upper section of the enclosure while the lower glass assembly can function as a transparent balustrade.
Panoramic Views Without Heavy Visual Barriers
One of the defining features of the STRUCTAAS® Guillotine Glass System is its emphasis on uninterrupted visibility.
The engineered vertical configuration minimizes unnecessary visual obstruction across the principal viewing area, creating a cleaner architectural appearance than conventional framed windows.
This makes the system particularly suitable for premium hospitality, rooftop and residential environments where maintaining the view is essential.
Engineered for Smooth Vertical Movement
The side channels incorporate precision-guided components designed to keep the moving glass panels properly aligned throughout operation.
Stainless-steel bearing assemblies within the guide channels support smooth vertical travel while helping to minimize unwanted movement and panel misalignment.
Heavy-duty lifting components transfer the motor's movement to the glass assembly for controlled, quiet and consistent operation.
Supported aluminium profiles provide the structural rigidity required for the glazing system and help minimize unwanted deflection or wobbling.
Motorized Control
Operate your glass enclosure effortlessly.
Depending on the selected configuration, the system can be controlled through:
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Handheld remote control
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Wall-mounted control
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Individual module control
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Grouped multi-module control
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Compatible centralized control systems
Multiple guillotine modules can be configured so that each section operates independently or selected modules operate together.
This is particularly useful for restaurants, hotels and large terraces where different sections of an enclosure may need to respond independently to changing weather conditions.
Stop at Any Preferred Position
You do not have to choose between completely open and completely closed.
The motorized system can be positioned at intermediate heights, allowing you to regulate natural airflow according to weather conditions and user comfort.
During light rain, cooler evenings or windy conditions, the opening can be reduced while the rest of the enclosure remains protected.
This provides significantly greater flexibility than a conventional fixed glass enclosure.
Glass Options
STRUCTAAS® Guillotine Glass Systems can be configured with different glazing specifications according to the project's structural, thermal and architectural requirements.
Available configurations may include:
Tempered Safety Glass
Typically 8–10 mm, subject to engineering requirements and panel dimensions.
Insulated Glass Units (IGU)
Insulated glazing configurations such as 4 + 12 + 4 mm may be specified where enhanced thermal performance is required.
Glass thickness and composition are selected according to module size, location, exposure, structural requirements and intended application.
Clear, tinted and other architectural glass finishes may also be considered depending on the project.
Two-Panel or Three-Panel Configuration
The system can be designed using either two or three glass panels depending on the opening dimensions, required ventilation, architectural appearance and project conditions.
2-Panel System
A clean configuration suitable for selected openings and architectural applications.
3-Panel System
Provides increased opening flexibility and is particularly suitable where a larger transformation between enclosed and open conditions is desired.
Our technical team determines the appropriate configuration after reviewing the opening dimensions and site conditions.
Integrated Weather Sealing
Specialized sealing components are incorporated into the aluminium profiles to improve the interface between moving and fixed elements.
Brush seals and engineered profile interfaces help reduce:
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Wind penetration
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Rain ingress
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Dust
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Unwanted air movement
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Operational vibration
For projects requiring enhanced thermal performance, insulated glazing can be combined with the appropriate profile and sealing configuration.
Glass Balustrade Function
When the system is opened, the lower stacked glass panels can form a transparent barrier.
This allows the upper portion of the enclosure to remain open while maintaining a defined glazed boundary below.
It is particularly valuable for terraces, balconies, restaurants and elevated outdoor spaces where preserving the panoramic view is important.
Any application where the system is intended to perform a code-required guarding or balustrade function must be designed and verified against the applicable project safety and building-code requirements.
Designed for Maintainability
The modular side-channel arrangement is designed to provide practical access to internal components.
This can simplify maintenance and component replacement and, depending on the installation configuration, allow damaged glazing or serviceable components to be accessed without dismantling the entire enclosure.
For commercial installations, this can substantially reduce disruption during routine servicing.
Applications
STRUCTAAS® Motorized Guillotine Glass Systems are suitable for:
Restaurants & Cafés
Create adaptable dining areas that can transition between enclosed and open-air environments.
Hotels & Resorts
Provide premium panoramic glazing for restaurants, lounges, terraces and hospitality spaces.
Rooftops
Combine expansive views with controllable weather protection.
Winter Gardens & Sunrooms
Create flexible glazed environments that can be opened when weather conditions permit.
Balconies
Maintain views while introducing controllable ventilation and enclosure.
Terraces & Patios
Extend the usable period of outdoor entertainment spaces.
Residential Outdoor Living
Create sophisticated transitional spaces between the home and garden, pool deck or terrace.
Built Around Your Architecture
Every project is different.
Rather than treating the Guillotine Glass System as a standard window product, STRUCTAAS® integrates the glazing system into the architecture of the space.
Module dimensions, structural supports, glass specification, aluminium finish, motor configuration, controls and adjoining roof systems can all be coordinated around the project requirements.
The system can also be integrated with STRUCTAAS®:
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Motorized Retractable Roof Structures
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Bioclimatic Aluminium Louvre Pergolas
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Fixed Glass Roof Systems
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Sliding Glass Enclosures
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Zip Screen Systems
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Outdoor Living Structures
The result is a complete architectural outdoor-living system rather than a collection of unrelated components.
Technical Overview
| Specification | Available Configuration |
|---|---|
| System Type | Motorized vertical guillotine glazing |
| Glass Panels | 2 or 3 panels |
| Standard Glass | Tempered safety glass |
| Typical Glass Thickness | 8–10 mm |
| Insulated Glass Option | Available |
| Example IGU | 4 + 12 + 4 mm |
| Frame | Architectural aluminium profiles |
| Aluminium Wall Thickness | Up to approximately 2 mm depending on profile |
| Operation | Motorized |
| Controls | Remote and/or wall control |
| Intermediate Positioning | Yes |
| Multi-Module Control | Available |
| Individual Module Control | Available |
| Weather Sealing | Integrated profile/brush sealing system |
| Applications | Residential, hospitality and commercial |
| Finish | Project-specific architectural finishes |
Maximum module dimensions are subject to the selected glass specification, system configuration, wind exposure, installation conditions and project-specific engineering assessment.
Installation
Correct installation is fundamental to the performance of a motorized guillotine glazing system.
STRUCTAAS® provides professional installation with attention to:
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Structural fixing
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Vertical and horizontal alignment
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Glass installation
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Guide-channel alignment
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Motor installation and calibration
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Electrical connections
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Control programming
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Weather sealing
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Operational testing
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Final commissioning
Following installation, the system is tested to confirm smooth travel, correct stopping positions and proper operation of the controls.
Warranty & After-Sales Support
STRUCTAAS® systems are supported by our technical and after-sales team.
Project-specific warranty coverage is provided in accordance with the approved quotation, supplied components and installation scope.
Preventive servicing is recommended for motorized architectural systems, particularly in high-use commercial and hospitality environments.
Our team can provide inspection, adjustment, maintenance and replacement of serviceable components where required.
Transform Your View
Open when you want fresh air.
Close when you need protection.
Stop anywhere in between.
STRUCTAAS® Motorized Guillotine Glass Systems give you the freedom to control how your space interacts with the outdoors — without sacrificing the view.
Bring Your Project to Life
Planning a restaurant, rooftop, terrace, balcony, winter garden or outdoor living space?
Speak with STRUCTAAS® about a custom Motorized Guillotine Glass System designed around your architecture.
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