Kitchen Island Glass Top
West Vancouver, BC
Project Overview
A sleek, modern glass guard for a contemporary linear fireplace. We used Starphire low-iron glass to ensure perfectly clear visibility of the flames without the green tint of standard glass. The glass was custom fabricated with polished edges and mounted with minimal hardware.
The Challenge
In a stunning West Vancouver custom home build, the centerpiece of the living room was a massive, contemporary linear gas fireplace integrated into a custom stone feature wall. Building code required a safety barrier, but traditional mesh screens or thick metal-framed glass guards would have severely compromised the sleek, monolithic design intent. The architect and homeowner demanded a solution that provided uncompromising safety while remaining virtually invisible. Additionally, standard clear glass naturally possesses a green edge tint that would clash with the stark white and grey tones of the surrounding stonework. The installation method also needed to avoid drilling into the delicate face of the imported stone.
Our Solution
We engineered a fully frameless, free-standing glass safety guard utilizing 10mm Starphire (low-iron) tempered glass. Starphire glass has a significantly reduced iron content, eliminating the common green tint and providing ultra-pure clarity and neutral, brilliant edges that harmonized perfectly with the stonework. All exposed edges were CNC flat-polished to a high luster for a premium tactile and visual finish. Instead of face-mounting hardware, we devised a discrete, floor-mounted system using heavy-duty, minimalist stainless steel base shoes that were recessed slightly into the hearth. This cantilevered design allowed the glass to stand vertically without any upper support hardware, creating an unobstructed view of the flames.
The Result
The custom fireplace enclosure serves as a flawless architectural detail that meets stringent safety regulations without detracting from the room's design. The Starphire glass acts as a nearly invisible protective shield, allowing the vibrant colors and dynamic movement of the flames to be enjoyed with absolute clarity from any angle in the room. The recessed base mounting system gives the illusion that the glass panel is magically erupting from the hearth itself. The homeowners were extremely satisfied with the seamless integration, noting that the enclosure elevates the sophistication of the fireplace rather than acting as a necessary encumbrance. It represents the perfect marriage of luxury aesthetics and functional safety.
Key Features
- Ultra-clear low-iron glass
- Flat polished edges
- Heat-resistant safety tempering
- Seamless visual aesthetic
Ready for something similar?
If you're looking for premium custom glass solutions in West Vancouver or the surrounding Greater Vancouver area, our expert team at WaveGlass is ready to bring your vision to life with precision and care.
Project Details
Location
West Vancouver, BC
Glass Spec
10mm Starphire (Low-Iron)
Hardware
Minimalist Standoffs
Timeline
1 Day