Why bullet-resistant facade glazing?
Where people, assets, and sensitive infrastructure need to be protected, testing that focuses solely on the glass is not sufficient. Particularly in the case of large-format facades, entrance areas, and transparent building envelopes, security vulnerabilities often arise not in the glass surface itself, but at transitions, joints, frames, and fastenings.
For architects, this means greater planning reliability for security-critical building envelopes. For metal fabricators, it means a clearly defined system framework for execution, connection details, and material selection in façade construction.
Typical applications for system-tested, bullet-resistant façades:
The system solution is particularly suitable for:
- bullet-resistant facades for government agencies and public buildings
- bullet-resistant glazing for banks and corporate headquarters
- secure entrance areas with ballistic protection
- facade solutions for embassies, courthouses, and police stations
- high-end residential buildings with increased security requirements
Ballistic protection in facade systems
The protective performance is based on a system test conducted in accordance with EN 1522 / EN 1523. The test evaluated not only the glazing but also the entire structure, including the glass, substructure, fastenings, and connection areas. This allows for an assessment of the facade system’s actual performance under realistic conditions.
The key advantage lies in the material independence of the mullion-transom system. The tested concept can be implemented with various substructures:
Wooden substructure
Aluminum substructure
Steel substructure
This preserves design and structural freedom in planning without reducing safety requirements to the glass pane alone.
Technical Added Value for Planning and Execution:
- Tested complete system instead of isolated product evaluation
- Clear planning basis for architects in transparent safety facades
- Greater execution reliability for metal fabricators through defined system parameters
- Applicable in various material systems of facade construction
- Suitable for large-format facade solutions with increased protection requirements
What is GM ISO SAFE TOP 0,6 BR4-NS?
GM ISO SAFE TOP 0.6 BR4-NS is a bullet-resistant insulated glass system designed for facade solutions with heightened security requirements. The system has been tested as a complete assembly and meets the requirements of resistance class BR4-NS. It thus provides ballistic protection without shattering on the protected side.
Technical Features of the System:
- Bullet-resistant insulating glass system in BR4-NS
- System-tested according to EN 1522 / EN 1523
- Testing of the complete facade system, not just the glass
- Can be used regardless of the material of the mullion-transom system
- Single pane sizes up to 2.0 × 4.45 m
- Ug value up to 0.6 W/m²K
- Optionally available as solar control glass
For architects and fabricators
For Architects
The system enables transparent façade designs for buildings with heightened security requirements. The tested overall structure facilitates the integration of ballistic requirements into architecturally sophisticated building envelopes—particularly in entrance areas, façade grids, and large-format glazing.
For metal fabricators
The system certification provides clarity in the design of security-relevant mullion-transom facades. Instead of incorporating certified glass into an uncertified structure, the implementation is based on a robust system logic. This reduces uncertainties regarding material selection, detailing, and connection points.
Key difference between the standards:
| Standard | What does it test for? |
| DIN EN 1063 | Only the glazing itself as a construction product (classes BR1–BR7) |
| DIN EN 356 | Only the glazing protects against manual attacks/break-ins |
| DIN EN 1522/1523 | Windows, doors, trim, and mullion-transom facades as complete components, including frames, joints, and fasteners |
FAQ
What is GM® ISO SAFE actually used for?
GM® ISO SAFE is used in areas with heightened security requirements. These include, for example, government buildings, embassies, banks, jewelry stores, security checkpoints, executive offices, and private residences. The glass is designed for applications requiring protection against gunfire from certain handguns and types of ammunition. It can be used as laminated safety glass or as insulated glass.
How does GM® ISO SAFE protect against gunfire?
GM® ISO SAFE provides protection through a special glass construction that absorbs the kinetic energy of projectiles and prevents them from penetrating. The level of protection depends on the specific glass construction and the certified resistance class. It is important to note that the glass is not simply “bulletproof” in general, but is specifically tested against defined types of weapons and ammunition. This allows the glazing to be designed to meet specific requirements.
What is the difference between the S and NS versions?
The difference lies in the splintering behavior on the protected side. The NS version does not splinter and is particularly suitable for personal protection because no dangerous splinters are produced on the protected side. The S version does splinter and is used depending on the safety concept. Which version is appropriate depends on the intended use, risk analysis, and protection requirements.
Under which standard is GM® ISO SAFE certified?
GM® ISO SAFE has been tested in accordance with DIN EN 1063. This standard classifies bullet-resistant glazing into resistance classes based on the caliber and firepower of the ammunition used. The bullet resistance tests were conducted by the Ulm Ballistics Testing Center. This provides a reliable basis for the safety-related design of bullet-resistant glass.
Can I also use GM® ISO SAFE in a mullion-transom facade?
Yes, GM® ISO SAFE can also be used in mullion-transom facades. For such applications, it is not just the glazing that matters, but the interaction of all components. That is why Glas Marte offers system-certified solutions in which the glass, frames, joints, fasteners, and fixings are considered as a unified whole. This provides greater certainty for planning, execution, and documentation.
Why is a system inspection so important for safety facades?
A system test is important because the protective performance of a facade can only be reliably assessed when all components work together. Therefore, the test evaluates not only the glass but the entire facade system in accordance with DIN EN 1522/1523. This is particularly relevant for large-scale facades and complex safety requirements. The result is robust verification under realistic conditions.
What are the benefits of not using polycarbonate in GM® ISO SAFE?
Eliminating polycarbonate improves the optical quality and durability of the glazing. As a result, GM® ISO SAFE offers greater clarity, higher scratch resistance, and better resistance to delamination. This is particularly advantageous for high-end facades and architecturally sophisticated applications. It allows for a better balance between safety and transparency.
Does GM® ISO SAFE offer any other features besides bullet resistance?
Yes, depending on the installation, GM® ISO SAFE can provide additional functions. These include, for example, burglary protection and sound insulation. This is particularly relevant in façade solutions, as security requirements often need to be considered alongside comfort, design, and building physics. The result is a technical solution that combines protection, functionality, and architecture.