architypes.net - Railings


Glass railing


Wrought iron railing

Here, the detailing in the railing is made a piece of beauty it intricate wrought iron work.


Wrought iron railing

In this case, the artistic expression in the wrought iron is taken even further, where it is given whimsical, leaf-like forms.


Wooden railing

Here, the posts are painted while the top and bottom rail of the railing are left in the natural color, making the different elements of the railing stand out.


Mixed solid and glass railing

Here, the bottom portion of the railing is solid, giving a greater feeling of protection and privacy inside, while the upper portion is glass, allowing somewhat more light in. With the solid portion having a different finish than the surrounding wall, and with the sides of the railing also being in glass, it gives a strong planar form to the facade of this building.


Glass railings integral to form of building

By being the same material and extending the shape of the envelope of this highrise building, the glass railings used on these balconies integrate beautifully to feel like a part of the building, rather than appearing like tacked-on afterthoughts.


Variety of wrought iron railings

Notice how well these wrought iron railings integrate with the form of this building's facade. The central railing at the second floor level accents the curvaceous form of the first floor entry below it.


Solid railing

This railing gives a very solid, strong appearance, while blending in with the material of the rest of the building.


Steel railing

This simple steel railing, devoid of decoration, allows one to focus on the rhythm of the repeating posts and the beautiful contrast of materials.


Railing integral to wall

Here, much of the railing is integral to the wall, with an additional decorative metal portion of the railing. The result is something that blurs the line between a window-like-opening, and a railing.


Glass and steel railings

Here, the extensive use of glass in the railings creates a subtle contrast of materials with the metal and stone.


Wood, aluminum and concrete railing

This railing is made primarily of aluminum, with a wood handrail. The aluminum is a very weather-resistant material, which also helps this railing feel like it belongs to the building by echoing the use of aluminum on the building itself. The wood handrail creates a warmer surface to hold on to and creates a nice visual contrast of materials. Meanwhile, the end of the railing is visually anchored by a solid concrete slab that demarks the entryway. The concrete's opacity also creates a greater sense of enclosure.


Concrete and metal railings

Here, the solidity of concrete railings contrasts with the light airiness of simple metal railings. Again, the metal railings feature wood handrails for warmth and material contrast. Also note that the bottom portion of the metal railings are solid, creating a greater sense of enclosure and safety when crossing the bridge portions of this elevated walkway.


Contrasting railing types

Note the contrast between the heavy stone railings and the etheral wrought iron railings on this Paris building.


Wood and metal railings

These railings feature a painted steel frame together with fairly thick, heavy metal rails. The strong presence of this wood helps it to create a nice contrast with the metal, glass and brick materials that it must compete with here.


Transparent glass railing

Glass railings provide the advantage of not only allow much light to pass, but also providing a view through them. Particularly at night, the glass in this railing disappears, providing an almost uninterrupted view of the street below.


Cable railing

Another way of minimizing disruption of the view and light, while still providing physical safety, is cable railings. Here, relatively thin metal cables allow a clear view, while also still having some visual presence. The create a repeating rhythm. Being horizontal, they lead the eye horizontally, and make the railing appear longer.


Steel and cable railing

Note how the top handrail and the support for the steps themselves echo one another.


Galvanized steel railing

Galvanized steel is a relatively inexpensive material that is quite weather resistant while providing a unique coor and visual texture. Note how this railing integrates so well with the vertical element that supports the roof. Note also how the variety of diameters of tubing used in this railing help the vertical posts stand out as distinct elements, with their own rhythm separate from the horizontal elements.

Also, note how handrail, continues the rhythm created by the other horizontal elements by being spaced the same distance. At the same time, the handrail is made to stand out, by its larger diameter, and by being connected to the vertical posts by very thin tubes.


Simple wood and solid railing

Here, the railing on this mezzanine / loft space is partially solid, and partially wood. This creates some feeling of enclosure in the mezzanine space, but also some openness. Note how the wood handrail and pickets continue over the solid portion for a sense of continuity to the overall railing. At the same time, the solid portion of the railing creates a continuity with the wall.


Steel railing

If you look closely, you will note how there is no vertical support located at the corner of this railing, but instead the horizontal elements wrap around the corner.


Open railing

Here, where the consequences of falling through this railing are relatively benign, an open railing is used with no glass or other material below the handrail.


Railing echoing windows

Here, the slate grey frame and overall shape of this railing nicely echos the slate grey mullions on the window of this town house.


Variation on the steel railing

Again, notice how the color of this railing echos the color of the metal used elsewhere in this building.


No railing

Sometimes, a railing would be an unwelcome visual distraction. Here, due to the low height of the ceiling, one is somewhat protected from falling from these stairs, allowing the designer to get away with no railing at all.