Summary Tensegrity grids, with tensed cables and isolated struts, have strong aesthetic appeal, but have had limited architectural engineering applications. The present study investigates a promising application: the use of a tensegrity grid as supporting structural system for double-skin glazing systems. The system considered consists of two layers of glass panels sandwiching a core modular tensegrity grid. The tensegrity grid consists of steel compression tubes and steel tension rods designed to prestress the glass supporting system. The use of structural glass is central to the design as the glass plays a double role in the structural system. Apart from their functional purpose (thermal insulation, visual transparency etc.), the glass panels also serve structural purposes acting as load bearing structural elements integrated with the tensegrity supporting system. The paper considers the advantages of a tensegrity system, both from a functional and structural perspective, as well as considering aspects of pre-stressing and structural glass behaviour.
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