Written By: Brad Campbell | August 5, 2025
Modern architectural design often demands expansive glass facades, but achieving that open, contemporary look while meeting today’s rigorous commercial security requirements can certainly present some challenges. This is especially true if you want a building’s glass facade to resist forced entry and ballistic attacks. The new RG1-XL glazing from Riot Glass changes that.
Created as an expansion of the longstanding RG-Series, RG1-XL is a first-of-its-kind oversized security glass solution that enables architects, building owners, and security consultants to create custom glass facades with built-in protection against forced entry and active threats.
RG1-XL is a high-performance, ballistic-grade and forced entry-resistant security glass system purpose-built for commercial applications requiring oversized dimensions.
Designed for spans up to 128" x 300" (up to 25’), RG1-XL is ideal for use in modern architectural projects where uninterrupted views and maximum natural daylighting are a priority, but where the building cannot afford to be a soft target.
As the first release in the RG-XL line, RG1-XL sets a new benchmark for oversized architectural security glass. It blends advanced threat protection with clean design flexibility, making it a standout choice for architects, building owners, and security professionals alike.
All Riot Glass products are rigorously tested to meet or exceed national and industry-specific standards, and RG1-XL is no exception. It is independently certified according to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and ASTM International testing standards to provide reliable protection against a range of high-impact threats:
These certifications make RG1-XL a dependable option for threat scenarios ranging from smash-and-grab burglaries to active shooter events. Whether you’re designing a new building or upgrading an existing structure, RG1-XL brings tested resilience to your security strategy.
Beyond its high-level performance specs, RG1-XL offers multiple architectural and functional benefits:
With support for glass panels up to 128 inches by 300 inches, RG1-XL enables modern custom facade designs that would otherwise be structurally difficult or unsafe to achieve. These larger panels reduce the need for visual breaks or framing, allowing for sleek, open sightlines across entire storefronts, entryways, or interior spaces.
RG1-XL is designed to maximize optical clarity and natural light transmission, making it ideal for modern buildings that prioritize open, welcoming spaces. The oversized glass panels allow for uninterrupted views and expansive daylighting, boosting both the interior and exterior aesthetics of commercial buildings.
In addition to its visual appeal, RG1-XL offers long-term durability and customizability, supporting various tints and coatings to meet both design and performance goals. The result is a high-performance glazing solution that upgrades the look and feel of any commercial space while delivering robust security.
Whether you want to integrate solar control, privacy tints, or even reflective coatings, RG1-XL’s construction is compatible with many common architectural glazing treatments, allowing you to meet both visual design and other performance requirements.
Because of its large size, aesthetic appeal, and certified security performance, RG1-XL is an ideal solution for a range of commercial projects that require custom glass facades. Below are some of the most common use cases where RG1-XL can deliver value.
For high-end brands, luxury boutiques, commercial showrooms, and other retail spaces, glass storefronts are a must-have. Large, inviting custom glass facades draw in foot traffic, showcase merchandise, and reinforce a brand’s identity and design philosophy.
However, large commercial windows and glass doors also create vulnerabilities, especially in high-traffic urban locations or during civil unrest.
Riot Glass RG1-XL allows retailers to:
From flagship stores to multi-location retail chains, RG1-XL provides high-end security without visual compromise.
Educational facilities are increasingly investing in physical security to protect students, staff, and faculty. Glass is often the weakest link, especially at main entrances, lobbies, and corridor junctions.
RG1-XL can be used to:
Combined with other measures like access control and door hardening, RG1-XL can be part of a multi-layered school security plan that prioritizes an open learning environment along with safety and security.
City halls, courthouses, law enforcement facilities, and other government properties must now balance transparency and accessibility with increasing threat levels.
Using RG1-XL in government applications enables:
Because RG1-XL supports oversized custom glass facades, it’s especially suited to new civic architecture that emphasizes open government and modern design without compromising on the safety of building occupants.
As the relationship between security threats and commercial architecture evolves, so too must the materials we build with. Riot Glass RG1-XL reflects this shift, bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and real-world resilience.
Whether you’re responsible for protecting a high-profile campus, securing a commercial storefront, or delivering a forward-thinking government building project, RG1-XL allows you to design with confidence, knowing you’re not sacrificing safety for beauty, or vice versa.
If you’re designing a commercial building that requires secure, oversized glazing, this is the product to explore. Contact Riot Glass today to discuss how to best implement our extra-large security glazing in your property.
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