Do I need a frame for my glass bricks?

There is no particular requirement to use an aluminium frame for your bricks.
Having said that, the frames are specifically designed to make the installation process easy and professional. We recommend using them wherever possible.
There are however, advantages and disadvantages either way.

Frameless Glass Brick / Block Application:

Advantages: You don't have to buy a frame! Timber frames may be substituted for aluminium which can create uniformity with other windows in your home. Occasionally, existing window opening sizes don't allow room for a frame, so messy alteration work can be avoided if you don’t use one. Internally, plaster, timber or tiles can butt directly to the perimeter of the glass brick panel and leave a clean, streamline finish that can look quite effective.
Disadvantages: For DIY people, this may prove to be a little more complicated than installing bricks into a frame. There is greater room for error in this application. Although not impossible for a DIYer, we recommend professional installation. If glass bricks are laid directly into brick, concrete or fabricated steel openings, there is no movement allowance. This can mean that temperature changes or foundation movements can cause movement (eg: expansion and contraction) the glass bricks, being the weaker element will take the stress and one or more (in extreme cases) may chip or crack.

Fire resistant applications:
Tests have only been done on glass bricks in frames so the frameless application is not appropriate as we aren’t able to give certification.

Using Aluminium Glass Brick / Block Frames:

Advantages: The frames are purpose made for glass bricks, they allow movement while providing stability (they stop the bricks from breaking and won't let them fall out). They give an attractive border to the glass bricks and are easy to install.
Disadvantages: The sizes required for frames may mean that existing openings need modifying whereas the bricks may fit an opening nicely without a frame. It also costs more money to buy a frame.
Using Timber Glass Brick / Block Frames: There is no reason that timber frames can't be used for glass bricks if you feel you want to match other windows or the size suits an opening better. They just require more maintenance than aluminium i.e.: painting.
Fire Resistant Glass Brick / Block Frames: If there is a requirement for fire resistance on say, a boundary wall, this can be achieved. 60 or 90 minute resistance is achievable with various standard glass bricks but higher resistance levels are achievable with purpose engineered glass blocks (see Fire Ratings page)