You can't, it must have a channel or clips. There are what are called mini clip, or some people recess the channel. But it MUST have one or the other.

Sorry millworkman but you can. You will need a good tile guy. Notice the opening on the right for the glass to slide into.

Exact spacing.

Agreed

Thank you millworkman and Creative Tile for your reply.

Creative Tile I saw your photo of Clinton Shoreline steam shower and it is beautiful!

Would you please explain which U channel you recommend and how to install it to prevent water leaking, mold collecting etc. Will it have to be a special glass as well.

Thank you.

Waterproofing is done prior. The glass itself will be caulked when installed. No special glass required. The point millworkman & myself are making is that the tile itself creates the channel.

USG Before & After · More Info

Precise openings were also placed in the header and floor. Some tiles were installed after the glass to allow for glass installation. Planning and trade cooperation are required to achieve this look. That will translate to $$$.

USG Before & After · More Info

Thank you for explaining and adding the photos with link.

I have drywall on my ceiling, will that just be cut to a 3/8" wide opening and perhaps half as deep as the drywall is thick and then filled with silicon? Along the wall and floor will the glass go into the space between two tiles, where usually the grout goes, and in place of grout will be silicon? Will there then be tile, a cushion of silicon with glass and tile again (and no grout between these two tiles and the glass) ?

To clarify, the glass wall I would like to have is 36" wide and 8' to the ceiling

Tiling the ceiling would be required. You would never cut into the drywall. I suggest you contact a company that specializes in Shower glass installations as they are the key component to coming up with a game plan for your project. They will provide requirements for the tile setter to follow. You can't begin estimating cost until these details are established. Both trades should meet to establish this plan. As a homeowner you do not provide the plan. Thats the job for the professionals to get you the look you want and meet their individual trade requirements.

$$$ detail and NOT retrofittable. This needs to be a new project, planned properly from the beginning. The average 7-10K shower price just jumped a good 3-5 grand for all of the meetings and fussiness in coordinating everyone. If you want more of a luxury space than an average tiled shower, like with slab stone walls, curbless entry, and other Houzz like details, your budget will need to expand exponentially. I've been involved with many bathroom remodels that easily cost more than the 83K price of my first house, adjusted for inflation. There isn't much limit on upper end costs.