Walk past any modern office tower or airport, and you will notice a sleek glass wall covering the outside of the building. That wall does not carry the building’s weight. It just keeps out rain, wind, and heat while making the structure look sharp.
A curtain wall system is a lightweight, non-load-bearing exterior facade made of aluminum frames and glass panels. It attaches to the main building structure and transfers wind and weather loads without taking on any structural weight. With so many curtain wall system types used in construction today, how do you know which one actually fits your project?
What Is a Curtain Wall System?
A curtain wall system is a thin, lightweight exterior wall cladding that covers the outside of a building. It does not carry the weight of the building. The main structure handles that. Instead, the curtain wall acts as a building envelope, keeping out the weather and letting in natural light.
Most systems use aluminum framing and glass. They are widely used in offices, hotels, hospitals, and tall buildings.
Why Curtain Wall Systems Matter
A well-chosen glass curtain wall or aluminum facade system does more than look good on a building. It enhances energy efficiency by minimizing heat gain and heat loss through the exterior skin. It introduces increased daylight and thereby reduces the amount of lighting expenses during the day.
The lightweight design also puts less load on the building’s foundation. Strong sealing systems keep out moisture and air leaks. Buildings with good thermal insulation in their facade stay comfortable all year without heavy heating or cooling costs.
Main Curtain Wall System Types
All curtain wall systems are different, and the correct one is determined by the height of the building, budget, style of design, and local weather. The most common types used in projects around the world are broken down below.
1. Stick-Built Curtain Wall System
A stick-built curtain wall is built on-site, in sections. The aluminum mullions, transoms, and glass infill panels are installed on the building face by the workers. This system is cheaper in the initial phase and can be modified to change the designs during construction.
It is most effective in low-rise buildings or projects that place more emphasis on flexibility than speed. The negative aspect is that it is longer and requires expert work on the ground.
2. Unitized Curtain Wall System
Unitized curtain wall involves the use of large prefabricated units that are manufactured in a factory. These are prefabricated facade panels that come to the site ready to be lifted and fitted.
All curtain wall systems operate in various ways, and the appropriate selection relies on the height of the building, budget, design style, and local climatic conditions. The following will be a discussion of the most prevalent types that are used in projects all over the world.
3. Structural Glazing Curtain Wall
A structural glazing system is a combination of glass and an aluminum frame that is bonded directly through a strong adhesive. This eliminates metal lines on the surface, producing a smooth, seamless glass surface. It appears contemporary, tidy, and sophisticated. This system is commonly used in airports, corporate towers, and luxury buildings. It also enables wide areas of glass to fill interiors with daylight and keeps the weather out.
4. Aluminum and Metal Curtain Wall System
An aluminum curtain wall is one of the most popular choices worldwide. Aluminum is light, strong, and does not rust or corrode. It handles extreme heat and cold without warping. You can pair it with different glass panel types to control sunlight, heat, and privacy.
At FAM Aluminium, our curtain wall systems work perfectly alongside our casement windows,sliding windows, and tilt and turn windows for a complete, coordinated building look.
5. Point-Supported (Spider Glass) Curtain Wall
A point-supported glass curtain wall holds glass panels at their corners using small stainless steel fittings. People often call it a spider glass curtain wall because of the shape of the fittings. It creates a very clear, open look with almost no frame showing.
This system is ideal for buildings that want a transparent, open, and modern feel. It requires careful engineering but delivers a stunning visual result.
6. Double Skin Curtain Wall System
A double skin facade has two layers of glass with an air cavity in between. This gap acts as a buffer zone. It keeps the building warm in winter and cool in summer. It also blocks outside noise very well.
This type offers the best thermal insulation and acoustic performance of all curtain wall types. It is perfect for buildings in extreme climates or very noisy locations.
7. Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) Curtain Wall
ACP is a curtain wall system that consists of bonded, flat panels of two thin sheets of aluminum bonded onto a lightweight core. These panels can be installed easily and are available in different colors and finishes.
They are not only economical in terms of the construction of new buildings but also in terms of renovation works. They are also well-built in resistance to weather and clean and modern in appearance at a lower cost.
How to Choose the Right Curtain Wall System
Building height matters in this decision. Tall towers need unitized systems for speed and quality. Smaller buildings do well with stick-built curtain walls. Budget shapes the choice too. ACP systems cost less while still looking clean and modern.
Local weather also plays a big role. Hot and humid climates call for strong thermal performance, while noisy locations need a double skin facade for acoustic comfort. Always match the system to the project’s real conditions, not just how it looks in a brochure.
Industries That Use Curtain Wall Systems
Glass curtain walls and aluminum facade systems are used across many industries. Commercial offices and shopping malls use them for a sleek, professional look. Airports use them to build large, open, and bright spaces.
Hospitals and schools use them to bring in natural light and reduce energy costs. Hotels use them to create a striking first impression. No matter what type of building you are planning, there is a curtain wall system type that fits your needs.
Find the Right Solution with FAM Aluminium
FAM Aluminium has more than 25 years of experience in the trusted name of aluminum systems in the UAE and beyond. We provide quality curtain wall systems, bi-folding doors, sliding doors, pivot doors, and aluminium pergolas in residential and commercial works.
Each product that we manufacture is built to be durable, attractive, and work in the real-world environment. Get a free quote on your next project by contacting us today.
