Argos Systems has been at the forefront for over two decades in providing elegant and high-performance aluminum doors, windows, and facades. Our curtain wall solutions combine aesthetic appeal with the latest advancements in structural design, energy efficiency, and sustainability. In this blog, we will deeply dive into the various curtain wall system types, their characteristics, applications, and benefits.
What is a Curtain Wall?
A curtain wall refers to the external non-loadbearing skin or enclosure of a modern building. It protects and partitions the interiors from the outside environment using glass, metal panels, stone veneer, etc. Curtain walls are designed to resist air, water infiltration, and wind forces while allowing maximum light and visibility.
Unlike conventional walls, they do not carry any structural loads of the building. The weight is transferred to the main framework through anchors and supports. This allows large expanses of glass and openings to be created giving a sleek transparent façade.
Curtain wall systems have to be meticulously engineered to handle static and dynamic loads, moisture ingress, and thermal and acoustic insulation. At Argos Systems, we leverage the latest software and testing methods to deliver robust curtain walls with the longest life and optimized energy performance.
Unitized Curtain Wall
The unitized curtain wall comprises large factory-fabricated units containing the glazing, framing, and accessories like blinds or vents. The units are transported to the site and craned into position before making weather-tight joints between them.
Unitized systems offer several advantages: -H3
- Better quality control in factory fabrication
- Reduced installation time and cost at the site
- Improved structural, thermal, and acoustic performance
- Ability to construct custom-shaped large units
- Safer for high-rise building construction
Unit walls are preferred for tall buildings to accelerate facade erection. For complex freeform or curved geometries, unitized construction allows the prefabrication of bespoke units for a streamlined installation. Units can also be easily adapted for high-performance glazing or other emerging technologies.
Structural Glazed Curtain Walls
Conventionally, glass panes in curtain walls are secured using gaskets or structural sealant tapes. An innovative alternative is structural silicone glazing where the glass is bonded to the frame using silicone adhesive. The silicone acts as a weather sealant and structural attachment in one.
Benefits of structural glazing:
- Allows larger glass sizes and heavier loads
- Withstands building movements better than gaskets
- Streamlined aesthetics with slimmer framing
- Lower maintenance than conventional setting systems
- Cost-effective for high-performance façades
The precise design and strict quality control required make this a specialized application. At Argos, our experienced façade engineers can provide complete structural silicone glazing solutions from design to installation.
High-Performance Curtain Walls
There are endless possibilities to enhance their efficiency through new technologies like:
- High-performance coated glass to reduce solar heat gain and insulation losses
- Dynamic glazing like electrochromic which tint on demand for sun control
- Integration of photovoltaics to generate onsite renewable energy
- Advanced framing materials like fiberglass for strength and low conductivity
- Integrated motorized blinds operated based on sensors
- Use of fire-rated framing to prevent flame spread
Argos Systems leverages the latest tools to deliver bespoke high-performance facades for all kinds of buildings. Right from concept design and prototyping to final installation, we spearhead technologies of the future.
Constructing with Light: Curtain Wall Applications
- Office buildings - Curtain walls with vision glass provide abundant natural light and views for better occupant comfort and productivity. They allow the creation of deep open-plan office spaces.
- High-rise towers - Unitized and semi-unitized curtain walls accelerate facade construction and provide enhanced structural performance for tall buildings.
- Airports - Extensive use of glass provides transparency, openness, and daylight in public spaces like terminals while permitting views of aircraft and runways.
- Shopping malls - Glass curtain walls allow daylighting of interior spaces and visibility for store displays. Suspended glazed roofs daylight atria.
- Institutional buildings - Facades can be designed with high-performance glass and shading devices to meet energy efficiency goals. Integration with BMS and sensors optimizes the indoor environment.
- Healthcare facilities - Views of nature through curtain walls have restorative benefits for patients. Advanced glazing reduces noise and glare.
- Museums - Curtain walls illuminate exhibit areas with natural light. Minimalist framing provides unobstructed views of displays and artworks.
- Residential towers - Panoramic views improve the quality of living. Acoustic insulation maintains privacy. Thermal separation prevents condensation.
- Sports stadiums - Curtain walls enhance the spectator experience with visibility of the playing area while controlling heat gain. Retractable facades open during favorable weather.
The Future is Now
From conventional sealed glazing to dynamic intelligent facades, curtain wall technology has come a long way. At Argos Systems, we continuously expand our capabilities to deliver cutting-edge curtain walls that meet tomorrow’s needs today.
With our integrated in-house design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation teams, we are uniquely positioned to take projects from conception to completion seamlessly. If you have a challenging curtain wall project, get in touch with us today!
