Everything about Full Glass Curtain Wall

During the design meetings, many people also have questions like “What is a glass curtain wall system?” and “What are the differences between a glass wall and a curtain wall”. Then, in this post, the author would guide you to reveal the secret of the full glass curtain wall and give you a full understanding of a glass wall and a curtain wall.

A glass curtain wall system refers to a building facade or exterior wall construction that primarily consists of glass panels held together by metal frames or supports. It is a modern architectural design approach that allows for extensive use of glass in the construction of large building envelopes.
The term "curtain wall" suggests that the glass panels are hung or suspended like a curtain, providing a non-structural covering for the building's exterior. Unlike traditional load-bearing walls, curtain walls bear their weight and transmit the loads to the building's structural framework.
The simple glass curtain wall system is mainly consist of three parts:
Glass panels: These are large sheets of glass, usually tempered or laminated for strength and safety. They are typically transparent or translucent, allowing natural light to penetrate the building's interior.

Metal framing: Aluminum or steel frames are used to support and hold the glass panels in place. The frames are engineered to provide stability and resistance against wind, water, and other environmental factors.

Sealants: Specialized sealant materials are applied between the glass panels and the metal frames to ensure airtightness, weatherproofing, and thermal insulation.

Typically, the 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) monolithic and 1 inch (25 mm) insulating glass are two of the most recommended sizes. The 1/4 inch glass is typically used only in spandrel areas. However, you can not directly use the above sizes without strict calculation, because the thickness of the glass curtain wall almost determined by the several factors, including the specific design requirements, local building codes, and the desired performance characteristics.

On its own, a window wall can typically span a floor-to-floor space of up to 12 feet. As same as the thickness of the glass curtain wall, the maximum height that a window wall can span depends on various factors, including the design of the window wall system, the type of framing material used, the structural integrity of the building, and local building codes and regulations. Therefore, to determine the height of the window wall span, you should strictly follow the building codes and regulations.

The full glass curtain wall is a good option for the building whose slab distance exceeds 15 feet.

A glass wall and a curtain wall are both architectural features that incorporate glass as a primary element, but there are some key differences between the two:

Glass Wall: A glass wall typically refers to a solid, continuous wall made entirely or predominantly of glass. It is constructed using individual glass panels that are either fixed or operable, creating a transparent or translucent barrier between spaces. Glass walls are primarily used to separate interior spaces while allowing natural light to pass through and provide visual connectivity.

Curtain Wall: A curtain wall, on the other hand, is a non-load-bearing exterior wall system that is designed to provide an additional layer of enclosure and insulation to a building. It consists of large glass panels held within a structural frame made of aluminum, steel, or other materials.
The curtain wall is attached to the building's structural framework but does not carry any of the building's weight. It serves as an aesthetic and weatherproofing element, allowing for the creation of a continuous glass facade.

Glass Wall: A glass wall relies on its own structural support system, typically made of metal or other materials, which is integrated into the wall design. The support system provides stability and ensures the glass panels are securely held in place.

Curtain Wall: Unlike a glass wall, a curtain wall depends on the building's primary structural frame for support. It is attached to the building's floor slabs or structural columns, transferring wind loads and other forces to the main structure. The curtain wall system is designed to accommodate building movement and changes in temperature.

Glass Wall: Glass walls offer more flexibility in terms of design options. They can be customized with different types of glass, such as clear, frosted, or textured glass, and can incorporate features like built-in blinds or switchable privacy glass. Glass walls also provide the opportunity for various configurations, including sliding or folding panels for larger openings.

Curtain Wall: Curtain walls are primarily designed to create a uniform and continuous glass facade for a building. They typically feature large glass panels with minimal framing elements, providing an uninterrupted view of the exterior. The design options for a curtain wall are focused on achieving a sleek, modern aesthetic and optimizing energy efficiency.

All in all, the full glass curtain wall is an economic option for commercial building projects, because it can reduce the actual building materials cost and meet the requirement of commercial buildings.