![]() Semi-Unitized Systems: Semi-unitized systems combine some of the advantageous features of both stick and unitized curtain wall systems. Completed in factory, units are then shipped to the project site and lifted onto the building face, typically using floor-based equipment, monorails, mobile street cranes or tower cranes.Ĭlosed Cavity Façade by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) One of the hallmarks of unitized systems is that because they are assembled in a climate-controlled environment, manufacturers can ensure high-performance quality, including air and moisture protection. These units can be designed to span multiple floors or horizontal modules, and can incorporate multiple cladding elements, including operable vents and windows. Unitized Systems: Unitized curtain wall systems are composed of large glass units that are assembled to frames in a factory, and thus arrive to the construction site as an already continuous system. “It’s either attached using structural silicone, toggle locked, bolted or pressure capped.” “There are four key ways to secure a piece of glass to a frame,” Simmons said. Sticks systems, which are associated with more costly and specialized on-site labor, are most common amongst low and mid-rise glazed buildings. Stick systems can also be created using glass that is vertically frameless, but captured in the horizontal direction, as pictured at Grace Farms. Mullions are commonly composed of aluminum, steel, - which is stronger but more expensive than aluminum - wood and concrete. But in many ways, it’s kind of a miracle because it’s cost effective and quite nice,” Simmons said.ĭesigned in consultation with Front, Grace Farms by SANAA features a frameless stick system glazed façade “Today, generic storefronts with aluminum extrusions and glass that is 5-feet x 10-feet, are sometimes considered banal people want an Apple cube. Storefront wall: Located on the ground floor, a storefront wall is a non-load bearing glazed wall that spans between the floor slab and the building structure above. ![]() When designed for large buildings, curtain walls are almost always customized to an individual project’s needs. The wall transfers wind loads onto the main building structure through connections to the building’s columns and floors.īoth beautiful and highly functional, curtain walls are designed to resist air and water infiltration, withstand sway induced by wind and seismic forces and provide a thermal barrier between inside and out. A curtain wall does not carry any dead load weight imposed by the building and therefore only has to support its own weight. Simple ones include solar control, thermal comfort, glare and the ability to withstand wind and seismic conditions.”Ĭurtain wall: A curtain wall is a non-load bearing exterior wall that hangs off the structure like a curtain and is typically attached to the building’s floor slabs. So, the beginning of the project is all about looking around all these corners to identify the criteria, which can be really extensive. We spoke with Marc Simmons, Principal at design and façade consulting group Front, who assured us that “the question of how to specify just isn’t that easy.” Occupying a position at the forefront of building envelope and façade consultation, Front boasts an unmatched portfolio of custom-designed curtainwall systems, bespoke cladding systems and geometrically challenging building forms.Īccording to Simmons, “Every project is unique for its geography, climate, client, user groups and so forth. However, characterized by endless iterations and customizations, they are not exactly a simple architectural solution to parse out. ![]() Īt their best, glazed façades are one of the most recognizable and glamorous components of buildings today. Architects: Showcase your next project through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter.
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