Curtainwalled

Curtainwalled describes a building whose exterior envelope is a curtain wall: a non-structural façade hung on or attached to the building’s frame rather than carrying loads. Curtain walls are typically supported by a structural frame of steel or reinforced concrete and are designed to resist wind pressure and weather while remaining independent from the building’s structural system.

Materials and construction: Curtain walls commonly use glass with aluminum or steel mullions, stone slabs, or composite panels. Modern systems may include insulated glazing units, rainscreens, and double-skin configurations. The facade is usually modular, allowing prefabrication and rapid installation, and is connected to the frame with anchors and seals.

Function and performance: The curtain wall enables large expanses of glazing for daylight and views and supports architectural expression through patterns, colors, and textures. Proper design minimizes thermal bridging, air leakage, and water infiltration; advances such as thermal breaks, high-performance seals, and pressure-equalized joints improve energy performance.

Design considerations: Curtainwalled envelopes reduce the weight on the structure and provide flexibility for interior layouts but require careful detailing for drainage, condensation control, maintenance access, and security. They may pose higher initial costs and long-term cleaning requirements.

History and usage: Curtain walls gained prominence with steel-frame construction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and became a hallmark of modernist and high-rise architecture. Today, curtainwalled façades are widespread in commercial towers, office campuses, and mixed-use buildings worldwide.