Four common forms of glass curtain walls

1. Clear frame glass curtain wall (visible frame glass curtain wall)

Features:

Exposed frame: The glass panel is fixed by a metal frame (such as aluminum alloy), and the beams and columns of the frame are clearly visible on the outside of the curtain wall, forming a regular grid like appearance.

Stable structure: The metal frame simultaneously bears the self weight and wind load of the glass, with high safety and suitable for high-rise buildings.

Highly decorative: The frame can be designed in different colors or shapes to coordinate with the architectural style, such as modern simplicity, industrial style, etc.

Advantages:

The installation process is mature, the construction difficulty is low, and the cost is relatively controllable.

The frame provides protection for the glass and reduces the risk of damage.

Easy to repair and replace glass panels.

Disadvantages:

The exposed frame affects transparency and the visual effect is relatively closed.

Metal frames are prone to dust accumulation and require regular cleaning.

Applicable scenarios:

Commercial office buildings, hotels, schools, and other buildings that require safety and decoration.

2. Hidden frame glass curtain wall (frameless glass curtain wall)

Features:

Frame hiding: The glass panel is bonded to the metal frame with structural adhesive, and the frame is located on the inside of the curtain wall, with only the glass visible from the outside, creating a "frameless" effect.

Strong transparency: With a high proportion of glass and a wide field of view, it is suitable for buildings that pursue modernity and lightness.

Structural adhesive stress: It relies on the bonding performance of silicone structural adhesive to transmit loads, and strict control of the quality of the adhesive joint and construction environment is required.

Advantages:

The appearance is simple and atmospheric, enhancing the modernity of the building.

Reduce the obstruction of light by metal frames and achieve uniform indoor lighting.

Disadvantages:

Structural adhesives are prone to aging when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, temperature differences, and humidity for a long time, and require regular testing and replacement.

High construction precision is required and the cost is relatively high.

The safety depends on the performance of the structural adhesive, and there is a risk of detachment (requiring the use of anti fall devices).

Applicable scenarios:

Cultural venues, art centers, high-end office buildings, and other buildings that focus on appearance.

3. Semi hidden frame glass curtain wall

Features:

Partial frame exposed: Combining the characteristics of visible and hidden frames, usually one side of the beam or column is exposed and the other side is hidden.

High flexibility: The proportion and position of the exposed frame can be adjusted through design to balance transparency and structural safety.

Advantages:

The appearance is between visible and hidden frames, retaining a certain degree of transparency while enhancing structural safety.

The construction difficulty and cost are lower than those of fully concealed frame curtain walls.

Disadvantages:

Design needs to balance aesthetics and functionality, with high demands on designers.

The exposed frame still needs regular cleaning and maintenance.

Applicable scenarios:

Commercial complexes, exhibition centers, and other buildings that require a balance between appearance and practicality.

4. Point supported glass curtain wall (point supported glass curtain wall)

Features:

Point connection: The glass panel is fixed to the supporting structure (such as steel mast, steel cable) with stainless steel claws (such as "X" - shaped, "H" - shaped), and the connection points are distributed discretely.

Lightweight structure: The support structure is concealed, and the glass panel seems to be "suspended" in the air, with a strong sense of modernity and technology.

Excellent transparency: The connection point has a small area and minimal interference with the line of sight, making it suitable for large-span spaces.

Advantages:

The appearance is highly impactful and has become a landmark element of the building.

The supporting structure is flexible and can achieve complex surface modeling.

The glass panel can be replaced separately for easy maintenance.

Disadvantages:

High cost: Stainless steel claws, steel cables and other materials are expensive, and the construction accuracy requirements are extremely high.

Security depends on the strength of the claws and supporting structures, and requires strict calculation and testing.

Waterproof and airtight treatment are difficult and require the use of sealant and drainage system.

Applicable scenarios:

Iconic buildings, lobbies, courtyards, observation decks, and other areas that require prominent visual effects.