Enveloped Elegance: The Artistry and Efficiency of Steel-Framed Glass Curtain Wall
Enveloped Elegance:
The Artistry and Efficiency of Steel-Framed Glass Curtain Walls
Curtain walls offer more strength and invite in more natural light than aluminum.
Glass
curtain walls help architects dissolve boundaries between interior and
exterior spaces. In the right design, they can create harmonious
transitions that flood interiors with natural light and transform how a
building interacts with its surroundings.
Yet, a curtain wall’s
framing material can run counter to these aesthetic goals. Within a
glazing assembly, the material and size of the framing affect its
structural strength. Because the strength and durability of the glazed
curtain wall system are critical, design teams may have to employ
thicker profiles and supports more frequently. However, thick frames
impede sightlines and project deep shadows into building interiors,
influencing views and daylight transfer. Fortunately, technological
advancements in steel framing are mitigating these concerns, allowing
curtain walls to soar higher, offer narrower sightlines and maximize the
glazed area.