Types and Uses
The stunning look of many modern buildings is down to the development of curtain walling. This type of façade, where the outer wall is non-structural, allows for the use of a great deal of glazing, resulting in natural light for the building’s occupants and increased creativity for architects and designers.
Curtain walling façades do not carry any dead load from the building, but transfer wind loads through connections at floors or columns of the main structure. They provide an outer covering that protects occupants from the weather and improves thermal efficiency. Curtain walling differs from store fronts in that it covers multiple floors.
Typically constructed of steel or aluminium, façade systems are designed to resist water infiltration, wind sway and seismic forces and cope with thermal expansion and contraction. Although glass is the most popular infill material, metal or stone veneer panels are also used. Advanced sealing methods mean that today’s high performance curtain walls are very low maintenance.
Where to buy curtain walling
- Senior Architectural Systems Ltd - Eland Road, Denaby Main, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN12 4HA, 01709 772600
- Sorba UK Ltd - c/o Tiffin Green, Swan House, 9 Queen’s Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4HE, 01206 766 320
- Trent Valley Windows & Door Co Ltd - Glazing House, Glaisdale Drive East, Billborough, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG8 4JW, 0115 942 5050
- McMullen Facades - 66 Lurgan Road, Moira, County Armagh, BT67 0LX, 028 9261 9688
- Alumet Systems UK Ltd - Senator House, Bourne End Road, Kineton Rd Ind. Estate, Southam, Warwickshire, CV47 0NA, 01926 811677
- Baydale Architectural Systems Ltd - Unit I6 Morton Park, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4PH, 01325 367360
- Pilkington Building Products - Prescot Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 3TT, 01744 692000
- Elite Cladding Systems Limited - The Business Place, Park Road, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, NG19 8ER, 01623 665 012
- Architectural & Metal Systems - Wallingstown, Little Island, Cork, County Cork, +353 21 4705100
- Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems - Unit 5, The Willow Centre, 17 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4NX, 020 8685 9685
- Bowman Windows - 50a Newry Street, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3HA, 028 4066 2000
- Wicona Projects - Hydro Building Systems, The HBS Centre, Silkwood Park, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF5 9TG, 0845 602 8799
