22 Aug Unitised Curtain Wall System: Everything You Need to Know for Modern Building Facades

Any modern office tower, hotel, or tower house for housing will have its façade as the first thing you notice when walking past. The perception of the building depends on the glass, the lines, and the overall appearance. What most don’t notice is the work that is occurring outside of that façade. The façade contributes to protection against the weather, to maintaining thermal comfort indoors, and to the overall building performance.

Buildings have evolved with different needs over the years. Construction teams should be able to work more quickly with better and new levels of performance and quality. As a result of this change, more buildings are designed with unitised curtain wall systems, especially in large-scale and high-rise buildings.

Choosing an appropriate façade system is a crucial issue for developers, architects, and project teams. It can impact the building timeline, upkeep, and long-lasting productivity. This guide helps you understand what a unitised curtain wall system is, how it operates, and some things to consider before deciding to use it for a project.

What Is a Unitised Curtain Wall System?

A unitised curtain wall system is like an installed façade in pre-made sections. The construction of individual components is replaced by the making of large panels in a factory to be transported to the building site and installed.

Typically, each panel contains a frame, glass, and other necessary components. The panels are then lifted up to their position and installed to the façade structure of the building. This minimises the work to be undertaken at height and will tend to keep installations tidier.

What is unique about a unitised system?

• Façade panels are pre-assembled into large panels that are delivered to the site.
• Less on-site assembly is required.
• Installation may be accelerated, particularly on high-rise buildings.
• Quality control is conducted in the manufacturing process.
• Employed frequently in commercial towers, hotels, and high-rise projects.

Many construction teams find predictability to be the greatest asset. A lot of the work is done prior to the installation of panels on the wall, which can help to minimise delays and ensure uniformity of the façade.

How Curtain Walling Improves Building Performance 

The curtain wall is more than just a design feature of a building. It serves as an outer layer of protection between the inside and outside. The quality of that layer could affect many aspects of the building’s performance, maintenance, and comfort.

The proper design of a curtain wall can control the amount of heat, light, air, and moisture entering the building. In a large commercial building or high-rise development, the savings gained over time from small improvements in performance can be significant.

There are various ways in which curtain walling contributes to the performance of the building:

• Helps reduce exposure to wind and rain.
• Facilitates good natural lighting within the building.
• Enhance thermal performance by selecting an appropriate glazing system.
• Assists in making the indoor environment more comfortable.
• Minimises the need for exterior maintenance.
• Supports the overall impression of the façade.

You can’t just look at the outside of a curtain wall to determine its value. A well-designed system will help the building function over the long term and positively impact the daily building users.

Benefits of Unitised Curtain Wall Systems in High-Rise Buildings 

There are unique problems with high-rise projects. Installation is done at higher levels, deadlines are short, and quality control is a challenge, given the number of floors in place. This is where a curtain wall system of units is advantageous.

The façade panels are made and installed on site, making the process more streamlined. Crews save time by installing components on the building and spend more time positioning completed panels. That gap can quickly mount up for larger projects.

The advantages of unitised curtain wall systems are divided into units:

• Rapid installation in comparison to many site-built techniques.
• Reduced on-site labour requirements.
• Improved uniformity on the front façade.
• More appropriate for repetitive high-level floor layout.
• Reduced disturbance of site conditions.
• Improved project coordination and planning.

In the case of tall buildings, efficiency is all-important throughout the construction process. A unitised system aids in the simplicity of façade installation and allows project teams to have better control over quality and schedules.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Unitised Curtain Wall System

The wrong curtain wall choice rarely becomes obvious during the design stage. Problems usually appear later. Installation takes longer than expected. Maintenance becomes difficult. The façade performs differently from what was planned.

That is why the selection process deserves careful attention. A system that works well on a 15-storey office building may not be suitable for a 50-storey tower. Wind loads, access for maintenance, installation logistics, and façade complexity all influence the final decision.

Before selecting a system, look at:

• Building height and façade design.
• Local weather conditions and wind exposure.
• Energy efficiency targets.
• Type and quality of glazing.
• Installation timelines and site access.
• Future cleaning and maintenance needs.
• Experience of the façade supplier and installer.

A curtain wall is not a finish that can be easily replaced after handover. Taking the time to get the decision right early in the project can prevent expensive changes and operational issues later.

Conclusion

A unitised curtain wall system isn’t just about the look of a building. It contributes to the construction efficiency, weather protection, comfort in the interior, and long-term use of the property. One of the reasons for the popular adoption of unitised curtain wall systems for modern high-rise developments is this.

They are not only more appealing but also quicker to install. Frequently, consistency in the façade and a decrease in some of the problems of on-site assembly can be achieved through factory-produced panels. When building a large project, these benefits can be quite significant.

It is important to understand the building requirements in order to select the appropriate system. The features of height, location, performance, and maintenance are all worthy of consideration. The right curtain wall system not only helps to realize the design vision but also steadily serves the building for years to come.

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