Primary Design Principles for Aluminium Curtain Wall Fa?ades

Introduction:?

As modern architecture continues to evolve, aluminium curtain wall fa?ades remain an industry favourite for commercial and residential buildings. These non-structural exterior fa?ade systems provide a seamless blend of aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency. In this article, we'll explore the best design principles that will help you create high-performing aluminium curtain wall fa?ades.?

Select High-Quality Materials:?

6000 series aluminium alloys and other construction materials like solar control glazing, and high-performance gaskets and sealants are essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of an aluminium curtain wall fa?ade. High-quality materials not only enhance the fa?ade’s aesthetics but also help to maintain structural integrity and resist corrosion or other climatic factors.?

Prioritise Thermal Performance:?

One of the most recognised benefits of aluminium curtain wall fa?ades is their energy efficiency. Designed and manufactured to feature thermal break technology, they provide an excellent level of thermal performance to maximise the comfort of building occupants and contribute to optimised cooling and heating costs. To maximise the thermal performance, fa?ades often incorporate high performance insulated glass units (IGU’s) and alongside feature panels or alternative infill materials these components can help minimise heat transfer, leading to reduced energy costs and a more comfortable indoor environment.?

Should I Use a Capped or SSG Curtain Wall System:?

System choice is usually dictated by the aesthetic intent of the building design. Although there are no defined rules as to which system you select, elements such as aesthetics, cost, movement, acoustics and site access will influence choices made. Stick systems are highly customisable but require more on-site labour to assemble. SSG systems provide a fantastic building aesthetic and excellent thermal performance but may be more expensive and require additional maintenance.?

A future article in this series will explore this topic in more depth.?

Ensure Proper Drainage and Ventilation:?

Effective water management is vital for the longevity of your aluminium curtain wall fa?ade. Ensure that your design incorporates proper drainage and ventilation to prevent water infiltration and condensation, which can lead to structural damage, mould, or mildew growth.?

Explore a Variety of Finishes and Coatings:?

Aluminium curtain wall fa?ades offer tremendous design flexibility. Consider various finishes and coatings to achieve the desired appearance and performance. Powder coatings, anodised finishes, and textured coatings all offer unique benefits to create impactful and unique fa?ades including corrosion resistance, UV protection, and colour retention.?

Prioritise Building Occupant Comfort:?

Design your aluminium curtain wall fa?ade to maximise natural light, which can enhance the building's aesthetics and create a more comfortable indoor environment. Consider using larger glass panels, incorporating daylighting systems, or employing other glazing solutions to achieve this effect. Whilst dependent upon multiple factors, the approximate maximum size of a stick curtain wall infill can be up to 60mm thick with large span capabilities to accommodate glazing infills that feature double glazing, triple glazing, laminated glass, and spandrel insulated glass. Incorporate the use of high-performance glazing solutions to reduce overheating issues, such as solar control glass.?

Consider Maintenance and Accessibility:?

Design your curtain wall fa?ade with maintenance and accessibility in mind. Ensure that components are easily replaceable, and that cleaning can be performed with minimal effort. Consider incorporating features like walkways, anchors, or integrated cleaning systems to simplify these tasks to more efficient and effective maintenance.

Engage with Local Regulations and Guidelines:?

Be aware of local building codes, regulations, and guidelines to ensure your aluminium curtain wall fa?ade meets all necessary requirements. Familiarise yourself with any energy performance, fire safety, or wind-load specifications that may apply to your project. In the UK, some of the most important regulations to consider are Approved Document L (Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Document L - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)), ADF Ventilation: Approved Document F - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), ADB Fire safety: Approved Document B - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), CWCT Sequence B (CWCT | Centre for Window & Cladding Technology) amongst others.?

Conclusion:??

These are just some of the design principles to consider when specifying a curtain wall system. By considering the points above you can design an aluminium curtain wall fa?ade that is aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient, durable, and long-lasting. With the right combination of materials, finishes, and design considerations, your curtain wall fa?ade will feature architectural form and function.?

Contact our experienced specification team to learn more about Kawneer curtain wall systems: Use our web form: Specification Request Form (kawneer.co.uk) or send an email to [email protected]?