Curtain Wall System Development in 2022

So far, curtain wall system technology has developed, over the years, into a proliferation of highly engineered designs. Moreover, more than fifty years of experience and the further development have eliminated the major difficulties of the pioneering designs, resulting in better products. Beginning with the relatively simple, but innovative concept of the early 1950’s, a series of window units and panels joined and supported by simple framing members. In the year of 2022, the basic principles of developing good curtain wall system have still not changed. Recognition of these principles has grown with many years of experience, and the criteria of good design have now become well defined. And, as with any vital and developing product, modern curtain wall continues to find ways of improving performance. In the modern times, curtain wall systems have been enhanced, updated, and altered to create stronger identities for contemporary buildings. Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology can contribute to designers and architects to have a closer look at curtain systems, their components, and how they are installed in the pre-construction phase. Moreover, BIM is used to test the energy performance of curtain panels as well as accurately estimate curtain wall costs before starting the construction project. In the building operation phase, modern technology has enabled the creation of smart glass: electrochromic tints automatically according to the outdoor climate and lighting conditions, which greatly helps to create a more comfortable indoor environment in terms of glare and heat gain. Nowadays, as more and more people prefer to retro-fit their house with custom curtain wall and glass partition walls, as aesthetic qualities like elegance, beauty and serenity are required for satisfying living experience, high-performance curtain systems can offer people a great return in an investment, which means the reduction of heat gain while providing an access to natural light, enhancing productivity and wellbeing, as well as boosting the building inhabitants’ moods. In the current market, curtain wall panels are now available for the custom uses in a variety of shapes that can accommodate curved facades, striking angles, and sloping buildings, giving more freedom to architects than ever. In particular, individual glass panels are not limited to right angles anymore due to modern fabrication methodologies. And glass panels are available in multiple shapes, like trapezoidal, parallelogram, or triangular.