Design of modern glass facade

In modern architecture, curtain wall generally bears its own weight, but not the load from the roof or floor of the building. And one typical kind of curtain wall is glass curtain wall, which is a thin glass wall, metal or stone, framed with aluminum as well as mounted on the external structure of a building. In general, a modern curtain wall will be designed as a cladding element rather than a structural member and as such the removal or failure of an element or section of the curtain wall will not result in disproportionate damage to the structure. In practical applications, since the partition wall of glass curtain wall system does not have the burden of construction, it tends to look like a decorative skirt for the buildings. Meanwhile, architects opt for glass facades on residential houses or commercial buildings so as to enjoy the views outside. In the current market, the various types of curtain wall systems can fall into three main categories： •Stick systems •Unitized systems •Bolt fixed glazing The main difference between these three types of curtain wall systems is the aesthetics of the final design, the construction method and design of the system. As a minimum each system is designed to meet the building design load requirements. This does not consider blast loading and as such, if the system is subject to a blast load, each will respond differently and may offer very different levels of protection to occupants in a building. Therefore, it is very necessary to understand the different types of systems that are available and being used in applications. Nowadays, there is a point to increase the efficiency of building facades on account of environmental awareness, which has given further impetus to the growth of innovation in modern curtain wall facade designs. The arrival of new cladding technologies adds complexity to the cladding design and information production process and makes it crucial to understand it. Furthermore, the specification of modern glass facade components and materials is a continuous process that goes hand in hand with the design of the cladding system. This function comprises the specification of performance requirements of the architectural, structural, physical and functional aspects of the cladding system. Furthermore, the use of material, scope of delivery, administrative conditions, time requirements for building phases, installation conditions and the equipment on site are set up at this stage. Meanwhile, the curtain wall manufacturers may also be invited to work out the facade specifications. This is particularly important in the case of a new or special facade designs as the expert support from the curtain wall manufacturers is required for working out the performance specifications of the cladding system in applications.