
Solar Shading in Modern Glass Facades: Balancing Daylight and Heat Gain
Solar Shading in Modern Glass Facades: Balancing Daylight and Heat Gain Introduction Modern glass façades have become a defining feature of contemporary architecture, driven by
As the Christmas season approaches, northern cities are dusted in snow and sparkling lights. Cold winds sweep between high-rises, and façades catch the winter sun. Beneath this beauty, façades face a serious challenge: extreme cold, wind, snow, and ice demand consistent performance.
In these conditions, high-performance façades are essential. They provide thermal comfort, protect interiors, and reduce maintenance. Working in freezing conditions, as we did on Montreal’s Tom Condos, the UN150 Unitized Curtain Wall proves itself. Each factory-built module clicks into place, insulation holds back the cold, and the building stays cozy no matter how low the thermometer drops.
Winter façades must handle:
In frosty cities such as Montreal, tall buildings demand façades that fend off cold and moisture while staying sturdy. Tom Condos demonstrates how our UN150 system does just that—airtight panels, reliable insulation, and strong, stable construction that stand up to winter after winter.
♦ Double or triple-glazed units with inert gas fill
♦ Optimized panel and cavity structures reduce thermal bridging
Factory-assembled UN150 panels ensure precision and consistent insulation performance.
♦ Multi-layer gaskets and high-performance silicone
♦ Optimized pressure plates prevent snow intrusion
EPDM gaskets and tongue-and-groove connections at Tom Condos keep air and water out, even in sub-zero temperatures.
♦ Aluminum and hardware with low-temperature toughness
♦ Frost- and corrosion-resistant coatings
UN150’s powder-coated aluminum retains color and strength under harsh winter conditions.
♦ Reinforced mullions and anchors resist snow and wind
♦ Panel design maintains flatness and integrity
Modular unitized systems allow quick, safe installation with high structural reliability
▶ Prefabrication reduces on-site exposure to cold
▶ Units match floor heights for fast, accurate assembly
▶ Factory assembly ensures quality control and reduces labor
UN150 units connect directly to embedded components, saving time and minimizing installation errors
As cold-climate cities advance, façades must evolve:
In extreme winter climates, façades protect comfort and building performance.
SunFrame’s UN150 Unitized Curtain Wall demonstrates that high-rise buildings can remain efficient, durable, and visually striking. Projects like Tom Condos show how industrialized, unitized systems deliver reliable warmth, airtightness, and lasting aesthetic quality—even in the coldest conditions.

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