This guide answers common questions about curtain wall systems, covering everything including materials, design principles, installation techniques, performance, sustainability, and global projects. No matter if you are an architect, engineer, developer, or building owner, you will discover practical guidance to support decisions at every stage of a project.
Explore each section to learn the basics, design strategies, installation methods, and real projects that show how SunFrame creates durable, efficient, and visually stunning façades worldwide.
We have seen this question asked by architects and developers a lot.
Simply put — a curtain wall is like the skin of a building. It hangs on the main structure, providing protection and design appeal, but doesn’t carry any load.
A window wall, on the other hand, is installed floor by floor and connects to the slab edges.
In high-rise projects, we usually recommend curtain walls because they give that smooth, seamless glass look — something our clients in Philippines love.
☛ Curtain Wall vs. Window Wall: Everything Architects Need to Know
Curtain walls come in different styles depending on how they’re built, the climate, and cultural context:
Type | Key Features | Example |
Unitized | Prefabricated, faster installation, safer on-site | Pegasus Hotel, Guyana |
Hidden-frame | Smooth full-glass look, needs precise on-site work | M-Peace Plaza, Rwanda |
Exposed-frame | Aluminum frame is visible, energy-efficient, easy to install | CJIA International Airport, Guyana |
Point-supported | Maximizes transparency, needs exact glass alignment | Vigie Building, Saint Lucia |
Mashrabiya | Aluminum lattice screens for sun shading, ventilation, cultural touch | QET-JMA, Doha |
Takeaway: Pick the curtain wall type that fits your building, environment, and design goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Curtain walls commonly use the following materials, chosen based on project requirements:
Material | Key Benefits |
Glass | Transparency, lightness, natural daylight |
Aluminum | Precision, flexibility, durability |
Stone | Texture, aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency |
GRC | Structural depth, shading, design versatility |
Smart combinations allow even cost-effective materials to achieve premium results.
A curtain wall shapes a building’s character while performing key functions:
Principle | Purpose |
Safety | Withstand wind, earthquakes, and harsh weather |
Aesthetics | Maintain clean lines and visual balance |
Strength & Weight | Durable yet lightweight |
Energy Efficiency | Reduce costs with smart glass, insulation, and shading |
Maintenance | Easy panel replacement and repair |
Cost-effectiveness | Long-term value without sacrificing performance |
Early coordination decides if a curtain wall just covers a building or truly fits it. Every choice affects how it looks, works, and lasts.
At SunFrame, we work hand in hand with architects from day one to bring both beauty and function to life.
☛ Coordination Principles Between Curtain Wall Design and Architectural Design
Good design works only when we build it right.
It means proper construction methods can help the curtain wall perform safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively throughout its lifecycle.
At SunFrame, we consider construction factors from the very beginning, including system selection, prefabrication rate, worker safety, and equipment use, to achieve smooth installation and long-term reliability.
Curtain wall waterproofing begins with smart design, not with fixing leaks later on.
At SunFrame, we plan ahead by using the equal-pressure principle, adding proper drainage channels, and choosing high-quality sealants to keep water out for years to come.
From selecting materials to testing how the system handles water, every step is carefully managed.
We also offer optional drainage systems and give clear maintenance guidance after installation, so every façade we build stays strong, reliable, and worry-free.
☛ Glass Curtain Wall Leak Prevention – Expert Tips from SunFrame
By using certified fireproof materials and adopting non-destructive smoke testing to check airtight integrity.
This method makes it easy to spot hidden leaks in fire seals without causing any damage to the structure. Finding them early can improve smoke control and overall fire protection.
☛ Non-Destructive Testing of Fireproof Sealing in Building Curtain Walls
Curtain wall systems can last up to 50 years, but only when they are designed, constructed, and maintained in line with structural safety and environmental standards.
Every step matters in achieving this lifespan – from structural analysis and material selection to corrosion protection and connection design.
It also requires strict compliance with national codes such as GB55031 and regular maintenance throughout their service life.
☛ Essential Conditions for Achieving a 50-Year Lifespan of Curtain Wall Systems
A Low-E curtain wall can be seen as a smart shield, letting in sunlight but keeping heat out.
Its special coating blocks infrared heat, keeping indoor spaces cool in summer and warm in winter. For this reason, air-conditioning energy use can be reduced by up to 20%, which saves you cost.
☛ Buildings Live and Breathe with SunFrame Low-E Curtain Wall Systems
SunFrame’s external shading systems are designed to save energy from the outside in.
Designed to block solar heat at the source, our shading systems help buildings cut cooling energy use by over 40%.
We integrate intelligent control, durable materials, and elegant design to create indoor environments that are comfortable, energy-efficient, and visually appealing.
Projects like the Burj Al Mana Tower in Qatar is one of SunFrame’s outstanding projects that makes façades both smart and sustainable.
☛ Shaping Smarter Facades: SunFrame’s External Shading Innovations
In 2025, the global curtain wall industry is chasing smarter, greener, and more refined designs.
High-performance systems integrating insulation, shading, and energy efficiency are becoming mainstream, supported by digital tools like BIM and intelligent fabrication for greater precision and creativity.
New materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, and photovoltaic glass bring more variety and expression to modern architecture. What’s more, growth remains strong in emerging markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where innovation meets opportunity.
Together, these trends signal a shift toward innovation, sustainability, and refined craftsmanship , setting the new standard for the curtain wall industry.
☛ Global Curtain Wall Industry: Trends and Challenges in 2025
At SUNFRAME, quality starts at the source. Every curtain wall component, including aluminum profiles, glass panels, and sealants, is processed and sealed entirely within our factory under strict environmental and technical standards.
We follow a fully standardized workflow covering:
– material inspection, – precision cutting, – drilling, – assembly, – silicone structural glazing.
Each step undergoes quality checks. No component can move to the next stage unless it passes inspection.
During sealing, trained operators, certified materials, and butterfly and tensile tests come into play to make sure perfect bonding and curing. Every finished panel is traceable with a label showing its production date, operator, and inspection record.
All fabrication and glazing are completed in-house. Every curtain wall component remains under strict control and meets the standards of durability and reliability.
☛ Glass Curtain Wall Component Fabrication and Sealing at SUNFRAME
The installation process starts with accurate measurement and layout to define the façade grid. Post-installed anchors and steel frames are then fixed and coated for corrosion protection. After the supporting keel is completed, aluminum panels are aligned, adjusted, and fastened with strict control over flatness and joint spacing. Each connection point undergoes concealed inspection for safety and stability. Finally, sealant is applied for waterproofing, followed by surface cleaning and final acceptance to achieve both aesthetic and structural quality.
☛ Technical Guidelines for Installing Aluminum Panel Curtain Walls
Prefabricated stick curtain walls leverage the strengths of both stick and unitized systems, achieving cost-efficiency without compromising precision and quality. Prefabricating key components into modular units results in higher quality, faster installation, and reduced on-site labor. This hybrid approach also enhances design flexibility, minimizes on-site errors, and allows for efficient “section construction,” which streamlines workflow and lowers overall project costs.
☛ Prefabricated Construction Techniques for Stick Curtain Walls
① How can curtain wall teams stay safe in high-risk zones?
By preparing early, training constantly, and reacting fast, safety becomes instinct, not just a rule.
② How can multicultural teams work smoothly?
Respect local habits, adapt schedules, and communicate ahead of time, because coordination creates momentum.
③ What makes a curtain wall truly resilient?
Smart design blends strength, sustainability, and technology through BIM-driven precision.
④ How do landmark projects build brand trust?
By proving reliability under pressure, each success turns into lasting credibility.
☛ Lessons from Israel’s Tallest Tower for SunFrame Curtain Wall Strategy
SunFrame approaches complex curved glass façades with precision engineering and advanced technology. From the design stage, BIM simulation and finite element modeling are used for structural stability. During installation, our skilled workers keep tolerances within ±2 mm by 3D laser scanning and total-station alignment. Therefore, it can guarantee each curve meets design intent.
In addition, we pair these methods with high-performance materials like ultra-clear tempered laminated glass, 316L stainless steel fittings, and weatherproof sealants. In projects like the Vigie Building in Saint Lucia, we have realized seamless curved façades that withstand tropical coastal climates through this approach.
☛ Beyond the Flat Façade: The Precision Engineering of Curved Glass Curtain Walls
Now, our advantages not only lie in the lower costs, but also the mastery through experience.
It is decades of large-scale urban construction that have sharpened the skills of Chinese façade engineers. And they bring that same precision and innovation to projects worldwide.
With complete supply chains, smart R&D, and the confidence born from building millions of square meters of façades, companies like SunFrame are proving that “Made in China” now means designed, engineered, and perfected with excellence.
☛ Key Advantages of Chinese Curtain Wall Industry in Expanding Overseas
