Comparison between exposed frame glass curtain wall and hidden frame glass curtain wall

Which one is more suitable for the facade scheme of modern buildings, the exposed frame glass curtain wall or the hidden frame glass curtain wall? With the continuous innovation of glass curtain wall technology, glass curtain wall has become the preferred facade form of modern urban landmark buildings. Among them, the exposed frame glass curtain wall and the hidden frame glass curtain wall have become important choices for designers and owners due to their different technical characteristics and aesthetic performance.

1. Comparison of technical principles and structural characteristics

1. Exposed frame glass curtain wall
The exposed frame glass curtain wall uses an exposed metal frame (such as aluminum alloy profile) as the supporting structure, and the glass panel is fixed to the frame by a pressure plate or a buckle cover. Its core feature is that the frame is completely exposed to the surface of the building, forming a distinct line segmentation effect. Structurally, the exposed frame curtain wall realizes load transfer through mechanical connection, and the frame is both a supporting member and a decorative element.

Technical advantages of exposed frame glass curtain wall:
– Strong structural stability: the frame directly bears loads such as wind pressure and earthquake force, and the force transmission path is clear;
– High construction fault tolerance: the components are highly standardized and easy to install on site;
– Low maintenance cost: glass replacement does not require the destruction of the overall structure, and local repairs are highly feasible.

2. Hidden frame glass curtain wall
The hidden frame glass curtain wall directly bonds the glass panel to the metal frame through high-strength structural adhesive, and no frame components are exposed on the outside to achieve an “all-glass” visual effect. The core of its technology lies in the reliability of the adhesive process, which must strictly meet the performance requirements of shear resistance and aging resistance.

Technical advantages of hidden frame glass curtain wall:
– Excellent visual transparency: eliminate interference from frame lines and form a continuous light and shadow interface;
– Optimized wind pressure resistance: the glass and the frame are subjected to force as a whole, reducing local stress concentration;

– Large design freedom: It can adapt to complex modeling requirements such as curved surfaces and special shapes.

2. Performance and safety assessment of exposed frame glass curtain wall and hidden frame glass curtain wall

1. Wind pressure and earthquake resistance
The frame system of the exposed frame curtain wall has a strong ability to disperse wind loads, especially suitable for high-rise buildings or typhoon-prone areas; while the hidden frame curtain wall relies on the long-term bonding performance of the structural adhesive and needs to pass strict air tightness and water tightness tests. In terms of earthquake resistance, the hidden frame curtain wall can better adapt to building deformation due to its high integrity.

2. Waterproof and airtightness
The open drainage design of the exposed frame curtain wall can effectively avoid water accumulation, but the aging of the sealant needs to be checked regularly at the joints; the hidden frame curtain wall adopts a fully enclosed structure, which requires extremely high precision in the construction of the glue joints, and it is difficult to repair once leakage occurs.

3. Fire prevention and durability
The metal frame of the exposed frame curtain wall itself has fire resistance, and the replacement of components does not affect the overall structure; the structural adhesive of the hidden frame curtain wall needs to pass fire protection certification, and there is an aging risk, and generally requires a comprehensive inspection every 10-15 years.

3. Aesthetic Effect and Architectural Language Expression

1. Rational Aesthetics of Exposed Frame Curtain Wall
The exposed metal frame gives the building a clear sense of geometric order, which is suitable for projects that pursue industrial aesthetics or need to emphasize volume division. For example, Shenzhen Ping An Financial Center strengthens the vertical extension of super high-rise buildings through silver exposed frame lines.

2. Futuristic Temperament of Hidden Frame Curtain Wall
The “frameless illusion” created by hidden frame technology perfectly fits the minimalist design concept. Shanghai Tower adopts unitized hidden frame curtain wall, and the curved glass is integrated with the reflection of the sky to create a flowing urban interface.

4. Cost of exposed frame glass curtain wall and hidden frame glass curtain wall

The cost of exposed frame glass curtain wall is about 30% less than that of hidden frame glass curtain wall, with lower maintenance cost and longer service life.

5. Suggestions on application scenarios of exposed frame and hidden frame glass curtain wall

1. Scenarios where exposed frame glass curtain wall is preferred

– Medium and high-rise office buildings with limited budget

– Transportation hub buildings that require frequent maintenance

– Industrial parks that focus on functionality

– Historical building renovation (can match traditional window lattice ratios)

2. Scenarios where hidden frame curtain wall is recommended

– High-end commercial complexes and hotels

– Cultural buildings such as museums and art centers

– Science and technology parks that pursue a sense of the future

The choice between exposed frame glass curtain wall and hidden frame glass curtain wall is essentially a balance between rational engineering thinking and emotional aesthetic appeal. For pragmatic projects, the high cost-effectiveness and easy maintenance of exposed frame glass curtain wall are more attractive; while for projects that pursue architectural landmarks, it is worth investing more cost in the visual impact of hidden frame glass curtain wall. With the popularization of digital design technology and new materials, the boundary between the two may become further blurred in the future, creating more free expression space for architects.