As the “facade” of the commercial complex facade design, the glass curtain wall not only reflects the modern style of the building, but also plays a vital role in energy saving, safety, beauty, functionality and other aspects.
Zhongdong Curtain Wall focuses on the “glass curtain wall system solution”, from design planning, system selection, function realization, construction technology to maintenance management, and introduces the applicable glass curtain wall system in detail to help owners, developers, design institutes, general contractors, etc. deeply understand the value and selection logic of glass curtain walls.
1. Why must high-quality glass curtain walls be used?
1. Appearance image requirements of urban landmark buildings
Glass curtain walls are often built in the core areas of the city. Their building facades not only carry functional requirements, but also represent the architectural level of the entire area. Glass curtain walls have become a key element for commercial complexes to enhance recognition and establish brand image due to their modernity, transparency and lightness.
2. Glass curtain walls are a direct reflection of commercial attractiveness
Before consumers enter a commercial space, the first thing they see is the appearance of the building. Glass curtain walls with strong design and high-end texture can enhance consumers’ “desire to arrive”, improve the “attractiveness” of commercial spaces, and indirectly enhance the overall commercial value.
3. Multiple functional requirements and energy efficiency goals
The daily operation of commercial complexes has extremely high requirements for energy saving, safety, sound insulation and sunshade. Glass curtain walls can effectively meet these comprehensive needs by superimposing a variety of glass technologies (such as LOW-E glass, hollow laminated glass, etc.).
2. Common types of glass curtain wall systems
In view of the large scale, complex functions and numerous nodes of commercial complexes, the following types of glass curtain wall systems are currently commonly used in the market:
1. Hidden frame/semi-hidden frame glass curtain wall
Applicable to buildings that emphasize the overall sense and simple facade effects, the features include:
The appearance of the glass curtain wall is purer and more transparent;
It can hide or weaken the structural lines to improve the visual neatness;
When used with laminated glass, it has better safety and sound insulation performance.
2. Point-supported glass curtain wall system
Mostly used in atriums, entrance halls, and large display surfaces, highlighting the sense of design:
The node structure is exquisite and the visual is lighter;
The light transmittance is strong, suitable for creating natural lighting space;
It is often used in combination with steel structure and glass ribs to enhance the sense of building technology.
3. Unitized glass curtain wall system
Suitable for high-rise and super-high-rise commercial complexes, with the following characteristics:
High prefabrication rate, directly transported to the site for hoisting after factory assembly, fast installation speed;
Reducing high-altitude operation time, improving construction safety and quality control;
Saving on-site labor costs, more suitable for large-scale projects with tight construction schedules.
III. Key points of glass curtain wall design for commercial complexes
1. Integration of appearance aesthetics and brand culture
Glass curtain wall is not only the “skin” of the building, but also a tool for brand expression. According to the commercial positioning (high-end shopping center, fashion life plaza, office + commercial complex), designers should reasonably choose glass color, modulus, and grid to reflect the brand characteristics of the project.
2. Functional design integration
✅ Energy-saving design:
Using hollow LOW-E glass can effectively reduce energy consumption;
Reasonably configure shading systems, such as blinds, light-controlled glass or external sunshades;
Avoid excessive transparency leading to summer heat island effect.
Sound insulation and heat insulation:
Commercial complexes are close to urban main roads and have extremely high control requirements for noise and temperature differences;
Laminated glass + hollow design can effectively improve the quiet effect.
Safety design:
It should meet safety standards such as wind pressure resistance, impact resistance, fire prevention, and self-explosion prevention, especially in high-rise commercial complexes and densely populated areas.
IV. Key control points in the construction stage of glass curtain walls
In addition to design, the quality of glass curtain walls also depends on process control during the construction stage:
1. Accurate measurement and positioning and laying out
After the main structure is completed, the curtain wall should be positioned by laser measurement equipment;
Avoid error accumulation during the installation of the curtain wall system.
2. Base structure and keel installation
High-strength aluminum alloy or steel structure keel is the core of supporting glass curtain wall;
Each connection node must be treated with anti-corrosion, waterproof and shockproof according to the standard.
3. Sealing and drainage treatment
Ensure the construction standards of sealant, rubber strips and injection parts of the curtain wall system to prevent water seepage;
Design drainage system to avoid water accumulation or backflow, especially in areas with heavy rainfall.
V. After-sales maintenance and curtain wall system life
1. Regular inspection and maintenance plan
Commercial complexes are recommended to conduct a comprehensive glass curtain wall inspection once a year, including rubber strip aging, sealing inspection, support structure deformation, etc.;
If the rubber strip falls off, the glass bursts or water mist appears, it should be replaced in time.
2. Glass curtain wall system upgrade
For old commercial complexes, glass curtain walls can be renovated and reconstructed, using more energy-saving and environmentally friendly glass materials;
The upgraded glass curtain wall can improve the building rental level and overall market value.
