In African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania, more and more construction projects are beginning to pursue “modernity” and “high appearance”, especially in commercial buildings, office buildings, hotels, and high-end residences. Building facade design has become an important part of image and value.
So, a very realistic question is placed before developers and self-built owners:
Should I choose a new type of glass curtain wall or a traditional brick wall?
This is not a simple question of “expensive” and “cheap”, but also a comprehensive comparison of “durability, cost, maintenance, beauty, and construction period”. Today, we will combine the actual situation of the African building facade market to comprehensively analyze the advantages and disadvantages of glass curtain walls and brick walls for you to see which one is more suitable for you.
1. Appearance is justice, and the visual impact of glass curtain walls is stronger
In terms of appearance, the modern sense of glass curtain walls is incomparable to brick walls.
Glass curtain walls look more upscale and international, and are the first choice for many office buildings, hospitals, hotels, and shopping malls.
In urban centers such as Lagos and Nairobi, glass curtain walls have almost become the standard of “landmark buildings”.
Even small and medium-sized buildings can look particularly high-end if equipped with glass curtain walls, with higher rental prices and stronger appeal.
Relatively speaking, although brick walls are solid and traditional, they tend to look dull and old-fashioned.
2. Is there a big price difference? Glass curtain walls can also be made “cost-effective”
The first reaction of many African owners is: Is the glass curtain wall very expensive?
In fact, now that the glass curtain wall system is purchased from China and installed locally, the overall cost has dropped significantly.
Brick wall cost: about US$60-100 per square meter (including cement, bricks, and labor)
Glass curtain wall cost: ranging from US$150-200 per square meter (depending on type and configuration)
If you choose an economical glass curtain wall (such as a semi-hidden frame system, single-layer insulating glass), its price is not much different from that of a high-quality brick wall. Considering the aesthetics and use value, the cost-effectiveness is actually very high.
3. Insulation and energy saving: Brick walls are thick, glass curtain walls are smarter
The advantages of brick walls are good thermal insulation and strong heat insulation, especially suitable for residences in hot areas.
However, modern glass curtain wall systems can achieve good energy-saving effects through “Low-E low-radiation coated glass + hollow structure + airtight sealing”, and can also reduce air conditioning energy consumption.
For example:
Insulating glass + Argon gas + Low-E film, even in high temperature climates, can effectively insulate.
Conclusion: In the past, brick walls won in heat insulation, but now high-quality glass curtain walls have caught up, and even surpassed in energy-saving management of large buildings.
4. Maintenance cost: Brick walls cracked, glass curtain walls leak?
Many owners/developers in Africa worry about:
Brick walls are prone to cracking, mold growth, and peeling over time;
Glass curtain walls look beautiful, but if they are not well sealed, they may leak and fog.
This is a very realistic problem. But in fact-
As long as the structure of the glass curtain wall is reasonably designed (using structural adhesive + sealant + drainage system), it will not leak easily.
Once there is a problem with the brick wall, it will be more troublesome to repair, especially the high part of the exterior wall.
Glass curtain walls only need to be scrubbed regularly, with low maintenance costs, while the exterior facades of brick walls need to be painted and repaired frequently.
V. Construction cycle: glass curtain walls are faster and cleaner
You may not know that glass curtain walls are highly systematized and can significantly save construction time.
The glass curtain wall system is prefabricated in the factory → hoisted on site → edge-sealed and sealed, basically no construction waste is generated, and the construction is cleaner
Brick wall construction relies on a lot of manpower, is slow, and is greatly affected by the rainy season
Summary: For projects with tight construction schedules and high construction standards, glass curtain walls are a more suitable choice.
VI. Safety: Will glass break? Brick walls are more reliable?
This is the concern of many owners: “Is the glass safe? What should I do if a typhoon comes?”
In fact, modern glass curtain walls are no longer ordinary glass:
Tempered glass, laminated glass, and hollow glass are used
Even if it breaks, it will not fall and hurt people, which meets international building standards
At the same time, the aluminum alloy structure of the glass curtain wall is very strong and is designed to withstand wind force above level 8.
At present, many airports, government buildings, and hospital projects in Kenya and Tanzania have adopted glass curtain walls, and their safety can stand the test of time.
VII. Applicable scenarios: Glass curtain walls ≠ only suitable for large projects
Some people think: Glass curtain walls can only be used in high-rise office buildings?
In fact, it is not. Now Chinese manufacturers can customize small and medium-sized curtain wall systems:
Office buildings below 10 floors
Storefront shops (such as banks, mobile phone stores, clinics) self-built villas, homestays, etc.
Even small buildings of 500-1000 square meters can use economical glass curtain wall systems to enhance the overall image and value.
In the African construction market, glass curtain walls are no longer a “luxury”, but an “upgrade solution” that more and more projects pursue for modernization, high returns and high appeal.
If you are an owner/developer who wants your project to stand out in the market, or if you are an owner who wants your house to look more modern, rent better and maintain its value longer, then glass curtain walls are worth your serious consideration.
Of course, when choosing a curtain wall, you must find an experienced glass curtain wall manufacturer + provide installation support + affordable prices, so that its value can be brought into play.
If you need to learn about glass curtain wall solutions suitable for the African market, please contact our engineering consultant team to provide design suggestions, cost estimates, installation guidance, and one-stop service, so that you can use it with confidence and earn peace of mind.
