Facades

There are four kinds of Curtain Wall system. Namely 1. 2. 3. 4. Semi-Unitized System Fully-Unitized System Open Joint Aluminium Cladding System Stick System

Semi-Unitized System
Description: As the term implies, this is a compromise between the Stick System and the Fully-Unitized system. In this system, the mullions are separately installed prior to the assembly of the pre-assembled framed panels which are placed between the mullions. These panels may be full story in height or may be divided into a spandrel unit and a vision glass unit. This system allows for factory glazing of the glass panels. This improves the quality of the sealing system. Advantages and Limitations: The advantages and limitations of this system are comparable to the Unitized System. Pressure-equalized design principle is also not possible for this system.

Fully-Unitized System
Description: The wall is composed entirely of large framed units pre-assembled in the factory, complete with spandrel panels (if any) and often pre-glazed in the factory as well. The vertical edges of the unitized panels join to form mullion members; top and bottom members join to form horizontal transoms. Advantages and Limitations: Unitized panels are fully assembled under controlled factory conditions. Installation speed is fast and that facilitates rapid closure of the building envelope. Relatively less dependent on field adjustments to achieve established quality standards and less field workers are required. Pressure-equalized design principle can be applied in the Curtain wall design. Minor disadvantages include relatively high construction cost and elaborate protective measures for the unitized panels are needed.

Open-Joint Aluminium Cladding System

Description: A non-load bearing external cladding assembly defined as a wall comprising an outer skin of panels and an airtight insulated/non-insulated backing wall separated by a ventilated cavity. It is designed in such a way that the air gap between the cladding system and the building's inner leaf should have either a proper drainage and ventilation system or is pressure equalized (the air pressure in the gap is the same as that of the outside conditions). This ensures that the cladding system provides enough "pressure cushion" as a protective layer. Advantages of this System:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Superb formability Wide range of fixing and jointing techniques Light-weight and easy to handle in the workshop and on site Low maintenance Low deadweight as compared to stone finishes Easy to install

Stick Systems
Description: The Stick System was used extensively in the 50's and 60's which represented the early years of Curtain Wall Development. This system must be installed in segments (mullions, transoms, etc.). Water-tightness design is done with the use of sealing systems such as sealants or gaskets. Advantages and Limitations: The advantages are relatively lower material costs, shipping and handling costs and a simplistic system design. The disadvantages of a stick system are the necessity of field assembly work, rather than controlled factory conditions, and the fact that preglazing is unachievable. In comparison with the Fully/Semi-unitized System, movement and expansion tolerances are limited.