What is it?

A larger, non-structural glass wall system hung on the building frame, often spanning multiple floors.

Quick History

Curtain wall systems began in the mid-19th century, but became widespread with steel-frame construction in the early 20th century. Before that, walls had to hold up the building. With steel or concrete frames doing the heavy lifting, outer walls could now just “hang” like a curtain, hence the name. Curtain walls took off after World War II, especially with the rise of modernist glass skyscrapers in cities like New York and Chicago. They’re a standard for commercial buildings - lightweight, energy-efficient, and modern in appearance, often using glass, aluminum, or composite materials.

Why Aluminum

It's resistant to corrosion and rust, making it suitable for various climates, and its lightweight nature makes it easy to install and handle. Aluminum also offers excellent thermal insulation, contributing to energy savings.