Curtain Wall Design Services

Trident Facades provides curtain wall design services for new-build, refurbishment and façade remediation projects.

Our design approach considers the curtain wall as part of the complete building envelope, including its interfaces with the structure, glazing, external wall systems, fire stopping and weatherproofing.

Curtain Wall Design for Remediation Projects

Existing buildings often present different challenges from new construction.

A remediation design may need to work around:

  • Existing structural openings
  • Existing floor slabs
  • Retained façade elements
  • Existing interfaces
  • Irregular construction
  • Replacement glazing
  • Existing internal finishes
  • Adjacent cladding
  • Fire-stopping requirements

The design therefore needs to reflect the actual building rather than relying solely on standard system details.

Curtain Wall Design Services

Our curtain wall design work can address:

  • System selection
  • Curtain wall configuration
  • Mullion and transom arrangements
  • Glazing
  • Spandrel areas
  • Fixings
  • Structural interfaces
  • Weathering
  • Drainage
  • Thermal performance
  • Fire-stopping interfaces
  • Cavity barriers
  • Movement
  • Flashings
  • Seals and gaskets
  • Interfaces with adjacent façade systems

Curtain Wall System Selection

The appropriate curtain wall system depends on the requirements of the project.

Considerations can include:

  • Building height
  • Exposure
  • Structural requirements
  • Glazing requirements
  • Thermal performance
  • Fire performance
  • Weather resistance
  • Aesthetic requirements
  • Maintenance
  • Existing building constraints

Curtain Wall Interfaces

Many façade problems occur at interfaces rather than within the main curtain wall frame.

Design therefore needs to consider connections with:

  • Concrete floor slabs
  • Structural frames
  • External wall systems
  • Cladding
  • Windows
  • Roofs
  • Balconies
  • Internal partitions
  • Compartmentation

Fire Stopping and Curtain Wall Design

Where curtain walling passes in front of floor slabs or compartment walls, the interface between the curtain wall and the building’s fire compartmentation requires careful consideration.

Our Curtain Wall Fire Stopping service can form part of the wider design and remediation package.

Design for Replacement

Where an existing curtain wall is being replaced, the design process can include:

Existing System → Investigation → Design → Specification → Removal → Installation

This allows the replacement system to be developed around the actual conditions encountered on the building.

Curtain Wall Specification

Design information can be developed into a specification covering the proposed system, materials, interfaces, performance requirements and installation requirements.

Where the project is proceeding to tender, this can then support procurement and contractor pricing.

See our Façade Specification Services.

From Design to Construction

Trident Facades’ wider service offering allows curtain wall design to connect directly with remediation and construction.

Where required, the project can progress from:

Survey → Strategy → Design → Tender → Construction

Talk to Trident Facades about your curtain wall design requirements.

Tell us briefly about your requirements