Curtain wall design is not simply about selecting a framing and glazing system. The design needs to work with the existing structure, surrounding façade, fire compartmentation and building envelope.
For refurbishment and remediation projects, this means developing the curtain wall around the actual building conditions, including existing slab edges, retained façade elements, structural movement, drainage, weathering and interfaces with adjacent systems.
The result is a defined, buildable curtain wall solution that can be specified, tendered and installed with the key technical requirements established from the outset.
Existing façade assessment – Reviewing available surveys, drawings and project information to understand the existing curtain wall and the constraints affecting the proposed design.
System selection – Assessing suitable curtain wall systems based on building height, exposure, structural requirements, glazing, thermal performance, fire performance and project requirements.
Curtain wall configuration – Developing mullion, transom, glazing and spandrel arrangements to suit the building and proposed façade.
Structural interfaces – Designing connections to existing floor slabs, structural frames and other supporting elements.
Glazing and spandrel design – Establishing appropriate glazing and spandrel arrangements to meet the required performance and appearance.
Fixings and support – Developing fixing and support arrangements appropriate to the existing structure and proposed curtain wall system.
Fire performance – Addressing fire stopping, cavity barriers and compartmentation interfaces where curtain walling meets floors, walls and other façade systems.
Thermal and weather performance – Considering insulation, thermal bridging, air tightness, water penetration, drainage and weathering.
Movement and tolerances – Allowing for structural movement, thermal movement and construction tolerances within the curtain wall system and its interfaces.
Façade interfaces – Detailing connections with adjacent cladding, windows, balconies, roofs, internal finishes and other building elements.
Specification and technical information – Developing the design into clear technical information covering materials, systems, performance requirements and installation requirements.
Replacement and refurbishment projects often have to work around existing construction rather than a clean new-build structure.
Our design can account for:
Where the available information does not establish the existing construction, our dedicated survey team, Trident Facades Surveys, can undertake targeted investigation and opening-up before the design is developed.
Curtain walling frequently interfaces with other parts of the building envelope and internal compartmentation.
Particular attention may be required at:
The design can incorporate the required fire stopping, cavity barriers, seals, flashings and other interface components as part of the complete façade solution.
Curtain wall design can be provided as a standalone service or as part of a wider façade remediation or replacement project.
Where an existing curtain wall is being replaced, we can take the project from investigation through to a buildable replacement solution, with design information developed into a specification and tender package where required.
Our dedicated survey team, Trident Facades Surveys, can undertake investigation and opening-up where required to establish the existing construction before design development.
Investigation → Strategy → Design → Specification → Tender → Construction
We understand that façade and cladding remediation involves different operational and practical requirements depending on the property type.
Experienced in developing curtain wall designs for occupied multi-storey residential buildings, taking account of access, resident safety, existing building constraints and practical installation requirements. We provide the technical information, specifications and cost detail required by block managers, managing agents and surveyors, including for Section 20 consultations.
Supporting landlords, managing agents and facilities teams with curtain wall design for commercial and mixed-use buildings. Designs consider thermal performance, weather resistance, structural requirements, glazing, interfaces and appearance, while taking account of active tenants, public access and wider site constraints.
Curtain wall design requires careful coordination of structural performance, fire safety, thermal performance, weatherproofing, glazing and interfaces with the surrounding façade. We develop practical design solutions, specifications and details in accordance with the applicable project requirements, supporting procurement and installation through to completion.