Archetech Issue 58 2022 | Page 42

REYNAERS
Photos : © Hufton + Crow

WHY CHOOSE CURTAIN WALLING ?

As the face of a building , facades are one of the most important design elements – and curtain walling can play a critical role . While it is easy to see the aesthetic benefits of selecting curtain walling over alternative materials , the benefits of this material can be extremely far-reaching .
Let ’ s explore five key reasons to include curtain walling in the design of modern buildings .
1 . ULTIMATE DESIGN FREEDOM
Curtain walling equips architects with the ability to create striking glazed facades through the use of off-the-shelf and bespoke systems . In practice , architects experience complete design freedom , safe in the knowledge that suitable curtain walling systems will be able to accommodate design considerations while still delivering the desired performance and functionality required of modern buildings .
2 . SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is a primary consideration at every stage of a building ’ s design , from initial planning through to construction and even once occupied . Through its design , curtain walling can contribute towards the overall sustainability of a building thanks to the individual performance characteristics of specific systems , supporting functions such as cooling and ventilation through to energy efficiency .
3 . DELIVERING COMFORT
To be successful , a building has to do more than look good – it needs to perform well and be functional for occupants . Comfort
is a key consideration here , ensuring that interior spaces cater for the needs of those who use them . There are several layers to optimising comfort , including noise control , safety and security and daylighting . It is in these areas where curtain walling can help buildings to excel .
4 . LEADING ON AESTHETICS
Often centre to the design of a building facade , aesthetics are integral . The trend to incorporate significant volumes of glazing into the building envelope is facilitated by curtain walling , delivering on a number of requirements , such as helping a building to fit into its surroundings , equipping it with a unique character and maximising views outwards .
5 . UNDERPINNING PERFORMANCE
As the most basic function of the building envelope , facades need to provide a barrier against external elements . To this end , systems are expertly engineered and rigorously tested to meet the demands of modern building requirements . This includes everything from Air , Wind and Water tightness through to thermal efficiency and building movement .
As specialists in the development of sustainable architectural glazing systems , Reynaers Aluminium offers a range of marketleading curtain walling solutions . To support architects in selecting the most suitable system for their design , Reynaers has also built a dedicated Consult Team to collaborate with architects from the outset of a project .
reynaers . co . uk
ARCHETECH - PAGE 42