A curtain wall is a non-structural glass skin hung on a structural frame. The steel (or occasionally aluminum) grid holds the glass; the building’s structure holds the grid. In residential work, we use it for atrium walls, stairwell walls, and two-story great rooms.
Build approach
- Structural steel sub-frame engineered per opening
- Steel mullions: 2-1/2″ or 3″ depth, 1″ sightline
- Glass infill: insulated low-E, sometimes spider-fitted laminated glass for oversized lights
- Continuous thermal break so the grid doesn’t sweat in summer
Sizes
Effectively unlimited — we’ve built curtain walls 30 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Individual lights (glass panes within the grid) commonly run 4′ × 8′ to 6′ × 10′.
Glazing options
- Double-pane insulated (standard)
- Triple-pane for extreme energy performance
- Laminated tempered for safety (required above 8′ in most jurisdictions)
- Solar-tinted or ceramic-fritted for west-facing exposures
Where they shine
South- and east-facing elevations with a view. Two-story foyers. Stairwells. Indoor-outdoor transitions where a wall of sliders is structurally limited.
Coordination
Curtain walls are engineered, permitted, and installed as part of the building shell — not a finish-out drop-in. Schedule us early in framing so we can coordinate anchor locations with the structural engineer.
Specifications
| Frame Material | 14-gauge steel mullions, 2-1/2" – 3" depth |
|---|---|
| Sightline | 1" visible |
| Glass | Dual or triple-pane insulated low-E |
| Max Size | Engineered per opening (30'+ common) |
| Thermal Break | Continuous polyamide strut |
| Finish | Powder-coat, interior/exterior differ option |
| Lead Time | 14–20 weeks |
