Curtain wall system
1. Semi-Unitised System
Description: As the term implies, this is a compromise between the Stick System and the Fully-Unitised system. In this system, the mullions are separately installed prior to the assembly of the pre-assembled framed panels which are placed between the mullions. These panels may be full storey in height or may be divided into a spandrel unit and a vision glass unit. This system allows for factory glazing of the glass panels. This improves the quality of the sealing system.
Advantages and Limitations: The advantages and limitations of this system are comparable to the Unitised System. Pressure-equalized design principle is also not possible for this system.
Project Reference:
1.1 Keppel Marina
1.2 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
1.3 Vivo City
1.4 Yangon International Airport
1.7 Liat Tower
1.6 Changi Airport Terminal 1 Extension – Pier C & D
1.7 Chennai Tech Park
1.8 Hyderabad International Airport
1.9 Hotel Novotel
1.10 Wipro
2. Stick System
Description: The Stick System was used extensively in the 50’s and 60’s which represented the early years of Curtain Wall Development. This system must be installed in segments (mullions, transoms, etc.). Water-tightness design is done with the use of sealing systems such as sealants or gaskets.
Advantages and Limitations: The advantages are relatively lower material costs, shipping and handling costs and a simplistic system design. The disadvantages of a stick system are the necessity of field assembly work, rather than controlled factory conditions, and the fact that pre-glazing is unachievable. In comparison with the Fully/Semi-unitised System, movement and expansion tolerances are limited.
Project Reference:
2.1 Changi Airport Terminal 1 Upgrading
2.2 Nassim Road
2.3 Royal Plaza on Scotts
2.4 Fullerton Square
3. Fully Unitised Curtain Wall System
Description: The wall is composed entirely of large framed units pre-assembled in the factory, complete with spandrel panels (if any) and often pre-glazed in the factory as well. The vertical edges of the unitised panels join to form mullion members; top and bottom members join to form horizontal transoms.
Advantages and Limitations: Unitised panels are fully assembled under controlled factory conditions. Installation speed is fast and that facilitates rapid closure of the building envelope. Relatively less dependent on field adjustments to achieve established quality standards and less field workers are required. Pressure-equalised design principle can be applied in the Curtainwall design. Minor disadvantages include relatively high construction cost and elaborate protective measures for the unitised panels are needed.
Project Reference:
3.1 L&T InfoTech Technology Centre – II
3.2 Ascendas IT Park
3.3 Hotel Novotel
3.4 Chennai Tech Park
3.5 New Delhi International Airport
3.6 Changi Airport Terminal 1 Extension – Pier C & D
3.7 Parliament Complex
3.8 China Square Parcel F
3.9 Research Techno Plaza for Nanyang