The curtain wall is a self-supporting aluminium and glass facade that bears no structural loads. There are 3 main types — standard, semi-structural and structural — with prices between €160 and €500/m². Complete guide: how to choose the right system, which Alumil systems we supply and the steps from design to installation.
What is a curtain wall
A curtain wall is a self-supporting exterior facade, made of aluminium profiles and glass, that:
- Bears no structural loads of the building — its own weight is transferred to the building's slabs or columns
- Protects the interior against precipitation, wind and thermal variations
- Provides maximum natural light in large spaces
- Defines the architectural identity of the building
The difference from a regular window or large glazing: a curtain wall covers one or more complete facades, without interruption between floors, creating the effect of a "glass building".
The 3 types of curtain walls
1. Standard curtain wall (stick system)
The aluminium profile is visible from the outside, fixing the glass with pressure caps. It is the most commonly used and most affordable.
Characteristics:
- Visible pressure caps from the outside (horizontal + vertical line)
- Double or triple glazing, 24–48 mm thickness
- Wind resistance class C3
- Watertightness class E1050
- Price: €160–240/m² (including installation)
Recommended for: office buildings, commercial spaces, showrooms, industrial halls with office area.
2. Semi-structural curtain wall
Profiles are visible in only one direction (vertical or horizontal), with the other sides bonded with structural silicone. The result is a cleaner appearance with thin lines.
Price: €240–360/m² (including installation)
3. Structural curtain wall (spider glass)
Aluminium profiles are completely invisible from the outside. Glass is held by spider fittings or fully bonded with structural silicone.
Price: €360–500/m² (including installation)
Alumil curtain wall systems at Neofort BIZ
Alumil CW50 — standard system
- Visible profile: 50 mm
- Polyamide thermal break
- Uw assembly: 1.3–1.6 W/m²K (double Low-E glass)
- Wind resistance: C3/B3
Alumil CW60 — premium narrow profile
- Visible profile: 60 mm
- 34 mm thermal break
- Compatible with triple Low-E glass
- Integrated shading: raffstore, venetian blinds
Glass types for curtain walls
| Glass type | Light transmission | Solar factor g | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear 4+16+4 | 80% | 0.62 | Offices with external shading |
| Low-E 4+16+4 | 72% | 0.38 | Standard nZEB buildings |
| Triple Low-E 4+12+4+12+4 | 68% | 0.32 | nZEB, passive houses |
| Reflective glass | 40–60% | 0.20–0.35 | Direct sun exposure |
| Laminated safety glass | 70% | 0.50 | Pedestrian areas, lower floors |
Project steps for a curtain wall
1. Consultation and measurements (1–2 days)
Site visit, precise measurements, verification of existing fixing structure.
2. Technical design (3–7 days)
Elevation plan with joining details, wind load calculation, glass and profile selection.
3. Production (15–30 days)
Profiles cut and processed at the factory, glass ordered from supplier (Saint-Gobain).
4. Transport and installation (3–10 days depending on area)
Specialised team. Curtain wall installation requires scaffolding or lifting platform.
5. Sealing and testing (1–2 days)
Watertightness test, visual inspection, final sealing.
Request a quote for curtain walls
WhatsApp: +40 752 443 435
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–18:00
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a curtain wall and how does it differ from a large window?
A curtain wall is a self-supporting exterior façade of aluminium profiles and glass that bears none of the building's structural load — its own weight is transferred to the floors or columns. Unlike a window, it covers one or more complete façades without interruption between floors.
What are the 3 types of curtain wall and how much do they cost?
The standard curtain wall (visible profiles with pressure caps) costs 800-1,200 lei/m²; the semi-structural one (profiles visible on a single axis, the rest bonded with structural silicone) costs 1,200-1,800 lei/m²; the structural one (spider glass, fully hidden profiles) is the most expensive, with a continuous glass surface.
What is a structural spider-glass curtain wall?
In a structural curtain wall, the aluminium profiles are fully invisible from outside. The glass is held by point fittings (spider fittings) or entirely bonded with structural silicone, producing a perfectly continuous glass surface — the cleanest architectural look.
Which buildings is the standard curtain wall recommended for?
The standard curtain wall, the most affordable, has a visible profile with pressure caps, double or triple glazing of 24-48 mm, class C3 wind resistance and class E1050 watertightness. It is recommended for office buildings, retail spaces, showrooms and industrial halls with an office area.
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