Curtain wall (architecture)

For the defensive walls around castles and towns, see Curtain wall (fortification).

Curtain walls are non-structural exterior building walls. They protect the interior of the building from the elements but since they carry no structural load beyond their own dead-load weight, they can be made of lightweight materials. They transfer lateral wind loads to the main building's structure through connections at floors or columns.

Curtain walls may be designed as "systems" that integrate frame, wall panel, and weatherproofing materials. Steel frames have largely given way to aluminum extrusions. Glass is typically used for infill because it can reduce construction costs, provides a pleasing look, and allows natural light to penetrate deeper within the building. However, glass makes the effects of light on visual comfort and solar-heat gain in a building more difficult to control. Other common infills include stone veneer, metal panels, louvres, and operable windows and vents.

Unlike storefront systems, curtain wall systems are designed to span multiple floors, taking into consideration building sway and movement and design requirements such as thermal expansion and contraction; seismic requirements; water diversion; and thermal efficiency for cost-effective heating, cooling, and interior lighting.

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