Glass
Facades
Methods of Construction
Agenda
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Introduction
Types of
Facades
Installation
Methods
Advantages
Disadvantages
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Glass Facades
2024
What Are Glass
Facades?
Glass facades are a type of building exterior that use
glass panels to enclose and protect the interior of the
building, while also allowing natural light to enter the
space. There are different types of glass facades,
depending on the design and structure of the glass
panels.
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Types
Curtain
Facade
Storefront
Facade
Stick
Systems
Framing
Facade
Unitized
Systems
Curtain Wall
This type of glass facade consists of a thin layer of
glass that is attached to a metal frame, creating a
curtain-like appearance. The glass panels are not
load-bearing, meaning they do not support the
weight of the building, but rather transfer the load to
the building structure through the metal frame.
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Glass Facades
2024
Storefront
This type of glass facade is typically used for retail or
commercial buildings, where the glass panels cover
the entire front of the building, creating a transparent
and inviting look. The glass panels are usually fixed
or operable, meaning they can be opened or closed
for ventilation or access.
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Glass Facades
2024
Framing Facade
This type of glass facade uses a rigid frame, usually
made of steel or aluminum, to support the glass
panels. The frame can be either visible or hidden,
depending on the aesthetic preference. The glass
panels can be either single or double-glazed,
meaning they have one or two layers of glass,
respectively
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Stick Systems
This type of glass facade is assembled on-site,
where the glass panels are attached to vertical and
horizontal metal bars, called mullions and transoms,
respectively. The metal bars are then connected to
the building structure, creating a grid-like pattern.
This type of glass facade is flexible and can
accommodate different shapes and sizes of glass
panels.
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Glass Facades
2024
Unitized System
This type of glass facade is assembled off-site,
where the glass panels are pre-fabricated into units
that include the metal frame, insulation, and other
components. The units are then transported to the
site and installed onto the building structure, creating
a modular and uniform appearance. This type of
glass facade is faster and easier to install than stick
systems, but it is less flexible and more expensive.
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Glass Facades
2024
Semi-Unitized
System
This type of glass facade is a hybrid of stick and
unitized systems, where the glass panels are prefabricated into units, but the metal frame is
assembled on-site. This type of glass facade
combines the advantages of both stick and unitized
systems, offering flexibility, speed, and costefficiency.
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Frameless
Facade
This type of glass facade uses no metal frame, but
rather relies on structural glazing, where the glass
panels are bonded together using silicone or other
adhesives. The glass panels are then fixed to the
building structure using tension rods or cables,
creating a seamless and minimalist look. This type of
glass facade is aesthetically pleasing, but it is also
more complex and expensive to install.
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Glass Facades
2024
Installation
Methods
Dry Glazed
This method uses rubber gaskets or structural tapes
to fix the glass panels to a metal frame, without
using any sealant or adhesive. The glass panels are
not load-bearing, but transfer the load to the building
structure through the metal frame.
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Glass Facades
2024
Wet Glazed
This method uses silicone sealant or other adhesive
to bond the glass panels to the frame or the building
structure. The sealant provides a watertight and
airtight seal, as well as structural support for the
glass panels.
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Glass Facades
2024
Point Supported
Glass Systems
This method uses bolted fittings or other connectors
to attach the glass panels to the building structure
through holes in the glass. The glass panels are
usually tempered or laminated to provide strength
and safety. The fittings are small and create minimal
obstruction of views.
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Glass Facades
2024
Cable Net
This method uses tensioned cables to support the
glass panels, creating a flexible and transparent
facade. The glass panels are connected to the
cables using clamps or spiders. The cables are
anchored to the building structure at the top and
bottom.
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Glass Facades
2024
Double Skin Wall
This method uses two layers of glass panels,
separated by an air gap, to create a facade that
improves the thermal and acoustic performance of
the building. The air gap can be ventilated or sealed,
and can contain shading devices or other elements.
The glass panels can be fixed or operable,
depending on the design.
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Glass Facades
2024
Advantages &
Disadvantages
ADVANTAGES
Beauty &
Aesthetics
Natural
Lighting
Withstand
Climate
Conditions
Clear View
Durable &
Strong
DISADVANTAGES
Require
Cooling &
Ventilation
Glare &
Reflection
Fragile
Expensive &
Complex
Installation
Acoustics
Thank you
Raghad Bahaa 7731
Rahaf Bahaa 7636
Mohamed Yousry 8423
Maryam Essam 7527
Yara Elgohary 7603