Spider Curtain Walls Glass Walls

Spider Curtain Walls – Glass Walls

Spider curtain walls are a type of structural glazing system used in modern architecture, where large glass panels are supported by a metal framework with visible, spider-like connections. These connections typically consist of stainless steel or aluminum brackets, which hold the glass panels in place, creating a visually striking and minimalist effect. This type of glazing system is often used in high-rise buildings, commercial properties, and showcases because of its sleek, transparent appearance and the ability to create expansive glass facades.

How Spider Curtain Walls Work:

Spider curtain walls are distinguished by their mechanical fixation system, where the glass panels are connected to the building’s structure using specialized spider fittings.

1. Spider Fittings:

   • These are typically stainless steel fittings with arms, often resembling a “spider,” that hold the glass panels at strategic points.
   • The fittings are attached to the glass panels at their corners or edges and then fixed to a frame or support structure (usually made of metal or steel).
   • The spider system allows for large spans of glass to be used without the need for vertical mullions (the vertical bars that divide sections of glass in other curtain wall systems).

2. Glass Panels:

   • The glass used in spider curtain walls is typically structural glazing, which means the glass panels themselves support the system’s weight. This can be tempered glass, laminated glass, or insulated glass, depending on the desired properties, such as safety, thermal insulation, or soundproofing.
   • The glass is held in place by silicone sealants or mechanical fixing systems in addition to the spider fittings, ensuring the glass stays securely in position.

3. Structural Support:

   • The spider connections are typically anchored to anchor plates, which are integrated into the building’s structural framework, such as the steel frame or concrete structure of the building.
   • The glass is attached in a curtain wall system (non-load bearing), meaning that it is primarily used to enclose the building, with its function focused on providing aesthetic appeal, weather resistance, and thermal insulation.

Advantages of Spider Curtain Walls:

✅ Aesthetic Appeal:

• Spider curtain walls create a sleek, modern look that emphasizes transparency and the open feel of a building. They are known for their minimalist design, which allows for large expanses of glass that don’t disrupt the visual experience.
• The spider fitting system provides a clean, almost invisible connection between the glass and the building structure, allowing the glass to be the dominant design element.

✅ Transparency and Light:

• These systems allow for maximum daylighting in interior spaces. Since spider curtain walls are almost entirely made of glass, they maximize natural light, which is important for energy savings and creating bright, open interiors.
• Glass walls also offer unobstructed views of the exterior, which is a major advantage for buildings with spectacular views or for creating visual connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.

✅ High-Performance Glazing Options:

• Spider curtain walls can be fitted with double-glazed, low-emissivity (Low-E), or solar-control glass, helping improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
• Heat-reflective glass can reduce the amount of solar heat entering the building, and acoustic glass can reduce noise, providing better comfort for interior spaces.

✅ Durability:

• The stainless steel fittings used in spider curtain walls are corrosion-resistant and built to withstand harsh weather conditions, making these systems particularly suitable for exterior applications.
• Tempered glass is often used, providing enhanced safety and strength to prevent breakage under impact.

✅ Design Flexibility:

• Spider curtain walls can be customized in terms of glass size, shape, and fitting configurations. This allows for a high degree of design flexibility, especially in buildings with unique architectural features or facades.
• These systems can be designed to be vertical or sloped, making them versatile for different building shapes, including curved or angular surfaces.

✅ Minimal Support Structure:

• The spider connection system minimizes the amount of visible framing, leading to a clean, uncluttered look. This makes the system ideal for contemporary and modern architecture, where the focus is on transparency and simplicity.

Laminated glass
Laminated glass is a composite glass product made by bonding two or more layers of glass with polyvinyl alcohol (PVB) film and then processing them under high temperature and high pressure. Laminated glass made of transparent film has a similar appearance to ordinary annealed glass, but due to the excellent flexibility of PVB film, when laminated glass is impacted by external force, the film layer will quickly absorb a large amount of impact energy and attenuate it, so laminated glass is difficult to be penetrated. Due to the bonding performance of the film layer, the glass will not fall off after being broken, and can maintain excellent integrity. It still has certain shielding performance, which will not cause injury due to glass scattering, and will give enough time to replace the glass. Therefore, laminated glass is a truly safe glass. It is widely used in building doors and windows, curtain walls, skylights, skylights, ceilings, and indoor glass.

Product Parameter

Common Applications of Spider Curtain Walls:

1. High-Rise Buildings:

• Skyline facades: Spider curtain walls are ideal for creating striking glass facades in high-rise or skyscraper buildings, often making up the entire exterior to highlight a modern, clean aesthetic.
• Corporate offices: In office towers or corporate headquarters, they allow for uninterrupted views and natural light in lobbies or entrances.

2. Commercial Buildings:

• Retail storefronts: Large glass panels held by spider fittings create an open, inviting atmosphere for shops, galleries, and showrooms.
• Exhibition halls or museums: The transparent, flexible design allows for large exhibitions or displays to be housed without obstructing light or views of the exterior.

3. Hospitality Sector:

• Hotels: Spider curtain walls are used in hotel lobbies, conference rooms, or even guest rooms where views and natural light are important.
• Restaurants: Spider curtain walls can enhance the dining experience by offering unobstructed views of the surrounding environment, while keeping the interior environment comfortable and insulated.

4. Public Spaces:

• Airports: Large glass walls are used in terminals or waiting areas to create a bright, airy atmosphere, while offering views of the airport grounds or city.
• Convention centers: Spider curtain walls allow for transparent, flexible structures that can accommodate large public events and conferences.

5. Residential Spaces:

• Luxury homes: High-end residences often incorporate spider curtain walls to provide dramatic views and natural light in living areas.
• Glass atriums: Spider curtain walls can be used to create expansive atriums or central courtyards in residential properties, enhancing the openness of the space.

Conclusion:

Spider curtain walls are an innovative and aesthetic solution for buildings seeking modern, transparent facades that enhance natural light and provide uninterrupted views. While they come with higher costs and installation complexity, their durability, energy efficiency, and minimalist design make them a preferred choice for high-end commercial and residential projects. When done correctly, they offer a striking architectural feature that makes buildings stand out and provides a modern, open feel to any space.