Aluminium Alloy Hidden Frame Curtain Wall
A hidden frame curtain wall (also called a concealed frame curtain wall) is a modern architectural glazing system where the aluminium frame is not visible from the exterior, creating a seamless glass facade. This type of curtain wall is widely used in high-end commercial buildings, office towers, hotels, and luxury residences due to its sleek, minimalist aesthetic and strong structural performance.
1️⃣ Features of Hidden Frame Curtain Wall
🔹 Seamless Glass Facade (Invisible Frame Design)
- Frameless Appearance: The exterior surface is entirely glass, with no visible aluminium framing, offering a modern, clean aesthetic.
- Structural Glazing: Glass panels are bonded to the aluminium frame using high-strength structural silicone, eliminating the need for exterior metal frames.
🔹 Aluminium Alloy Framework (High Strength & Lightweight)
- Premium Aluminium Profiles: High-quality 6063-T5/T6 aluminium alloy is used, providing corrosion resistance, lightweight, and durability.
- Hidden Structural Support: The aluminium subframe is concealed behind the glass, ensuring a strong and secure installation.
🔹 Energy Efficiency & Thermal Insulation
- Insulated Glass Units (IGU): Typically double-glazed or triple-glazed with Low-E coatings, helping to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
- Thermal Break Technology: Some designs incorporate thermal break aluminium to prevent heat loss and condensation.
🔹 High Strength & Wind Resistance
- Impact & Load Resistance: Designed to withstand strong wind loads, earthquakes, and external forces, making it ideal for high-rise buildings.
- Structural Safety: Meets international standards like ASTM, EN, GB, and AS/NZS codes for wind and impact resistance.
2️⃣ Types of Hidden Frame Curtain Walls
1️⃣ Fully Hidden Frame Curtain Wall
- The entire aluminium frame is concealed, leaving only a smooth glass exterior.
- Uses structural silicone bonding to hold the glass in place.
- Provides the most seamless and modern aesthetic.
2️⃣ Semi-Hidden Frame Curtain Wall
- Some thin aluminium strips or narrow frames are visible between glass panels.
- Offers a balance between seamlessness and structural reinforcement.
3️⃣ Unitized Hidden Frame Curtain Wall
- Prefabricated unitized panels are assembled in a factory and installed directly on-site, reducing installation time and cost.
- Stronger sealing performance and better waterproofing than stick-built curtain walls.
3️⃣ Applications of Hidden Frame Curtain Walls
✅ Commercial Buildings & Office Towers – Creates a high-end corporate look with an all-glass facade.
✅ Hotels & Shopping Malls – Enhances architectural design while allowing maximum natural light.
✅ Luxury Residential Villas & Apartments – Provides a sleek, modern, and energy-efficient exterior.
✅ Airports, Exhibition Centers, and Public Buildings – Ideal for landmark structures that require a contemporary design.
4️⃣ Advantages of Aluminium Alloy Hidden Frame Curtain Walls
✅ Sleek & Modern Appearance
- The frameless glass look enhances the architectural beauty of a building.
- Can be customized with tinted, reflective, frosted, or printed glass for unique designs.
✅ Enhanced Structural Integrity
- High-strength aluminium alloy ensures durability and resistance to wind loads.
- Works well for high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.
✅ Energy Efficiency & Soundproofing
- Double-glazed or triple-glazed panels improve thermal insulation and reduce energy costs.
- Acoustic insulation reduces outside noise, improving indoor comfort.
✅ Low Maintenance & Long Lifespan
- Aluminium alloy is corrosion-resistant, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Weatherproof sealing prevents leakage, moisture penetration, and fading.
✅ Quick & Efficient Installation
- Unitized systems allow for fast assembly at the factory and easy on-site installation, reducing labor costs.
- Precision manufacturing ensures a perfect fit and seamless finish.
5️⃣ Customization Options
🔹 Glass Options
- Clear, Tinted, Low-E, Reflective, Laminated, Insulated, Frosted
- Glass Thickness: 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 19mm (depending on structural requirements)
🔹 Aluminium Frame Finishes
- Powder Coating (Various RAL colors)
- Anodized Finish (Silver, Bronze, Black, Gold, etc.)
- Wood Grain Finish (For a natural look)
- Fluorocarbon (PVDF) Coating (For extreme weather resistance)
🔹 Performance Enhancements
- Thermal Break Aluminium for Energy Savings
- Seismic-Resistant Designs for Earthquake Zones
- Integrated Sunshade Systems for Heat Control
6️⃣ Leading Manufacturers & Suppliers
🔹 YIHAI Glass – Specialist in bespoke glass curtain walls and customized aluminium glazing solutions.
🔹 Xinyi Glass – Large-scale manufacturer of high-performance building glass.
🔹 CNYD Aluminium – Expert in curtain wall aluminium profiles and architectural solutions.
🔹 Saint-Gobain Glass – Global leader in energy-efficient glass systems.
🔹 Shandong Huajian Aluminium – Specializes in high-quality aluminium curtain wall systems.
7️⃣ Considerations When Choosing a Hidden Frame Curtain Wall
🔹 Building Height & Wind Load Requirements – Ensure the system meets local structural engineering standards.
🔹 Energy Efficiency & Insulation – Use Low-E glass and thermal break aluminium for improved insulation.
🔹 Glass Type & Thickness – Select the right glass strength based on climate and safety needs.
🔹 Maintenance Needs – Consider self-cleaning glass for high-rise buildings to reduce cleaning costs.
🔹 Local Building Codes & Fire Safety Regulations – Ensure compliance with national and international standards.
Conclusion
A hidden frame aluminium alloy curtain wall is the perfect modern glazing solution for high-end commercial, residential, and public buildings. It offers unparalleled aesthetics, structural strength, thermal efficiency, and design flexibility. With custom sizes, finishes, and glass options, it can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of any architectural project.
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