Evaluating High Thermally Performing Hybrid Curtain Wall Systems
Energy codes are constantly updating to establish requirements for more sustainable and energy-efficient building enclosures. These updates typically include higher thermal performance requirements for facade systems. It is becoming more and more challenging for curtain wall systems—even thermally broken curtain wall systems—to meet these increased thermal requirements. What should designers and owners who desire a curtain wall facade do? Do we need to abandon glass building facades in favor of the predominantly opaque clad buildings of the past? Fortunately, we think not.
This paper will present two options for meeting the high thermal requirements in the updated energy codes. In the first option, we will review optimization of available curtain wall systems, including modifications available to designers to improve thermal performance, including optimizing curtain wall geometry, configuration, and glass makeup.
Publisher
Building Enclosure Magazine