A window type wall panel system, often referred to as a Window Wall System, is a common exterior wall type in commercial buildings.
Understanding Window Wall Systems
Based on the provided reference, Window wall systems are commonly used exterior walls in commercial buildings that use glass between concrete floor slabs for structural support. Unlike some other wall systems, the glass or framing in a window wall typically rests on or is attached directly to the building's floor structure at each level.
This design approach contrasts with systems where the wall hangs entirely from the top of the building or off the edge of floor slabs.
Key Characteristics
- Structural Support: Glass panels and their frames are supported by the concrete floor slabs.
- Building Type: Predominantly found in commercial buildings, especially mid-rise and high-rise structures.
- Appearance: Creates a facade dominated by horizontal bands of vision glass and spandrel (non-vision) panels or opaque materials at the slab edges.
Comparing Window Walls and Curtain Walls
The reference highlights the key distinction between window wall systems and another common glass facade system:
| Feature | Window Wall System | Curtain Wall System |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Support | Glass/framing sits between concrete floor slabs | Glass/framing is hung off the concrete floor slabs |
| Load Path | Loads transferred directly to the floor slab below | Loads transferred back to the main structure at anchor points |
| Installation | Typically installed from inside the building | Typically installed from outside the building |
| Thermal Movement | Accommodates movement storey-by-storey | Accommodates movement over multiple storeys |
In simpler terms:
- A window wall is like stacking large, framed window units floor on top of floor, with each floor supporting the wall section above it.
- A curtain wall is like a non-load-bearing skin hung from the building's frame, spanning multiple floors without direct support from each floor edge.
Practical Applications
Window wall systems are favored for their:
- Cost-effectiveness: Often less expensive to install than curtain walls, especially in residential towers or buildings with repetitive floor plans.
- Ease of Installation: Can often be installed from the interior, reducing reliance on exterior scaffolding.
- Integration: Easily integrates with slab-edge firestopping and perimeter sealing details.
However, their design, sitting between slabs, can present challenges with thermal bridging and water management compared to systems that bypass the slab edge.
In summary, a window type wall panel system, specifically a window wall system, is an exterior building facade composed of glass and framing supported at each floor level by the building's structure, commonly used in commercial construction.
