Curtain Wall Design
Transforming a building’s exterior with a stunning curtain wall is an outstanding way to create a modern, energy-efficient, and visually striking facade. Curtain wall design delivers expansive glass surfaces that flood interiors with natural light while providing a sleek, contemporary appearance for commercial and high-end properties.
From office blocks and retail spaces to mixed-use developments, aluminium curtain walling systems are fully customisable, enhancing aesthetics without compromising structural integrity or performance. Whatever scale or style of commercial curtain wall you’re envisioning, our designers collaborate closely with you to capture your vision, guiding the project seamlessly from concept through to detailed approvals and specifications.
Achieve your architectural vision.
Our Curtain Wall Design Service
Our curtain wall design packages include everything required to deliver a high-performance, aesthetically superior curtain walling system, featuring:
- A site visit and consultation with a designer to evaluate your building’s potential and project feasibility
- Detailed measurements and surveys of the existing structure, including structural assessments
- Innovative design concepts and 3D visualisations, showcasing proposed layouts, glazing patterns, and finishes
- Comprehensive construction drawings, including elevations, sections, and interface details
- Specifications for materials, aluminium profiles, glazing, and performance requirements
- Full support with planning permission, building regulations, and compliance applications
- Optional project coordination services for smooth collaboration with fabricators and installers
From stick-built aluminium curtain walling to advanced unitised systems, our architectural and engineering team manages the entire design process. Using state-of-the-art software, we bring your ideas to life while ensuring thermal efficiency, weather resistance, and structural compliance.
Ready to elevate your building’s facade?
Book a consultation with one of our specialist designers today.
Curtain Wall Design FAQs
A curtain wall (or curtain walling) is a lightweight, non-structural exterior cladding system, typically made of aluminium frames and glass infills. It forms the building’s outer skin, transferring wind, weather, and its own weight to the main structure while allowing maximum natural light and design flexibility. Unlike load-bearing walls, curtain walling focuses on aesthetics, energy performance, and weather protection for modern commercial buildings.
Curtain wall glass thickness varies based on factors like wind loads, building height, location, and performance needs (e.g., thermal or acoustic insulation). Common thicknesses range from 6 mm (¼ inch) for monolithic glass to 25 mm (1 inch) for insulating units, with laminated or triple-glazed options thicker for enhanced safety and efficiency. Our designs specify the optimal thickness to meet regulations and project goals.
The cost of a glass curtain wall depends on system type (stick vs. unitised), glass specification, aluminium finishes, building scale, and location. In the UK, prices typically range from £200–£600+ per square metre installed, with basic systems at the lower end and high-performance or custom commercial curtain wall designs higher. We provide detailed cost estimates and value-engineered options tailored to your budget after initial consultation.
Common types include:
- Stick systems: assembled on-site, ideal for flexibility and smaller projects.
- Unitised systems: prefabricated off-site for faster installation on larger high-rise buildings.
- Semi-unitised or hybrid approaches. We recommend the best solution based on your project’s scale, budget, and performance requirements, often using durable aluminium curtain walling.
Many commercial facade upgrades or replacements may fall under permitted development, but significant curtain wall design changes, especially on listed buildings or in conservation areas, often need approval. We prepare all necessary drawings, specifications, and handle submissions to local authorities for a streamlined process.
Key considerations include thermal efficiency (to reduce energy costs), weatherproofing, acoustic insulation, wind load resistance, and seismic performance where applicable. Modern aluminium curtain walling incorporates thermal breaks, high-performance glazing, and seals to meet UK building regulations and sustainability goals.
Yes, with Low-E coated insulating glass, thermal breaks in frames, and proper orientation, commercial curtain wall systems significantly cut heating/cooling demands while maximising daylight to reduce artificial lighting needs. We design for optimal U-values and solar control.
Primarily extruded aluminium for frames (lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable), combined with glass (float, laminated, or insulated), and optional panels like metal or stone. Aluminium’s versatility allows custom shapes, colours, and finishes for striking results.
Why Choose PDK Project Engineering?
Your building deserves more than a standard solution.
Since 1995, we’ve partnered with clients across the Wirral, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Liverpool City Region, and beyond to realise ambitious curtain wall design and commercial facade projects.
Independent of contractors and suppliers, our recommendations prioritise your needs alone – delivering unbiased, high-quality designs. With precise drawings, regulatory expertise, and a client-focused approach, we ensure transparency and outstanding outcomes.