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Life In Black & White
Saint-Gobain Glass has been lauded for its contribution to creating the Black & White Building, the tallest mass timber office building in the capital...
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Sustainable, Simple & Successful
The whole construction industry is facing multiple pressures including skilled labour shortages, tighter timelines and the push for sustainability, so curtain walling has to fit the bill, writes Kestrel Aluminium Systems’ Crispin Jedrzejewski.
For the façade sector, this is resulting in increased demand for curtain walling systems that are not only high-performing but also quicker and easier to fabricate and install.
Kestrel Aluminium Systems has addressed this demand with the launch of its latest curtain walling system, the 50CW. The design of this system is driven by a recognition that unnecessary complexity can create both bottlenecks in the workshop and on-site inefficiencies. The 50CW puts simplicity at the forefront, resulting in a curtain walling system that is both efficient to fabricate and straightforward to install.
Simplifying fabrication
Simplicity is achieved by using square-cut transoms and mullions fabricated from the same sharp-edged aluminium profile. This helps to standardise components and simplify tooling requirements for fabricators, saving both time and resources. In addition, the opportunity to use the same profile for both the mullion and transom box enables the most efficient optimisation and material use, significantly reducing waste – and cost.
The profile has a 50mm face width and is available in a variety of depths to ensure its suitability for the most demanding applications.
Another benefit of the new system is the requirement for only one rebate gasket to be used for both transoms and mullions, further simplifying installation and stock management.
Streamlining installation
The rebate gasket is fundamental to the weathertightness of a curtain wall. The genius of the 50CW system is that just one continuous length of gasket is required over the entire height of a mullion. This both simplifies installation and eliminates the need for any joints, reducing the likelihood of costly errors and site delays.
The same one-piece gasket is also used for the transom rebates. Where the mullion/transom gaskets intersect, the overlap drainage principle is used. Again, to keep things simple for installers, Kestrel supplies tooling to enable a notch to be cut quickly and accurately into the front face of the mullion gasket and a corresponding notch at the rear of the transom gasket. This allows installers to quickly and neatly form each overlapped junction.
Weathertightness at the junction is assured with an innovative sealant injection system. This features a bespoke clip-in transom seal moulding and injector nozzle that ensures a tight connection between sealant gun and the mullion/transom joint. Tiny tell-tale holes in the gasket top and bottom of the joint indicate when sufficient sealant has been injected.
High performance
The curtain walling can accommodate all common double and triple-glazed units and infill panels with a minimum depth of 26mm and a maximum of 56mm at weights of up to 1,000kg. A range of accessories are available to accommodate window and door inserts, perimeter detailing and connection back to the building structure.
Thermal insulation properties of the system are good, with a Uf-value as low as 0.88W/m2K possible with 56mm glazing units. Weather performance too is exceptional with the system tested in accordance with BS EN 13830 for wind, air and water infiltration.
Integrated design
Simplicity of system selection is also assured because the one system is suitable for all building types, including high rise. What's more, because the 50CW integrates seamlessly with Kestrel Aluminium Systems' windows, doors and shopfront products it will provide a simple, visually consistent and practical solution for complete façade projects.
In my opinion, the 50CW curtain walling system is an excellent example of how innovation can address the challenges faced by the construction industry. This simple curtain wall system is set to become a game-changer for installers looking for a simple, cost effective and versatile façade solution.
Picture: Pictures: Kestrel Aluminium Systems’ Crispin Jedrzejewski says his company has produced on delivering a simplified curtain walling systems.
Article written by Crispin Jedrzejewsk
05th June 2025