Curtain wall
stick + unitized
Curtain Wall Systems: Stick vs. Unitized
Curtain walls play a crucial role in modern façade design, combining aesthetics with high-performance building enclosure solutions. This page introduces the two most common curtain wall systems—stick and unitized—highlighting their characteristics, advantages, and ideal applications.
Stick Curtain Wall System
The stick system is assembled piece-by-piece directly on site. Because mullions and glazing elements are installed individually, it offers greater design flexibility, resulting in slimmer profiles and a refined architectural appearance. It is well suited for small-scale projects or buildings with complex geometries.
However, on-site assembly requires longer installation times, external scaffolding or access equipment, and weather-dependent sealing, which can increase project duration. Additionally, stick systems offer limited movement accommodation, making them less ideal for structures subject to significant dynamic loads.
Stick system
Advantages:
Narrower mullions
Suitable for small scale projects
Disadvantages:
Slower installation, external access required
Site sealing required
Cannot accommodate large movements
Unitized Curtain Wall System
The unitized system consists of large prefabricated panels manufactured and sealed in a controlled factory environment. This approach ensures high precision and superior quality control. On site, units are simply lifted and anchored into place, allowing for rapid installation and making it particularly suitable for high-rise buildings or projects with tight construction schedules.
Unitized systems can absorb building movements more effectively due to their engineered joint systems. Their drawbacks typically include bulkier mullion profiles and reduced cost efficiency for smaller buildings.
Unitized system
Advantages
- Rapid installation
- Sealing is done in a controlled environment
- Accommodates building movements
Disadvantages
- Wider mullions
- Less suitable for small projects
Choosing the Right Solution
Both systems offer reliable façade performance, yet each responds to different architectural and logistical needs. Understanding their strengths helps designers, engineers, and developers select the most efficient and visually coherent solution for their project.
