Glazed walls - skylights. building material .pdf

building material

1. Glazed walls
& skylights
SAFA MANZOOR
14
TCA

2. Glazed
curtain walls
Glazed curtain walls are non-load-bearing
external wall systems made of glass and
supporting frames (usually aluminum or
steel) that hang like a "curtain" on the
structural frame of a building.
They serve as a protective skin, providing
transparency, natural daylight, and modern
aesthetics, while resisting environmental
forces such as wind, rain, and temperature
variations.

3. Non-load bearing façade system
Transparency & daylighting
Energy & acoustic insulation
Aesthetic flexibility
Properties

4. Structural
Design
Framing system: Mullions (vertical) and
transoms (horizontal) support glass panels.
Anchorage: Connected to building slabs or
columns with brackets.
Glazing methods: Stick system (assembled
on-site) or unitized system (factory-
assembled panels).
Load considerations: Must resist wind loads,
dead load of glass, seismic movement, and
differential thermal expansion.
Deflection control: Mullions designed to limit
deflection (often span/175 of length).

5. Drainage & weep systems:
Pressure-equalized systems
reduce water penetration.
Sealants & gaskets: Silicone,
EPDM rubber, or neoprene
gaskets ensure airtightness
and watertightness.
Thermal breaks: Prevent
condensation and improve
energy efficiency.
Air infiltration control:
Multiple barriers (primary and
secondary seals)
Weatherproofing

6. Applications
High-rise commercial buildings (corporate
towers, office complexes).
Institutional buildings (universities, hospitals,
airports).
Retail malls and showrooms (for visibility and
branding).
Mixed-use buildings where aesthetics and
transparency are key.

7. Skylights are roof openings fitted
with transparent or translucent
glazing materials that allow natural
light to penetrate deep into interior
spaces.
Positioned on the roof plane, they
enhance daylighting, improve
spatial quality, and can also provide
natural ventilation when operable.
Skylights are widely used in both
residential and large-scale public
buildings, making interiors more
energy-efficient and visually
dynamic.
Skylights

8. Natural daylight provider: Improves indoor
light quality, reduces artificial lighting.
Variety in forms: Flat, domed, pyramid, ridge,
or custom shapes.
Glazing: Glass or polycarbonate, often double
or laminated for safety.
Energy efficiency: Low-E coatings and
insulated glazing minimize heat gain/loss.
Ventilation option: Operable skylights
provide natural ventilation.
Properties

9. Placement: Integrated into roof
structures; aligned to optimize
daylight while reducing glare.
Load resistance: Designed for dead
load of glazing, live load
(maintenance access), snow load,
and wind uplift.
Support: Steel/aluminum framing
or curb-mounted systems.
Span solutions: Larger spans may
use space frames, trusses, or
tubular steel sections.
Structural design

10. Flashing details: Critical to prevent leakage at
roof-to-skylight junction.
Drainage paths: Sloped designs prevent
water stagnation.
Seals: Double-seal systems with gaskets and
silicone sealants.
Thermal insulation: Prevents condensation
and energy loss.
Waterproofing

11. Atriums in commercial complexes
and hotels.
Airports, railway stations, and
large-span public spaces.
Museums and galleries for
controlled daylighting.
Residential houses (bathrooms,
stairwells, living rooms).
Industrial buildings for reducing
artificial lighting costs.
Applications

13. Thank
you
SAFA MANZOOR
14
TCA