Creating a non-vertical curtain wall involves leveraging specialized architectural design software to define sloped, angled, or curved glass and frame systems, offering a dynamic alternative to traditional vertical facades. This process often begins by establishing the wall's fundamental path or converting existing architectural forms into a sophisticated glazed exterior.
Modern architecture frequently employs non-vertical curtain walls to achieve distinctive aesthetics, improve daylighting, and create unique building envelopes that respond to environmental factors or design visions.
Understanding Non-Vertical Curtain Walls
A non-vertical curtain wall deviates from the standard 90-degree angle relative to the ground. This can manifest in several forms:
- Sloped Curtain Walls: These walls lean inward or outward at a constant angle.
- Angled Curtain Walls: Comprising multiple flat panels that form a non-planar surface.
- Curved Curtain Walls: Following a convex or concave path, either vertically or horizontally.
- Complex Geometries: Combinations of curves and angles, often derived from advanced massing studies.
These innovative facades require careful planning regarding structural integration, drainage, thermal performance, and maintenance.
Methods for Creating Non-Vertical Curtain Walls
The creation process typically involves using BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, which allows architects to define and manipulate building elements with precision. Here are the primary methods:
1. Drawing and Modifying Sloped Walls
This method involves initially placing a wall and then adjusting its properties to achieve the desired non-vertical orientation.
- Initial Wall Placement: Begin by drawing the wall's path using the software's drawing tools. By default, the Line tool is often active, allowing you to define the wall's linear extent. Alternatively, you might Pick Lines to select existing edges or grid lines, or even Pick Faces of a pre-existing massing or generic model to create the wall along those surfaces.
- Applying Slope: Once the wall is placed, select it and modify its instance or type properties. Many BIM tools offer parameters to define a "cross-section" or "slope."
- Angle Definition: Input a specific angle (e.g., 15 degrees from vertical).
- Attach to Roof/Floor: For sloped walls that need to align with a building's roof or floor structure, you can often "attach" the wall's top or bottom to these elements. The software then automatically adjusts the wall's slope to match the host.
- Editing Profile: For more customized slopes or breaks in the angle, you can edit the wall's profile directly.
Example: Creating a Sloped Curtain Wall
- Start a new wall: Select the "Curtain Wall" type.
- Draw the wall path: Use the Line tool to sketch the desired length and position of your wall on a floor plan.
- Adjust properties: In the wall's properties palette, look for parameters like "Cross-Section" or "Slanted." Change this from "Vertical" to "Slanted" (or similar).
- Define Angle: Enter the desired angle from the vertical. A positive value might lean it inwards, and a negative value outwards (or vice-versa, depending on software convention).
- Refine: Ensure the top and bottom constraints are correctly set to integrate with other building elements.
2. Utilizing Massing and Curtain Systems by Face
This advanced method is ideal for complex, organic, or non-uniform non-vertical curtain walls. It leverages conceptual massing models as the basis for the curtain system.
- Create a Mass Model: Begin by sketching or modeling a conceptual mass that represents the desired form of your non-vertical facade. This mass can be highly intricate, incorporating curves, multiple angles, and unique shapes.
- Generate Curtain System: Once the mass is defined, use the software's "Curtain System by Face" (or similar) tool. This tool allows you to Pick Faces directly from your mass model or a generic model.
- Apply Grid and Panels: After selecting the desired faces, the software converts them into a curtain system. You can then define the grid layout (vertical and horizontal divisions), mullion types, and panel types (e.g., glazed, opaque, louvered) within the system's properties.
Example: Creating a Curved Curtain Wall from Massing
- Model a Mass: In the conceptual massing environment, create a curved surface (e.g., using splines and form generation tools).
- Load Mass into Project: Bring the mass model into your main building project.
- Select "Curtain System by Face": Choose this tool from the architecture or massing & site tab.
- Pick the Curved Face: Click on the curved surface of your mass model.
- Create System: Finalize the selection and generate the curtain system.
- Customize: Adjust the grid layout, mullions, and panels within the curtain system's properties to achieve the desired aesthetic and performance.
3. Editing Wall Profiles for Complex Angles
For walls that are not uniformly sloped but have specific angled segments or irregular top/bottom edges, editing the wall's profile is an effective technique.
- Select the Wall: Choose the curtain wall you wish to modify.
- Edit Profile: Most BIM software offers an "Edit Profile" command that allows you to draw and modify the boundary lines of the wall in a 2D elevation or section view.
- Sketch New Boundaries: Delete or modify the existing horizontal or vertical lines and sketch new lines to create custom angles, slants, or jagged edges. This can define the non-vertical aspect of the wall precisely.
Key Considerations for Non-Vertical Curtain Walls
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Structural Support | Non-vertical walls introduce complex loads (gravity, wind, snow) that require specialized structural framing. Mullions and attachment points must be robust and often custom-designed. |
| Drainage & Weatherproofing | Sloped or angled surfaces are prone to water accumulation. Design must incorporate effective internal and external drainage systems (e.g., weep holes, gutters, sloped sills) to prevent leaks and moisture intrusion. |
| Thermal Performance | The orientation and angle can significantly impact solar heat gain and heat loss. Careful selection of high-performance glazing (e.g., low-emissivity coatings, double or triple glazing) is crucial for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. |
| Glazing Requirements | Glazing for sloped or overhead applications may require laminated glass for safety (to prevent fallout if broken) and potentially specialized coatings to manage solar radiation. Accessibility for cleaning and maintenance also influences panel size and type. |
| Maintenance & Cleaning | Non-vertical surfaces can accumulate dirt and debris more readily. Access for cleaning and maintenance (e.g., window washing systems, accessible ledges) needs to be integrated into the design from the outset. |
| Cost Implications | The complexity of non-vertical curtain walls often leads to higher fabrication, installation, and maintenance costs compared to standard vertical systems. |
Practical Insights and Tips
- Start with Massing: For truly unique non-vertical forms, always begin with conceptual massing. This allows for rapid exploration of shapes and helps define the underlying geometry for the curtain system.
- Utilize Reference Planes: When creating sloped walls, using angled reference planes or levels can aid in precise placement and modification.
- Mullion and Panel Flexibility: Explore different mullion profiles and panel types (e.g., solid, perforated, fritted glass) to enhance both the aesthetic and performance of your non-vertical facade.
- Coordination is Key: Collaborate closely with structural engineers, facade consultants, and manufacturers from the early stages of design to ensure feasibility and optimal performance.
- Model in 3D: Always work and review your non-vertical curtain walls in 3D views to fully understand their geometry and interaction with other building elements.
- Review Software Documentation: Refer to the specific BIM software's documentation or tutorials (e.g., Autodesk Revit help) for detailed step-by-step instructions relevant to your particular version.
By mastering these methods and considering the critical design aspects, architects can effectively create stunning and functional non-vertical curtain walls that push the boundaries of modern building design.
