Glass curtain walls are a new type of wall structure in modern architecture. Their greatest characteristic is the organic unity of architectural aesthetics, function, energy efficiency, and structure. Buildings exhibit different hues from different angles, creating a dynamic beauty that changes with sunlight, moonlight, and artificial light. Magnificent glass curtain wall buildings can be found in major cities across the world, such as the World Trade Center in New York, the Oil Tower in Chicago, and the Sears Tower. The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, the Great Wall Hotel in Beijing, and the Shanghai Friendship Building have also adopted glass curtain walls.
The reflective, insulating glass is 6 mm thick, with a wall weight of approximately 50 kg/m². It offers advantages such as being lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, resistant to pollution, and energy-efficient. The inner side of the outer glass layer is coated with a colored metallic film, making the entire facade appear like a mirror, reflecting the sky and surrounding environment. As the light changes, the reflections are colorful and ever-changing. Under the reflected light, the interior is protected from strong glare, resulting in a softer visual experience. China first adopted glass curtain walls in 1983 in the Great Wall Hotel project in Beijing.
Anyone who has visited New York City is likely to be captivated by its bustling cityscape. The towering skyscrapers are awe-inspiring, and their glass curtain walls, reflecting the clear blue sky and drifting white clouds, add a touch of vibrant color. So, how are glass curtain walls made? Glass curtain walls refer to mirrored glass used as exterior cladding. They are made by adding trace amounts of Fe, Ni, Co, and Se to float glass and then tempering it into colored, transparent sheets. This allows it to absorb infrared rays, reduce solar radiation entering the room, and lower the indoor temperature. It can reflect light like a mirror while also allowing light to pass through like glass.
