Glass Facade Curtain Walling Units Self-cleaning Structural Glazing Stick Built System
January 5, 2026
Glass Facade Stick Curtain Walling (SWC) system may be defined as non-load bearing walls, usually suspended in front of structural steel or concrete framing. The term “stick” refers to the factory-cut mullions and transoms which are transported to site as loose bars and sticks. However it is possible to assemble them into a ladder frame often referred to as “ladders” for quicker site assembly.
A stick built curtain wall refers to the method of construction by which glass facade curtain wall is assembled on site, piece by piece. The manufacturer delivers each individual component; glass, mullion, spandrel; and glaziers assemble the curtain wall directly on the structure.
The stick built system requires installation by highly skilled laborers on site, increasing the installation cost and causing some quality control issues. However, the on site installation allows for easier detailing of connections and larger tolerances in the building structure.
The advantage of a stick built system comes from its cost savings over a unitized system. On small project, the scale is too small to make it economical to prefabricate panels, so the added on-site time and cost is worth the higher unit cost associated with a small scale unitized system. For this reason, stick built systems are typically used on small to mid-sized projects.
| HOW TO CHOOSE FROM STICK and UNITIZED CURTAINWALL SYSTEMS | ||
| Selection Criteria | Stick Curtain wall | Unitized Curtain wall |
| Project Size | Small | Large |
| Wall Configuration |
Complex (Many changes in plane, e.g. soffits, corners, etc.) |
Repetitive (Large expanses of flat wall) |
| Joint Pattern | Random | Uniform horizontal sill line |
| Glazing | Field | Factory |
| Inter-story Movements | Very limited | Inter-locking frames accommodate movements |
| Quality Control |
Subject to site variables (Both environment and equipment) |
Controlled factory conditions |
| Modification | Can be cut-to-fit in the field | Pre-engineered |
| Sealing | Subject to site variables | Minimal field sealing |
| Field Labor Cost |
High (Many parts to track and assemble) |
Low |
| Field Labor Duration | Slow |
Fast (Often setting 75 sqft or more per unit) |
| Access and Safety | Exterior access required |
Set from the interior (Exterior optional) |
Our stick system facades are the flexible, tried-and-tested versatile solutions among the range of façade systems. The wide range of profiles and the extensive equipment options offer you optimum creative freedom. The state-of-the-art technology ensures the highest level of process security, from the planning stage through to completion. With narrow face widths of 50 and 60 mm, the system construction lends façades a particularly filigree appearance. Additional functions for security and maximum thermal insulation may be included simply and inexpensively, without compromising on aesthetics.