Timber curtain walls (TCWs) are redefining architectural possibility—merging natural elegance with modern structural performance. While their aesthetic warmth is often a focal point, the true innovation lies in their ability to serve as integral structural elements. At Unicel Architectural, our advanced timber curtain wall systems are engineered not only for beauty and durability but also to meet demanding load-bearing design requirements.

Glulam as a Structural Backbone

Our load-bearing TCWs are constructed using glued-laminated timber (glulam), a high-performance mass timber known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and architectural appeal. In this system, the mullions are not merely decorative—they act as primary structural members, capable of supporting both vertical and lateral loads. This eliminates the need for separate steel or concrete framing systems and opens new possibilities in facade design.

Single glulam mullions can support glass spans up to 30 feet and reach lengths of nearly 50 feet, enabling vast, unobstructed views and soaring elevations with fewer material interruptions.

The Advantages of Load-Bearing Timber Curtain Walls

Unicel Architectural’s load-bearing TCWs offer an ideal balance of structural integrity, energy performance, and design flexibility:

1. Structural Efficiency

   • Capable of carrying significant vertical and horizontal loads, our timber mullions reduce the need for additional internal framing or load-bearing columns.
   • Ideal for hybrid structural systems or mass timber buildings aiming for seamless integration between facade and superstructure.

2. Design Flexibility

   • Achieve open, column-free interiors and dramatic glazing expanses that enhance daylighting, indoor-outdoor connection, and spatial quality.
   • Supports complex geometries and customized facade configurations, making it a fit for ambitious institutional, cultural, or civic projects.

3. Material Optimization

   • By combining envelope and structural functions, load-bearing TCWs reduce overall material use, contributing to more efficient construction and cleaner detailing.

4. Warmth & Biophilic Design

   • Exposed glulam surfaces add tactile richness and visual warmth, aligning with biophilic design strategies that improve occupant well-being.
   • Unlike aluminum or steel, timber creates inviting environments without sacrificing strength.

5. Accelerated Construction

   • All TCWs are precision-fabricated in our controlled factory environment, ensuring tight tolerances and reducing on-site labor, sequencing delays, and weather exposure.

6. Sustainability & Carbon Performance

   • Timber sequesters carbon, helping lower the embodied carbon footprint of the building envelope.
   • Glulam production emits far less CO₂ than aluminum or steel, making it a climate-conscious choice for building facades.

7. Superior Thermal & Acoustic Performance

   • Our TCWs can meet Passive House-level thermal performance, delivering excellent insulation in both heating and cooling seasons.
   • The system’s acoustic attenuation capabilities further support use in high-performance educational, healthcare, and civic environments.

Designed for Impact

Whether your project is a museum, airport terminal, university, or workplace, Unicel Architectural’s load-bearing timber curtain walls offer the refined character of wood with the structural and environmental performance today’s buildings demand. From concept to completion, our team collaborates closely with architects and engineers to realize curtain wall designs that are both visually iconic and technically resilient.