Quick answer: Window wall is an aluminum-and-glass framing system that sits on top of the floor slab and runs floor-to-ceiling within a single floor. It looks similar to curtain wall from the exterior, but structurally it's installed floor-by-floor (not hung from the slab edge). Window wall is common on multi-family residential and mixed-use mid-rise, where each unit's facade installs independently and the structural connection is at the floor below.
Window wall sits on the floor slab and supports its own weight on that slab. The next floor up has its own independent window wall sitting on its own slab. There's typically a sealant joint at the slab line between floors. Compare to curtain wall, which hangs from the slab edge and spans floor-to-floor as a continuous skin.
Window wall: multi-family residential, mixed-use ground floor with units above, mid-rise hotel. Cost-efficient. Simpler structural engineering. Easier punch-out by floor. Curtain wall: Class-A office, luxury hotel, taller commercial. Continuous facade appearance. Higher engineering and cost.
Window wall typically costs $80-$160/SF installed in Florida — between standard storefront ($66-$142) and curtain wall ($95-$240). Cost varies with glass type, HVHZ rating, and finish.
Kawneer 1600 Window Wall, YKK AP YWW 60 T, Tubelite 400, EFCO 8700 — these are the most-spec'd. All available with HVHZ-rated Miami-Dade NOA assemblies.
The horizontal joint at each floor slab is where window wall systems can leak. Florida humidity, temperature swings, and storm-driven rain stress this joint. Specify pressure-equalized window wall (not face-sealed) and high-performance sealants (Dow 795 silicone or equivalent).
Window wall is an aluminum-and-glass framing system that sits on the floor slab and runs floor-to-ceiling within a single floor. It looks like curtain wall but installs floor-by-floor with independent structural support at each slab.
Window wall sits on the floor slab and supports its own weight at each floor. Curtain wall hangs from the slab edge and spans multiple floors as a continuous skin. Window wall is cheaper and simpler; curtain wall is more architecturally dramatic and required for taller buildings.
Yes, mid-rise hotels (typically 4-12 stories) often use window wall to balance cost and appearance. High-rise hotels (typically 12+ stories) usually use curtain wall for continuous facade appearance.
Yes — window wall typically costs $80-$160/SF in Florida vs $95-$240/SF for curtain wall. The savings come from simpler structural engineering, smaller mullion depth, and floor-by-floor installation.
Yes — Kawneer, YKK AP, Tubelite, and EFCO all offer HVHZ-rated window wall systems with Miami-Dade NOAs. Confirm the specific NOA is current and matches the project design pressure before specification.
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