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Aluminum Facades - Frequently Asked Questions
Aluminum facades promote the energy efficiency of the building, combining aesthetics and performance.
An aluminium curtain wall is a lightweight, non-loadbearing external facade system that encloses a building while transferring wind loads, air pressure and weather forces back to the primary structure. Unlike traditional loadbearing walls, a curtain wall “hangs” from the building frame - hence the term curtain wall
Key Characteristics
- Non-structural facade: It’s purpse is to protect the building, not to support floors or structural loads
- Slim aluminium framing: Engineered aluminium mullions and transoms create a grid that carries the glass and transfers loads safely to the building structure
- Large areas of glazing: Curtain walling enables generous daylight, transparency and clean architectural lines
- High performance: Properly specified systems provide weather tightness, thermal efficiency, acoustic control and durability suitable for UK and Irish climates
TECHNAL aluminium facades combine slim sightlines, design flexibility and robust performance. They are designed to maximised natural light, support architectural expression and provide reliable weather, thermal and acoustic performance. In addition, TECHNAL’s facade systems are developed with a strong focus on sustainability and circular design, helping to reduce embodied carbon in the building envelope.
TECHNAL systems can be configured to help projects meet current UK and Irish building regulations, including requirements related to Part L / Conservation of fuel and power, as well as emerging net-zero and low-energy standards. U-values, glazing specifications and facade build-ups can be optimised to support the overall energy strategy of the building. Designers should always confirm compliance using the latest regulations and project-specific calculations.
TECHNAL is part of Hydro, a global leader in low-carbon and circular aluminium. TECHNAL products are made with Hydro CIRCAL® 75R as standard - aluminium made with at least 75% recycled post-consumer scrap. This helps reduce embodied carbon by 80% when compared with the European average for primary aluminium production, while maintaining high levels of performance and design freedom. Choosing TECHNAL facades supports the transition to a net-zero built environment without compromising architectural quality.
Yes. TECHNAL facade systems are widely used on refurbishment, recladding and retrofit projects as well as new builds. Lightweight aluminium construction and flexible fixing options mean facades can often be integrated with existing structures, helping to improve thermal performance, reduce operational energy use and refreshing the architectural appearance of older buildings. Early engagement with TECHNAL’s team is recommended to review structural interfaces and programme constraints.
TECHNAL offers a wide variety of design aesthetics, including:
- Capped, structural silicone and toggle-fixed glazing options
- Horizontal or vertical emphasis to suit the architectural rhythm
- A broad palette of powder-coated and anodised finishes, including dual colour options
This flexibility allows architects to tailor the facade expression to the project context, from civic buildings in city centres to coastal developments and rural schemes across the UK and Ireland.
Yes. TECHNAL facades are designed to integrate seamlessly with TECHNAL window, door and sliding systems. This allows specifiers to maintain consistent sightlines and finishes while incorporating project-specific ventilation and access requirements. Integration details including drainage and thermal breaks are engineered to maintain the facade’s overall performance.
TECHNAL provides dedicated project and technical support for facade design in the UK and Ireland. The team can assist with:
- System selection and early-stage feasibility
- Thermal, acoustic and structural considerations
- Detailing around interfaces and movement joints
- Specification documents and performance data
This collaborative approach helps architects and specifiers develop coherent facade strategies from concept design through to tender and construction.
For many systems, TECHNAL provides BIM objects and digital design resources to support coordination for the wider project team. These assets help architects, engineers and contractors integrate TECHNAL facades into 3D models, improve clash detection and streamline documentation. Availability of BIM content can vary by system, so design teams should contact TECHNAL for the latest resources for their project.
Yes. TECHNAL encompasses systems designed for mid- and high-rise buildings, as well as facades with complex geometries, slopes and corners. With appropriate engineering and system selection, designers can achieve large spans, generous glazed areas and articulated forms, while maintaining structural and weather performance. For tall or technically demanding schemes, early dialogue with TECHNAL and the facade engineer is essential.
In busy urban locations across the UK and Ireland, controlling noise ingress is a key requirement. TECHNAL facades can be configured with appropriate glazing specifications and framing solutions to support the project’s acoustic strategy. Performance will depend on the chosen system and glass build-up, so specifiers should refer to acoustic test data and project-specific calculations when assessing compliance with local planning requirements and internal comfort criteria.
Project teams can access further information on TECHNAL facade systems, performance data and case studies by exploring the website or by contacting the local technical and specification team. Whether it’s early-stage concept design or a live project requiring detailed support, TECHNAL can collaborate with architects, specifiers, contractors, fabricators and building owners to develop the right facade solution. Contact our TECHNAL UK & Ireland team to discuss facade specification support for your next project.
Yes. TENTAL 50 and TENTAL 60 are certified by the Passive House Institute for use in a cool, temperate climes, which covers the UK and Ireland. This certification confirmed that TENTAL can achieve the thermal insulation, airtightness and envelope efficiency required for Passive House-aligned design when installed in the approved configurations.
The system’s optimised thermal breaks, high-performance glazing interfaces and airtight construction help reduce heat loss and support low-energy building strategies. TENTAL is also made with Hydro CIRCAL® 75R as standard, aluminium with at least 75% recycled post-consumer content, reducing embodied carbon while maintaining architectural freedom.