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Aluminum Innovations: Protecting Dubai’s Skyscrapers from Extreme Weather - Part 2

Protecting Dubai’s Skyscrapers from Extreme Weather
curtain walls

6/27/2024

Aluminum Innovations: Protecting Dubai’s Skyscrapers from Extreme Weather - Part 2

Welcome to our second blog, which will take a closer look at how aluminum in building designs helps protect against extreme weather.

In the wake of the April 2024 floods that left Dubai facing a deluge of heavy rains and flooding, serious revision of the city’s building design became a priority. Protecting the skyscrapers of Dubai’s iconic skyline against extreme weather goes beyond using optimal aluminum-designed windows and doors. It extends to curtain walls as well. 

Here, we will see how and why buildings require advanced curtain wall systems to face conditions like those of April 2024, examine how the aluminum designs in curtain walls and windows have been a game changer in protecting structures and keeping high-rise buildings safe and durable, and take a look at the advanced curtain wall systems TENTAL and GEODE from Technal and what they can do to safeguard buildings from weather extremes.

What Are Curtain Walls and Curtain Wall Windows?

Today, more than ever, we see the importance of buildings’ resilience to natural disasters. With the increase in extreme weather events globally, architects and builders are looking for innovative solutions to make structures more robust. Aluminum curtain wall systems have become a key part of this equation, providing protection and beauty. Two in one, aluminum is a great choice for modern construction, especially in regions prone to severe weather, like the UAE.

Curtain wall windows are non-structural outer layers of the building that keep out the weather and let natural light into the inside. Made of aluminum and glass, these systems resist air and water infiltration, wind sway and earthquake forces. Aluminum in these curtain wall systems is beneficial because of its lightweight, corrosion resistance and ability to support large glass spans.

With the integration of advanced technology in curtain wall systems, buildings can now respond to environmental challenges in a whole new way. For example, smart glass technologies that can adapt to changing light and temperature conditions are being incorporated into aluminum curtain wall designs. This not only saves energy but also contributes to the comfort and well-being of the building occupants. This is the key role of aluminum in the future of sustainable and resilient urban development.

 

Technal’s TENTAL Curtain Wall System

At Technal, we have developed the TENTAL curtain wall system, a solution designed to meet the demands of modern architecture and extreme weather resilience. The TENTAL system has aluminum profiles designed for modular curtain walls with large-sized glazing units. This system ensures maximum transparency and minimal visibility of the profiles, a beautiful façade, and robust protection from the elements.

One of the key features of the TENTAL system is the integration of solar shading systems which helps to manage solar gain and reduce thermal transmittance. This is critical in the UAE’s hot climate, where managing heat is as important as managing rain. The TENTAL system also uses Hydro CIRCAL®, made with a minimum of 75% recycled end-of-life aluminum, reducing its environmental impact and supporting sustainable building practices.

The TENTAL curtain wall offers various aesthetic solutions, from capped to semi-capped designs, horizontal or vertical lines or a smooth profile and glazing look. This flexibility allows architects to design buildings that are not only resilient but also beautiful. In terms of performance, the TENTAL system excels in air permeability, water tightness and wind pressure resistance.

Technal’s GEODE Curtain Wall System

Another Technal innovation is the GEODE curtain wall system which offers high thermal performance and multiple aesthetic options in one system. The GEODE system meets the creative demands of architects and the functional needs of contractors, developers and occupiers. It simplifies the technical aspects of manufacturing and installation for optimum quality and cost efficiency.

The GEODE system has consistent sight lines and interfaces to provide a uniform look across a project whether it’s full-height, trame, or structurally glazed façade. Like TENTAL, this system uses high-quality aluminum profiles that are durable, low-maintenance and visually appealing.

Both TENTAL and GEODE systems are designed with sustainability in mind. They use recycled materials and can achieve environmental certifications like LEED and BREEAM. This is critical for the UAE as it continues to develop its urban landscape sustainably.

Going forward, the continuous improvement and adoption of curtain wall systems will be key to addressing the changing climate challenges. As urban areas grow and architectural designs get more creative, the role of materials like aluminum will be more important than ever. By adopting these advanced systems, we are not only building resilient infrastructure but also meeting global sustainability goals so our cities are ready for whatever the future brings.

Conclusion

In summary, curtain wall windows in UAE skyscrapers are a game changer in building design. Technal’s aluminum solutions, like TENTAL and GEODE curtain wall systems, provide resilience against extreme weather events and the aesthetic and environmental performance of the building. As the UAE faces unpredictable weather, the adoption of these technologies will be key to the safety, durability and sustainability of its iconic buildings.