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Kawneer’s new Clearwall delivers monolithic look for low-rise applications

June 8, 2010 – Kawneer has introduced its new Clearwall curtain wall, designed to meet the demand for a monolithic look for low-rise applications.

Kawneer’s Clearwall curtain wall achieves the monolithic appearance through its unique toggle system.

June 8, 2010 – Kawneer has introduced its new Clearwall curtain wall, designed to meet the demand for a monolithic look for low-rise applications.

The newest addition to Kawneer’s range of high-performance curtain wall products, Clearwall curtain wall is a four-sided Toggle Glazed (TG) system with a breakthrough glass retaining mechanism. Kawneer says that Clearwall curtain wall is a cost-effective alternative to four-sided systems and its unique toggle mechanism reduces installation labour, simplifies onsite logistics and enhances safety while providing superior aesthetics. Kawneer will debut the product in its booth (#2271) during the 2010 AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Miami, June 10 – 12.
 
Kawneer’s Clearwall curtain wall was developed specifically with low-rise commercial and institutional building applications in mind. The company says it provides a better value to accomplish the same aesthetic as compared to other approaches used by architects today. While the four-sided structural silicone glazed (SSG) systems are common, installation can be time consuming and labour intensive. Point supported glass systems incorporate stainless steel cables and “pucks” to hold the glass in place. Although this method achieves the monolithic glazing appearance, it is both expensive and high maintenance. And unitized curtain wall systems, designed for mid to high-rise applications, have also been used to achieve a monolithic look. On low-rise applications, these systems are not always practical due to the complexity of handling and shipping of large pre-glazed units.
 
Kawneer’s Clearwall curtain wall achieves the monolithic appearance through its unique toggle system. The system’s effectiveness comes from the combination of the toggle system with a recessed glass edge spacer insulating glass unit. The toggle mechanically captures the inboard lite of the insulating glass unit and is designed to rotate in place and automatically lock when the fastener is installed. Each toggle captures an edge of adjacent glass lites, increasing the efficiency of installation. Screw spline construction and straight cuts without any notching simplifies fabrication, reducing onsite labor time – all while achieving the admired monolithic appearance.

Clearwall curtain wall features two mullion depths allowing for increased design flexibility based on performance requirements. It has been tested in accordance with North American performance standards, including seismic, thermal cycling, cyclic water and severe wind-driven rain resistance. Finishes for Clearwall™ curtain wall are available in Kawneer’s range of anodized and painted finishes, including an environmentally-responsible and solvent-free powder coat.
 
Clearwall curtain wall is offered in two other glazing options. Each option accommodates one-inch insulating glass and also uses the unique toggle system. The additional options incorporate an attached interface to the glass with structural silicone or 3MTM VHBTM2 structural glazing tape. This new curtain wall offering will be available to the market June 28, 2010.
 
For additional information, please visit booth 2271 during the 2010 AIA National Convention or visit www.kawneer.com .