Title

कांच आवरण भित्ति (Glass Curtainwall)

Rare

Kā̃ca āvaraṇ bhitti

Glass Curtainwall

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionGlāsa Karṭenavŏla (कांच पर्दा दीवार, Glass Curtainwall) represents a modern adaptation of *kāca* (काच, glass) in architectural design, diverging from traditional Indic heritage architecture where stone and brick (*śilā* and *iṣṭakā*) predominated [2]. This non-load-bearing exterior cladding system, primarily utilized in 20th and 21st-century urban environments, comprises glass panels (typically 6-25 mm thick) integrated within a metal framing system, often aluminum or steel [3]. Glass, primarily silica (SiO₂), sourced from *vālukā* (वालुका, sand) deposits, exhibits a density of 2400-2800 kg/m³ and a thermal expansion coefficient of approximately 9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C [3]. The system's U-value ranges from 0.8-3.0 W/m²K, and the solar heat gain coefficient varies between 0.2 and 0.8, influencing thermal performance [3]. Durability concerns encompass weathering, potential for glass breakage, and frame corrosion. Conservation strategies involve regular cleaning and sealant maintenance. While not historically prevalent in dynasties like the Mauryas or Guptas, its contemporary usage addresses daylighting and facade aesthetics [1]. Tensile strength of glass ranges from 40-80 MPa [3].
Also Known As
Glass Curtainwall
Kā̃ca āvaraṇ bhitti
Glass Curtain Wall
Curtain Wall
Glass Facade
Facade System
कांच की दीवार
शीशे की दीवार
कांच पर्दा दीवार
काच भित्ति
पारदर्शी भित्ति
मुखौटा भित्ति
कांच मुखौटा भित्ति
Tags
Glass
Curtainwall
Facade
Cladding
Aluminum
Steel
Glazing
Modern
Material ID
INHFMAT-633046919-20-11-25-GS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/glass-curtainwall
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/glass-curtainwall
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Glass
Metal
Aluminum
Steel
Composite Material
Framing System
Cladding Material

Regions

Regions
India
Global
Urban Areas
Commercial Areas

Historical Context

Time Periods
20th Century CE
21st Century CE

Geographic Sources

Sources
Glass Manufacturers
Aluminum Manufacturers
Steel Suppliers
Silica Sand Mines
Metal Fabrication Plants
Aluminum Extrusion Plants

Properties

Properties
Tensile strength: 40-80 MPa (glass)
Density: 2400-2800 kg/m³ (glass)
Thermal expansion coefficient: ~9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C (glass)
Light transmittance: 0-90% (depending on type)
Thermal conductivity: 0.7-1.0 W/mK (depending on glass type)
U-value: 0.8-3.0 W/m²K
Solar heat gain coefficient: 0.2-0.8
Wind load resistance: Designed to withstand specific wind pressures
Thickness: 6-25 mm

Common Uses

Uses
Exterior Wall Cladding
Facade Design
Natural Lighting
Non-Load-Bearing Walls
Building Facades
Daylighting
Facade Glazing

Related Materials

Materials
Aluminum Frame
Steel Structure
Silicone Sealant
Insulation
Glass

Related Styles

Styles
Modern Architecture
Contemporary Architecture
Commercial Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Community Hall
Temple
Mandir
Commercial
Residential
Temple (Modern)
Commercial Buildings
Temples
Facade
Commercial buildings
Office buildings
Commercial Building

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to Thermal Stress
  • Cracking due to Impact
  • Degradation of Sealant
  • UV Degradation
  • Requires Regular Cleaning
  • Sealant Replacement May Be Necessary
  • Sealant Failure Can Lead to Water Leakage
  • Potential for Delamination

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Glass in BuildingBookTechnical guide on glass properties and applications
Glass Structures: Design and ConstructionBookGlass properties and applications
National Building Code of IndiaBuilding CodeGuidelines for glass curtainwall design and installation
Glass Association of North America (GANA) PublicationsTechnical GuideCurtain wall design and installation
National Building Code of India (NBC)Building CodeCurtain wall specifications

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Leicester
Secondary
Walls100%

Frequently Asked Questions