In China, a curtain wall serves as a non-structural exterior layer of a building, intended to withstand environmental factors such as wind, rain, and temperature changes while also fulfilling aesthetic and functional roles. In contrast to conventional load-bearing walls, curtain walls do not support the weight of the building but instead serve as a protective shield surrounding the structure. The increasing need for curtain walls in China is primarily propelled by swift urbanization, the rise of skyscrapers, and an emphasis on energy-efficient construction practices in both the commercial and residential fields. These walls are typically made from materials like glass, metal, stone, and composite materials, with glass being the favored option due to its contemporary appeal and capacity to let natural light into buildings. The essential elements of a curtain wall system consist of the frame, generally constructed from aluminum or steel, which provides the necessary structural support. The mullions (vertical components) and transoms (horizontal components) form the framework that secures the panels in position. The curtain wall panels can be constructed from glass, which is frequently treated for better insulation attributes, or from alternative materials such as metal or stone, based on the design and functional needs. Furthermore, components like gaskets, sealants, and insulation are utilized to guarantee that the curtain wall is both weather-tight and energy-efficient. In China, the need for curtain walls is swiftly increasing, especially in high-rise building endeavors in major urban areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. These systems are regarded as vital for developing contemporary, visually appealing structures while complying with ever-tightening environmental standards. The implementation of curtain walls is also driven by the pursuit of sustainable building practices, as they aid in energy conservation by enhancing thermal insulation and lessening the dependence on artificial lighting.
According to the research report, ""China Curtain Wall Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the China Curtain Wall market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.19% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The curtain wall market in China has experienced swift expansion due to the country’s thriving construction industry, especially in urban areas where there is a high demand for contemporary, tall buildings and commercial projects. The promotion and marketing of curtain walls in China highlight their visual attractiveness, energy efficiency, and role in promoting sustainability. Producers and suppliers frequently showcase the modern, elegant look of curtain walls, particularly glass facades, which are in high demand for their capacity to produce visually impressive, clear exteriors that allow natural daylight to enter interior areas. The need for curtain walls is additionally supported by their capacity to incorporate cutting-edge insulation technologies, such as low-emissivity glass and energy-efficient coatings, which lower energy use and enhance a building's environmental impact. Marketing strategies also emphasize the adaptability of curtain wall systems, which can be customized to fit a variety of architectural styles, from modern to classic, making them an appropriate selection for different projects throughout China. As environmental awareness increases, manufacturers underline the energy-saving advantages of curtain walls, especially in a nation where environmental regulations and sustainability objectives are becoming more rigorous. Curtain walls, due to their excellent thermal performance and ability to decrease dependence on artificial heating and cooling, are promoted as essential solutions for attaining green building certifications, like LEED. The beneficial influence of the curtain wall market in China is considerable, not merely in terms of updating the country’s urban scenery but also in its contributions to energy conservation and sustainable construction methods. The incorporation of curtain walls in new projects aligns with the nation’s goals of diminishing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.
In China, the curtain wall market is influenced by both new construction and refurbishment, with each playing a part in the increasing demand for advanced, energy-efficient building facades. New construction continues to be the main segment, propelled by the country's swift urbanization, infrastructure growth, and the rise of contemporary commercial and residential structures. As cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen expand, there is a rising need for tall buildings, office skyscrapers, retail centers, and mixed-use projects, typically featuring curtain wall systems. The need for energy-efficient and sustainable construction practices further speeds up the adoption of curtain walls, as contemporary buildings work to adhere to stringent environmental guidelines and green building certifications. Curtain walls assist in achieving improved thermal insulation, decreasing energy usage, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of new construction initiatives. Conversely, refurbishment projects also significantly contribute to the curtain wall market in China. Numerous older buildings, especially in key cities, necessitate substantial updates to fulfill modern design criteria and energy efficiency objectives. Curtain walls are increasingly being implemented in refurbishment projects to revamp the façades of older structures, substituting outdated materials with high-performance glass or composite panels. This not only boosts the building's energy efficiency but also improves its aesthetic appeal, enabling it to compete with newer, more contemporary constructions. Refurbishment projects, driven by the necessity to meet updated environmental regulations and attract tenants or buyers, frequently view curtain walls as a perfect solution to provide buildings with a refreshed, modern appearance while enhancing their functionality and lowering maintenance expenses.
In China, the curtain wall market is defined by three main types of systems: unitized, stick-built, and semi-unitized, each presenting unique benefits based on the project's scale, design, and specifications. The unitized system is gaining greater acceptance in China, particularly for high-rise and expansive commercial structures. This system entails the off-site prefabrication of curtain wall panels in a factory, which are subsequently transported to the construction site for rapid assembly. The unitized system is exceptionally efficient, minimizing on-site labor and construction duration, which is essential in fast-moving urban projects. Furthermore, it guarantees superior quality control since the panels are produced in a regulated environment, resulting in a more accurate and enduring final product. The system is preferred for its straightforward installation process, making it well-suited for large projects in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, where time and space limitations are prevalent. Conversely, the stick-built system consists of constructing the curtain wall framework directly on-site, with individual elements such as mullions, glass panels, and other materials attached sequentially. This method is more labor-intensive and time-consuming, yet it provides design flexibility, enabling custom setups and intricate shapes. The stick-built approach is frequently utilized for projects featuring distinctive architectural elements or where modifications to the design may be needed throughout the construction process. It is also typically employed in smaller buildings or projects with tighter budgets, where the costs and logistical issues associated with prefabrication are less significant. The semi-unitized system is a mixed approach that incorporates aspects of both the unitized and stick-built systems. Certain components of the curtain wall panels are prefabricated in the factory, while other elements are assembled on-site.
In China, curtain wall systems are mainly made from glass, metal, stone, and composite materials, with each material presenting unique benefits regarding aesthetics, functionality, and performance. Glass is the most commonly utilized material in the Chinese curtain wall industry, especially for modern, high-rise, and commercial structures. Glass curtain walls are valued for their sleek, transparent look, which allows natural light to flood the building and offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. This aspect is particularly crucial in densely populated cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, where maximizing light and vistas can elevate the user experience. Furthermore, innovations in glass technology, such as low-emissivity coatings and thermal-insulating glass, render it a perfect option for energy-efficient buildings. Metal, usually aluminum, is another frequently used material in China's curtain wall systems, especially for framing and cladding. Aluminum is appreciated for its lightweight, robustness, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for the country’s varied climate conditions. Metal curtain walls are highly adaptable, available in various finishes like anodizing, powder coating, and plating, facilitating customization in both appearance and functionality. Aluminum is also combined with other materials to achieve a contemporary, industrial aesthetic while ensuring high effectiveness regarding insulation and weather resistance. Stone is utilized less frequently in curtain walls but is still present in high-end, luxury projects. Stone offers a natural, classic appeal and is often paired with other materials such as glass and metal to create a contrasting visual effect. It provides strength and longevity, although it tends to be pricier and heavier than alternative materials, which restricts its use mainly to distinguished architectural endeavors.
Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030
Aspects covered in this report
• Curtain Walls Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
By Construction Type
• New Construction
• Refurbishment
By Walls System
• Unitized
• Stick-built
• Semi-Unitized
By Material
• Glass
• Metal
• Stone
• Composite
The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.
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