- \n
- Curtain walls<\/a>: a non-load-bearing system in which an aluminum frame is attached to the structure and supports glazed or opaque units. Curtain walls create the illusion of full-height windows and transfer wind loads to the slabs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Multifa\u00e7ades<\/a>: a rain screen cladding system with ventilated<\/a> or pressure-balanced<\/a> cladding installed in front of an insulated wall. A ventilated space balances pressure and drains water, protecting the load-bearing wall and improving durability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
A glass facade offers many advantages: modern design, natural light, and sound insulation. However, the energy transmitted through glass remains higher than that of opaque materials; even high-performance double glazing lets more heat through than a masonry wall. This is why architects seek to combine glass with opaque areas in order to optimize comfort, performance, and aesthetics.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Key points to remember
1. Curtain walls<\/a>: important variations<\/h2>\n\n
Curtain walls are the basic solution for creating fully glazed or hybrid facades. STEKAR offers a range based on the STE-6000 series, with four variants to meet specific needs.<\/p>\n\n
Curtain walls with covers and pressure plates<\/a><\/h3>\n\n
The classic version uses covers and pressure plates to hold the glazing in place. The 65 mm mullions can be manufactured with depths ranging from 25 to 190 mm, and the standard 19 mm joints ensure visual continuity. The design is compatible with double, laminated, or triple glazing and offers superior thermal performance.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Facade](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/03-Edifice_Telus-low3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n300 Saint-Paul (Quebec City). STEKAR combined a high-performance curtain wall with opaque panels from the Multifa\u00e7ades system. The glass fa\u00e7ade covers the upper floors and offers panoramic views, while the metal panels blend in with the heritage context.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
Curtain walls with silicone joints<\/a><\/h3>\n\n
This variation on the STE-6000 series eliminates caps and pressure plates. The 65 mm uprights and depths ranging from 25 to 190 mm remain the same, but 19 mm silicone joints ensure a smooth, continuous appearance. The result is a visually uninterrupted fa\u00e7ade that is perfectly suited to contemporary projects.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Saint-Hyacinthe](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/JPEG-HR-BIBLIO-SAINT-HYACINTHE-24-CROP-942x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nT.-A.-St\u2011Germain Library (Saint\u2011Hyacinthe): The library is defined by a two-story glass curtain wall. The glass fa\u00e7ade, made with the STE\u20116000 series, offers an open view of the city and floods the reading areas with natural light.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
Curtain walls with opening shutters<\/a><\/h3>\n\n
To ensure natural ventilation without compromising aesthetics, STEKAR offers shutters integrated into its curtain walls. This option has no visible frame, uses casement or awning shutters and 45 mm subframes. It is integrated into the STE-6000 system, with the option of covers or silicone configurations. Thermal performance remains high and the range is available in double, laminated, or triple glazing.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Jefo](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/01-Jefo_002-1024x683-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nJefo Nutrition headquarters: This headquarters combines STE-6000 curtain walls and Multifa\u00e7ades panels. Horizontal sunshades and integrated shutters control sunlight while maintaining a smooth appearance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
Prefabricated curtain walls<\/a><\/h3>\n\n
Large-scale projects can benefit from prefabricated modules<\/a>. In these systems, the glazing is factory-integrated into the frame, simplifying and speeding up installation. The mullions measure 63.5 mm and the system depth varies between 165 and 210 mm. Configurations can use covers or silicone, and thermal performance is high.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Street](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tour-B3-de-Solar-Uniquartier-2-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nTower B3, Solar Uniquartier: This 13-story tower is entirely clad in prefabricated modules. The full-height glass curtain wall provides a transparent envelope, while prefabrication allows for rapid assembly and consistent quality.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
2. STE\u20114000 commercial windows: integrating glazing into facades<\/h2>\n\n
For vision sections or occasional windows, STEKAR offers the STE-4000 series, a high-end commercial aluminum window suitable for multi-residential towers, hotels, and institutional buildings. This product offers two main configurations and can be easily combined with curtain walls and the Multifa\u00e7ades system.<\/p>\n\n
STE\u20114000 fixed window<\/h3>\n\n
The fixed window is designed to offer maximum clarity and optimal thermal performance. It uses double or triple-glazed insulating glass and a thermal break aluminum frame to ensure perfect air and water tightness. Thanks to its excellent rigidity and dimensional stability, it is ideal for continuous facades or unventilated areas. It can be integrated into curtain walls and Multifa\u00e7ades modules and can be assembled in a modular fashion for large glazed areas.<\/p>\n\n
STE\u20114000 opening window<\/h3>\n\n
The opening version of the STE-4000 allows ventilation and access to the outside while maintaining high performance standards. It is available in inward-opening (casement, tilt-and-turn, hopper) or outward-opening (casement, awning) versions. Extruded aluminum frames with thermal breaks, high-performance fittings, and uniform compression of the seals guarantee maximum watertightness and high resistance to wind loads. This window is compatible with Multifa\u00e7ades facades and curtain walls and offers a wide range of configurations.<\/p>\n\n
Advantages of the STE\u20114000 commercial window<\/h3>\n\n
The STE-4000 portal offers several benefits:<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- Energy efficiency and comfort: double or triple glazing, thermal breaks, and weatherstripping ensure excellent air and water tightness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Structural capacity and certified watertightness: the window is AW (Architectural Window) rated and meets ASTM and NFRC standards, guaranteeing its resistance to wind loads and stability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Simple and adaptable installation: modular frames can be adapted to new constructions or renovations and easily integrated into Multifa\u00e7ades panels or curtain walls<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Occupant comfort: the opening versions allow interior spaces to be ventilated without compromising aesthetics or performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
3. Multifa\u00e7ades: the new generation hybrid facade system<\/h2>\n\n
Beyond curtain walls and individual windows, STEKAR has developed the Multifa\u00e7ades<\/a>, a highly versatile rain screen cladding system. This system is based on the principle of pressure balance: a ventilated space behind the cladding equalizes pressure and prevents water from penetrating, thus ensuring excellent watertightness. The glazing is aligned with the insulation thanks to a patented flush window (SM160), so that the glazed and opaque panels are interchangeable.<\/p>\n\n
Design & Versatility<\/h3>\n\n
Multifa\u00e7ades is designed as a rain screen cladding that integrates several types of windows into a single design. It allows different materials (glass, aluminum, sintered stone, high-pressure laminate panels, or photovoltaic panels) to be integrated into the same module while maintaining the alignment of the glazing and cladding. The ability to combine several materials while maintaining a flat surface sets this system apart and offers great creative freedom.<\/p>\n\n
Durability & Performance<\/h3>\n\n
Multifa\u00e7ades panels are prefabricated from aluminum (AA6063 alloy) and composite materials, treated against corrosion. Each panel can be replaced independently, facilitating maintenance. The system exceeds North American standards for thermal insulation, air and water tightness, and wind resistance. Thanks to the continuity of the insulation<\/a> and the elimination of thermal bridges, energy performance is optimized.<\/p>\n\n
The Multifa\u00e7ades page also highlights that the system is designed to withstand the most extreme weather conditions and can be adapted to any type of project, whether renovation or new construction. Its factory prefabrication and independent panels simplify every step, from design to maintenance, and reduce the risk of breakage.<\/p>\n\n
Easy integration with other systems<\/h3>\n\n
One of the Multifa\u00e7ades’ major advantages is its compatibility with various contexts:<\/p>\n\n
- Occupant comfort: the opening versions allow interior spaces to be ventilated without compromising aesthetics or performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
- The Multifa\u00e7ades<\/a>: a rain screen cladding system with ventilated<\/a> or pressure-balanced<\/a> cladding installed in front of an insulated wall. A ventilated space balances pressure and drains water, protecting the load-bearing wall and improving durability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Fa\u00e7ade](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/09-Marriott_Brossard-drone-StephaneGroleau-1545-1024x721-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>![\"Vue](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/09-STEKAR-PhotosWeb-2-1024x1024-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>