Curtain Walls Market by Type (Unitized, Stick-Built, Semi-Unitized), by Material (Aluminum, Glass, Steel, Composite Materials), by End-Use (Commercial Buildings, Residential Buildings, Institutional Buildings, Industrial Buildings), and by Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2024 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Curtain Walls Market was valued at USD 40.1 billion in 2023 and will surpass USD 60.0 billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2024 – 2030.

The Curtain Wall Market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable construction and aesthetic architectural designs. These non-structural cladding systems are widely used in commercial and residential buildings for their ability to enhance energy efficiency, daylighting, and weather resistance. As the world increasingly focuses on green building solutions, curtain wall systems are evolving, offering a balance of aesthetic appeal and performance. The market is expected to expand steadily, with key segments driving this growth.

Unitized Segment is Largest Owing to Fast Installation and Cost Efficiency

The Unitized Curtain Wall System is the largest subsegment in the Type category, primarily because of its speed of installation and cost-efficiency. These systems are pre-fabricated and assembled in a controlled environment, reducing the need for extensive on-site labor. Their modular design allows for large-scale installation, particularly in high-rise commercial buildings, where reducing construction time is a key priority.

Additionally, unitized curtain walls provide superior quality control since they are built off-site, ensuring precise dimensions and better performance in terms of thermal insulation and weather resistance. As construction costs continue to rise, developers are increasingly turning to unitized systems to manage expenses more effectively. These systems also allow for greater flexibility in design, making them a preferred choice for complex building facades that require customized solutions.

Glass Material Segment is Largest Owing to High Demand for Transparency and Energy Efficiency

The Glass Curtain Wall subsegment is the largest in the Material category, driven by the demand for natural light, transparency, and energy efficiency in modern architectural designs. Glass has become the material of choice in commercial buildings, especially in corporate headquarters and retail complexes, where a sleek, modern appearance is crucial. Advances in glass technologies such as low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and double-glazed units have further fueled the popularity of glass curtain walls, enhancing their thermal performance while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

In addition to providing daylighting, glass curtain walls contribute to reducing artificial lighting needs and improving indoor environmental quality. The energy-saving properties of high-performance glass materials align with the growing trend toward green buildings and LEED certifications, making glass an indispensable material in the curtain wall market. The rising trend of transparent facades in commercial and residential projects is expected to drive continued growth in this segment.

Commercial Buildings Segment is Largest Owing to Urbanization and High-Rise Projects

In terms of End Use, the Commercial Buildings subsegment represents the largest market share, largely due to the ongoing boom in urbanization and the rise of high-rise office complexes, shopping malls, and corporate buildings. These projects require curtain wall systems not only for their visual appeal but also for their ability to offer thermal regulation, soundproofing, and weather resistance in bustling urban environments.

The increasing focus on energy-efficient solutions in commercial real estate is also propelling the adoption of curtain walls. Modern commercial projects prioritize sustainable construction practices that reduce operational costs and meet stringent building codes for energy performance. As global cities expand and real estate markets grow, particularly in emerging economies, the demand for curtain wall systems in the commercial sector is expected to rise significantly.

Institutional Buildings Segment is Fastest Owing to Growth in Educational and Healthcare Infrastructure

The Institutional Buildings subsegment is the fastest-growing in the End Use category, with particular demand from the education and healthcare sectors. As governments and private institutions invest in expanding schools, universities, and hospitals, there is a growing need for curtain wall systems that combine aesthetic design with functional performance.

In the healthcare sector, for instance, curtain walls are increasingly used to improve natural lighting, creating a more conducive healing environment. In educational institutions, these systems provide acoustic insulation, helping to create quieter, more productive spaces. The increasing focus on health and safety regulations and the demand for high-performance facades that offer both security and environmental benefits are driving the rapid growth of curtain wall systems in the institutional segment.    

Asia-Pacific Region is Fastest Owing to Rapid Urbanization and Technological Advancements

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market for curtain wall systems, driven by rapid urbanization, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region is witnessing a construction boom, with numerous smart city projects and infrastructure developments underway. As governments focus on sustainable urban planning and green building initiatives, the adoption of curtain wall systems is rising sharply.

China, for instance, is experiencing a surge in high-rise construction, with commercial and residential skyscrapers dotting the skylines of major cities. Additionally, the region benefits from advancements in construction technologies and materials, enabling faster and more cost-effective deployment of curtain walls. The demand for energy-efficient building solutions that align with global green building standards is further boosting the growth of this market in Asia-Pacific.

Leading Companies and Competitive Landscape

Leading companies in the curtain wall market, such as Yuanda China Holdings, Kawneer Company, and Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, are at the forefront of developing innovative materials and designs that meet the evolving demands of the construction industry. These players are heavily investing in research and development to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of their products.

The competitive landscape is marked by strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and expansions into new geographic markets. Companies are increasingly collaborating with architects and developers to provide customized solutions for complex building projects. The rise of startups offering niche solutions in smart building technologies is also intensifying competition, prompting established firms to innovate continually to maintain their market positions.

Recent Developments:

• Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope introduced the Reliance-TC LT Curtain Wall System, designed to offer ease of installation along with sustainability features. The system is Red List Free, making it environmentally friendly and eligible for LEED credits. Its lightweight design and robust performance standards ensure both functional and aesthetic appeal for modern buildings.
• EFCO Corporation has unveiled a new range of unitized curtain wall systems focused on energy efficiency and easy installation. These products are targeted at the fast-growing green building sector, addressing the demand for more sustainable construction solutions.
• Truelite Glass and Aluminum is expanding its operations across the Middle East to cater to the rising demand for curtain wall solutions in commercial and residential projects. This expansion is set to boost the company’s presence in a region experiencing rapid urban development.
• Aluminum Solutions LLC announced a merger with CurtainWall Manufacturing Group to streamline manufacturing processes and increase their market share in North America. The merger is expected to optimize operations, resulting in cost-efficiency and expanded product offerings.
• New regulatory standards in Asia-Pacific are driving the adoption of advanced curtain wall systems. Energy efficiency and environmental impact are key focus areas in Japan and Southeast Asia, with updated regulations influencing market trends and pushing companies to develop more sustainable solutions.

List of Leading Companies:

• Saint-Gobain
• Asahi Glass
• Central Glass
• Guardian Industries
• Nippon Sheet Glass
• AVIC Sanxin
• Schott
• China Glass Holdings Limited
• Vitro
• Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited

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