Curtain Walling & Shopfront

 Curtain walling is the standard for modern building envelopes, providing a non-structural "skin" that protects against the elements while maximizing natural light. In 2026, the industry is heavily influenced by the Future Buildings Standard (FBS) and the Building Safety Act, pushing for ultra-low U-values and stringent fire safety documentation. 

  The Smart MC Wall is a versatile aluminium curtain walling system designed to create expansive, high-impact glass façades for both low-rise and multi-storey commercial buildings.

While the Shopline and SmartWall systems are primarily for ground-floor shopfronts, MC Wall is a true "curtain wall," meaning it can be "hung" from a building’s structure to create continuous vertical or sloped glass walls.

• Slim Sightlines: It maintains a consistent 55mm width for both vertical mullions and horizontal transoms, maximizing natural light and providing a sleek, uniform look.
  
• Concealed Transoms: One of the system's standout features is the option for concealed transoms, which creates a "seamless" glass-to-glass joint aesthetic on the exterior.
  
• Architectural Flexibility: The system supports more than just flat walls; it can be used for sloped glazing (roofs) and faceted façades (curved or angled walls).
  
• Integrated Vents: It accommodates a dedicated "top-hung frameless vent," which allows for ventilation without disrupting the clean lines of the exterior glass.

Performance

•  U Value0.85W/m²K (0.7 centre pane) 1.1W/m²K (1.0 centre pane)
• Document L Compliant
• CWCT

The Smart MC 600 is an advanced aluminium curtain wall system that serves as a high-efficiency alternative or evolution to the standard MC Wall. Its primary focus is on fabrication efficiency and thermal performance, making it a popular choice for large-scale, multi-storey commercial developments and high-end ground floor treatments.

While it shares the same 55mm visual profile as the rest of the MC series, the MC 600 is engineered to be more "contractor-friendly" and structurally versatile.

• Interchangeable Profiles: The standout feature of MC 600 is that the mullion (vertical) and transom (horizontal) profiles are interchangeable. This allows fabricators to use the same section for both, significantly reducing material waste and simplifying the assembly process.
  
• Consistent Sightlines: Because the horizontal and vertical sections are identical, the window "grid" looks perfectly uniform from every angle.
  
• Flexible Assembly: It can be "stick-built" (assembled entirely on-site) or partially pre-assembled in a factory as "ladder frames" to speed up installation on large projects.
  
• Aesthetic Options: Supports sloped glazing, faceted (curved) facades, and hidden drainage for a clean exterior finish.

Performance

•   U Value0.85W/m²K (0.7 centre pane) 1.1W/m²K (1.0 centre pane)
• Document L Compliant
• CWCT

The Smart MC 600 Plus is an enhanced version of the MC 600 curtain wall system, specifically optimized for low-rise commercial and residential buildings (up to three storeys).

While it retains the sleek aesthetic and 55mm sightlines of the standard range, the "Plus" designation refers to improvements in fabrication speed, drainage, and structural versatility for smaller-scale projects.

• Improved Construction: Features a new end pad design and refined butt joints, allowing the same aluminium extrusion to be used for both the vertical mullions and horizontal transoms.
  
• Streamlined Drainage: Includes an improved drainage detail compared to the standard MC 600, enhancing the system's ability to shed water in exposed low-rise environments.
  
• Consistent Sightlines: The interchangeability of parts ensures that the "grid" looks perfectly uniform, with a typical sightline of 54.5mm to 56.5mm.
  
• Versatile Profiles: Offers a wide range of "back box" depths (from 50mm to 225mm), allowing architects to choose the profile depth that best suits the structural requirements of the building.

Performance

• Document L Compliant
• CWCT

A Commercial Aluminium Shopfront (often technically referred to as Ground Floor Treatment or GFT) is a non-structural glazing system designed specifically for the high-traffic, high-impact environment of retail and street-level commercial units.

In 2026, these systems have evolved to prioritize ultra-high thermal efficiency to meet the Future Buildings Standard while maintaining the slim sightlines architects love.

The SmartWall system is a high-performance, thermally broken shopfront and door solution designed specifically for heavy-traffic commercial environments. Unlike standard residential doors, SmartWall is engineered for durability in settings like schools, colleges, hospitals, and retail outlets.

It is often cited as one of the first fully thermally broken commercial screen and entrance systems in the UK to achieve high-level security certifications.

• Thermal Performance: Features a 100mm frame depth with a polyamide thermal break, significantly reducing heat loss compared to traditional non-thermal shopfronts.
  
• Safety First: Includes anti-finger trap stiles as a standard safety feature, which is essential for educational and public buildings to prevent injuries.
  
• Versatile Configurations: Supports swing, hinged, and even automatic sliding doors. It can be integrated into large ground-floor "screens" (fixed glazing walls).
  
• Glazing Options: Can accommodate double or triple glazed units ranging from 24mm to 32mm in thickness.

Performance

•  U Value1.8W/m²K (Doors) 1.4W/m²K (Screen)
• Document L Compliant
• Kitemark
• BS 6375-1:2009

The Smart Shopline system is the industry standard for non-thermally broken aluminium shopfronts and commercial entrances. While the SmartWall (which we just looked at) is designed for high energy efficiency, Shopline is the "workhorse" of the UK high street—favored for its affordability, modularity, and rapid installation.

It is primarily used for ground-floor retail units, car showrooms, and internal screens where thermal insulation is less of a priority than cost and durability.

• Modular Construction: Designed as a "ladder frame" system, meaning it can be quickly assembled on-site to create large expanses of glass.
  
• Non-Thermal: Unlike the SmartWall, Shopline does not have a polyamide thermal break. This makes it more cost-effective but less suited for heated residential spaces.
• Flush Glazing: Offers a clean, modern look where the glass sits flush with the frame, maximizing the "display window" area for retailers.
  
• Integrations: Easily accommodates various entry types, including manual swing doors, automatic sliding doors, and even overhead concealed closers.

Performance

•  Document L Compliant