The demand for transparent, lightweight, and visually seamless building envelopes has made the full glass curtain wall system one of the most advanced façade solutions in modern architecture.
Unlike conventional curtain walls that rely heavily on aluminum framing, full glass systems depend on structural glass engineering, precision connections, and high-performance fabrication technologies.
However, only a small number of companies worldwide are capable of delivering these systems at scale. These firms are not just suppliers—they are specialized façade engineering contractors capable of handling complex geometry, high structural loads, and large-scale architectural integration.
This article presents a structured overview of the top full glass curtain wall companies in the US and Europe.
A full glass curtain wall is a façade system designed to minimize or eliminate visible structural framing, creating a seamless glass exterior.
These systems typically rely on:
Structural silicone glazing (SSG)
Point-fixed glass connections (spider fittings)
Cable-supported or tension structures
Laminated and insulated safety glass
The result is a high-transparency façade that combines architectural expression with structural performance.
Website: https://www.permasteelisagroup.com
Permasteelisa Group is a global leader in façade engineering and architectural envelope solutions, specializing in high-performance structural glass curtain wall systems and complex façade integration.
The company operates internationally across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, delivering large-scale architectural envelope solutions for landmark developments.
Europe (engineering and headquarters base)
North America (commercial high-rise projects)
Middle East (luxury and mega-scale developments)
Asia-Pacific (urban landmark architecture)
Structural glass curtain wall systems
Unitized façade systems
Cable-supported glass façades
Freeform and parametric façade systems
Skylight and atrium glazing systems
Full façade lifecycle capability (design, engineering, fabrication, installation)
Strong expertise in complex geometry façade systems
Global execution capability for large-scale projects
Advanced integration of architectural design and structural engineering
Structural load analysis for large-span glass systems
Complex connection design for point-supported façades
Parametric and digital façade modeling
High-precision fabrication coordination across global facilities
Permasteelisa is widely recognized as one of the few companies capable of delivering fully integrated structural glass façade systems at global scale, making it a top-tier leader in the full glass curtain wall industry.
Website: https://enclos.com
Enclos is one of the most advanced façade contractors in the United States, specializing in custom curtain wall systems and structural glass façade engineering.
The company provides integrated services including design assistance, engineering, fabrication, and installation.
United States (primary market)
Canada (select large-scale projects)
Structural glass curtain wall systems
Custom façade systems
Skylights and atrium enclosures
Cable-supported glass structures
Strong integration of engineering and fabrication
High capability in custom structural glass solutions
Expertise in complex architectural envelopes
Established presence in North American high-rise projects
Structural glazing design optimization
Wind load and thermal performance analysis
High-precision installation engineering
Custom connection system development
Enclos is one of the few U.S.-based companies capable of delivering true full glass curtain wall systems, especially for high-performance architectural projects.
Website: https://seele.com
Seele is a German façade contractor specializing in innovative and highly complex architectural glass systems and structural façade engineering.
The company is known for combining engineering expertise with digital fabrication technologies.
Europe
Global architectural landmark projects
Large-span glass façades
Cable-net structural systems
Freeform glass structures
Custom façade engineering solutions
Strong innovation in façade engineering
Advanced digital fabrication capability
Expertise in complex architectural geometry
High-level integration of steel and glass systems
Parametric façade design
Structural glass analysis for complex shapes
Cable-supported façade engineering
Precision fabrication and assembly systems
Seele is widely recognized for its innovation-driven approach to structural glass architecture, enabling highly complex façade systems that push engineering boundaries.
Website: https://www.novumstructures.com
Novum Structures specializes in architectural steel-and-glass systems, focusing on large-span structural glass façades and roof systems.
The company is known for engineering complex glass enclosures.
United States
Public architecture and infrastructure projects
Structural glass façades
Glass roof systems
Skylights and atriums
Cable-supported structures
Expertise in large-span structural systems
Strong steel-glass integration capability
Advanced engineering for public architecture
High-performance enclosure systems
Large-span structural analysis
Cable-supported façade engineering
Glass roof load optimization
Integrated steel-glass system design
Novum Structures is recognized for its expertise in large-scale glass enclosure engineering, particularly for complex architectural spaces.
Website: https://www.wwglass.com
W&W Glass is a well-established U.S.-based façade contractor specializing in high-end architectural glass systems and complex curtain wall installations. The company has built a strong reputation in premium commercial, institutional, and mixed-use developments across major U.S. cities.
Unlike system manufacturers, W&W Glass focuses on project execution and façade integration, working closely with architects, developers, and general contractors to deliver technically demanding building envelopes.
United States (New York, Boston, Chicago, etc.)
High-end commercial and institutional projects
Custom glass curtain wall systems
Structural glass façade installations
High-performance glazing systems
Unitized and stick-built curtain wall assemblies
Strong execution capability in complex façade projects
Extensive experience in high-end urban developments
Close collaboration with architects and developers
Proven ability to manage large-scale glazing packages
Custom façade system coordination and integration
Installation engineering for complex geometries
Performance-driven glazing solutions (thermal, acoustic, structural)
Detailed shop drawing and project management support
W&W Glass stands out for its on-site execution expertise and ability to deliver architecturally complex glass façades, making it a trusted contractor for high-profile commercial projects in the U.S.
Website: https://www.schueco.com
Schüco is one of the world's leading providers of aluminum façade systems, curtain wall solutions, and building envelope technologies. Headquartered in Germany, the company operates in over 80 countries and plays a major role in shaping modern façade engineering standards.
While Schüco does not act as a façade contractor, its systems are widely used in projects that require high-performance curtain wall solutions, including semi-structural and structurally glazed façades.
Europe (core market)
North America
Asia-Pacific and Middle East
Aluminum curtain wall systems
Structural glazing (SSG) façade systems
Window and door systems
Energy-efficient façade solutions
Industry-leading system engineering and R&D
Strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability
Global technical support network
Highly standardized and tested façade systems
Curtain wall system design and optimization
Thermal insulation and energy performance engineering
Modular façade system development
BIM and digital façade integration
Schüco stands out as a technology-driven system supplier, providing the foundational systems used by façade contractors to build high-performance curtain wall projects, including some structural glass applications.
Website: https://www.kawneer.com
Kawneer is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of architectural aluminum systems and curtain wall solutions, widely used in commercial and institutional buildings.
With decades of experience, Kawneer has developed a strong portfolio of standardized curtain wall systems that support efficient construction and reliable performance.
United States (primary market)
North America commercial construction sector
Curtain wall systems (unitized and stick-built)
Storefront systems
Architectural aluminum framing systems
Entrance and glazing solutions
Proven and reliable system performance
Strong presence in commercial construction
Scalable solutions for large projects
Well-established distribution and support network
Unitized curtain wall system engineering
Performance testing (air, water, structural)
Standardized façade system design
Code-compliant building envelope solutions
Kawneer stands out for its reliable and scalable curtain wall systems, making it a key supplier for commercial façade projects, although it typically supports rather than leads full glass structural façade engineering.
Glass panels are designed to resist wind loads, thermal movement, and deflection while maintaining safety standards.
Modern systems use:
Point-supported stainless steel fittings
Cable-net tension systems
Minimal steel or hidden structural frames
Laminated safety glass
Tempered glass
Insulated glass units (IGU)
A system where glass panels are fixed using mechanical fittings with minimal visible structure.
A high-transparency system supported by tensioned cable networks.
Glass panels bonded with structural silicone for a frameless appearance.
Complex architectural geometries enabled by parametric design and digital fabrication.
| Feature | Full Glass Curtain Wall | Traditional Curtain Wall |
| Appearance | Frameless / minimal frame | Visible aluminum framing |
| Structural Role | Glass plays structural role | Aluminum frame supports load |
| Complexity | High | Medium |
| Cost Level | High | Moderate |
Full glass curtain wall systems require advanced engineering to solve:
Wind load resistance and structural stability
Glass deflection control under load
Waterproofing and long-term sealing performance
High-precision installation tolerances
Growing demand for transparent architecture
Expansion of freeform façade design
Integration of BIM and digital fabrication
Increased focus on sustainability and energy performance
Only a small group of companies globally can deliver these systems due to:
High structural engineering complexity
Advanced fabrication requirements
Strict safety and performance standards
Need for integrated design-to-installation capability
Full glass curtain walls represent one of the most advanced forms of façade engineering in modern architecture, combining structural performance with maximum transparency and design flexibility.
In the US and European markets, only a limited number of companies have the capability to deliver true structural glass curtain wall systems. Industry leaders such as Permasteelisa Group, Enclos, and Seele stand out due to their expertise in complex geometry, structural glass engineering, and full project execution.
At the same time, companies like W&W Glass and Novum Structures play an important role in delivering high-quality glass façade systems, particularly in specialized or large-scale applications.
In addition, system suppliers such as Schüco and Kawneer provide the underlying curtain wall technologies widely used across the industry.
Understanding the differences between façade contractors and system suppliers is essential when selecting the right partner for a full glass curtain wall project.
Who are the leading full glass curtain wall supplier?
Leading full glass curtain wall supplier include Permasteelisa Group, Enclos, and Seele, which are widely recognized for their ability to deliver complex structural glass façade systems.
Other important players such as W&W Glass and Novum Structures contribute to high-end façade execution and large-span glass structures.
What is the difference between façade contractors and system suppliers?
Façade contractors, such as Enclos or Seele, provide complete project delivery, including design, engineering, fabrication, and installation.
System suppliers like Schüco and Kawneer focus on developing aluminum curtain wall systems and façade technologies, which are then used by contractors in building projects.
What makes a company qualified for full glass curtain wall projects?
A qualified company must demonstrate:
· Expertise in structural glass engineering
· Experience with complex façade geometry
· Capability to design custom connection systems
· Integrated delivery from engineering to installation
Only a small number of companies globally meet all these requirements.
When should you choose a full glass curtain wall contractor?
You should choose a specialized contractor when your project involves:
· Frameless or minimally framed glass façades
· Point-supported or cable-supported systems
· Complex architectural geometry
· High-end commercial or landmark buildings
In these cases, companies like Permasteelisa Group or Seele are typically preferred.
Why are full glass curtain wall systems more expensive?
Full glass curtain walls are more expensive due to:
· Advanced structural engineering requirements
· Custom fabrication of glass and connection systems
· High installation precision and complexity
· Increased design and coordination effort
These factors significantly increase both material and labor costs compared to standard curtain wall systems.
