Curtain wall vs ACP cladding: what's the difference?
The short answer
Curtain wall is a glazed facade that brings in light and views; ACP cladding is an opaque panel system that covers solid walls, columns and signage zones. They do different jobs and most commercial facades use both: curtain wall where you want glass and fire-rated ACP where the wall is solid.
| Curtain wall | ACP cladding | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium frame + glass | Aluminium composite panels |
| Purpose | Daylight and views | Covers solid areas |
| Key spec | Glass solar and thermal values | Fire-rated core |
| Relative cost | Higher per m² | Lower per m² |
Fire safety comes first
The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code controls which facade materials can be used. Cladding panels must have a tested, fire-rated core, and the facade needs civil defence approval. Always ask your supplier for the test certificates of the exact panel they are quoting.