How to make a choice between the exposed frame and the hidden frame in the glass curtain wall project？

Glass curtain wall system is the most popular type of curtain wall system in use today. In practical applications, glass curtain wall refers to the building peripheral protection structure or decorative structure composed of the supporting structural system and glass materials, which can have a certain displacement capacity with respect to the main structure and does not share the main structure. The wall is available in single or double glazing.

In the modern curtain wall building construction, each glazing system requires careful integration with other adjacent structural elements such as wall claddings, roofs, and wall details. Aluminum curtain wall system has been widely used both in commercial and residential buildings for a long time. Especially aluminum framed glass wall systems are a hallmark of modern architecture. In the current market, there are various types of curtain wall systems for choice bases on different applications. Here, we would like to have a brief discussion between the exposed frame and the hidden frame glass curtain wall systems in use.
1. Exposed Frame Glass Curtain Wall
The exposed frame glass curtain wall is a glass curtain wall in which the metal frame member is exposed on the outer surface. It is framed by a special section of aluminum alloy profile, and the glass panel is fully embedded in the groove of the profile. Its characteristic is that the aluminum alloy profile itself has the dual function of the skeleton structure and the fixed glass. The exposed framed glass curtain wall is the most traditional and reliable type of curtain wall structure in the curtain wall construction. Compared with the hidden frame glass curtain wall, it is easier to meet the construction technical level requirements.
2. Hidden Frame Glass Curtain Wall
The metal frame of the hidden frame glass curtain wall is concealed on the back of the glass, and the metal frame is not visible outside. The hidden frame glass curtain wall can be divided into two types: full hidden frame glass curtain wall and semi-hidden frame glass curtain wall. The semi-hidden frame glass curtain wall can be horizontal and vertical, or vertical and horizontal. Furthermore, the structural characteristics of the hidden frame glass curtain wall are: the glass is on the outside of the aluminum frame, and the glass is bonded to the aluminum frame with a sealant. The load on the curtain wall is mainly absorbed by the sealant.