THIN TO WIN

Façade systems have been prevalent in Europe for years for their sleek, thin sight lines and excellent air, water, and thermal performance. 

Historically, used in commercial projects; only some brands had the ratings, engineering know-how, and performance necessary for high-end residential builds. Today, that's no longer the case, and Glacier is proud to be able to offer numerous systems to meet the needs of your project. 

BLACKCOMB


While most manufacturers we work with offer façade systems as a complement to their vast window and door offerings, Blackcomb is a true specialist. 

Using the German-engineered RAICO system exclusively, Blackcomb's comprehensive offering goes far beyond just supplying a product to a job site. Working with Blackcomb, you work with a team of designers, engineers, and problem solvers in a collaborative environment. They know the capabilities of their systems inside and out and rarely encounter a challenge they haven't overcome before. Architects look to Blackcomb because they come up with proven solutions every time.

Available in vertical, sloped, and overhead configurations in wood, aluminum, or steel.

The breathtaking effect of large façade curtain walls is created by the immediacy of the connection between the interior and exterior of the building. Viewed from the street, expansive glass facades are dazzling, with an air of the impossible about them. The person inside the building feels as though they are directly connected with the outside world – while they remain warm, or cool, and sheltered. In short, it’s the view – transparency – that creates the wow. 

Blackcomb is dedicated to creating exquisitely engineered facade systems with minimal site lines. Traditionally, when many windows were combined, the vulnerable junctures were protected against wind and moisture by widening the mullions; while strength and shielding were increased, aesthetics – and the view – suffered. In Blackcomb’s façade systems mullion dimensions grow deeper as size and exposure requirements increase, not wider. Their two-inch wide mullions provide aesthetically pleasing divides while achieving the requisite protective and structural attributes.



WHY FAÇADE

The obvious answer is design flexibility, attractiveness, and performance. When combining numerous windows, the vulnerable location is called the mullion. Because a joint is created, the mullion becomes a liability from the water intrusion and wind resistance perspective. Many window manufacturers address these challenges by inserting materials like steel into their mullions, or you will see mullions packed out with numerous inches of reinforcing wood that increases sight lines. 

Façade systems never grow wider at the mullions. Dimensions of the posts and beams grow deeper as their overall size and exposure requirements increase. When giant window walls are the design, there isn't an ideal solution in the fenestration world than a high-quality façade system.

 

PASSIVE HOUSE SYSTEMS

All Blackcomb products meet passive house standards. A rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. It results in buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.

RAICO Bautechnik was the first German system house to have their curtainwall system certified by the Passive House Institute Dr. Feist Darmstadt in 1999. RAICO has a complete suite of PHI certified systems, which enables integrated design on complex projects with various curtainwall, skylight, window & door elements.