Security curtain walls

Security curtain walls from Metal Quartz are designed for buildings with high security requirements, without compromising transparency or architectural quality. They combine certified ballistic resistance with a sleek design and high thermal performance.

The FB6 glass curtain wall, as described in the product sheets, is composed of steel mullions and transoms and was developed for projects where aesthetics and protection go hand in hand.

Thanks to the static properties of the profiles, very large glazed surfaces are possible, while the visible profile width remains limited. The result is a curtain wall that looks bright and open, yet at the same time forms a controlled barrier against firearm threats. The security curtain wall is tested and certified according to European standards EN 1522–1523 (FB6) and is part of the specialized range of secure windows and walls by Metal Quartz.

Normative context and classifications for security curtain walls

For security curtain walls and joinery, two core standards apply:

• EN 1522–1523: this standard defines the test methods and classifications for complete elements such as windows, doors, and curtain walls. It therefore applies to the entire construction: glazing, profiles, and joints. The classification runs from FB1 to FB7, depending on resistance to different types of ammunition.
• EN 1063: this standard applies specifically to security glass. The classification here is indicated as BR1 to BR7.

For a security curtain wall in class FB6, BR6 glazing is used. The distinction between BR and FB is crucial: BR only covers the glass, while FB confirms that the entire element has been successfully tested.

In addition, test reports often indicate the difference between S (splinters) and NS (no splinters). In NS configurations, the tests guarantee that no glass splinters penetrate the protected zone. This aspect is especially important for curtain walls adjacent to public spaces or workplaces where people are located directly behind the glazing.

Test methods and laboratories

A security curtain wall is subjected to strict ballistic tests. The principle is simple: any perforation is prohibited. No projectile or fragment may penetrate the structure or create an opening between the attack side and the safe side.

EN 1522–1523 requires not only central shots on the glazing but also shots on critical points such as the junction between glass and transom, the corners of the frame, and the connection to the load-bearing structure. This ensures that the performance applies to the entire system.

The official tests for the FB6 curtain walls from Metal Quartz were carried out in accredited laboratories, including the Banc National d’Épreuve in Saint-Étienne and the Royal Military Academy in Brussels.

Structure and constructive properties of security curtain walls

The security curtain wall is based on a steel mullion-and-transom system. These profiles, developed in collaboration with Forster and reinforced by Metal Quartz, are designed to withstand high ballistic loads.

Key characteristics according to the product sheet:

• Maximum glazed area: 3.34 m² per pane.
• Profile depth: 162 mm.
• Visible profile width: 60.5 mm.

These parameters allow the realization of a slender curtain wall, aesthetically attractive despite its high security level.

The load-bearing structure makes it possible to design large glazed areas, allowing architects and designers to create open and bright curtain walls even in projects with increased security requirements.

Options

Glazing infill

The infill consists of BR6 glazing, tested according to EN 1063. Depending on project requirements, an S or NS version can be chosen. During the test, a thin aluminum film is applied on the safe side to capture and record splinters. In an NS version, it is confirmed that no splinters reach the secure zone. This is crucial for applications such as counters, public buildings, or office curtain walls where staff or visitors are close to the glazing.

Finish and color choice

Security curtain walls can be finished in any RAL color, both on the inside and outside. This gives architects the freedom to integrate the secure curtain wall harmoniously into the overall building concept.

Tested performance and possible extensions

The basic performance of the security curtain wall is FB6 according to EN 1522–1523.

In addition to ballistic performance, extra properties can be combined:

• Thermal insulation: for energy efficiency.
• Resistance to wind load: crucial for tall buildings or exposed locations.
• Air and water tightness: to guarantee comfort and durability.

These cumulative performances are explicitly mentioned in the product sheet and allow the security curtain wall to be integrated into a wide range of projects without compromising building physics quality.

Integration of doors and configurations in security curtain walls

A major advantage of the system is the possibility of integrating single or double FB6 doors into the curtain wall. This is done within the same configuration and with the same performance levels, ensuring that the entire wall remains uniformly secure.

The product sheet includes several configuration examples in which doors and fixed glass panels form one continuous whole. This makes the system suitable for entrances to public buildings, banks, or government institutions where transparency must be combined with security.

Importance of official test reports

For the assessment of security curtain walls, it is essential to use the correct documentation. Three types of documents exist:

• Material certificates: only show the properties of the steel or glass, not the performance of the complete element.
• Orientation test reports: useful for studying details, but not valid as official proof for the entire element.
• Homologation test reports: confirm that the complete element, including joints and glazing, meets the standard.

Only the homologation report provides certainty that a security curtain wall truly achieves the required performance level.

Applications of security curtain walls

Security curtain walls are used in various sectors and building types:

• Banks and financial institutions: protecting staff and customers while preserving transparency.
• Public buildings and embassies: combining accessibility with increased security.
• Military sites and judicial buildings: securing critical infrastructure and personnel.
• Data centers and server rooms: ensuring both physical protection and technical performance (insulation, airtightness).
• Industrial facilities: meeting the dual need for security and durability of the building envelope.

This wide applicability makes the security curtain wall a versatile solution that meets diverse project requirements.

Maintenance and service life

Security curtain walls are passive security elements that retain their performance as long as their structural integrity is preserved.

Three aspects are crucial to ensure their service life:

• Proper installation according to the guidelines.
• Regular inspection of joints, profiles, and glazing beads.
• Document management: keeping the official homologation test reports that prove the conformity of the element.

This aligns with the philosophy of the standards, where traceability and outcome (no perforation) are central.

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