50mm vs. 35mm Curtain Wall Systems — What's the Difference?

Sayeed Swiftrooms • May 13, 2025

Understanding the Difference: 50mm vs. 35mm Curtain Wall Systems

50mm systems are the standard, offering strength and wide compatibility.

35mm systems deliver ultra-slim sightlines for high-end design appeal.

50mm is ideal for structural spans; 35mm is for smaller, design-led façades.

Aesthetic goals and project scale drive the decision.

Swift Rooms provides expert guidance and tailored curtain wall systems across the UAE.

A living room with a red couch and a large window

Curtain wall systems come in a variety of profile sizes — the most common being 50mm and 35mm face widths. For architects, designers, and developers in the UAE, choosing the right profile affects both aesthetics and performance.

In this post, we’ll break down the differences between 50mm and 35mm curtain wall systems, when to use each, and what Swift Rooms offers for high-performance façades.

What Does “50mm” or “35mm” Mean?

The measurement refers to the visible face width of the aluminium profile from the exterior. It impacts the visual appearance and sometimes the structural capability of the system.

50mm System: The standard width — often used in commercial buildings, villas, and high-rise projects.
35mm System: A slimmer, more minimalist option — ideal for boutique architecture or high-end villas where slim sightlines are preferred.

Key Differences

Feature 50mm Curtain Wall 35mm Curtain Wall

Face Width 50mm (visible aluminium) 35mm (more glass, less aluminium)

Aesthetic Balanced sightlines Ultra-slim, minimalist look

Strength Higher structural capacity Suitable for smaller spans

Cost Generally lower due to standardisation Slightly higher due to customisation

Use Case Villas, towers, commercial buildings Luxury villas, boutique projects

Which Curtain Wall Profile Should You Choose?

Choose 50mm if:

You need structural strength for larger glazed spans
You're working on a high-rise, commercial, or mixed-use building
You want a well-established, cost-efficient solution

Choose 35mm if:

You’re aiming for ultra-minimalist sightlines
A luxury design finish is important (e.g. high-end villas)
The façade has smaller spans and lower wind load requirements

Swift Rooms Curtain Wall Solutions

At Swift Rooms, we supply and install aluminium curtain wall systems using leading brands such as Cortizo and Technal. Our experts can advise whether a 50mm or 35mm profile best suits your project goals, ensuring: