NCARB Demo Exam - Window Wall vs Storefront
Hi all,
I came across a question from the demo exam asking about the cheapest alternative to a curtainwall system.
To my understanding, the storefront system and window wall system are essentially the same except that window wall describes windows that span floor to floor and storefront describes the same but on the ground floor application. In this case, window wall will be the best alternative to curtainwall system. However, the NCARB says the answer is storefront.
Can anyone help me with this? Thanks!
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This question seems kind of tricky. A window wall couldn't be 3 stories tall clear though.
And keep in mind that any CUSTOM colors and finishes are typically extremely more expensive than typical colors & finishes. So the answer does make sense.
Hope this helps!
Rebekka O'Melia, Registered Architect, NCARB, B. Arch, M. Ed, Step UP, Step UP ARE 5.0 Courses
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This is a typical tricky question that NCARB loves to throw around.
NCARB wants you to associate storefront systems with simple, pre-fabricated systems built slab to slab and typically installed on the ground floor for public use in high-traffic areas. Since they serve as building entrance/exits/egress for frequent use, they are typically low-performing and thermally leaky, and are generally the least expensive glazing option.
Window walls, while too built from slab to slab, are associated with private use on upper floors as they are generally higher performing and often customized. Window walls are designed for performing appropriately against solar gain, sound transmission and heat loss, thus are typically much more expensive. In this question, because the "aesthetics of the original design must be maintained" visually - think of a fluoropolymer as a newly painted car body, seamless and durable; and a baked enamel finish is every glazed ceramic you ever made in art class - you want to go with the cheaper system with the higher-level finish. You will save so much more on the structure while still "splurging" on the finish, which is the icing to the cake.
Hope this helps!
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