Curtain walls are typically described as what type of construction?

Curtain walls are typically described as factory prefabricated systems. This means that the various components of the curtain wall—such as panels, frames, and glazing—are manufactured in a controlled factory environment before being transported to the construction site for installation. This approach allows for greater precision, quality control, and efficiency in production, as the components can be manufactured under ideal conditions and assembled quickly on site.

Factory prefabrication also contributes to reduced construction time on-site, minimizes waste, and can lead to better thermal and structural performance due to the controlled manufacturing processes. The design and assembly processes often allow for easier integration of various materials and systems, aligning with modern building practices that emphasize speed, sustainability, and high performance.

While other construction methods like site-built or custom-built exist, they do not reflect the standardized and efficient nature of curtain wall systems as accurately as factory prefabrication does. Additionally, modular construction, although relevant in some contexts, refers more to the creating of entire sections or modules of a building, rather than the specific systemization of curtain walls.