Focus on the Façade: Exploring Steel, Timber & Fire-Rated Curtain Walls and Channel Glass Systems  

The building envelope is increasingly being called to deliver more: more access to daylight, better thermal performance, and a higher resistance to life safety threats. To support these goals while elevating design, modern façade materials and systems have evolved to expand what the building envelope can do.

This course introduces several modern façade solutions, including steel and timber curtain walls, fire-rated curtain walls, and channel glass systems.

After this session concludes, attendees will be equipped to evaluate and specify high-performance glazing systems that support both creative vision and project performance goals, including structural integrity, visual impact, and code compliance.

Photo courtesy of Technical Glass Products

Tim Donaldson is an Architectural Services Manager at Technical Glass Products (TGP), a leading provider of fire-rated glass and framing systems and specialty architectural glazing solutions. He collaborates with design professionals to navigate fire and life safety codes without compromising aesthetics, helping them bring their architectural vision to life. Tim delivers education on fire-rated glazing materials, performance standards, and specification strategies—empowering architects to design safe, code-compliant, and visually striking spaces. He also acts as a technical resource for architects, building owners, and glazing contractors, offering project-specific insights and support from design through construction.