PRANCE metalwork is a leading manufacturer of metal ceiling and facade systems.
Are unitized curtain walls more expensive than traditional stick-built aluminum façade systems?
The cost comparison between unitized and stick curtain wall systems depends on the whole-project perspective. Unitized systems often have higher upfront manufacturing and logistics costs because modules are precision-engineered, factory-assembled, and require larger transport and crane services. For projects in the Middle East and Central Asia (including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan), these logistics expenses can be significant depending on port access and crane availability.
However, unitized systems reduce on-site labor time, scaffold rental, and weather-related delays, translating into lower construction supervision costs and earlier building handover — savings that can offset the higher manufacturing cost. For high-rise towers where time is money (major GCC developments, for instance), unitized façades frequently provide better total installed cost over the project lifecycle.
Stick systems typically have lower factory costs and simpler transport requirements, making them attractive for smaller buildings or projects with tight site constraints. Yet, on-site labor intensity, extended schedules, and potential rework for sealing or alignment can increase final costs. Maintenance and lifecycle considerations matter too: unitized modules often have superior long-term airtightness and reduced call-backs.
As an aluminum façade manufacturer, we present a full life-cycle cost analysis for clients in the Middle East and Central Asia, incorporating manufacturing, shipping, rigging, installation, commissioning, and long-term maintenance. The “cheaper” option upfront may not be the most economical across construction and operational phases.