Curtain walling in London
London has more curtain walling than anywhere else in the UK, from City and Docklands towers to the glazed receptions of borough offices, universities and hospitals. A great deal of the work now is refurbishment: reglazing, recladding or replacing facades from the 1980s and 1990s that have reached the end of their gaskets and glass units.
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Curtain walling work in London
- Stick curtain walling
Mullions and transoms built up on site, glass fitted in place.
- Unitised curtain walling
Storey-high panels made and glazed in a factory, craned in.
- Structural and spider glazing
Frameless glass held by silicone, bolts or glass fins.
- Fire-rated curtain walling
Tested E and EI glazing for escape routes and boundaries.
- Curtain walling installation
Design, fabrication and fitting on new build and refurb.
- Repair and refurbishment
Leaks, failed glass units, gaskets, reglazing and overcladding.
- CWCT testing
Laboratory sequence tests and on-site hose testing.
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Typical prices in London
National rates are £450 to £525 per m² for stick and £1,400 to £1,600 per m² for unitised. London projects tend to sit at the top of these ranges or above, because of access, logistics, out-of-hours working and the share of bespoke, high-specification facades.
| System | Per m², ex VAT |
|---|---|
| Stick curtain walling, flat, powder coated | £450 to £525 per m² |
| Unitised curtain walling, flat | £1,400 to £1,600 per m² |
Where these figures come from
National rates for proprietary aluminium systems on a flat elevation, supply and install, from the RIBA Journal cost guide by Gleeds (March 2025). There is no published regional rate.
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Planning in London
Planning decisions are made by the 32 London boroughs and the City of London Corporation, within the London Plan set by the Mayor. Its fire safety policy (D12) asks major developments for a fire statement by a suitably qualified assessor, which covers the construction of the external wall.
Tall buildings policy (D9) points boroughs to define where tall buildings may go, and conservation areas and listed buildings across central London bring extra scrutiny of any change to a facade, including replacement glazing that changes the colour, reflectivity or frame sizes.
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What London projects need to plan for
Access and logistics often decide the system. On a narrow street with no room for scaffolding, unitised panels fitted from inside each floor, or a stick system on a mast climber, may be the only practical route. Deliveries, crane permits and working hours are agreed with the borough.
Many London residential towers are higher-risk buildings: 18 m or seven storeys with two or more homes. Building work on them goes to the Building Safety Regulator, and the external wall must meet regulation 7(2) on materials.
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Questions people ask
How much does curtain walling cost in London?
Expect the top of the national ranges, £450 to £525 per m² for stick and £1,400 to £1,600 per m² for unitised, or more on bespoke and high-rise work, before VAT, access and design.
Do I need planning permission to replace curtain walling in London?
Often, yes, if the appearance changes, and always check first in a conservation area or on a listed building. The borough or the City of London is the planning authority.
What is a London Plan fire statement?
A statement required by London Plan policy D12 for major developments, prepared by a suitably qualified assessor, setting out how the building, including its external wall, achieves the highest standards of fire safety.
Find a curtain walling specialist in London
Location first, then the package, then your contact details. Each step is short.
We are an introduction service, not a curtain walling contractor. We look for one that covers the project and name them to you first; nothing is passed on until you agree.
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- We look for a curtain walling contractor that covers the project and handles this kind of package.
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