Top Aluminium Windows for High-Rise Buildings in Harare
Designers, developers, and building owners in Harare need window systems that combine strength, thermal performance, wind- and water-tightness, and elegant sightlines. For high-rise office blocks, the right choice improves occupant comfort, reduces energy bills, and protects the façade for decades. Below I explain the best aluminium window and façade systems for Harare’s high-rise context and why Accend Aluminium & Glass (2AG) is well placed to supply and install them.
Why aluminium makes sense for Harare high-rises
Aluminium performs exceptionally in tall buildings. First, it provides the structural capacity to carry large glass panels with minimal frame width, creating bright, modern interiors. Second, aluminium resists corrosion and needs little maintenance when finished correctly. Third, modern systems include thermal breaks and high-performance seals, so they meet energy and acoustic needs in warm climates. For practical examples of aluminium product ranges and benefits, see Accend Aluminium & Glass’s product overview and their guide to double-glazed aluminium windows.
Top aluminium systems to consider
Stick (mullion-and-transom) curtain wall systems
Stick curtain walling suits multi-storey commercial façades because fabricators assemble long vertical mullions and horizontal transoms on site. The system handles large glass weights and adapts to building movement. As a result, architects can specify large spans of glazing, integrated shading, and serviceable access panels. For global system specs and proven performance, Schüco’s façade documentation is an excellent technical reference. Schüco Academy+1
Unitised and structural glazing façades
Unitised façades arrive as factory-assembled modules. They speed up installation and improve QA because glazing and glazing gaskets are fitted off-site. Meanwhile, structural glazing (silicone-bonded glass) gives an uninterrupted glass face for an ultra-modern look. These approaches reduce site labour and improve airtightness — both useful on tall buildings with complex logistics. See Accend’s curtain-wall resources and shopfront case studies for locally relevant examples.
Thermally broken windows and high-performance frames
To control heat gain and improve energy efficiency, choose thermally broken aluminium systems. These frames include polyamide or engineered thermal strips that cut heat transfer through the frame. Therefore, you get slimmer profiles without sacrificing insulation. Reynaers and other manufacturers document how low-carbon thermal breaks and high-insulation systems perform in real projects. Reynaers+1
Slim-frame high-insulation windows
When designers want a “steel-look” slim frame with modern thermal performance, slim high-insulation aluminium systems deliver. They mimic the delicate sightlines of steel windows while meeting modern U-value and acoustic targets. For product inspiration, explore Reynaers’ SlimLine offerings.
Performance criteria for Harare high-rise projects
When you pick a system, focus on these measurable criteria:
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Wind load capacity and structural glass limits. High-rise façades must withstand strong gusts and suction. Confirm design wind pressures, glass weights and support spans with your façade engineer.
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Thermal performance (U-value) and solar control. Use double glazing, low-e coatings, and thermal breaks to limit cooling loads.
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Air and water tightness. Choose systems tested to high air-permeability and watertightness classes for heavy storms.
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Acoustic performance. In dense urban centres, specify glass and seals with appropriate Rw values.
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Fire and escape integration. Ensure window and curtain-wall systems meet local fire egress and façade fire-safety rules.
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Maintainability and access. Façade access systems or integrated window-cleaning provisions make long-term maintenance safer and cheaper.
For locally tailored advice, Accend’s pages on curtain walling and their product range explain practical trade-offs and installation considerations. Aluminium Windows and Doors Randburg+1
Design & build considerations (practical steps)
First, carry out a full site survey to record wind exposure, orientation, and solar shading needs. Next, confirm structural movement joints and how the façade will connect to slabs. Then select glass types (double glazed, laminated, or insulated units) based on acoustic and safety needs. Finally, plan logistics: unitised façades need larger, safer off-loading zones; stick systems require scaffold or crane access.
Accend provides local manufacturing and installation capacity from Roodepoort and Randburg, and their product pages and contact page make it easy to request site-specific quotations and technical drawings. Aluminium Windows and Doors Randburg+1
Why work with a local specialist like Accend Aluminium & Glass
Working with a supplier familiar with southern African climates and logistics shortens lead times and reduces risk. Accend (2AG) offers a wide range of aluminium windows, doors, and shopfront solutions and publishes guides and tips that help clients make informed choices. Their local footprint lets them support projects in Harare with relevant product choices, glazing advice, and installation teams who understand regional building practices. Explore their product pages, shop, and examples to see how they tailor solutions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid underspecifying wind load or using single glazing in exposed façades. Also, do not rely exclusively on standard aluminium profiles without thermal breaks for tall buildings in Harare’s climate. Poor sealant details and incorrect expansion joints also cause water ingress and condensation. Accend’s post on installation mistakes highlights the most frequent errors and how to prevent them. Aluminium Windows and Doors Randburg
Quick checklist for procurement teams
Before you sign a contract, confirm the following:
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The system’s tested air, water and wind resistance classes.
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Thermal break specification and certified U-values for the glazing unit.
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Factory QA and whether the supplier offers unitised modules or full system fabrication.
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Local support for on-site modifications and post-installation maintenance.
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Clear warranty terms for frames, powder coating/anodising, and sealants.
Use Accend’s quotation form and contact page to start the specification process and request technical documentation. Aluminium Windows and Doors Randburg+1
Case example: combining curtain walling with slim operable windows
Many modern Harare offices use a primary curtain wall for daylight and views and integrate slim operable windows for ventilation and easy cleaning. This hybrid keeps sightlines minimal while giving practical ventilation and maintenance access. For more on curtain wall types and how they integrate with operable units, review Accend’s curtain wall resources and global system examples from Schüco. Aluminium Windows and Doors Randburg+1
Final recommendation
For high-rise office buildings in Harare, specify a tested curtain-wall or unitised façade system with thermally broken aluminium profiles and high-performance double glazing. Then partner with a supplier who understands local logistics, installation tolerances, and warranty obligations. Accend Aluminium & Glass offers the local experience, product range, and installation capability to deliver those systems—see their aluminium windows page, shopfront solutions, curtain wall resources, and guides to double-glazed windows to learn more and request a quote.
