The Kawneer 1600 Wall System®1 is a curtain wall system designed for low- to mid-rise applications. It has received recognition, including a Product Category Winner award from the USGBC Sustainability Awards in 2023. The system offers various features, including thermal technology, hurricane and blast resistance, and concealed fastener joinery. Documentation available includes architectural detail manuals, product selection guides, and material safety data sheets (SDS). The system is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze and offers a range of finishes and optional features.
System Overview and Applications
The 1600 Wall System®1 is intended for use in low- to mid-rise building applications. It is designed to integrate with Kawneer entrances, GLASSvent® products, and sun control products. The system’s concealed fastener joinery contributes to a smooth, monolithic appearance, and fillers create uninterrupted seam lines when used with optional open-back mullions. The system meets current building codes requiring protection of openings in windborne debris regions, with impact-resistant framing options available in several sizes: 7-1/16″ (177.8mm), 7-13/16″ (198.43mm), 10-1/16″ (255.58mm), and 10-13/16″ (274.63mm).
Performance and Approvals
The 1600 Wall System®1 is designed to meet specific performance criteria. It is hurricane resistant and blast resistant, though further details regarding specific ratings are not provided in the available documentation. The system also meets codes related to windborne debris protection. Documentation pertaining to Florida Product Approval and Texas Department of Insurance Evaluation is available. The system has undergone AAMA 501.6 seismic testing, as indicated by a related flyer.
Cradle to Cradle Certification
The 1600 Wall System®1 has achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze status. This certification recognizes the system’s material content, recyclability, and manufacturing characteristics. Further information regarding the Cradle to Cradle certification process can be found at www.c2ccertified.org. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is a certification mark of MBDC. A Material Health Certificate is available as part of the certification documentation.
Optional Features and Customization
Several optional features are available to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the 1600 Wall System®1. These include:
- Steel reinforcing
- Rain screen and backpans
- Deep profile covers and bull nose covers
- Deep and heavy-weight mullions
- Profit$Maker® Plus die sets
- Dual-color options
Finishes and Color Options
A variety of finishes are available for the 1600 Wall System®1, including anodized finishes, liquid paints (Permadize® and Permafluor™), and powder paints (Permacoat™). Color charts are available for each finish type, providing a visual reference for selection. Specific color charts available include:
- Anodize Finishes - Color Chart (82 KB)
- Liquid Paint - Color Chart - Permadize® (713 KB)
- Liquid Paint - Color Chart - Permafluor™ (268 KB)
- Powder Paint - Color Charts - Permacoat™ (127 KB)
Technical Documentation and Resources
Kawneer provides a range of technical documentation to support the design, installation, and maintenance of the 1600 Wall System®1. Available resources include:
- 1600 Wall System®1 Curtain Wall - Architectural Detail Manual (8 MB, available in English and Spanish)
- 1600 Wall System®1 Curtain Wall - Flyer (235 KB)
- Curtain Wall Product Selection Guide (753 KB)
- Florida Product Approval & Texas Dept. of Insurance Evaluation Documents (290 KB)
- 1600 System1 Revit Details
- 1600 Wall System®1 & 2 Curtain Wall - Product Green Guide (222 KB)
- Traditional Curtain Wall/Aluminum Curtain Wall Systems - EPD (617 KB)
- 1600 Wall System®1 Curtain Wall and System®2 Curtain Wall - DECLARE Label (672 KB)
- 1600 Wall System®1 Curtain Wall and 1600 Wall System®2 Curtain Wall - MTS (534 KB)
- 1600 Wall System®1 Curtain Wall and 1600 Wall System®2 Curtain Wall (IMPACT RESISTANT) - MTS (740 KB)
- Typical Details with Perimeter Pressure Plate
- Typical Details with "F-Perimeter"
- Typical Details with Perimeter Mullions
- 90° & 135° Corner Details
- Window and GLASSvent Details
- Entrance Details - Center Hung with Concealed Overhead Closer
- Entrance Details - Offset Pivot/Butt Hung with Single Acting COC or Surface Closer
Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Kawneer provides SDS documentation for materials used in its products. The documentation notes that while most products are not inherently hazardous, hazardous properties can develop during alteration processes such as cutting, welding, and grinding. Specific SDS documents are available for:
- Kawneer Thermal Break Filled Extrusions (SDS #1405)
- Kawneer Acrylic Paints (SDS #1385)
- Kawneer Fluoropolymer Paints (SDS #1386)
- Kawneer Bloomsburg Solvent Recovery Still Residuals (SDS #1526)
- Painted Architectural Aluminum Extrusions (SDS #1387)
- Aluminum Extrusions, Anodized Aluminum Products (SDS #509)
Arconic’s SDS database provides the PDF files containing this safety information.
Infill Options
The documentation specifies several infill options and corresponding system depths:
- 7-1/16" with 9/16" Infill (LMI - Single Span - Wet Glaze)
- 7-1/16" with 9/16" Infill (SMI - Twin Span - Dry Glaze)
- 7-1/16" with 9/16" Infill (LMI - Twin Span - Wet Glaze)
- 10-1/16" with 9/16" Infill (SMI - Single Span - Dry Glaze)
- 10-1/16" with 9/16" Infill (SMI - Single Span - Wet Glaze)
- 7-13/16" with 1-5/16" Infill (LMI - Level E- Wet Glaze)
Conclusion
The Kawneer 1600 Wall System®1 is a curtain wall system offering a combination of performance, aesthetic flexibility, and sustainability features. Its Cradle to Cradle Certification, coupled with options for hurricane and blast resistance, positions it as a viable solution for a range of low- to mid-rise building projects. Comprehensive documentation, including architectural details, product guides, and safety data sheets, is available to support design and installation professionals.

