In the 1970s, buildings in Korea were mostly box shaped ferroconcrete buildings. As ILJIN Unisco (ILJIN Metal Industrial Inc.) introduced ‘curtain wall’ technology in 1975 for the first time in Korea, a wind of change blew.
‘Curtain wall’ technology uses glass, metal materials and other panels as exterior material to block rainstorm, noise and heat. It is an innovative technology that does not weigh down buildings with materials. It is mainly used on curved buildings so it is often described as a technology that ‘sugar coats dry buildings.’
ILJIN Unisco, whom succeeded to maintain the leading position in ‘curtain wall’ industry for the past 30 years is continuing its innovation. Senior research engineer Jae Hyung Jung shares the story of ILJIN Unisco and its innovation.

Where can we find buildings with ILJIN Unisco’s curtain wall technology?

They’re easier than you’d think. The most representative ones are Garak-Tower in the Gangnam intersection, Dongdaemun Digital Plaza in Gangbuk and the new Seoul City Hall building. Garak Tower in a shape of tide is the first building in Korea with 3D curtain wall technology. Other than these buildings, representative modern structures in Korea such as Gangnam GS Tower, Incheon International Airport, Gwanghwamun SKT Tower are the works of ILJIN Unisco.

What does the R&D center study & develop?

We develop windows and doors. We also conduct joint national projects and product development work to win contracts.

What do you mean by windows and doors development?

Recently, attention and need of energy consumption reduction and eco-friendly buildings are increasing in society. Therefore, the need for windows and doors with high insulation efficiency and strong protection against exterior factors such as wind pressure is rising. Windows and doors development follows the logic of curtain wall technology which applies glass on the exterior walls to block external heat and to protect buildings from national disasters.

What are innovative windows and doors?

Last winter, insulation sheet, as known as the bubble wrap became a big trend in Korea. When insulation sheet is applied on the window, the external cold is blocked and the internal heat is kept, and therefore, results in heat cost reduction. As for the windows and doors development, we are considering the same logical innovation. Instead of the existing two-layered windows, triple-glazed windows with shades or insulation film in between windows or applying MDFS (mini double façade system) which vent heat between windows are innovative cases.

How will they bring changes in life?

Insulation efficiency, energy consumption reduction, high efficiency and economical values are some of the benefits. The windows and doors which we’re developing are half as thick as the existing ones but offers higher thermal management ability. This means we can enjoy warmer and pleasant life at lower cost.

What do you think is the true definition of ‘ILJIN Unisco’ and ‘innovation’?

‘One must know the R&D in order to look 10 years ahead.’ I believe technology must be developed continuously for a corporation’s development. We are the ‘best’ in Korea at the moment, but in order to become the ‘best’ curtain wall corporation globally, to achieve our ‘future goal’, the things we must do are innovation.