The elevation does not define the system
A transparent commercial frontage can look similar in a rendering while relying on very different structural and weather-control principles. Storefront, curtain wall and window wall are not interchangeable labels for the same assembly.
Building height, exposure, drainage, pressure, span, slab edges, movement, energy criteria, doors and maintenance all shape the appropriate system.
Storefront belongs at the right exposure
Storefront systems are commonly used at lower, protected commercial openings and interior applications. Their framing, drainage and structural limits must match the actual location rather than the desired sightline alone.
Entrances add thresholds, accessibility, egress, closers, electrified hardware, sensors and public protection to the facade decision.
Curtain wall and window wall manage different interfaces
Curtain wall is generally hung outboard of the structure and must accommodate anchors, movement, stack joints and continuous exterior exposure. Window wall is commonly installed between slabs, making slab-edge, perimeter and fire-interface coordination especially visible.
A project-specific facade consultant or engineer may be required. Early mockups and testing criteria help the owner compare real performance rather than product names.