BDF Architectural fabricates and installs both Schüco and Cortizo systems — two of Europe's most widely specified aluminium system manufacturers — as a Schüco Residential Partner and a Cortizo Official Fabricator. In any given week we are delivering both on different commercial and residential projects in London and the UK, which gives us a practical view of where each system excels. This is a technical comparison for architects, project managers and main contractors; if you are choosing doors for your own home, our homeowner's Schüco vs Cortizo guide is the better read.
About Schüco
Schüco is a German aluminium systems manufacturer headquartered in Bielefeld, with more than 70 years in the industry. Its range spans curtain walling, façades, sliding and folding doors and windows, with a strong emphasis on thermal performance, precision engineering and architectural detail. Schüco systems are widely specified on commercial offices, high-end residential developments and public buildings across the UK and Europe.
About Cortizo
Cortizo is a Spanish aluminium systems manufacturer with a growing presence in the UK and across Europe. Its range covers sliding and folding doors, windows, entrance doors and façade systems. Cortizo has built a strong reputation for competitive pricing without compromising build quality, and is increasingly specified alongside Schüco on mixed-use and residential-led developments.
Schüco vs Cortizo: system range compared
- Curtain walling: both manufacturers publish curtain wall systems. On our own curtain walling packages we work mainly on Schüco FWS 50, including the highly insulated FWS 50.SI and FWS 50 SG structural glazing, and on Jansen VISS where a steel façade is specified, including VISS Fire for fire rated curtain walling
- Sliding doors: Schüco's ASS 70.HI lift-and-slide door and ASS 77 PD panorama door, and Cortizo's minimal-frame Cor Vision Plus, are the large sliding systems we are asked about most
- Folding doors: Schüco's AS FD 75/90.HI is the premium option for commercial and high-end residential openings; Cortizo Bifold Plus is a strong value choice on residential-led schemes
- Windows: the Schüco AWS 70 range offers high thermal performance for commercial and residential use; Cortizo's Arch Invisible tilt and turn window is a concealed-hardware option
- Entrance doors: both offer entrance door systems, and we also supply Aluprof panel and pivot doors where a large statement entrance is needed
| Schüco | Cortizo | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | German, headquartered in Bielefeld | Spanish |
| Curtain walling | Our main curtain wall system: FWS 50, with the highly insulated FWS 50.SI and structurally glazed FWS 50 SG | Publishes curtain wall systems; our curtain walling packages are mainly Schüco FWS 50, or Jansen VISS in steel |
| Folding doors | AS FD 75/90.HI, the premium commercial and high-end residential option | Bifold Plus, a strong value choice on residential-led schemes |
| Sliding doors | ASS 70.HI lift-and-slide and ASS 77 PD panorama door | Cor Vision Plus, with a minimal frame |
| Windows | AWS 70 range, high thermal performance | Arch Invisible tilt and turn, with concealed hardware |
| Usually specified for | Curtain walling, Passivhaus, public sector and architect-led specifications | Premium residential and mixed-use door and window packages where value matters |
| Our status | Schüco Residential Partner | Cortizo Official Fabricator |
Schüco vs Cortizo thermal performance
Both systems can meet current UK Building Regulations thermal requirements when correctly glazed. Schüco's high-insulation (.HI and .SI) variants are designed for very low U-values and are a natural fit for Passivhaus and near-zero energy projects. Cortizo performs well on standard and enhanced commercial specifications. In every case the figure that matters is the U-value calculated for the actual size, glass and configuration, not the best-case brochure figure.
Certification and technical documentation
Whichever system you choose, ask for the declaration of performance and the test evidence behind each window, door or curtain wall configuration. Schüco publishes extensive technical documentation, BIM objects and specification support for UK specifiers, which can make the specification process faster and easier to defend. Check what Cortizo documentation is available for your specific products early, especially on higher-risk buildings and public sector projects where the evidence required is more demanding.
When to specify Schüco or Cortizo
- Specify Schüco for: curtain walling packages, Passivhaus projects, architect-led specifications where brand matters, public sector buildings, and projects needing the most comprehensive technical documentation
- Specify Cortizo for: premium residential development, mixed-use schemes with large door and window packages, and bifold and sliding door packages where value is a primary driver
- Use both on the same project where it makes sense — curtain walling in Schüco with bifold and sliding doors in Cortizo is a common and cost-effective combination
Recent commercial packages include aluminium bifold doors and commercial doors at Blackfriars in the City of London, and commercial glazing and aluminium windows for the Pavilion, a hospitality space in London.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cortizo cheaper than Schüco?
Cortizo is usually the more cost-effective of the two for a comparable door or window, although the gap depends on the product, size and glazing. Compare like-for-like specifications rather than headline prices.
Can Schüco and Cortizo be used on the same project?
Yes. Mixing systems is common, for example Schüco curtain walling with Cortizo sliding and bifold doors. Both can be powder-coated to the same RAL colour so the finishes match across the façade.
Is Schüco or Cortizo better for curtain walling?
On our own curtain walling packages we work mainly on Schüco FWS 50, with the highly insulated FWS 50.SI and the structurally glazed FWS 50 SG, or on Jansen VISS where a steel façade is specified. Cortizo is more often chosen for the doors and windows on residential-led and mixed-use schemes. Either way, the choice should rest on the tested data for the configuration the project needs.
Do you fabricate both Schüco and Cortizo?
Yes. BDF Architectural is a Schüco Residential Partner and a Cortizo Official Fabricator, and both systems are fabricated in our West Drayton facility and installed by our own teams.