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Hiten Sethi (HS): Architectural hardware is becoming increasingly design-oriented. Any architectural hardware shall ideally provide the highest level of performance, security & safety without compromising on aesthetics. Hardware used for doors, windows and façades influence overall look of any architectural project, hence choosing the right ones are of utmost importance! Selection criteria should be based on – firstly, level of performance which means satisfactory operations and durability. Secondly, no compromise shall be practised about visual appeal of hardware. Designs of hardware – the colour, texture and finish chosen – can be altered and redesigned based on demand.
Ideally hardware product manufacturers should aim for products to perform, be durable and have aesthetic finish, all balanced together. Overall quality of hardware matters because whether concealed or visible, sub-standard hardware fittings provide poor functionality and look cheap as well.
Hiten Sethi (HS): Architectural hardware for façades & fenestrations shall be chosen majorly on their aesthetic value, with least structural interference. A façade being the exterior face of a building, it is crucial to choose visually appealing hardware which also compliments the overall character and nature of the building. Façade designs are based on contextual climatic conditions and need supporting hardware. No two projects will have same design solutions. Giving creative freedom to architects in choosing innovative hardware for new façade design is crucial.
Hiten Sethi (HS): Products available in Indian markets are satisfactory, yet more variety is welcome. Especially hardware supporting energy efficient building elements is in dire demand considering the new wave of Green buildings in Indian architecture and real estate world. Also increase in transparency in building façades is bringing innovative materials in use which further demand supporting hardware.
Hiten Sethi (HS): IDBI (extension) Annex Building (Site Area: 1, 30,000 sq. ft., Project Area: 1, 30,000 sq. ft., Location: Belapur, Navi Mumbai): IDBI extension is a G+10 ongoing building with state-of-the-art façade design. It is a winning design competition entry by us, whose main façade feature is a glazed hemisphere projecting between 5th-9th floors. Instead of regularly used mounted brackets, the faceted sphere surface is supported by bent hollow rectangular mild steel sections which provide double glazed unit system.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Headquarters NMMC (Site Area: 3, 58,000 sq. ft., Project Area: 3, 58,000 sq. ft., Location: Belapur, Navi Mumbai): It is a prestigious gold rated green building with an efficient building envelope with high performance glazing. The glass used in double glazed structural/curtain glazing, which is selected as per energy simulation in the local climatic conditions. Sustainable material like Glass reinforced cement (GRC) and manufactured stone are used for dry cladding.
Hiten Sethi (HS): Façade and fenestrations are the first impression/ experience of any building hence importance of their hardware will remain constant. Hardware selection should become an integral part of façade design and hence both industries should work in cohesion. Manufacturers should understand demands and designs of architects and in turn architects should update themselves with latest hardware technologies for their optimum use.
Hiten Sethi (HS): Following are few usual challenges while choosing hardware during designing the façades or windows:
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