The façade is one of the most important contributors to any building's energy use and comfort parameters. In order to provide occupants with a comfortable environment, a façade must fulfil many functions, such as providing views to the outside, resisting wind loads, supporting its own dead load weight, allowing daylight to interior spaces, blocking unwanted solar heat gain, protecting occupants from outside noise and temperature extremes, and resisting air and water penetration. The highly glazed façade has become an important component today. The common use of glass in building envelopes has greatly fascinated the 'green building' and construction designers and owners. However, most of those buildings have an intense reflection or use overly reflected glass and face severe internal comfort challenges. Only robust HVAC systems can solve this, resulting in substantial capacity, costs and environmental penalties. The future façades will be much more interactive, environmentally friendly and design innovative. Integrating...

Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd. (BESCOM) is a part of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited and is responsible for power distribution in eight districts of Karnataka. BESCOM covers an area of 41,092 Sq kms with a population of over 207 lakhs. Lending A Protective Yet Aesthetic Touch To The Building Exterior The BESCOM Head Quarters in K.R Circle Bengaluru has an employee strength of over 14000 people. The company required a façade that was environment-friendly and sustainable, and that also offered extensive longevity. In addition to the wide range of aesthetic possibilities, sustainability along the value-added elements played a major role in the choice of façade material. Aspect Clay Tiles fit the bill perfectly, considering its sustainable and long-lasting nature. The head-office used 1,400 Sq m of Aspect clay façade, which was designed by RC Architecture. The installation was done with Aspect 600 x 300mm tiles size of and 50...

The concept design of the project Al Tawar Kindergarten is based on a mix of vibrant coloured panels and white panels distributed randomly. Such a distribution presented a challenge in terms of maximizing energy production. However, Emirates Insolaire team prepared a full solution designed to optimize the output energy from Kromatix ™ panels while respecting the integrity of the original concept design. The Kromatix ™ façade system was designed with special consideration of the local standards for wind load, the weight of each panel (65 kg), thermal expansion of the glass and the aluminium system. The design employs foil-faced insulation (50mm thick, 80Kg density) by Fujairah Rockwool. Additionally, they provisioned for fire barriers using Siderise material. The materials and installation follow DCD (Dubai Civil Defence) Fire and Life Safety Code. KROMaTIX ™ patented Swiss technology [caption id="attachment_41140" align="alignleft" width="300"] Entrance done with non-active Kromatix ™ coloured panels[/caption] Kromatix ™ is...

Ewa Juszczyk Senior Associate Director, Benoy, in her candid conversation explains the ideologies of her firm and its design approach, her work and significant projects, her views on the future façade and fenestration technologies, the importance and need for a well-designed building façade, and the trends in façade design. Tell us about your practice and design approach? [caption id="attachment_41095" align="alignleft" width="300"] The City Walk, Dubai – Benoy created a unique, multipurpose destination as part of Dubai’s vision for a wider Central park master plan[/caption] Benoy is a global family of design specialists committed to delivering world-class destinations, with a history spanning more than 70 years. Balancing creative vision with commercial viability, we work with clients to create iconic designs, strengthen communities, enhance nature, and deliver lasting economic value. We specialize principally in master planning, architecture and interiors, focusing on agile, flexible, and experiential design. The design that is tailored to...

In a conversation with Window & Façade Magazine, Mayank Sharma from Siderise Insulation shared his views on the current situation of the industry, Siderise’s products, and the trends in the thermal and fire protection products in the market. Excerpts… Please brief us about your Siderise’s journey? What are the milestones you have achieved? My Siderise journey has been a roller-coaster ride, travelling across the globe for multiple seminars, industry events, and extensive product testing. For me, my greatest achievement while working in SIDERISE Insulation has been supporting and developing a local technical support team in the Middle East as we grow and explore new territories. My role is a very interesting and intriguing one as I aim to be the knowledge link between key people who influence the performance requirements of buildings. For example, translating the laboratory and field monitoring research into something designers and site contractors can use each...

Buildings are the largest energy consumer in the prevalent construction industry practices in our context. That makes it offer a unique boundless opportunity to protect the environment and conserve energy in a sustainable way. The combined crises of energy source depletion and significant climate change are generating a sense of urgency and fundamental changes in many industries including the construction industry. The heating and air-conditioning load and lighting load can be reduced through many means; notable among them is the proper design and selection of building envelope components. Façades are one of the most important contributors to the energy expenses and the vital comfort parameters of any building. It also is one of the essential considerations in the design, engineering, and operation of the buildings. The parameters affecting building envelope energy performances may be designed variables (e.g., configuration of the exterior wall) or design given inputs imposed by the context...

Architectural hardware like hinges, locks, catches, knobs, and handles are especially included within the basis of any house. They are known to serve very important and practical functions in your doors and windows but also help in achieving decorative motives and improving the aesthetics of your room, home, or building. Architectural hardware is required for opening, closing, and locking the doors and windows. Besides these functions, they also play a very important role in keeping the occupants safe. Every infrastructure, whether it is a residential or commercial building, is incomplete without hardware products. There are lots of things that should be considered while choosing hardware products for your doors and windows. In this cover story, we interviewed the architectural hardware industry experts to bring you in-depth knowledge of the industry and to keep you updated with the norms and specifications that play a key role in the selection of the...

Façades are the most important building element from both the users and the architect’s point of view. They are the most difficult to design since the perception of iconic and technologically advanced façades is changing frequently. As per the United Nations Environment Program, buildings and their construction together account for 36 per cent of global energy use and 39 per cent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions annually. [caption id="attachment_39031" align="alignright" width="151"] AR. Khozema Chitalwala Principal Architect & Designer, Designers Group[/caption] Since the building’s envelope is the primary contributor to energy gain, and correspondingly its most important element in controlling the carbon footprint, it is no longer a matter of choice but mandatory to come up with technologies that perform better, are more functional and, of course, look great. Designers are researching and experimenting with new and complex façade and fenestration technologies. [caption id="attachment_39032" align="alignleft" width="150"] AR. Manish Dikshit Partner &...

Vikram Khanna talks about AIS Glass company, its growth and success stories, AIS’s various product categories, facilities and infrastructure, some of their major projects, market for glass in India, AIS’s contribution in bringing about the current revolution in the façade and the fenestration sector, main challenges faced by the glass industry, and the future of façade and fenestration industry in India. Excerpts from the interview with WFM. Please tell us about your company AIS and yourself? How long you have been in this business and in the Indian market? Asahi India Glass Ltd. (AIS) is India's leading integrated glass solutions company and a dominant player both in the automotive and architectural glass segments. It commands over 70% share in the Indian passenger car glass market. Established in 1984, AIS' footprint today spans the entire spectrum of the automotive and architectural glass value chains. AIS provides end-to-end solutions right from manufacturing...

In an interesting conversation with WFM, Ar. Mitu Mathur talks about her practice, their latest projects, the evolution of façade and cladding technology and trends in India and many key factors to consider while designing and choosing materials for façades. Here are the excerpts from the interview. Could you please tell about your practice and your firm's journey? [caption id="attachment_38484" align="alignleft" width="500"] National Institute of Design, Bhopal[/caption] Architecture is not just a profession, but a passion that drives our family. Me and my sister are third-generation architects. Our father, Gian P. Mathur started the practice 40 years ago and since then we have been blessed with opportunities and embraced all new kinds of projects that are being introduced in the industry over the decades. When my father started the practice, our firm did a number of prominent, particularly industrial projects. With the onset of commercialisation, we ventured into a variety...

HOK’s Circadian Curtain Wall concept draws on biophilic design to offer building occupants abundant natural light while minimising solar heat gain. How can façade systems play a more important role in improving employee health and well-being? That was the challenge in a recent competition, and it got me thinking about an idea. For the past two years, me and my colleagues in HOK had been working on a concept for a load-bearing façade for high-rise buildings. [caption id="attachment_37550" align="alignleft" width="500"] Inspired by the 24-hour circadian clock, the façade’s design maximises building occupant’s exposure to daylight and the daily rhythms that influence human health[/caption] That design of structural exterior enclosure, replaced much of the aluminium found in modern curtain walls with steel, giving the façade additional strength to serve as part of the building’s overall framing and, because steel requires one-third the amount of carbon to produce as aluminium, reducing its...

As an athlete is always taught to push barriers, break their own limits and focus on excellence, the idea of crafting a facility which would provide, recognise and support all aspects of sports was envisioned. The concept of ‘infinity’ fit apt for this facility which resulted in the unique form of the hall of fame. The two strong diagonal volumes sprouting upwards, creating a perfect abstract loop both within and through the form. The idea to commemorate all the legends under various sports verticals was the main notion of this building. Form followed the function in this design, taking into cognisance both the indoor and outdoor setting. [caption id="attachment_36075" align="alignright" width="225"] The fenestrations of the building were designed in such a way that they were slender and linear horizontally[/caption] A camaraderie relationship between the indoor and outdoor helped us pick the right material to blend the two. A fluid movement...

Building skins and façades have a multitude of roles and functions. On one hand, they provide a visual character to a building, which extends to the local character of a neighbourhood or at times, to a skyline of a city. On the other hand, façades have a key role towards building performance and creates a link between the interiors and exteriors of a building with respect to climatic response, protection from harsh physical conditions and maintaining user comfort levels. The role of facade systems is as complex as the building itself as it needs to strike a balance between all the parameters such as aesthetics, visual character, structural stability, solar heat gain, daylight filtration, visibility, thermal comfort, branding and programmatic zoning, among other aspects. Due to its complex nature, usually designers opt to harness the potentials of a façade to either aesthetic effects or to building performance. While there is...

What is your view on the growing demand for Smart Glass in niche and low-rise applications? Smart Glass for façades and cladding is becoming more commonplace, because of the sheer functionality of the material. Energy-efficient glazing in the vision area optimises the natural daylight and the heat ingress into the building. To have smart  glass cladding in both interior and exterior applications, makes it easy to clean and maintain, while making the architectural element aesthetically appealing. Smart Glass also yields itself to multiple applications; the increasing use of glass is only natural considering our changing architecture, limited space, larger floor space, and an increasing emphasis on user comfort (thermal, acoustic and visual). Applications of glass and related solutions in niche applications are more prevalent, because of increasing consumer awareness, global sensibilities of designers and improved technology from a manufacturing standpoint for customisation. Throw some light on the choice of glass...

Façade is one of the most significant components of a building envelope. It goes about as the essential obstruction against outer climate components that could harm the well being of the structure, for example, downpour, wind, sun, and so on. In contrast to the structural design of the building, the façades are designed in distinct ways on the basis of different architectural styles. [caption id="attachment_35384" align="alignleft" width="176"] Ian Weekes Associate Director, Abu Dhabi/Qatar, Meinhardt Façade Technology[/caption] The architects have been deploying the latest façade technologies and materials in their designs and it will keep on changing in the future. Technological advancements in the design trends and new materials will keep on entering the façade industry in the Middle East in the future. Sustainability has always been playing an important role in the selection of façade material and designing process and it will always remain the most important part. Other than...

In an exclusive interview with Window & Façade Magazine, Jayanta Mukherjee talked about fischer’s journey and the milestones it has achieved. Excerpts… Please brief us on the history and objective behind the formation of your company. What are the milestones you have achieved so far? For over 70 years, fischer has garnered a widespread reputation for designing, engineering and building innovative fixing solutions. Since the company’s establishment in 1948, fischer has been driven by a constant will to change and strive for better solutions through innovation. Whoever chooses fischer can expect not only the best in terms of quality but also the best in terms of services which are focused and designed with the sole purpose of delighting our customers. We strongly believe in our core values - innovation, accountability, and reliability. With double-digit growth year after year, a workforce of 5200+ worldwide, 47 subsidiaries in 35 countries, 10 production...