Of late sustainability has become an assurgent part of our life. It is like acerbic penicillin, must taste in order to get over long-term pain. By this word, we understand the protection of the ecosystem through the protection of its resources. Sustainability can be broadly perceived in two categories: economic and social. The economic sustainability of a building (façade) depends on two aspects. Firstly, the investment is at par for maximising durability and reusability and secondly through solutions with low energy consumption, easy to clean, operate and maintain at low running costs. The social facia of sustainability is all about the comfort, well-being and safety of the occupants. THE DESIGNING OF INTELLIGENT FAÇADES Passive mode double skin façade Façades are one of the most crucial entities of a building composition. Eventually, it is the prime key towards energy consumption and comfort. Intelligent design systems, if adopted can easily lead to...

Glass has become an inevitable construction material for any modern-day building. It is hard to imagine any new building coming in our locality, be it commercial, residential, retail, hospitality, airport, hospital, not making use of glass. This is because Glass façades directly or indirectly enhance the functionality of all these types of buildings. However, glass is still not well accepted as a structural material by a community of structural engineers in our country as they fear about its brittleness and the consequences of a sudden failure which are in sharp contrast to conventional structural materials i.e., concrete and steel. Some good news for them! The standards for usage of glass in buildings in India have been evolving steadfastly in recent years under the aegis of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The inclusion of an exclusive chapter on glazing by the National Building Code of India (NBC) -2016 and Indian...

The production of window glass started in 1836 in a factory in Belgium. Since then, the product has come a long way. Glass has become an inevitable part of any urban building. One of the first milestones was the invention of tempered glass in 1929 by the French glass company Saint-Gobain. The first double  glazing was produced in 1947 in Belgium, and it became popular due to its insulation capacities, both thermal and acoustic. During the 1950s, the British manufacturer, Pilkington invented a new method of glass production called float process and since then float glass has become the rage. By the end of the 20th century, 90% of the flat glass used throughout the world were float glass. Enameled and tinted glass followed this. [caption id="attachment_31416" align="alignright" width="150"] ANSHU SHUKLA Deputy General Manager – Design, Kalpataru Ltd.[/caption] With the material science constantly pushing its boundaries, we saw the entry...

No doubt, façades are the most important building element from both the user's and the architect’s point of view. They are the most difficult to design too since the perception of iconic and technologically advanced facades is changing frequently. Designers are researching and experimenting with new and complex façade forms and patterns. The glass aluminium facades are bygones now as we see a lot more new materials in the market such as rusted iron panels, zinc, copper and steel, and even high-pressure laminates. Along with the materials that furnish the look and feel of a building, technologies applied to facades are also changing. Leading-edge technologies play a crucial role in terms of sustainability and operational cost-effectiveness. Truly successful facades do far more than merely project an iconic image, they play a vital role in driving or transforming building performance, engaging with the external environment, significantly enhancing durability, and reducing energy...

Alumil is the largest privately-owned aluminum extrusion group in South East Europe, in terms of production, distribution network and range of aluminum profile system for architectural use. With over 40 years of experience, Alumil is one of the most advanced companies globally in the design and production of Architectural Aluminium Systems, owning state-of- the-art production lines in its 18 factories over South East Europe. Through our modern production facilities and strict quality controls along the entire production line, we ensure the creation of superior products of high added value. Our continuous research and development leads to offering unique solutions with many innovative features, which totally meet the needs of our customers. Alumil offers very wide ranges of product to investor solutions like: Building envelopes: curtainwalls, unitized systems, window walls, cladding, double skin facades Windows and doors (residential and commercial buildings): cold systems, thermal-brake systems hinged, sliding, lift-slide, folding doors Entrance...

Over the years cladding industry has been going through a sea change. Along with a flood of innovative materials and designs introduced in the market, we see the advancement in technologies in application as well. As per a research report Grand View Research, Inc.’, the global cladding market is expected to reach USD 111.1 billion by 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.6 per cent from 2017 to 2025. The increasing construction spending and the development of more efficient building technologies using automated production and installation processes are expected to foster industry growth. Stringent green building regulations and codes such as the LEED certification, and growing demand for energy efficiency in project exteriors, especially for key construction industry participants, including architects and designers, are encouraging investments in lightweight and energy-efficient exterior panels in commercial as well as residential buildings. The choice of cladding has a significant...

Morphogenesis is a 21 year old architectural firm founded by architects Sonali and Manit Rastogi. Ever since their inception in 1996, Morphogenesis has had a reputation of being an innovative practice at the forefront of thought leadership in design. They look at all aspects of the context and arrive at an innovative response to the physical, geographical and cultural conditions that address the user brief, and ultimately aspiration. They have done over 450 projects across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the UAE. [caption id="attachment_27801" align="alignnone" width="774"] Pearl Academy by Morphogenesis[/caption] Morphogenesis has over 130 professionals in Delhi and Bangalore offices. Recipient of over 80 international and national awards, Morphogenesis provides specialized services in distinct verticals like master planning, residential, commercial, workplace, institutional, hospitality, interiors and landscape designs, all with a strong backbone of ‘Green Design’ The distinguished architects, Manit Rastogi and Sonali Rastogi candidly spoke to WFM...

The design of façades in buildings today has become a complex exercise. Façade has always been a design statement of a building. With the evolution of glass facades, the installation of continuous glass itself was considered as a marvel. Thereafter, it further evolved with the introduction of other cladding materials like ACP, HPL, other metal sheet claddings, etc. Today, the design and execution of the façade have moved beyond the client's requirements, and designers are looking at it as a piece of art that can be appreciated by someone in fast moving car as well as an onlooker who is standing and experiencing it. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="392"] The Sangam Theatre in R.K. Puram, New Delhi – The façade showcases a double skin system with glass and CNC-cut aluminium sheets[/caption] They are willing to experiment so that the building stands unique amongst the others. At the same time, the basic...

WFM: Are you doing any project in India? Jürgen Mayer H. (JMH): We are doing a project in India in collaboration with Mumbai-based architectural firm - Collaborative Architecture, headed by Architects Mujib Ahmed and Laita Tharani. We shall reveal the details of the project later. Intense discussions are going on for finalization of this Indian projects. I have travelled to India 5 times and have seen many projects here. My trips were always very interesting and exciting and I look forward to work here in India. WFM: Could you please tell me about your ongoing projects? Jürgen Mayer H. (JMH): We do projects from very small scale ventures to large scale projects. Large scale projects include high rise buildings, especially those done in Germany. All these projects have relationship with the skyline, their elevation and the urban fabric around them and they activate downtown parts. All these projects are very...

A façade typically represents 30 per cent of the total development cost. The taller and more complex the building becomes, the figures escalate. A key component of the cost is the thickness of glass, framing members and size of brackets – all of which are largely dictated by the wind loads that the building is subjected to. I In today’s world, tall buildings dominate the skyline thus defining the prosperity of any modern city. Over the last two decades, the number of tall buildings over 200m in height has increased by 352 per cent (Reference CTBHU Research) and is growing. An estimate shows that Asia alone accounts for more than 70 per cent of high buildings, which are above +200 m, globally. With the early involvement of façade engineering expertise, savings can be made through coordination of the structural design. Added value can be achieved with a façade design that...

WFM: What are the important aspects to be considered while designing and installing fenestrations? Nilabh Nagar (NN): The most important design factor would be the orientation of the opening. But many a times, constraints of site and function do not allow proper orientation. So one needs to adopt other methods. The summer-winter contradiction can best be addressed on the south face only. In east and west façades, the sun comes at low angles and can only be done by cutting off. On the south façade, Simply by having awnings/sun shades to match solar angle for winter and summer as well adjustable louvres can easily get the benefits asked (We have used them in important projects: e.g., Infosys SDB). However the proportion of windows, overhang of balconies in residential buildings Chajjas, etc., greatly contribute to optimised lighting. We must ensure that window is not too small to create glare. There are...

‘Integrative’ is the most popular word of this era on a sustainable platform. Be it in any process, function, application, etc., everything is said to be integrative. Owed on a large scale to the construction industry, this is currently a necessity. The participation of people from various sectors is mounting and the approach has to be integrative – a proper collaboration and coordination of all. Even when talking about the façade, it has to be an integrative approach to design, as the façade envelops the building and all of its functions (Figure 1). The façade is a major contributor to the overall energy consumption, daylight and well-being of the occupant. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="286"] Double-skin façade[/caption] The building is not just an envelope to protect us from natural occurrences but a filter that will enhance what is desired and reduce what is unwanted. The initial conceptual design phase should be...

WFM: Please give us a brief introduction of your fim and a few of your recently completed important projects. Jonas Upton-Hansen: UHA is an international architecture and design studio based in London. The firm was founded in 2011 with an initial focus on luxury residential projects in London and grew rapidly to undertake larger-scale projects across Europe, Asia and the Americas including countries such as China, India, Mexico and Russia. Recent projects include a 20 million Sq ft mixed-use master plan in central Moscow on the historical ‘Hammer & Sickle’ steelworks; a 160m tall luxury office tower and hotel in downtown Mexico City and a corporate headquarters in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. In India, UHA is involved with a significant number of prestigious projects: in Gurgaon - the Michael Schumacher World Tower for Homestead; a series of projects for M3M Group including the St Andrew’s Tower, Escala Urbana Premium and Satya’s Element...

WFM: Please give us a brief introduction of your firm and a few of your recently completed important projects. ZC: Bentel Associates is a leading Architectural practice formed as a joint venture between ICS Group, India and Bentel Associates International, South Africa. We are a dynamic international design team, offering a full range of cutting-edge specialist design skills including master planning, architecture, interior design, graphic design and store planning. Some of our recently completed projects include – PVP Square in Vijayawada, Pacific Mall in Dehradun and Acropolis Mall in Kolkata. WFM: You have been working with international architectural firms like RTKL and SOM earlier in Madrid, Dubai, etc. How different it is to design and work on projects in India? ZC: There are always cultural differences that can create obstacles to a quick understanding of what clients want and price sensitivities which vary globally. What doesn’t change however in our...

Bangalore Protech collaborated with one of India’s leading architectural firms based in Bangalore, Gayathri & Namith Architects (GNA) to deliver to the Educational community a world class building which is the cutting edge of design. To meet Navodaya Education Trust’s requirement that its state-of-the-art building be highly appealing and well as conform to the latest green building standards, The design for the facade was conceived keeping in mind the climatic conditions of Raichur which are hot and dry. The aim was to achieve energy efficiency while maintaining the use of natural light and views that were integral to the design. The constraining parameters that were taken into account in the early design stage were: Climate (solar radiation, outdoor temperature) Site and obstructions of the building (latitude, daylight availability, atmospheric conditions, exterior obstructions, ground reflectance) Use of the building (operating hours, occupant’s tasks) Building and design regulations The façade system for...

Welcoming, pragmatic and informative discussions in a conference sends a positive message to potential customers and draws them into business. That is exactly what is seen in the third session (13th edition) of ZAK World of Facades held at New Delhi on 4th September in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. ZAK World of Facades, India’s largest and exclusive conference on Facade Design & Engineering, is determined to propagate awareness on the newest cutting edge technology and perspectives that are revolutionizing the field. The conference lays bare a platform for networking, necessary in the professional world. Iconic façades require all the stake holders to strike the right balance between a host of parameters from conceiving the correct design to specifying the optimum materials and finally putting them together in place to materialize the epochal, vanguard building envelope. With ever increasing population density and destinations getting farther, the demand for the latest and...