Domes and Skylight roofing adds architectural value to the building. Building domes is in vogue right since olden times, palaces used to be built with domes made of artistic facades together with brick mortar, which is predominant especially during Moghul regime. Apart from architectural value, domes provide excellent day lighting, cutting down substantially on the power cost. Modern day skylight roofing are built entirely with glasses, supporting panels occupy least space, allowing entire light to pass through. The sight of sky from within the building provides a feeling of nature, especially creates a good work or home atmosphere. It is very eco-friendly also on the other hand.’ Skylight Glass Dome for the Legislative Assembly Hall of Tamilnadu Unifab had an excellent opportunity to execute the ‘SkyLight Glass Dome’ at a prestigious location at Chennai. In fact it was planned for the Legislative flowerAssembly Hall of Tamilnadu State Government, (Now, Tamil...

Bombay Arts Society, Mumbai Fluid forms enmeshed together in parts and emerging from each other in parts constitute this small building. Within an extremely small plot measuring only 1300 sq m, a mixed use building programme based on the client’s needs had to be adhered to. Worldwide, most public buildings for arts are created on large parcels of land with large built up areas allowing for generous circulation spaces, large gallery spaces are mostly planned in one or two levels, most on plots of area over 8000 Sq m. On this small plot of only 1300 Sq m. in an upcoming business hub in Mumbai, we faced the daunting task of creating two art gallery spaces, an auditorium and a cafeteria within only 1000 sq m in addition to another 1000 sq m of office space, that will generate funds for the art society to be run as a social...

In densely populated areas, noise is almost omnipresent. Noise is also caused by production plants and building work on houses and bridges. Even music from radios and concert halls or blaring television sets can often be annoying and even cause illness. All noise disturbs our concentration and is capable of disrupting our sleep and causing tension and stress. Two similar sounds, even at the same volume, can be perceived differently. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="349"] Figure 1: An overview of typical noises and their measured volumes[/caption] In general, it is important to reduce noise as much as possible. In the case of heavy traffic on roads or railway lines, a noise barrier can help, while earplugs can be a useful remedy in crowded areas and on busy roads. Since people spend most of their time in buildings, these have to be given extra protection from loud noise. Thick walls of stone,...

Having a glance at monotonous urban spaces at the end of 20th century, we propose a solution which maximizes the possibilities of the human body and spirit and create a chance to energize life in the fullest sense. We propose a comprehensive design that shapes up a place and its environment towards the intangible senses of a human. It is a monumental task to penetrate the city using this approach, yet we desire to find solutions through our designs. Concurrently, we were working with glass - a material strongly discouraged in use for construction practices as it is not very conducive to the Indian climate. But, with the appropriate, skill technology and knowledge, we were able to blend the use of glass as a construction material in our designs through accurate positioning and use of the appropriate type of glass. Combining the use of glass and fabric, we were able...

Historically, architects the world over have employed various shading devices and strategies to control the environment within buildings, particularly when designing for hot-arid or hot-humid climates. From the jaalis, jharokhas and chajjas of traditional Indian architecture to the brise soleil of modernists like Le Corbusier, shading devices on buildings are everywhere in our cities and towns. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="350"] Shading system: Vertical Rigid Louver System (VRLS) staggered[/caption] In recent times, however, with the growing pressure on land in urban areas and rising real estate prices, deep overhangs on the perimeter of buildings have gradually been edged out by wafer thin façade systems that allow the builder to maximize usable floor space. This is true particularly for speculative buildings. This often means that indoor spaces are left “unprotected” and more vulnerable to extremes of heat and cold, and in our context, need to be cooled artificially all year round. This...

Façade is the Architect’s opportunity to make a statement. Modern architecture has witnessed fascinating examples of visually enterprising facade statements. The architect’s vision is exemplified through the use of design and building elements that can lend a sense of uniqueness to a building almost akin to creating a special identity that sets the building apart from any other. In today’s world of technology and engineering advancement, the facades of buildings have found a unique place in terms of priority when it comes to construction. The mere aesthetics is not the only contributing factor that a façade can make towards the construction of the building, but also many functional aspects that can help this single element play a crucial role in the construction or post-construction stage. The façade, in a way, can be seen as a sort of “interface” between the inner and outer environs. By definition, good architecture implies an...

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...

The front door of a home always makes the first impression. It makes a style statement and gives a hint on what people can expect when they walk through the door. Preferences change, trends may come and go, but the classic, elegant look of a solid wooden door is here to stay. Wood is timeless and natural appeal makes it an ideal material for any luxe project which cannot be replicated by fibreglass or steel. Here is a design and material guide to help you choose the right door for interiors and outdoors among the various wood door manufacturers. Entry Door for Apartments The entry door extends a warm and friendly welcome to your abode hence selecting an entryway can be completely overwhelming, but fortunately this design and material guide will provide a few helpful tips. Wood species used for doors need to meet very demanding conditions and be tough...

Excerpts from the discussion: M: As a visionary for any project, can you give us a broad overview of measures that you, as an architect, would take to ensure a safe and secure building from the inception to completion? AKB: Each project’s space planning is specific to its requirements. We derive a structural system in consultation with the structural consultant and incorporate structural members accordingly at this stage. Additionally, we also bring in the structural engineer during the course of design and elevation development. Each project has to be designed as per the code and soil conditions. We are conscious in terms of drawings and detailing, including the coordination at site, to make sure it is safe, right from inception to the completion. M: Is it a given that codes such as IS 1893 Part 1, shall be followed for every building facade ? Is following the code sufficient to guarantee a...

It is the façade of a building that brings an architect’s vision to life, however a building’s skin not only contributes to architectural expression, it also plays a large role in the performance of the building as a whole. Globally, clients are becoming more demanding concerning the solutions they want from their buildings and façades. They want better-performing, more aesthetically pleasing façades and these requirements have to be delivered quickly and cost-effectively. A façade is one of the key influencers that determine the value, commercial success and project risk of a building, but it is also one of the most common sources of building failure. Few people realise how complex a façade system can be. In a typical 30 storey building, for example, there will be approximately 18,000 sq m of façade. This will consist of approximately 3,000 panels, with each panel having approximately 300 parts that are constructed from...

Facade Cladding, while essentially being the skin of the building, should not merely accentuate the aesthetics but also serve as a shield from extremes of weather and the external environment. This protective layer, while being functional, should also permit the building to breathe while defining its significance and character. The Facade Cladding industry, today, is undergoing many changes in terms of functionality and performance parameters. To create an optimal artificial environment inside the building, the cladding material has to ensure a reduction in energy consumption through the wall of the building. This also means that the cladding material and system have to perform in all types of climatic conditions giving rise to more robust, energy-efficient, innovative and adaptable façade systems some of which are explained below: Rain Screen Façade Cladding (Back Ventilated Façade System):   [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300"] Functional wind protection and privacy along with design sophistication[/caption] Rear-ventilated facades...

Coming full circle to where it started from, Zak World of Façades returned to Bangalore in its third season with an all new emphasis on the façades for high-rise cluster housing owing to a spurt in the residential demands of the cosmopolitan. The one day conference held at Ritz Carlton Hotel, Bangalore on 19th June saw participation of stalwarts from the construction industry fraternity in India and abroad, sharing their experience to achieve best façade execution practices. After their highly encouraging and successful first & second season around India, the third season of Zak World of Façades started with Mumbai in April 2015 and Bangalore was second in a line of series of events planned. The event was intimate, with a little under 300 attendees who heard a dozen leaders from the industry at the grand conference hall of Ritz Carlton. The theme of the conference organized at Bangalore was...

Young and dynamic, Hussein Chiniwala (Managing Director, Alfa Facade Systems Pvt. Ltd) is enthusiastic with an outgoing and engaging personality. He worked throughout College to partially self-finance his education. Hussein has demonstrated leadership strengths and a proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment with critical deadlines. He possesses outstanding communication skills, a passion for excellence, and a contagious enthusiasm. He has the ability to establish strong working relationships with other traders, developers, architects as well as staff. Tenacious and resourceful; Hussein will work any hours necessary and will always find a way to get project done on time/on budget. Zoher Chiniwala and Hussein Chiniwala spoke to Windows & Façade Magazine (WFM) about their company, products, manufacturing facilities, services and their future plans & endeavours. [caption id="attachment_32411" align="alignnone" ]Project: Cyber Towers; Client: Magarpatta Township Development; Architect: Space Designer Syndicate  WFM: Please give us a brief background of your...

Ozone, one of the top manufacturers of architectural glass fittings, door closing devices, door locks, etc. offers a wide range of designer spiders crafted in sheet metal with forms inspired by nature, aimed at offering a whole new perspective and innovative approach to glass facades. Manufactured in Stainless Steel 304/316 grade, these spiders are without fin type spiders giving a new age look to the modern facades. Sheet Metal Spiders from Ozone with other modular components and tubes are used to create pellucid at the same time extremely stable facades for any kind of building structure. The range includes: Dew Drop Spider Fittings: Crafted in the design of a dew drop, this spider fitting is an expression of elegance, strength as well and optimum functionality. The fitting comes in matt finish with 4mm to 8 mm thickness and an arm distance of 120mm, 160mm and 200mm. This fitting can be...

The new Student Learning Center at Toronto’s Ryerson University in Canada, which opened in February 2015, Designed by Zeidler Partnership Architects of Toronto and Snøhetta of Oslo, Norway and New York City, features a dazzling 5,000 sqm (53,820 sq ft) glass façade printed with white geometric patterns. The white shapes were printed on more than 1,000 digital ceramic-printed glass panels, which were fastened to the aluminium support system with silicon, eliminating protrusions and creating a clean and smooth appearance. Moreover, the building has used 50 per cent more glass than most LEED buildings. The eight-storey building is a trailblazer on multiple interconnected levels: outstanding achievements in both sustainability and innovation, within a strictly limited budget. The pattern design, digital ceramic in-glass printing, glass treatment, and installation techniques were all crucial to the building’s overall design and functionality. To meet the university’s requirement that its state-of-the-art centre for study and collaboration...

The panel discussion on the New Mumbai Fire Brigade Regulations on Glass Façades focused on the following aspects: Architectural considerations while designing fire-safe façades; Perimeter protection - preventing the spread of smoke from floor to floor; and Cladding - the problematic zone. The panel comprised of Atul Bhandari, Director - Design & Projects, RSP India; Praveen Chaubey, Project Manager, Priedemann; Mukesh Jaitley, Director - Projects, The Wadhwa Group; Shrikrishna Ginde, VP - Operations, Belgium Aluminium & Glass; Sunil H Nesarikar, Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai Fire Brigade; SS Warick, Chief Fire Officer & Fire Advisor, MIDC; and Shashikant Jadhav, Chairman, PEATA Committee - Fire Safety Practices with KR Suresh, Regional Director, Axis Façades as the moderator. The panel discussed the new Mumbai Fire Brigade regulation on glass façades. Here is the excerpt from the discussion: During fire, at times building façade becomes a major barrier to evacuate people. Façade consultants, in...