Mizrahi Developments has introduced its visionary project, "The One," a remarkable 91-story structure that is set to become Canada's tallest building. This iconic addition to the city's skyline not only embodies the vibrant essence of urban life but also stands as a testament to BM Windows' exceptional capabilities. The company has successfully secured the contract to provide the façade for "The One," marking a significant milestone in its global expansion endeavours. [caption id="attachment_53299" align="alignright" width="217"] .[/caption] Designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster+Partners and developed by Mizrahi Developments under the leadership of founder Sam Mizrahi, "The One" is a highly anticipated "supertall" building located in Toronto. Positioned at the dynamic intersection of Yonge and Bloor in the heart of Yorkville, this iconic tower serves as a symbol of the city's bustling commercial and cultural hub. With Mizrahi's vision and Foster+Partners' architectural prowess, "The One" is poised to become a defining...

The View Hospital in Doha, Qatar, exemplifies how media façades can not only be used to convey brand messaging or experiential artwork at a giant scale but can also be a key facet of an architectural concept. The View Hospital is located directly on the waterfront and this stunning location is referenced in the façade design with the help of LED lighting integrated into 4,000 sqm of glazing. This high-tech media façade system is a transparent glass, full media display, and structural building element all in one. It also fulfilled all prerequisite functional and design specifications from the design consultants. [caption id="attachment_53147" align="alignleft" width="300"] The View Hospital, Qatar. The 3D rendering of the media façade used in the winning competition bid[/caption] When designing the building, the architects took the surrounding water as a defining element for the elegant glass façade. Measuring 8,000 sqm overall, it covers virtually the entire front...

Could you please explain some of the common causes of fire safety in buildings in England? How can fire risks be reduced? Causes of fire safety issues vary largely according to the building size, design, and use. The most relevant issue for the façade design is the use of combustible material in the external walls and the correct specification and the construction of cavity barriers and firestopping.   As façade engineers we want to make sure materials and cavity barriers in the façade are specified and constructed in line with the applicable building regulations in the UK and any detailed recommendations from the appointed fire engineer. If we are able to interpret and apply the guidance correctly and detail the façade in a way to meet these requirements, we can help to reduce the fire risks in the building. Please explain the role of design systems in fire-safe buildings. If...

Mizrahi Developments has recently unveiled The One in Toronto, a project set to soar to a remarkable height of 91 stories upon completion, securing its position as Canada's tallest building. The distinct façade system of this architectural marvel is being furnished by BM WINDOWS – a Vietnamese façade brand with deep ties to an array of iconic projects within the nation. Rising Above the Skyline: The One Project's Magnificence Consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities for multiple successive years, Toronto has established itself as a hub of economic and cultural vitality. It is distinguished by its vibrant diversity and its aspirations towards progressive lifestyle standards. Embarking on two decades of splendid development, Toronto has been adorned with impressive skyscrapers, among which The One holds a prominent position. Often compared to a commanding crown gracing the city's skyline, this towering 'landmark' stands at 91 stories, reaching a soaring height...

Why every Façade Engineer should lead by example? Flicking through paperwork and rushing for approval of submittals are not the case when trying to condense the risk of a catastrophe, particularly in façade fire safety. Never has there been a time more important than today for façade engineers to be at the forefront in mitigating deficiencies found during the construction phase of a high-rise building that may pose fire-related harm to people and communities. [caption id="attachment_53011" align="alignleft" width="194"] .[/caption] Stakeholders have a fundamental responsibility as a whole to fully underscore the importance of driving responsible, trustworthy, and ethical work with safeguards that mitigate risks and potential harms to individuals and our society. An imperative call: Façade fire safety in high-rise buildings As the number of high-rise buildings continues to grow in cities around the world, so too does the importance of Façade Fire Safety. According to NFPA (National Fire Protection...

A crucial component of building design and construction is façade fire safety, which aims to reduce the chance of flames spreading to a structure's façade. Making sure proper fire safety measures are in place is crucial given the rising popularity of high-rise buildings and complex building façades. Multiple components make for a well-designed façade fire safety system. To prevent the spread of fire, it is important to choose and use fire-resistant materials like insulation and cladding. To improve the fire performance of these materials, fire-resistant coatings, and treatments can be used. Effective compartmentalisation is further important. To stop the spread of flames both vertically and horizontally, this entails installing fire breaks, such as fire-resistant barriers, into the façade. The formation of smoke is reduced and safe evacuation is made possible by adequate ventilation systems and smoke control technologies. The efficiency of façade fire protection elements must be regularly checked and...

Shiva Fenestration is a leading name in the fenestration industry, having been established in 1989. The company has gained a reputation for providing high-quality products and services to its clients, and it is ISO certified, ensuring that its operations meet international standards. They are known for their commitment to innovation and R&D. With the growing demand for façade systems in India, Shiva Fenestration has expanded its product offerings to include façade solutions as well. The company’s cutting-edge facility is fully equipped to cater to all types of façade needs, including metal, glass, and unitised systems. Additionally, the company provides in-house powder coating services, enabling them to offer a complete solution for clients’ façade requirements. Shiva Fenestration’s façade systems are designed to meet the specific needs of each project. The company’s expert team works closely with clients to understand their requirements & then develops customised solutions to meet those needs. The...

In a conversation with Ar. Nitin Gupta, Director, ARCOP Associates on his journey as an architect, his associations with the legends of Indian architecture, his approach to design, Arcop’s recent projects in India and many other aspects. Here are the excerpts from the interview. Could you tell us about your educational background, career and architectural experience? What inspired you to pursue a career in Architecture? Tell us about the turning point in your design career. [caption id="attachment_52597" align="alignleft" width="452"] The Police Headquarters in Hyderabad is designed as an iconic, futuristic building[/caption] After my schooling, I took up architecture. I would say, my inspiration was my father. He was an architect and was running his own office. That is where my love for architecture began. At that time in Delhi, we just had only one institute teaching architecture - the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), which is now an institute...

In recent years, the building construction industry, including the design and construction of exterior façades, has strongly focused on sustainability needs and environmental factors. Exterior wall design must offer a healthy and comfortable space to live, work and play while using the least energy and also achieving demanding sustainable expectations. [caption id="attachment_52540" align="alignright" width="350"] Table 1: Building envelope test methods[/caption] Combining this challenge with the fast pace of today’s construction and the need for less costly and easier-to-install designs, we find that new materials (and combinations of materials) are constantly being introduced into exterior wall assemblies. Let’s not forget that these exterior assemblies must also be aesthetically pleasing. With the challenging balance of these demands, the need for these “sustainable” exterior façades to also have adequate fire-resistant performance is often left out of the discussion. Progress with Sustainable Façades In recent years, major progress has been made in achieving exterior...

Vietnam’s construction industry is flourishing, with major cities like HCM City and Hanoi witnessing a remarkable upswing in stunning high-rise developments. The market’s strong inclination toward top-notch quality and technologically advanced products underlines the immense potential of custom-designed façade products in Vietnam. Major Vietnamese façade contractors have made impressive strides, not just within the country but also on the global stage. BM Windows stands out with its grand projects on coveted land, showcasing world-class façade designs that epitomize Vietnam’s current façade development. BM Windows is poised by ambition to elevate the company to international acclaim. Urbanisation remains an undeniable global trend, and Vietnam is firmly entrenched in this trajectory of progress. Presently, Vietnam stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most developed nations, with urban centres experiencing remarkable growth and breakthroughs. Nearly all major cities in Vietnam are swiftly embracing globalisation and international modernisation trends. The rapid development of Vietnam’s urban...

Understanding the architecture of the building, establishing precise lighting goals, taking into account the environment, choosing the appropriate LED fixtures, planning for uniformity and balance, implementing lighting layers, enhancing colour effects, incorporating dynamic lighting control, putting energy efficiency first, and seeing to regular maintenance are all necessary for creating an effective façade lighting design. These methods produce visually beautiful and environmentally friendly lighting options that improve the structure’s appearance. Consider the following tips for effective façade lighting: [caption id="attachment_52367" align="alignleft" width="300"] facade lighting[/caption] Understand the Building Architecture Understanding the architecture of the building thoroughly is the first step in developing an efficient façade lighting scheme. Consider and evaluate the structural components of the building, including its form, materials, textures, curves, and architectural features. Identify prominent characteristics that façade lighting can enhance and highlight. Define the Lighting Objectives The lighting design’s success depends on its goals being clearly stated. Establish the...

Glazed Façades in high-rise buildings are associated with Iconic architectural trends developed by world-renowned architects in quest of clean sleek looking surfaces created by the glass. Additionally, the glass offers panoramic unobstructed views, hence enhancing the monetary value of the property itself. Daylight running through the glazing floods the internal space and connects the outside to the inside, creating a sense of well-being within the space. It increases energy efficiency by reducing the constant need for artificial lighting. Glass is quite a durable material. When specified and built properly, it can stand the test of time even in harsh environments with little upkeep. Types of Glass Facades While the façade market offers an abundant variety of façade system solutions, Unitized, Semi-Unitized and Stick curtain walls form the bulk of any high-rise building. Façade engineers should be well adept at selecting the right façade system suiting their project’s needs. Criteria behind...

The main challenge being faced today by the building material industry is the appropriate selection of products for building façades – Glass being one of the main products. With the available options here are a few pointers that will definitely help in the specifications of getting the desired inputs: [caption id="attachment_52075" align="alignleft" width="300"] Glass - Colours[/caption] 1. Orientation: Building orientation plays a tremendous role in energy performance & occupant productivity. Solar heat gain and daylighting can vary greatly depending on the path of the sun in the summer versus the winter. South-facing façades must allow for solar heat gain control, while north-facing façades require less solar protection. Overlooking these can result in excessive heat gain or glare issues that could compromise energy performance and occupant comfort. 2. Colour and Transparency: The colour and transparency of glass can significantly impact the aesthetic appeal of a building’s façade. Clear, coloured, or frosted...

• Identify the specific performance requirements: The design team can do this by reviewing the project requirements, building codes, and other relevant standards. • Select the appropriate glass type: Based on the performance requirements, the appropriate glass type like Low-E glass, laminated glass, or tinted glass is selected, which can be used for thermal insulation, laminated glass for sound reduction, and tinted glass for solar control. • Determine the glass thickness: Based on the performance requirement, the thickness is decided. Thicker glass can be used for sound reduction while thinner glass can be used for thermal insulation. • Incorporate insulation materials: Insulation materials such as argon gas in the glass units enhance thermal insulation. • Design shading systems: Louvers, vertical fins, and brise soleil can reduce solar heat gain. • Optimise the glass façade design: This can be done considering the orientation of the building, the surrounding environment, and the...

There is an eternal debate when it comes to the nature of the design process regarding what drives it– whether it’s art or building sciences. The genesis of a concept could be anything–a single spark or an idea that is iterated, developed with the use of tools and knowledge from various trades, and eventually translated into the final form. A study on ‘Exploration of Aesthetics in Façade Design’ funded by The Dutch Research Council, drove home the underlying parameters that govern our design decisions and preferences. [caption id="attachment_51822" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fig 2: Word Cloud from responses to a survey shared with the CD Mumbai office on ‘What Makes a Façade Beautiful?’[/caption] A statement from the study that most designers would resonate with is a subconscious desire for the complexity of form and the overall character of the façade, despite a strong inclination for simplicity when it comes to the details....

The façade is a non-structural, exterior cladding system that is typically made of lightweight materials such as glass, aluminium, or composite panels. It is used to enclose a building’s exterior, providing a protective barrier against the elements while allowing natural light to enter the building. These are typically designed as a series of individual panels that are connected to the building’s structural frame. The panels are supported by brackets or anchors that are attached to the building’s structural elements, such as concrete slabs or steel beams. The façade of a building is often the most important aspect from a design standpoint, as it sets the tone for the building. From an engineering perspective, it is crucial due to its impact on energy efficiency. Given the criticality, it is strongly advised that a prototype of this foundation is tested at the initial stage to validate the design. [caption id="attachment_51815" align="alignleft" width="500"]...