Grandeur Do Son Resort is an impressive resort located in Hai Phong City, Vietnam, with a total area of 61490 sqm, 303 rooms, and 43 villas. The resort’s façade, completed in December 2022, is one of its most striking features and is inspired by the fluid lines of ocean currents. [caption id="attachment_51761" align="alignleft" width="348"] .[/caption] The façade of Grandeur Do Son Resort features a mix of materials, including Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP), cladding, curtain wall system, and exterior emulsion paint. The curtain wall system in the middle area of the façade comprises curved louvers, which serve as a shading device to regulate the entry of natural light into the building. In terms of regulations, the building’s façade had to meet local and international standards. The façade’s design had to comply with Vietnam’s building code requirements, which include regulations on structural integrity, wind loading, and fire resistance. Additionally, the curtain wall...

Glass has significant advantages in high-rise construction. It is less expensive when compared to traditional wall enclosures for big and repetitive façades. Its modules are light in weight, fast to install, and space-saving in terms of floor area, along with the ability to transmit natural light deep into the floor plates of the high-rise building. Also, Glass is easy to clean and maintain due to its physical properties. Current computational technology helps to design façades that are optimal for specific performance parameters. A range of simulation software is used to test glass façades digitally for numerous parameters to comply with design and code requirements before formulating construction specifications. Once this exercise is done by architects and engineers, façade specifications of glass can be informed by these simulation results, to meet performance precisely in the context of design and environment. Pros of Using Glass on Façades: [caption id="attachment_51645" align="alignright" width="500"] Glass...

The city of Troy (Newyork, USA) has announced the completion of three projects that were supported by the “Revitalize Troy” Downtown Façade Program of the Development Department. According to Troy Development Director Tim Davis, “Revitalize Troy’s vision is to maintain and sustain a vibrant, revitalized, visually appealing downtown with historic structures that have been preserved and modified for modern-day usage.” The Downtown Façade Program, managed by Troy Main Street and the Development Department and supported by the city of Troy, aims to persuade commercial property owners to finish exterior construction improvements in the downtown area. Davis noted that the Downtown Façade Program was only available to businesses and mixed-use structures in the city’s Central Business District, but that the city also provides additional programmes of a similar kind for proprietors of both homes and businesses.

The Archaeology department discovers has found cracks in the façade of Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India and it is awaiting restoration now. The famed Gateway of India in Mumbai, which has been standing for more than a century and overlooks a section of the Arabian Sea, has developed surface fractures, which is the reason for alarm. According to a structural audit study produced by the archaeological department, the façade of the Gateway of India has fissures with vegetative growth growing in them as well as deterioration to the waterproofing and reinforced cement-concrete in the domes. A repair plan for about Rs 6.9 crore has also been provided to the Maharashtra government by the state’s directorate of archaeology and museums. The Gateway of India is in need of restoration, and the minister of cultural affairs, Sudhir Mungantiwar, has promised that a budget of roughly Rs 8 crore has been suggested and...

Glass façades provide a range of benefits for high-rise buildings, including energy efficiency, natural light, and views. Glass façades offer several advantages, including aesthetic appeal – giving the building a sleek and modern appearance. They allow for more natural light to penetrate deep into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This leads to energy efficiency and creates a pleasant working or living environment, providing views of the surrounding environment. Modern glass façades are designed to provide excellent sound insulation, reducing noise from the surrounding environment, and improving the acoustics within the built environment. The best type of glass for each system will depend on the specific requirements of the project, such as energy efficiency, safety, and design considerations. For example, a building in a hot climate will require glass with low solar heat gain properties, while a building in a noisy urban environment may require...

The use of glass in the construction industry was first seen around the early 1800s during the rise of interest in greenhouses and conservatories. At this moment in time, glass was considered a luxury item as it was not entirely available to the general public due to its high costs. However, the cost significantly reduced during the latter stages of the industrial revolution around the mid-1800s. Crystal Palace, built in 1851 by Joseph Paxton marked a new era in the use of glass. The advantages of the use of glass in high-rise buildings are plenty. It is lightweight, allows for larger openings increasing the vision towards the outside, it contributes to natural light filtering the indoor spaces, glass has the ability to keep out solar ingress and also contributes to ventilation channeling it through the indoor spaces. Types of Glass Facades There are many types of glass façade systems such...

Façade lighting designs have evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in technology, increasing demand for sustainable solutions, and the growing interest in creating visually striking and immersive environments. Some of the latest trends and technologies in façade lighting design include: 1. Interactive lighting: Interactive lighting designs have gained popularity in recent years, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for viewers. This type of lighting utilizes sensors, programming, and projections to create interactive experiences that respond to movement or touch. 2. Energy efficiency: With a growing focus on sustainable design, energy efficient lighting solutions have become increasingly popular. LED lights, which are highly energy efficient, are now commonly used in façade lighting designs. 3. Dynamic lighting: Dynamic lighting designs use changing colors and patterns to create a unique and immersive experience for viewers. This type of lighting is often used to highlight the architecture of a building, creating a...

Energy-conserving and efficient glass façades and fenestrations are essential for creating sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Glass is a popular choice for building façades because it allows natural light to enter the building while providing thermal insulation. However, without proper design and technology, glass façades can also contribute to heat loss and gain, resulting in increased energy consumption. The benefits of an energy-efficient glass façade include improved energy efficiency, reduced reliance on artificial lighting, and increased occupant comfort. However, they can also be more expensive than traditional building envelopes and may require additional maintenance and cleaning due to their large surface area. Here are some ways to make glass façades and fenestrations energy-efficient: [caption id="attachment_51424" align="alignright" width="399"] SR Crown Hall- Mies Van Der Rohe Image Credit: architecture.org[/caption] 1. Massing & orientation: Orienting and developing geometry and massing of the building to respond to solar positions. The orientation of the glass in...

There is a general trend in façade design currently to opt for glass as a primary material, in a sense aping the West. Glass façades are easy to install and maintain and lend a modern, elegant look to a building. Further, in the wake of the pandemic, people are looking for spaces that offer the flexibility of use and a connection to nature. The design of such spaces attempts to merge the inside and the outside through sliding-folding doors and windows, among other features. This sense of porosity and permeability has certainly influenced the choice of glass for façade design. [caption id="attachment_51358" align="alignleft" width="362"] The design for Max House, an office building for Max Estates in New Delhi, incorporates several design features to reduce its environmental impact[/caption] However, there are several factors that determine good façade design apart from the visual and aesthetic impact of a building and the occupant...

APPROACH FOR FIRE-SAFE BUILDINGS These four parameters are considered in fire safety Prevention: Depending on the typology of the building, fire hazards are evaluated and graded. Usually, materials that have a higher fire resistance rating are used and compliance of the design to fire safety codes and regulations is ensured. In the areas more prone to fire hazards, the products/ appliances are first checked for safety standards and all the installation procedures are followed correctly. In the case of electrical fittings the wirings are done as per the load required and fire retardant wiring is used. They are given extra protection through insulated encasements depending on the requirement. Flammable substance storage areas for fuel/gas or spaces near the furnaces are given extra protection, and materials like fire clay brick, high alumina/Magnesia brick are used. Efficiency of Escape: Designated fire escape routes are planned and the stairwells and emergency exits are...

A crucial component of building management and construction is fire safety. The building exterior should receive special attention because it can significantly affect how quickly a fire spreads. First and foremost, fire-resistant materials should be used in the design and construction of building facades. This can include materials like steel, concrete, and bricks, which have a lower fire risk and will contain the spread of flames in the event of a fire. Additionally, by keeping the flames from spreading to other areas of the building, the installation of fire-resistant glass in windows can aid in the containment of a fire. [caption id="attachment_50997" align="alignleft" width="300"] GTM Residency Tower External Facade, Design Plus Architects[/caption] Assuring sufficient ventilation is crucial for the fire safety of building facades. Vents, louvres, and other apertures in the facade that permit smoke and heat to escape can be used to do this. By providing a way for...

Façade, better known as fascia, means “FACE” in reference to the front part or exterior portion of the building. The façade of a building is often the most important aspect from a design point of view, as it sets the scheme for the rest of the building. Façade is also of great importance due to its impact on visual appeal and energy efficiency. The outside walls of contemporary high-rise buildings are frequently suspended from the concrete floor slabs. Precast concrete walls and curtain walls are two examples. When two buildings are very close to one another, for example, the façade may occasionally be required to have a fire rating to reduce the risk of fire spreading from one building to another. Many materials are recently used in covering the façades to give aesthetic looks and functionality also. Cladding is a material used in construction to give structures a certain amount...

The use of glass and aluminium for the exterior walls of building structures has become a popular trend in the construction industry, irrespective of whether it is a high-rise or a low-rise building. Aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, transparency, ease of maintenance and time-saving installation have been placed on an upper pedestal than fire safety. Various incidents of fire have proven time and again that building façade and fenestration material is the most vulnerable component in case of fire and promotes fire spread. Diamond Square, Kalina, Santacruz (Mumbai) – 8th April 2011 - Commercial building. First Information Financial Centre (FIFC), BKC, Mumbai – 8th September 2012 – Commercial building. Lotus Business Park, Mumbai – 18th July 2014 - Commercial building. Grenfell Tower, UK - 14th June 2017 – Residential building. [caption id="attachment_50948" align="alignnone" width="774"] Grenfell Tower – Damage post-fire[/caption] The Most Common Causes of Building Fires are: [caption id="attachment_50949" align="alignright" width="217"]...

Sometimes referred to as rain-screen or cladding systems, ventilated external wall systems are an increasingly popular façade option for both new-build and refurbished mid to high-rise buildings. They not only offer a huge array of design options and finishes but also a practical construction method for temperature and moisture management. However, the cavity created between the external cladding and the internal insulation layer can present an issue when it comes to passive fire safety. ADDRESSING CONFLICTING PRINCIPLES [caption id="attachment_50915" align="alignleft" width="217"] Ventilated external wall systems are an increasingly popular façade option for both new-build and refurbished mid to high-rise buildings[/caption] In daily use, the cavity is vital for ensuring that any moisture penetrating the external façade can drain away through the gap left between the exterior and the insulation layer. In addition to preventing issues with dampness or mould, the airflow within the cavity allows the whole system to stay...

Fire behaves differently with different types of materials. With respect to fire hazards and risk, the first issue of concern is the type of thermal attack or fire source to be considered. Along with the different types of fire sources, different cases of fire spread can be distinguished as well, each presenting different hazards or risks. Therefore, planning for fire protection in/around a building involves knowing the sources of fire and taking an integrated approach with active and passive systems in any facility. Passive fire protection components play a crucial role in stopping the fire and smoke from spreading further. These include: Using fire-resistant walls, facades and floors to limit the spread of fire, heat, and smoke by containing it in a single compartment in its area of origin Protecting escape routes and providing vital escape time for occupants Protecting a building’s critical structural members Protecting a building’s assets Active...

What will the façades of the future look like? The façade of the future must be a dynamic one, which combines a lot of aspects together first of all, the one that was the only function for decades, create an envelope for the building. Then a mix of different aspects insulation (thermal and acoustic), energy efficiency, design-friendly, reflecting the building functions, customisation. And last one, in some particular cases, must be integrated with the environment, to create a low impact on the surrounding area. I cannot imagine a drastic change in the façades of the future, but I believe that the industry will improve day by day through the mix of all the aspects. According to you, what requirements do the façade of the future meet? Surely rich a high level in terms of efficiency. Then, I hope, a good percentage of recycled and eco-friendly materials. What is your take...