SIS Queenstown, a residential township in Guduvanchery, near Chennai, brings together the concepts of comfortable living and luxury. Classical European architecture interspersed with lush greenery set SIS Queenstown apart, lending the township its distinct identity. With 424 housing units and an array of amenities and conveniences, the project raises the bar of urban living in the upcoming suburban neighborhood. The project is spread across 5.4 acres with five seven-storied towers arranged around a grand central courtyard. Thirteen daily convenience shops, such as an ATM, department store, etc., are housed in the tower along the main road that both residents and locals can easily access. Centered on a people first approach, the township offers its residents an improved quality of life with a focus on creating a comfortable micro climate. Various active and passive design strategies come together to create an energy-efficient, sustainable township. [caption id="attachment_51939" align="alignright" width="500"] SIS Queenstown -...

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....

Please tell our readers about your design practice. Studio3eight is formed by an award-winning team. It is an international architectural practice that harnesses the power of design to create exciting and innovative built environments. Our practice is a melting pot of global perspectives and diverse experiences, with offices in Dubai, Australia, and Vietnam. As a forward-thinking design studio, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture and embracing new technology and sustainable practices. We believe in creating buildings that not only respond to their surroundings but also inspire and connect with the people who use them. [caption id="attachment_51567" align="alignleft" width="500"] Green Diamond Development project sustainability diagram, Vietnam 2[/caption] Our team of talented architects and designers are experts in their field, and their passion for creativity, innovation, and excellence is evident in every project we undertake. From concept design to project delivery, we are committed to delivering exceptional design...

The use of glass in building design has become increasingly popular over the years for the unparalleled benefits it offers. Today, architects and designers consider glass as the go-to material, not only for the aesthetics it delivers but also for the performance it assures. It is the only material that blends the exteriors with the interiors, seamlessly bringing the outdoors inside. In this article, we will look at the ways and means by which glass adds value to any building, be it commercial or residential. AESTHETICS Glass can be used to create a range of visual effects in building design. When it comes to facades, unlike other building materials, glass scores high on aesthetics by adding colour and character to a building’s façade. As a façade cladding material, glass provides an unobstructed view of the surrounding environment, while tinted, frosted or textured glass can offer privacy and add value in...

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...

What should be the approach for a solid fire-safe design considering the materials, design and technologies? This reply assumes that by ‘solid’ you mean an approach that has a very high degree of assurance. In more than one jurisdiction in the world, the four-step approach is being followed. The same is best explained in the image as well. [caption id="attachment_51006" align="alignright" width="500"] Figure 2: A third-party certification mechanism is critical (Copyrights: ISO)[/caption] The key elements that will ensure a fire-safe building envelope are summarised in the image. 1. Materials: The reaction to fire properties will always add up to a system property. Ignitability, combustibility, calorific value, and flame & smoke spread need to be assessed. 2. Assurance of supply: For such risky materials that are needed; assurance should be undertaken using certification & listing which offers traceability at the construction site 3. The risks of the design of the building...

“I am in too much grief to talk. What can I say? The work of half my lifetime, very nearly; all my mechanical instruments and scientific apparatus, that it has taken years to perfect, swept away in a fire that lasted only an hour or two. How can I estimate the loss in mere dollars and cents? Everything is gone. I must begin over again.” - Nikola Tesla A fire broke out in the basement of 33-35 South 5th Ave and swept through the entire structure, including Tesla’s laboratory. Unimaginable records of scientific discoveries vanished into thin air. Fire is all-consuming and doesn’t care about sentiments, and for any safe design of buildings, fire safety should be its priority. PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION [caption id="attachment_50933" align="alignright" width="290"] The void between a curtain wall and floor assembly being closed with fire stops[/caption] Apart from active fire protection which is important, but as...

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...

Spread over 18.5 acres, Jio World Centre (JWC) is a multifaceted development where people will get together, to appreciate art, to exchange ideas, to celebrate culture, and to soak in the heritage and vibrancy of our great city. The JWC is a stunning new landmark for India, as well as a prime location for business, leisure, entertainment, and retail in the prestigious precinct of Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai. JWC fulfills the vision of the promoters, providing global platforms and opportunities to everyone, in anticipation of India’s next decade of growth. This project is ahead of its curve and has been developed with an international design vocabulary while honoring the culture and spirit of India. A project by Reliance Industries, JWC showcases pioneer technology, safety, and digital innovation, and offers exceptional experiences such as India’s first 5G-enabled digital infrastructure with uninterrupted data, virtual and hybrid events, and unparalleled online cultural experiences....

The façade of a building is one of the most crucial and challenging parts to design because it sets the standard for iconic structures. The modern façade design is continually changing as technology advances at a rapid rate. Future façades will perform more than just basic needs like weather and environmental protection. A longterm, sustainable perspective and an adaptation to the attainment of climate goals are necessary for the façade of the future. The façade will continue to shield the structure from the effects of the environment and influence the home’s aesthetic appeal in the future. Future façades won’t be used for simply technical purposes. A façade of the future should instead actively improve society. The façade will continue to shield the structure from the effects of the environment and influence the home’s aesthetic appeal in the future. We interviewed a few industry experts and here are the responses presented...

As the last World Climate Summit reminds us, the urgency to reduce CO2 emissions has never been so crippling if we want to preserve both our lives and our children’s. As shown by research published by the World Green Building Council, one of the main touchpoints we can focus on at the present moment is the reduction of energy consumption as a means to start making a change that will be effective in the long run. Why is Natural Ventilation Important? [caption id="attachment_50627" align="alignleft" width="181"] MacKimmie Tower, Calgary, Canada[/caption] Buildings need to breathe just like us humans and proving the right type of ventilation is essential to that end. In fact, when it comes to removing stale air and replacing it with fresh air, natural ventilation of buildings is a great option to achieve such results while lowering costs. As the name suggests, natural ventilation in fact lacks a controlled,...

An increasingly warmer planet requires buildings that adapt to changing conditions, while also reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to slow down and reduce the rate of related changes. Such adaptation is not typically possible in most conventional buildings of the past century, generally designed to solve overheating problems by using more energy for mechanical cooling. Even if the electrical grid is powered primarily by renewables, buildings must be designed to be future-proof and resilient by ensuring the thermal safety and comfort of occupants when it fails. It is necessary to improve the performance of the buildings we design by reducing their GHG emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste production to reduce anthropogenic emissions and have any real impact on climate change. Passive Cooling and Heating Most current research on sustainable architecture focuses on improving established technologies, such as HVAC systems, while making buildings tighter and better insulated. Passive architecture...

Pablo La Roche is a Principal & Sustainable Design Director at CRTKL where he leads the firm’s sustainability initiatives and works in projects worldwide. He is also Professor of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona where he teaches courses in sustainability and design. He has a Ph.D. from the University of California Los Angeles and has authored more than 150 technical papers, several books that include “Carbon Neutral Architectural Design” with a third edition scheduled for 2023, and book chapters that including the 2022 Routledge Manual on Thermal Comfort. Pablo chaired the Passive Low Energy Architecture PLEA 2016 conference in Los Angeles and is past president of the Society of Building Science Educators, SBSE. His awards include the Fulbright by the US Department of State, the Chancellors Fellowship from UCLA, the IMPACT Award from the USGBC, and the NCARB Grand Prize for Architecture for his work at Cal Poly Pomona.

The development of the requirements for the architectural glass façade keeps evolving from one year to another in one direction, higher light transmittance, lower solar factor, and neutral colour appearance. What was considered engineering fiction many years back and became a common product now. The development of the coating types and combination keeps progressing to meet the architects’ requirements and improve the well-being of the properties occupiers of those properties. [caption id="attachment_50075" align="alignleft" width="500"] The Nest- Al Barari, Duba[/caption] The good thing about having a full glass façade is the hip appearance of the property, comparing any newly constructed building with a 20 years old fully glazed structure will spot little impact on the aging of those buildings, probably not for the colour, but for the stunning looking of the glass, it will always remain remarkable, just clean the façade and it will be as good as new. However, what...

Could you please tell our readers about LWK + PARTNERS and what are the projects they have done worldwide? [caption id="attachment_50031" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sky Garden Bridge[/caption] LWK + PARTNERS is a dynamic, technologically integrated, and constantly evolving international design entity; with studios around the globe focusing on critical thinking and application, our 1,100+ creative minds collaborate across 12 offices around the world providing services including architecture, planning & urban design, interiors, heritage & conservation, landscape, technology, big data & augmented reality, lifestyle & experiential and specialist lighting design. With over 35 years of design evolution, we have completed award-winning projects across various sectors, Master Planning & Urban Design, Mixed-Use & Leisure, large-scale Public Realm initiatives, Hospitality & Resorts, Heritage & Culture, notably having six such projects awarded for construction by HH Sheik Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai. [caption id="attachment_50032" align="alignright" width="181"] Burj Crown-downtown Duba[/caption] LWK + PARTNERS MENA...

The façade has always been one of the most important elements of architectural design throughout history. This aspect of architecture arguably reflects, most closely, the culture, socio-political scenario, climatic conditions, and technological prowess of the era in which it existed. [caption id="attachment_49978" align="alignnone" width="774"] Façade of an apartment complex - biophilia has been incorporated with self-sustainable systems. This takes care of the maintenance challenges and also ensures uniformity and consistency of the building façade[/caption] To us, we see the façade as a sieve that filters the outdoor elements into the interior space. To the interiors, it presents curated views, and controls the external elements of light heat cold and rain. And most importantly, it presents the architectural statement to the surrounding environment. Today, technologically, the industry has reached a point where anything that can be imagined can be translated into reality. Unfortunately, though we are also building at scales never...