In an exclusive interaction with Window & Facade Magazine, Sergiou discusses the company’s journey, key milestones, and its commitment to innovation in the Facade and architectural glass industry. Here are the excerpts…
Glass & Facades Has Been Shaping The Facade And Architectural Glass Industry. Can You Share Key Milestones In The Company’s Journey And Its Evolution Over Time?
Founded in 2019, Glass & Facades is redefining Facade engineering in Cyprus. Our vision is to elevate Facade engineering standards and enhance Facade quality, shaping a built environment where people can live, learn and work.
A key milestone in our journey was successfully delivering our first major project – The Symbol in Limassol. Designed by renowned architect Riccardo Bofill, with Giorgos Kapnisis as the local architect, this project marked our full-spectrum involvement from concept development to detailed design and construction supervision.
Another defining achievement in our journey was our contribution to City of Dreams Mediterranean – the first integrated casino resort in Cyprus, located in Limassol. As our first large-scale project, working alongside Atkins and local architects J&A Philippou, this marked a pivotal moment for our company. It required us to engage deeply with project processes, coordination frameworks, and platform structuring – all under strict timelines. This experience not only strengthened our expertise in managing complex Facade projects but also set new benchmarks for our operational excellence.
With Continuous Advancements In Facade Technology, How Does Glass & Facades Ensure It Stays At The Forefront Of Innovation?
As the Founder and Managing Director, staying at the forefront of Facade technology is a challenge I take seriously at Glass & Facades. Transitioning from working with international firms in London to establishing my own company in Cyprus, one of my key concerns was ensuring we remained at the cutting edge of Facade advancements, despite the local market’s limitations in material availability.
To bridge this gap, we actively invest in continuous learning – attending Facade conferences, exhibitions, and online training courses. This ongoing commitment to knowledge has been essential in keeping us aligned with global innovations.
Moreover, we’ve been fortunate to work with forward-thinking clients who see value in adopting cutting-edge Facade technologies. A notable example is our involvement in projects featuring kinetic Facades, where shading devices are integrated with a KNX system at the roof level, adjusting dynamically based on the sun path to optimise shading performance.
A ground-breaking step forward is our collaboration on a high-rise project featuring complex GFRC Facades. Our client is not only pioneering this design but also investing in a GFRC/UHPC manufacturing facility in Cyprus. We have been actively supporting the factory’s development, contributing our expertise to establish a local production hub for these advanced materials.
Sustainability Is A Growing Priority In The Built Environment. What Initiatives Has Glass & Facades Taken To Integrate Environmentally Friendly Materials And Energy-Efficient Solutions Into Its Projects?
A primary initiative of ours is prioritising the specification of local materials whenever possible. By doing so, we help reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation while also supporting local manufacturers. Additionally, we work directly with system suppliers to guide them in developing more environmentally friendly Facade solutions that align with international sustainability standards.
Through our Facade concept design process, we actively propose energy-efficient solutions tailored to each project’s needs, including high-performance glazing, optimised shading strategies, and innovative Facade technologies. Furthermore, we collaborate closely with energy consultants to ensure our designs contribute to the overall energy efficiency and sustainability goals of the building.
At Glass & Facades, we view sustainability not just as a requirement but as an opportunity to shape a greener, more responsible built environment in Cyprus.
The Facade And Glass Industry Is Highly Competitive. What Challenges Does Glass & Facades Face, And How Does The Company Navigate Them?
Operating in a small market like Cyprus presents unique challenges, particularly regarding material availability. Unlike larger markets, where a wide range of Facade products and systems are readily accessible, we often face limitations in sourcing cutting-edge materials locally.
To navigate this, Glass & Facades takes a proactive approach by collaborating with local suppliers, guiding them to develop products that align with emerging Facade trends and international standards. This not only helps expand the local market’s capabilities but also ensures that more sustainable and innovative solutions become available within Cyprus.
At the same time, we recognise the importance of design adaptability. Given the constraints of the local market, we work closely with clients to steer Facade designs toward solutions that are both practical and high-performing within these limitations. When necessary, we source specialised products from international suppliers to ensure that every project achieves the best possible outcome.
By balancing local development with global sourcing, we continuously push the boundaries of Facade engineering in Cyprus, ensuring our projects remain at the forefront of quality and innovation.
What Key Trends In The Facade And Architectural Glass Market Do You See Shaping The Future, And How Is Glass & Facades Positioning Itself To Adapt?
One of the key trends shaping the future of Facade design, particularly in climates like Cyprus, is the integration of shading devices. Given our mild winters, with temperatures dropping to 0°C, and long, intense summers reaching up to 45°C or even higher, managing solar gain is crucial for both energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
We’ve seen growing demand for operable shading devices, and at Glass & Facades, we continue to push the boundaries by exploring kinetic Facades. These dynamic systems allow buildings to adapt to environmental conditions in real-time, enhancing both energy performance and aesthetic appeal.
Another exciting trend is the integration of photovoltaic (PV) panels into Facades, especially in spandrel panel areas. This development transforms the Facade into an active energy-generating component, helping reduce operational costs over the building’s lifecycle. Recently, we’ve also been experimenting with transparent photovoltaic technology embedded in laminated glass, which can be integrated into vision panels. This innovation has the potential to redefine how buildings balance energy efficiency, transparency, and aesthetics.
At Glass & Facades, we are committed to staying ahead of these trends by actively researching, testing, and implementing advanced Facade solutions. By combining climate-responsive design with energy-generating technologies, we aim to deliver Facades that are not only high-performing but also contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
How Does Glass & Facades Ensure Compliance With Building Codes, Safety Regulations, And Performance Standards Across Different Regions?
In Cyprus, building regulations related to Facades are relatively limited. To ensure the highest standards of safety, performance, and durability, Glass & Facades proactively adopts international codes and standards from more developed markets. This approach enables us to deliver better-engineered Facade solutions while future-proofing buildings against evolving regulations.
Our commitment to international best practices has been especially valuable as we expand our expertise beyond Cyprus. A key example is our involvement in the Marina Riviera Tower in Ellinikon, Athens—a 200-meter residential skyscraper that will be the tallest building in Greece. For this landmark project, we are designing the Facade in compliance with Greek building regulations, British Building Regulations, and CWCT (Centre for Window and Cladding Technology) standards, ensuring optimal safety, weather performance, and long-term durability.
By continuously aligning with stringent international standards, Glass & Facades not only enhances the quality of its projects but also ensures compliance across different regions and complex architectural environments.
Glass & Facades Emphasises High-Performance Solutions For Modern Buildings. How Does This Philosophy Influence Your Product Development And Customer Interactions?
At Glass & Facades, our commitment to high performance solutions is embedded in both product development and customer interactions, ensuring that every Facade element meets the highest standards of functionality, durability, and aesthetics.
A prime example of this approach is our work on the Marina Riviera Tower, where Foster + Partners specified a custom-made balustrade solution featuring vertical rectangular and circular sections. Given the marine environment and the challenges posed by corrosion and durability, we developed a bespoke aluminium system tailored to the project’s specific needs.
To Achieve This, We:
- Engineered a custom aluminium balustrade solution, optimising it for fabrication efficiency and long-term performance.
- Designed and produced eight new aluminium extrusion dies, allowing us to manufacture precisely engineered profiles that meet both architectural intent and structural requirements.
- Conducted comprehensive performance testing, ensuring that the system withstands wind and dynamic loads, particularly in a high-rise, coastal setting.
This project exemplifies how our high-performance philosophy drives innovation and problem-solving. By collaborating closely with architects and clients, we ensure that even the most complex design visions are realised with technically sound, efficient, and durable solutions.
Your Company Serves A Diverse Clientele, From Architects And Developers To Contractors And Fabricators. How Do You Cater To Such A Broad Market While Maintaining Quality And Innovation?
At Glass & Facades, our philosophy of delivering high-performance Facade solutions is at the core of everything we do – from product development to customer interactions.
We prioritise Facade systems that optimise energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics while meeting the unique demands of each project.
Our approach involves:
- Material Selection: We carefully choose high-performance materials that enhance thermal comfort, solar control, and structural integrity.
- Innovative Technologies: We explore cutting-edge solutions, such as kinetic Facades, operable shading devices, and integrated photovoltaic panels, to push the boundaries of Facade performance.
- Compliance with International Standards: Given the limited local regulations, we adopt best practices from CWCT, Eurocodes, and LEED guidelines to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.
Our commitment to high performance extends to how we engage with clients:
- Tailored Solutions: We collaborate closely with architects, developers, and contractors to provide custom Facade strategies that balance design aspirations with functional efficiency.
- Education & Guidance: Since many innovative Facade solutions are new to the local market, we take the time to educate clients on performance benefits, sustainability impacts, and long-term cost savings.
- Adaptability & Support: We offer flexible design options, ensuring that our clients always have viable alternatives, whether using locally available products or sourcing from international suppliers.
By embedding high-performance principles into both technical execution and client collaboration, Glass & Facades continues to elevate Facade engineering standards and contribute to the development of modern, energy-efficient, and architecturally ambitious buildings.
What Is Glass & Facade’s Long-Term Mission And Vision, And What Steps Are Being Taken To Achieve It?
At Glass & Facades, our mission is to be a trusted partner in Facade engineering, providing technical expertise and innovation to complex projects that drive economic, social, and environmental progress. We are committed to delivering high-performance Facade solutions that not only enhance architectural aesthetics but also contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
We are dedicated to continuously advancing the field of Facade engineering, strengthening the role of Facade engineers in society and promoting responsible environmental management. Our vision is to shape a better future where people can live, learn, work, and dream in buildings that exemplify excellence in design, performance, and sustainability.
