Over the years, buildings have evolved. This may be due to advancements in construction technology, availability of new materials, modern architectural styles, and functional requirements. With this, the building elements have evolved and their roles have changed. With RCC or metal structural members, walls became the elements to provide the envelope to the space rather than being load-bearing members as they used to be, which further triggered thinner walls and larger opening sizes. The need for new opening types and window shapes to cater to the special aesthetics of the façade increased with it and triggered a new set of requirements for “architectural hardware” for façades and fenestrations. Building façades are the skin of the building.
Building façades and fenestrations provide the transition from the exterior to the building interiors. They define a building’s interaction with the environment and contribute significantly to its energy efficiency, aesthetics, and functionality. Architectural hardware for façades and fenestration refers to the components and systems used in the construction and operation of building exteriors and openings. They are used at every component of the façade such as doors, windows, skylights, wall claddings, etc. These elements play crucial roles in the functionality, security, aesthetics, and energy efficiency of buildings.
Need of architectural hardware for facades & fenestration
Hardware is an integral part of any architectural space for it to function. Various systems designed for different purposes will require hardware support in different roles. For a façade, it could be a cladding system where the cladding material is the factor dictating the material or type of the hardware.
For shading devices, it must provide flexibility in their size and shape, placement options, and scope to keep them fixed or movable. Ventilation systems that enhance natural ventilation through passive strategies or mechanical ventilation systems will need hardware that will prevent dampness and keep noise levels to a minimum. All these systems will require gaskets and sealants to keep the joinery intact and prevent any water and air infiltration, along with thermal or sound insulations. For fenestrations such as doors, windows, and skylights, the need for hardware is to provide a variety of movements (sliding, casement, awning, fixed) along with multiple glazing options and finishing materials. It is also important to provide ease of operation (hinges, handles, locks), security, and weather-stripping.
With a variety of brands and products available in the market, it is difficult to choose the right product for your needs. As an architect, it is difficult to understand all the technical aspects and reach a proper conclusion. Also lack of clarity about guidelines, technical information about the products, their properties & functioning, and justification of price can create confusion about choosing the right hardware. The following are a few points to be considered while choosing the right hardware for your project needs:
- Strength & durability
- Response to weather- thermal efficiency, resistance to rain, and moisture
- Acoustic performance: Sound insulation properties
- Structural integrity: Self-load, wind loads, seismic considerations
Aesthetics:
- Design: Compatibility with architectural style
- Finishes: Availability of coatings, anodizing, colours, and quality
Sustainability:
- Environmental Impact: Recyclability of materials, sustainable sourcing
- Energy Efficiency: Reducing heating and cooling loads
Regulations and Standards:
- Building Codes: Compliance with local and international standards
- Safety Standards: Fire resistance, impact resistance
Brand Reliability:
- Availability of the range of products.
- Ease of maintenance and availability of technical team
- Price range spectrum depending on the project type, value for money
KMC Corporate Office by RMA Architects
Types of hardware systems for facades and fenestration
In today’s era, modern cities demand modern, minimal, and highly functional buildings with large footprints. Modern, creative, parametric architecture has a very high demand for specially designed and functional façades. To make it possible, well-designed architectural hardware plays a vital role. Thus, a lot of brands are coming up with new systems for façades as well as for fenestrations. It is impossible to cover all the available hardware types but let us touch upon some available types.
- Cladding: Cladded façades involve the application of cladding material to the exterior of the building for aesthetic purposes. Cladding is done by either the wet cladding or dry cladding method. As the name suggests, dry cladding has a framework on which the cladding material is pasted or screwed. In the wet cladding method, the material is pasted with adhesives on the wall surface. Wet cladding is free of hardware, but the dry cladding system requires the use of the entire assembly. Metal structures or embedded metal anchors are essential to fix cladding material. Commonly used materials are metal sheets, wood, stone, and composite panels.
- Curtain Walls: Curtain walls are non-structural systems that are hung from the structural frame of the building. The system is made up of metal frameworks, glass panels, and anchors & clips. They can be altered to fit particular design specifications like colour, texture, and even complex geometries. Large glass areas give maximum natural light, but along with it, the building gains a lot of heat. To prevent this, various shading systems can be integrated into the curtain wall system. Although the curtain walls are used to achieve a consistent and seamless façade, due to its signature appearance the building loses its architectural character that represents the site context.
- Green Façades: They are becoming popular façade design options. As high-rise buildings often lack a direct connection to nature, green façades are preferred for these buildings. While planter beds sit on the floor, the plants and creepers grow on the cable or pipe support systems on the wall. These façades connect to nature and also provide thermal comfort. Maintaining these systems could be a challenge because of the presence of water in close contact with the metal systems. Such systems need to be provided with well-designed irrigation and drainage systems.
- Kinetic Façade: It is a system that uses moving parts to create dynamic and interactive building exteriors. These moving parts can include shutters, panels, or screens that can be adjusted according to weather conditions, time of day, or user preferences. The elements move, change, and adapt to reveal and conceal the interior spaces. These can be controlled by computationally programmed systems or can be controlled manually. The façades enhance a building’s aesthetic appeal and provide occupant comfort by controlling natural light and ventilation. Such “smart” façades can be used for any type of building to respond well to its surroundings.
- Doors and Window Hardware like hinges, pivots (based on the type of opening), locks, handles, and stoppers make the entire assembly. All of these differ in design as per their desired use. Also, the material of the door or window will dictate the type of hardware to be used.
Limitations
Although we have a platter of available products, selecting the appropriate hardware that fits all the project criteria such as cost, the weight of the product, adaptability as per the placement, availability of the material, and response to climatic factors could be tricky. Many times architects may prefer to opt for custom-made products that best suit their needs. But doing custom hardware also has its share of limitations.
Conclusion
With advancements in technology building façades have evolved leading to the need for specialised architectural hardware for façades and fenestrations. These components enhance functionality, security, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. Because we have these façade systems available globally, the buildings are losing architectural character and identity. Buildings need to respond to their surroundings, climate, and cultural context. To support various needs of buildings to be efficient, sustainable, and true to their context, the need for architectural hardware that is adaptable and customisable is getting more and more urgent
Case Study
The Garden House (Baner, Pune)
The Garden House is a testament to simplicity with its earthy colour palette seamlessly blending from exterior to interior. The carved-out masses with permutations of closed, semi-open, and open spaces and the balcony add a subtle vibrancy to the structure. The ground floor functions as a parking area and as an entrance to the bungalow.
The habitable spaces commence from the first level onwards. The bungalow is organised into three distinct bays using a structured grid layout. The central bay features a floating staircase and a courtyard- the spine of the house. The other two bays house the living, dining and kitchen on the east; bedrooms on the west on the first floor and additional bedrooms with attached terraces on the second floor.
The living area seamlessly merges with the courtyard on the first floor. It fosters a visual connection between the two floors making the spaces interactive. The courtyard hosts a variety of fenestrations to connect outdoors with indoors and in response has a variety of hardware systems.
The bedroom window, opening into the court has a simple aluminium window which requires minimum weather protection and security. The court has a metal pergola system that offers security along with an interesting shadow pattern. Openings connecting the courtyard with the terraces above have simple safety grills.
The brick wall and flooring set the earthy tone of the courtyard. The same material used differently as a herringbone pattern for flooring and an intricately designed vertical wall render the right amount of visual texture.
The house is designed to combine function with aesthetics and well-thought-passive strategies that considerably reduce heat and provide ample light and ventilation. Toilets on the southern side shield bedrooms from heat gain from the harsh southern sun. Proposed fins on the east and west façades mitigate low-angle sunlight, contributing to a climate-responsive design that reduces reliance on air conditioning. Apart from the elevational treatment, designers have ensured the intimate green pockets abutting each room are effective heat buffers. A fenestration with brick blocks and jaali at the entrance is a feature that ensures ventilation throughout the staircase block using a stack effect. Safety systems such as smart locks take care of safety at the entrance lobby.
Daylight has been taken care of by diffused light from the sides and top of the staircase as well as the courtyard. These skylights are provided with hardware systems that allow ample daylight to enter but prevent water seepage. Along with it, the skylight also has a vent to take out the hot air to enable the stack ventilation. The staircase – an important feature in the house – becomes the focal point.
Quick Facts:
- Project: The Garden House
- Location: Baner, Pune
- Designer: 100 Ants Design Studio
- Principal Architects: Ar. Chaitanya Padhye, Ar. Swarali Sathaye
- Consultants for the Project: Civil – GD Infrastructure
- Structure Engineers – Mayur Pise
- Environmental & Sustainability Consultants – Jalashree Shrikhande
- Contractors – GD Infrastructure
- Project Managers – GD Infrastructure
- Built-up Area: 203 sq m
- Year Built: 2023