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Facade

Facade - Windows & Doors

The word “facade” typically refers to the outward appearance or front of a building, often used to describe its architectural design. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a superficial or deceptive appearance that conceals something less attractive or true behind it.

A window is defined as an opening in a wall of a building to serve one or more of the functions like natural  light, natural ventilation and vision. The main function of a door in a building is to serve as a link between the internal parts and to allow free movement to the outside of the building.

The delicate craft of making a strong first impression

A glass facade for a commercial building or retail storefront should deliver top-tier performance along with visually appealing aesthetics. With a broad selection of glass types available, architects and designers can fine-tune every aspect of performance, from thermal and solar regulation to security, color, and the building’s overall design statement.

Features and Benefits

Facade windows offer a range of benefits, including enhanced transparency, improved natural lighting, and energy efficiency. These modern glass solutions also provide better thermal performance and sound insulation, creating comfortable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing building environments.

Transparency and Openness

Natural Light

Thermal Performance

Sound Insulation

Energy Efficiency

In addition to these features , facade glass enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal. Large glass panels can give the structure a sleek, modern look, helping it stand out in a busy urban environment.

  • Installation and maintenance can be more complex, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment.
  • The cost of facade glass is generally higher than traditional building materials.
  • Large glass panels can pose safety concerns due to their susceptibility to breakage and may need extra structural support.
  • Facade glass enables open, transparent building designs.
  • It offers improved thermal performance and energy efficiency.
  • It provides better sound insulation for quieter indoor environments.
  • It enhances the aesthetic appeal, giving buildings a sleek, modern look.

Uses of Glass Facades

Exterior walls

Skylights

Windows

Product Showcase

Types Of Facades Available

Building Facades

Facades refer to the external faces of a structure, and serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. These systems play a crucial role in creating the overall appearance of a building and protecting it from external elements, such as wind and rain, alongside insulating your building. It’s important, therefore, that you choose the right system for your construction. Several different types of façades exist, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. We take a look at both lightweight and heavyweight facades, as well as traditional facades and rainscreen cladding systems, discussing their applications and benefits along the way.

A lightweight facade consists of a system that does not contribute to the structural stability of a building. Because they only have to support their own load, rather than supporting any of the building’s load, they can be made of lightweight materials such as aluminium. These façades are easier to install and more cost-effective because of this, in comparison to traditional building materials. The lightweight nature of these façades can also contribute to the energy efficiency and sustainability of the construction process, as they require less energy to transport.

A panelled façade is a type of building exterior that’s composed of individual panels that hook or clip onto an external wall frame; these panels can be made from various materials such as glass, metal, or composite materials. Panelled façades offer several advantages. Firstly, they allow for flexibility in design, as the individual panels can be fabricated in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, and can further be hooked on horizontally or vertically. They also provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation when installed as a rainscreen system, contributing to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Additionally, panel façades are durable and require minimal maintenance – with maintenance simplified as the panels can be removed in isolation.

 

 

 

Curtain wall systems are a popular facade choice due to their modern and elegant appearance. These non-structural cladding systems consist of lightweight aluminium frames that support glass or opaque panels, known as glazing. The panels serve multiple functions, such as allowing in natural light, protecting the interior from the elements, and providing thermal efficiency.  Curtain walling is a durable facade design, which offers a contemporary aesthetic; it performs well in weather conditions when manufactured and installed in line with regulations and can also improve the thermal performance of the building. However, they are high maintenance systems, with glass panels requiring regular cleaning. With their sleek design and functional benefits, curtain wall facades are an excellent choice for buildings seeking a sophisticated and efficient exterior solution.

As the name suggests, heavyweight facades refer to systems which weigh significantly more than their counterpart, the lightweight system. The weight of the system may be affected by the panel material or material thickness, for example. The support system for heavyweight facades has to be designed with bearing the increased load in mind; some heavyweight systems are also designed to help bear structural loads, also. Heavyweight facades are durable systems, offering protection from harsh weather conditions, alongside sound and thermal insulation. However, their weight can pose some installation difficulties.

Prefabricated façades, often known as modular façades, are exterior panels pre-assembled off-site and later transported to the construction location for installation. Composing components like panels, windows, and insulation, they are produced in controlled environments to ensure the highest quality and precision. While they promise advantages such as a quicker construction process;, diminished disruptions on-site due to most assembly taking place off-site; enhanced energy efficiency through precise fitting to reduce air leaks and thermal bridging; and consistent quality control, there are also some challenges to be mindful of.

The logistics of construction and installation when working with prefabricated structures should always be considered. For example, late delivery or unexpected manufacturing delays could disrupt construction and installation processes onsite.

Traditional façades, like those found in older buildings or residential homes, are constructed using traditional building materials such as brick or stone. These façades are designed to maintain the character of a building and are highly valued for their aesthetic appeal.  Traditional facade materials are durable and versatile in their aestheticism, and are built to withstand the test of time in all weather conditions. They are also structural, and help support the load of the building.

Rainscreen cladding, also referred to as ventilated facade systems, is our final facade type. Rainscreen cladding, particularly prevalent in contemporary structures, employs a method where an outer layer is positioned away from the main building, forming a breathable space in between. This gap plays a crucial role in ensuring air circulation, managing moisture, and enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the building.

Aluminum panels have emerged as a popular choice for the outer layer of rainscreen cladding. These panels are not only lightweight and robust, but they also boast a high resistance to corrosion, making them particularly suited for environments with variable weather conditions. When used in rainscreen cladding, aluminum panels not only protect the building structure from external environmental factors but also provide an enhanced, modern appearance that’s both functional and visually appealing.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a facade system?

A facade system is the outer covering or cladding of a building designed to protect it from external elements while enhancing aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. 

Yes, facade systems can be retrofitted onto existing buildings to improve their appearance, functionality, and energy efficiency. 

Yes, facade systems are highly customizable in terms of materials, colors, textures, and design to meet specific architectural requirements and aesthetic preferences. 

Maintenance includes regular cleaning, inspections for damage, and occasional repairs to ensure the system remains functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

The ventilated facade has multiple applications such as: hotels, offices, single-family homes, multi-family homes, universities, hospitals, schools, casinos, shopping centers, libraries, museums, sports centers, nursing homes, funeral homes, theaters, etc.