fensterbau/frontale india Tabloid- ISSUE II

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Issue II / December 2013

Facade and Fenestration News for India

A window is more than a glass + frame

N端rnbergMesse India Pvt. Ltd. German House, 2, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India Tel.: +91-11-47168888 / Fax: +91-11-26118664 / Website: www.nm-india.com Contact : Ms. Rucheeka Chhugani / E-mail: rucheeka.chhugani@nm-india.com

Facade and Fenestration News for India

Warm Greetings Dear Readers, ift Rosenheim as Europe’s leading institute for the window and façade industry, is glad to support experts and producers, who are willing to improve quality, with our expertise.

Meanwhile, the new German Energy performance directive is adopted and we are going to enter the next level with the aim of energy plus buildings. This means that buildings could potentially produce more energy than consumed. The energy production is generated by photovoltaic or thermal technical equipment. This additional energy can be used for electric mobility. The first realized building projects show that this is by using advanced and smart solutions for windows, doors and building integrated photovoltaic in the building envelope.

Professor Ulrich Sieberath Director, ift Rosenheim

Another major trend is to improve safety and comfort of building elements under aspects of “Universal Design”.

This means that buildings and their components need to be equally simple, safe and convenient to use for everyone, whether young, old, disabled or able-bodied. This is the only way to ensure that a property will be usable and saleable in 20 years’ time. Premium property owners want this more than anyone. There is already a demand for cars, interiors and consumer products that satisfy the principles of Universal Design (UD). Increasingly, clients in refurbishment and new building projects are also keen that their properties satisfy UD criteria. More and more, forward-looking companies today are therefore developing and marketing products in line with the principles of Universal Design (UD).

We believe that the Indian industry and experts are interested to adapt to not only modern and innovative technology but also standards and quality systems. India is a market with a promising long-term perspective and a huge potential.

Enjoy reading the second edition of ‘ Facade and Fenestration News for India’.

On behalf of ift Rosenheim, I wish all the readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Facade and Fenestration News for India

Universal design: simple, safe, sustainable - Opportunities and

implications for building components

by Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Benitz-Wildenburg – Head of PR & Communication, ift Rosenheim The world is in a state of upheaval, as reflected in rising energy prices and heated debate surrounding climate change and the “energy turnaround”. As a result, people are investing increasingly in property. In order to pay themselves back in the long term, buildings not only need to be durable and future-proof, but must also be able to withstand demographic change. This means that buildings and their components need to be equally simple, safe and convenient to use for everyone, whether young, old, disabled or able-bodied. This is the only way to ensure that a property will be usable and saleable in 20 years’ time. Premium property owners want this more than anyone.

They are already demanding cars, interiors and consumer products that satisfy the principles of Universal Design (UD). Increasingly, clients in refurbishment and new build projects are also asking that their properties satisfy UD criteria. Buildings that are not energy-efficient, barrier-free, and compatible with demographic change, and which cannot be easily adapted to new requirements and living preferences, will not sell as well, and will attract less favourable interest rates from banks. More and more, forward-looking companies today are therefore developing and marketing products in line with the principles of Universal Design (UD).

What is “Universal Design”?

The term “Universal Design” (UD) and its objectives were first defined in a set of principles formulated by the American architect and designer Ronald L. Mace and his colleagues at the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. As a wheelchair user, Ron Mace had a very personal interest in the topic, and hence a strong desire to fight discrimination. Around the same time, another design concept was being developed in Europe, called “Design for All” (DfA), which looked at the impairments from which users could suffer. The aim was to make products usable by as many different groups as possible – for example children, adults, or the elderly – without the need for adaptation. UD and DfA are closely interlinked.

For example in telecommunications, products are increasingly being developed according to UD principles. Today mobile phones are available with large displays and two buttons on the left and right, that use easy-to-read text rather than a confusing array of symbols, making them suitable not just for the elderly, but also appealing to other users who prefer easy-to-use products. Of course this means that different languages are needed in different countries, which is not compatible with cost-minimisation.

Fig. 1 Example of a “Universal Design” product: Convenient automatic doors without thresholds at airports can be helpful for people with temporary impairments, too (picture: Fachverband Türautomation FTA/Dorma)

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Clearly Universal Design cannot be contained purely within the product development process: rather, it is itself a process for generating products that are usable by as many people as possible, easily, safely, and enjoyably. An important side-effect of UD is that it benefits all users. After all, everyone is growing older, and everyone can benefit from an easy-to-use product, even if they are just temporarily disabled – for example they have broken a leg, or are exhausted after a long flight.

“Universal Design” does not, however, mean that a product can be used by everyone, or all user groups, under all circumstances. There is no product that can fully meet the needs of all users. But by factoring the needs of as many users as possible into the design process, it is possible to design products that can be used in a very wide range of situations by people with a huge range of abilities.

To enable the objectives of UD to be achieved, seven basic principles were formulated, according to which products and services should ideally be designed. The principles can be applied in a similar way by institutions and companies.

In order to be used in real life, these basic principles need to be expanded into detailed requirements for specific products. It is important to note that this does not mean only consumer products: the principles can also be applied to machinery, and production and management processes, for example in the automotive industry, where machinery and production processes are often designed in a way that allows older people to use them without hurting their backs.

55+ plus generation.

Table 2: Examples of Universal Design products, including everyday household objects and other products in areas such as healthcare, transport and travel Household objects

Image: Design Award 2011, Universal Design GmbH Example of the application of principles 1, 2 and 5.

Design: ORNAMIN Design Team, Manufacturer: ORNAMIN-KUNSTSTOFFWERKE W. Zschetzsche GmbH & Co. KG

The Vital cup was specially designed to accommodate the needs of bed-ridden patients or persons with limited mobility in their upper body or neck (1, 2). The entire contents of the cup can be emptied easily and completely without the cup having to be tipped up. This allows the user to drink independently and handle the cup intuitively and is far superior in use to more familiar spill-proof cups (5). The Vital cup also has a thermofunction: it keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks stay refreshingly cool.

ogy to prevent staining.

The Meriva’s FlexDoors® concept centres around rear-hinged back doors that make getting in and out of the car comfortable and ergonomic even in narrow parking spaces (7).

This also makes it easier for parents to fasten children into their seats.

In the interior there are versatile, conveniently sized storage compartments for a 1.5 L bottle, a laptop, handbags, and other small items (7).

For extra legroom, the FlexSpace® seat concept means the five-seater Meriva can be turned into a four-seater. Alternatively the seats can be turned into a flat loading surface providing 1,500 litres of storage space – this is easy to do, does not put any strain on the back, requires a minimum of effort, and does not involve removing any seats (2).

The FlexFix® cycle rack system integrated in the rear bumper is a convenient solution for cyclists and commuters, and holds two bicycles. It takes just a few simple hand movements to prepare it for use. The loading height for bicycles is low, which is beneficial for backs (6). The rack holds the bicycles safely, fuel-efficiently, and without slowing the vehicle down.

Park Pilot prevents the need for costly repairs by providing acoustic warnings (4)if the front or back of the car comes too close to another object during parking. Hill Start Assist prevents the car from rolling back down the hill even when the parking brake is not applied, for around two seconds (3, 5).

Healthcare and medical

Fig. 2 The 7 principles of Universal Design Examples from other industries of the successful application of Universal Design In our everyday lives we all regularly experience irritation at objects that need three hands to use, or that trap our fingers, or that keep falling over. Then suddenly we discover a product that saves us all this irritation, and we feel glad that someone has finally thought about what was actually needed. People with physical, mental and cognitive impairments experience this even more acutely. As do “normal”, healthy people suffering from temporary impairments, for example those facing the challenges of everyday life with a broken arm or leg. This is where the practical application of UD comes in. Techniques for identifying potential improvements to products include analysing complaints or suggestions from customers, conducting product tests with children, elderly people, or people with disabilities, or simply following a desire to understand and help others.

The group most interested in ergonomic products based on UD principles are those aged 55 and over, which in most industrialised countries will be an important target group over the next 5 to 20 years, not only because they are growing in number, but also because they have the greatest purchasing power. Companies would therefore be wise to address the needs of this group. However, they will need to stop thinking of these users in discriminating terms (e.g. “over the hill”) if they want to develop UD products successfully. In the future products will be needed that are designed and which function in a way that meets the needs of the

Image: Design Award 2011, universal Design

Example of the application of principles 2 and 7.

Design: Kiyoharu Nakajima, Academy: University of Applied Sciences Coburg, Germany

These finger orthoses are designed to treated over-extended or flexor tendon injuries in middle and end joints. The injured finger is scanned with a 3D scanner and the digital data then used in a CAD program to shape a finger orthosis that is perfectly adapted to the finger (2). This CAD model can be printed on a 3D-plotter in a variety of material densities to support the healing process throughout the different phases of rehabilitation. Thanks to this new technology, patients can be treated with maximum individuality and get an orthosis (7).

Transport and travel

Opel Meriva minivan; The Opel Meriva is a contemporary minivan with diverse functions for versatile, easy, safe use in different situations by a range of user groups. This is made possible by a special ergonomics system that offers a wide range of helpful options.

Its ergonomic seat, which bears the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) quality label, can be set to 18 different positions (1, 2), has an integrated electric lumbar support that can be adjusted in 4 directions, and comes with an extendable thigh support. The seats are coated with TopTec material which uses nanotechnol-

Images 6 design : Adam Opel AG Example of the application of all principles.

Although UD originates from the USA, it is in Japan that it has developed most dynamically. This is thanks to a large extent to the International Association for Universal Design (IAUD), which was founded in 2003 and brings together 50 top industrial companies who want to work together to promote UD in Japan. In just five years, the IAUD and its influential members succeeded in hugely

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Facade and Fenestration News for India increasing awareness of the UD concept, preparing the way for the production of internationally competitive, high-quality products, and, at the same time furthering their own economic success. In Europe, it is the German companies and designers who are embracing the UD concept most enthusiastically, because Germany has a widespread, vibrant tradition of designing and building technically and functionally perfect products. The UD concept is currently applied widely in the development of everyday and household objects, mobile phones and cars, in the areas of healthcare and transport, and in digital controls and displays, making them easy and intuitive to use.

Universal Design in the construction industry and the home In the construction industry, buildings, building components and products are increasingly expected to be versatile enough to continue functioning even when the user group changes or they are needed for a different purpose. This occurs as the occupants of the building age, or different requirements are imposed on it due to illness or accident, or if grandparents move in or young children appear. Unplanned construction work performed at a later date is generally expensive and more difficult to carry out. Buildings that do not adapt easily to altered requirements and occupant preferences will not sell as well and will attract less favourable interest rates from banks. When renovating a property or building a new one, they give high priority to comfort, convenience, safety, security and barrier-free features – all of which are important Universal Design (UD) characteristics. Currently the biggest drivers behind, and beneficiaries of, the UD movement are products and services relating to bathrooms.

All areas of construction are however affected by the trend, particularly manufacturers of doors, gates, windows and building hardware, because these building components are all functional.

Aside from vaguer notions of quality, this trend is also reflected in an increased demand for specific characteristics that make windows and doors more convenient, safer, and more secure. In other words UD characteristics in general, and the automation of windows and doors in particular. It is therefore extremely important that forward-looking businesses factor UD considerations into their planning/ design and product development processes.

Barrier-free designs play a central role here.

The term “barrier-free” is still used almost exclusively in relation to walking disabilities, and needs to be broader to include other aspects such as visual impairments. The holistic concept of UD is therefore a better solution to the growing problem of demographic change.

At present, within the area of construction and the home, suppliers of bathroom, furniture and home-related products and services are the main group concerned with the concept of Universal Design. Great product ideas can be found in the outstanding products recognised at the Universal Design Awards, which are organised annually by universal design GmbH. So far, however, windows and doors have not received any attention in this area.

Table 3 Examples of Universal Design products – House and home

House and home

Image: Design Award 2012, universal Design GmbH

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OpenSpace can be conveniently folded away against the wall after use (7). A brilliant chrome frame forms the outer contours (4) and the unit is fitted with two large glass doors.

The door on the side of the fixtures is made of mirror glass. When OpenSpace is folded back on the wall, the fixtures and shower things are hidden elegantly behind the mirror, keeping the shower area always looking neat, tidy and bigger (7). A lifting-and-lowering mechanism ensures that the shower doors fit snugly to the shower tray (3). The design is able to accommodate wall tolerances of up to 18 mm so that OpenSpace can also be installed when the walls are uneven (2), as in older buildings.

This is an example of the application of principles 2, 3, 4 and 7.

Design: EOOS Design GmbH, Vienna, Manufacuturer: Duravit AG

principles of Universal Design (UD) draw attention not just to familiar performance characteristics such as thermal and sound insulation, fire safety and dimensional stability, but also to the simple, safe operation of these components.

A case in point is the closing speed of automatic doors. For the purpose of energy efficiency, and in applications such as canteen kitchens, automatic doors need to close as fast as possible. But elderly people and those with injuries or walking disabilities need doors that close slowly to allow them to pass through the door without rushing. A differentiated approach to operating and closing forces is also needed: for a healthy adult, operating a door or window handle set at normal operating forces does not present a problem. But for a child, the height and operating force of the handle can pose an insuperable problem. Impaired vision, which affects almost everyone as they get older, is also often overlooked or underestimated. People with visual impairments can be frustrated by excessively small and hard-to-read fonts, or functional elements that are not easily recognisable as such.

Possible solutions include making handles and switches distinguishable from their surroundings by giving them contrasting colours, shapes and materials, and surfaces that provide information through touch. Acoustic information can also help, for example a click or other sound when an entry door shuts correctly.

Image: Design Award 2012, universal Design GmbH

With the Busch-WelcomePanel®, you can see exactly who is standing outside the door on the generously sized 17.8 cm (7”) TFT touch-panel with high resolution and strongly contrasting colours. Six fast-access buttons and the self-expla-natory, touch-panel operation provide for an intuitive control of all the functions (3).

During voice communication with the visitor outside the door, photos can be taken and stored. When no one is home, three photos of each visitor are taken automatically after the bell has been rung – for complete home monitoring. There are five different bell sounds to choose from for distinguishing between the door and storey calls (4). The volume of the bell sounds and the voice communication is easily adjustable.

This is an example of the application of principles 3, 4 and 7.

Design: Bernd Brüssing, Prodesign & Inhouse Design Busch-Jaeger, Bernhard Heitz, Manufacuturer: Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH

Fig. 3 Important Universal Design criteria for windows and external pedestrian doorsets Another important requirement is to rule out the possibility of incorrect operation, which can not only damage the product itself, but can also place the safety of users in jeopardy. The main risks are trapping fingers when closing windows and doors, overriding opening restrictors, and involuntarily opening windows in the cleaning position. To help consumers high performed products, window and door manufacturers will need to worker even harder on making them simple and intuitive to use. Universal Design is a holistic approach to making building components easier to use and to market. It can be applied to the design of windows and doors by considering user requirements and design possibilities in the light of the 7 general UD principles (see chapter 1).

Here are some examples:

Image: Design Award 2012, universal Design GmbH

LED lightbulbs illuminate the area directly under them very brightly. However, when used in corners or at angles, the area directly below the angled lightbulb may not be brightly lit enough. To solve this problem, Panasonic developed a rotating clasp mechanism so that the LEDs can be attached at an angle and the light can be directed to the desired position for optimum illumination (1). This is the first LED lightbulb suit-able for corner installation to be commercially marketed. It is easy to install and adjust in a corner and as compact as a minilamp, which means it can be used universally (3).

This is an example of the application of principles 1 and 3.

Design: Yutaka Murakami, Manufacturer: Panasonic Corporation Practical application of UD to windows, facades, doors and gates With regard to windows, doors and industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates, the

Principle 1: Equitable use (Children, adults, elderly, people with physical and psychological limitations, users from different culture groups etc.).

- In normal use, the product design (profile geometry, edges, moving parts) is safe and prevents incorrect use.

- Documentary evidence exists for the product confirming its fitness for use according to European or national standards. The marketability of the product is guaranteed (CE mark).

- The product is of above-average durability. Condensation will not occur provided that the product is installed professionally and in appropriate climatic conditions. The product design incorporates a “drainage plane”.

- The surface of the product can be easily cleaned using standard detergents and is resistant to the formation of streaks of dirt (around the drainage holes), or failing that, any streaks of dirt forming can be easily removed.

- The product is made primarily of renewable and/or recyclable materials which can be easily separated following the use phase.

- The product is manufactured using primarily energy from renewable sources. The company operates an environmental and energy management system. The packaging is made from recyclable products.

Principle 2: Flexibility and modularity (Adaption to the physical forces of the user) - The product is of modular design. Individual components (hardware, locks, seals/gaskets, handles, glass, infill panels) can be replaced where necessary.

- The system can be used in a variety of installation situations (e.g. existing buildings, new build, timber frame, masonry systems) and easily adapted to the prevailing spatial/structural conditions (wall/window system).

- The system can be adapted to meet the requirements of various building uses (e.g. hospitals and police stations).

- After installation the product can be upgraded (e.g. to enhance burglar resistance or permit automatic operation) by modular means in order to alter or improve its functionality and it can be upgraded from manual to automatic operation.

- Adaptable for use with building control systems

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Facade and Fenestration News for India Fig. 4 Example of a design feature satisfying the criterion of Modularity Principle 3: Simple and intuitive use (Installers/ assemblers/users) - The unit is simple and intuitive to operate and its function clearly identifiable (design, lettering, familiar functional elements, colour contrasts, etc.).

- Additional signalling elements/information on the unit provide feedback to the user via more than one sense (sight, sound, touch), making operation intuitive and safe.

- Moving operating components are marked, or distinguished from their surroundings visually or by feel and it is clear from the operating elements (handle or lever) how they are to be used.

- The position of the handle/lever (vertical, horizontal) clearly indicates whether the unit is open or closed. During operation the user can tell whether the unit is open or closed/locked or unlocked.

- Operation of the unit is tailored to the respective user group (learned knowledge, e.g. direction of rotation and functions of the handle).

- Easily comprehensible installation/assembly instructions are provided, easily legible by various user groups (font size, type, colour). Installation/assembly is clearly and comprehensibly described and supported by pictures.

- The required fasteners are specified, are of sufficient dimensions from a structural point of view, and are included with the product.

- The unit is packaged in protective film, protective packaging and/or a protective cover to prevent damage in transit.

- Instructions on transporting the unit (transportation aids, use of conveyor vehicles, etc.), on how to open the packaging, and on moving, lifting and storing the unit during transport and installation/assembly, are provided on the packaging and information on how to avoid injury. Installation/ assembly/carrying aids are provided on the unit itself or its packaging..

Principle 6: Low physical effort - Operating forces can be varied and adjusted according to the area of application, by altering the length and design of the handle and reduced by adjustment.

- The position of the operating element can be adapted to the respective user group. It is sufficiently light to permit use by a large number of people.

- Electrical or mechanical components make the unit easier to use..

- The unit must be sufficiently compact and lightweight to transport and install/assemble with little physical effort, or else it must be possible to break down into sufficiently compact and lightweight assemblies.

Fig. 5 Example of a design feature satisfying the criterion of Intuitive Use Principle 4: Perceptible information - Functional and operating elements are identifiable by sight, touch and sound (colours, surfaces, materials, contrasting designs, acoustic signals).

- Additional information on operation and/or orientation is provided on the unit (e.g. Braille on door handle).

Principle 5: Tolerance for error and safety (relating to product/ process/planning) - The operating instructions provide detailed, easily understandable information on correct use, possible types of incorrect operation, and danger areas. The font (size, type, colour) used is adequate for visually impaired users, is supported by pictures and can be supplemented with audio/visual materials.

- Safety measures appropriate to the application/user group (e.g. finger trap protection, rounded edges, etc.) are incorporated into the design.

- Moving parts which could be operated incorrectly are marked to indicate how to use them. The unit is fitted with a safeguard against incorrect operation and/or an opening restrictor. A user and hazard analysis can be beneficial in this regard.

- Installation/assembly is clearly and comprehensibly described and supported by pictures. The installation/assembly instructions and maintenance/operating instructions are available in digital form as audio/visual materials (video, images, access via QR code, via a PC/smartphone, app, or CD-ROM).

Fig. 7 Example of a design feature satisfying the criterion of Low Physical Effort Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use - The product can be used without a threshold and meets the requirements set out in DIN 18040.

- The position of the operating element can be adapted to the requirements of the respective user group.

- Due to its design the component requires little or no space for its use and/or operation (interaction between unit and surrounding space).

For building components such as windows and doors, the ift Rosenheim has developed yet further criteria and an assessment method for determining the extent to which a product meets the requirements of its intended user group. The “UD� mark unambiguously denotes whether the needs of a specific user group are met, making planning, and selecting suitable products, considerably easier for consumers, users, planners, designers, architects and authorities. And manufacturers get arguments to help them sell the benefits of their products in a more effective, more targeted way. To make it as easy as possible to supply the necessary documentary evidence, the relevant ift certification schemes for doors, gates and building hardware have been supplemented with optional annexes on Universal Design. The marking therefore clearly indicates to which extent a product meets the Universal Design requirements of a given user group.

Fig. 6 Example of a design feature satisfying the criterion of Tolerance for Error and Safety: a garage door with reduced gap sizes to rule out the possibility of trapping fingers (image: HĂśrmann)

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Facade and Fenestration News for India Fig.8 ift Universal Design checklist and ift Compass indicates the suitability of a window from the point of view of Universal Design (old version) Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Jürgen Benitz-Wildenburg is the Head of the PR & Communications department at ift Rosenheim. ift Rosenheim is Europe’s premier testing institute and supports the window, facade and door industry, regardless of materials deployed, in all questions related to standards, research, accreditation as well as verification of tests or calculations and certificates.

Mr. Benitz is also a Member of the AG “Stadtmarketing “(Urban marketing) of the city of Rosenheim and co-founder of the “Rosenheimer Holzspektakulum” as also a Lecturer at FH Rosenheim . He is additionally responsible for PR , Communication & Marketing at Academic Institute of Timber Industry and Plastic Technology, LHK, in Rosenheim .

Bibliography: [1] Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia [2] Universal Design e.V./Universal Design GmbH Universal Design Award 2010-2012, universal design GmbH, Nienburgerstr. 14, 30167 Hannover, Germany info@ud-germany. de, www.ud-germany.de [3] Technical information UM-02/eng “Universal Design”, ift Rosenheim [4] “Universal Design in the Context of Global Demographic Change” (Universal Design im globalen demographischen Wandel), Thomas Bade and Dipl. Des. Sandra Hirsch, Technische Universität München, Faculty of Architecture, Institute for Architectural Design and Building Technology, Chair of Industrial Design, Univ.-Prof. Dipl. Des. Fritz Frenkler [5] ift assessment system and Universal Design checklist for windows and doors

A window is more than a glass + frame

by Architect Riddhi Parasrampuria How does the painter or poet express anything other than his encounter with the world?’

- Maurice Merleau Ponty

The window is thus more than just a frame and glass… Considering this link between the inside and outside world, the theme of the magazine very rightly addresses a major issue faced by most architects working with the Indian environment. There is a constant tug of war between architectural functionality and the practical functioning of an opening or a window.

“The quality of an architectural reality seems to depend fundamentally on the nature of peripheral vision, which unfolds the subject in the space… Provide ample stimuli for peripheral vision and these settings centre us in the very space.”

A window is a means to broaden the experience of architecture; it is used to increase spatial awareness of a space by adding a field of peripheral vision that integrates one with a space. The lack of windows creates a focused vision pushing one out of the space thereby making them mere spectators. Windows add background, frame views of the outside; this larger context is what makes a project specific to its setting.

Without windows providing specific views or being oriented in the correct direction for light and ventilationthe character of a design would be lost. Windows are also an important element in passive solar home design, using solar energy available at the site to provide heating, cooling, and lighting for a house. Geographical location, climate and surrounding context determine the kind of window that is chosen for a space.

For example, a Goan Beach Villa would like uninterrupted views to the horizon, free flowing breeze from the sea, almost no distinction between the inside and outside; while a city apartment of Delhi, would rather block the noise and pollution of the busy roads while framing views of the few available trees along walkways. It is safe to say that windows translate the language of architectural expression giving the structure its due identity. “Modern architecture has had its own conscience in recognizing a bias towards the visual nature of designs.”

However, “the experience of home is structured by distinct activities – cooking, eating, socializing, reading, storing, sleeping, intimate acts- not by visual elements.” Given the Indian continental climate (in the north) and humid subtropical climate (in the south), the number one concern is heat gain. Windows need to be carefully oriented to maximize solar heat gain in winter and minimize it in summer. Major glazing areas with a high visible transmittance for good visible light transfer and a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC greater than 0.6) and low U-value (lower than 0.35 to reduce conductive heat transfer) should generally face south to collect solar heat during the winter when the sun is low in the sky. During the summer, when the sun is high overhead, overhangs or other shading devices can be used to prevent excessive heat gain. Windows on the east-west facing

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walls should be minimized and shaded while still allowing for adequate daylight, as it is difficult to control heat gain from these directions. North-facing windows collect little solar heat, so they should be used only for lighting. Low-emissivity glass- coated with metal oxides, reflective coatings or spectrally selective coatings could also be used to reduce the transmission of solar radiation.

The next big concern is security and safety. Glass has always been seen as a fragile material. The processes of toughening, laminated glass and, safety glass has revolutionized this. However, the size of openings still remains an area of much debate due to the available spans of glass, especially in household projects. Double-glazed units with an air gap or that filled with Argon help drastically reduce heat gains while also providing 2 layers of penetration, but the weight of the unit is so high that large openings become next to impossible.

The hardware currently available in the market is not equipped to handle large openings without escalating the costs .

The third concern is cleaning and maintenance concerns- rain and dust chambers in the window section are designed in such a way that they need the floor levels of the inside and outside to be different – a seamless flush cannot be achieved. Providing for ventilation through a window while trying to keep mosquitoes out, is hard to achieve without letting a bug screen be added to the facade of the building.

The practical functioning of an opening is in many ways getting in the way of architectural expression.

“Architecture cannot, however, become an instrument of mere functionality, bodily comfort and sensory pleasure without loosing its existentially mediating task. A distinct sense of distance, resistance and tension has to be maintained in relation to programme, function and comfort. A piece of architecture cannot become transparent in its utilitarian and rational motives, it has to maintain its impenetrable secret and mystery in order to ignite our imagination and emotions.”

Windows are the eyes and nose of a design... The building breathes and sees through them. Agreed that we have so far been able to address to quite an extent issues with regards windows being considered thermal holes, but let’s take the next step beyond and allow for greater design opportunities in keeping with all the efficiency. The idea is not to block the context out… but to know when and how much to let in.

Riddhi Parasrampuria, is the founder and prinicipal architect of RA ( Riddhi Associates).

Trained in Architecture from University of Bath, she has worked previously in association with The Architectural Studio. After finishing a comprehensive training at the offices of the world renowned Architect, Hafeez Contractor, she has gone on to recently set up her own Practice.

She has worked on a variety of Projects, across diverse fields, from residential to Commercial and Hospitality.

She strongly believes in Simplicity, and uses it as the core design principal for all her works. Being a young Designer, she has managed to achieve a lot for herself in a short span of time and hopes to accomplish more.

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Facade and Fenestration News for India

THE REALTY PRISM A quick take on the growing real estate market India has been growing at an unprecedented pace.

With the growth of the service and manufacturing sectors, has come urbanization. For a country that had urban contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) at 50% with only 25 cities that had a population of 1 million as recently as 1990, the recent amount of urbanization has been stellar.

Now urban contribution to GDP is over 65% and there are 60+ large urban centers.

Real estate has become the second largest employer in the country after agriculture. With a 6.3% contribution to India’s GDP – the sector is set to have revenues of US$ 180 Billion by 2020.

Globalization has been aided by customer-friendly government initiatives; attracting developers, investors and the non-resident Indians (NRI’s). Ever-growing housing demand in the country, driven by a young and rising population and the need for industrial and commercial premises to support growth has also led to a boost to the construction sector.

Introducing the Realty Landscape: Driven by growth and urbanization – real estate has been aided by escalating demand, removal of infrastructure bottlenecks, positive income movements and social factors such as the move towards nuclear families. The Realty sector is expected to have revenues of US$ 180 billion in 2020 as against the US$ 66.8 billion in 2010-11. That’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 12 per cent. In the period of 2010-’14 the demand is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 19 percent and 40 percent of this demand hails from the Tier-1 metropolitan cities. As per the estimates of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the real estate sector is expected to grow by 15 percent year-on-year for the next three to five years. Sector watchers such as Knight Frank estimates the office stock is set to rise by 40 percent touching 642 million square feet by 2017. Another report

by Cushman and Wakefield reveals that the share of the luxury retail space in India will be 1.4 percent by 2015. A major contributor of these growing trends is the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy as 100 percent that permits the auto-approved influx of foreign capital in construction and development sectors. FDI in the real estate sector currently stands at US$ 4 Billion and is expected to reach US$ 25 Billion in the next ten years.

NCR – Market In Focus: The Delhi National Capital Region (Delhi NCR) real estate market has performed tremendously well over the years - office, retail and residential sectors are each witnessing high growth as multiple suburbs developed given the need for affordable expansion.

Office: Post the slow down in America and Europe, office demand had dipped and thus the lowest absorption values were determined in 2012 in the last eight years. The market has recovered and the demand levels started show signs of improvement. The first half of 2013 has already observed 62% of the 2012 levels. The suburbs of Gurgaon and Noida are the main players in fresh supply and absorption volumes. The sub-markets of DLF Cyber City and Sohna Road in Gurgaon and Noida-Greater Noida Expressway in Noida are the most preferred office destinations.

Recent Policy Changes: Real Estate Regulatory Bill and the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill The Real Estate Regulatory Bill is aimed at bringing transparency and accountability towards the consumers in the highly fragmented and unregulated housing market in the country along with ensuring that the allottees do not make defaults in timely payments. Registration has been made mandatory under this bill and the bill aims at defining the term ‘carpet area’ in projects across India.

The bill is set to be a boon for the property buyers and is set to re-frame the practices of the real estate industry in the country. On the other hand, the Land Acquisition Bill aims to offer a fair deal to landowners who are giving up their lands to private enterprises alongside resettlement of the grievances of the affected landowners.

Special Economic Zones policy: There have been changes in the Special Economic Zone policy as the earlier requirement of 25 acres for the IT SEZ’s has been removed and the minimum built-up requirements have been reduced to 100,000 sqm in some major cities that includes Delhi NCR. The repercussions of this fall on the under-constructed SEZ’s. The developers of the under-constructed SEZ’s who have already complied with the minimum built-up area and have surplus land will focus on residential developments rather than commercials. These developers would need more incentives for office development, as returns from residential development are generally higher.

The Land Pool policy in Delhi: The Delhi Development Authority has approved the Land Pooling policy this year. The landowners would stand to receive 40-60% of their developed land in lieu of compensation. The remaining land would be used by DDA, with 53 percent earmarked residential and the rest for other public use. This policy is set to remove the acute shortage of housing in the prime city and will result to residential developments across the city.

This ever-growing demand of the developments in the real estate industry has laid special emphasis on the fact that people spend most of their time in buildings. It therefore becomes essential to provide them with the highest quality, safety and spectacular designs. With the latest trends and technology in the facade and the fenestration industry in India, the growth of the real estate industry and the facade and the fenestration industry is inter-linked and they go hand-in-hand.

The sustainability of the real estate market in fact depends on the door, windows and the facade industry in India. Thus, a growing Indian real estate economy is a harbinger for the accelerated growth of the facade and fenestration industry in the country.

Favista is a Real Estate Advisory Firm based in Gurgaon, India and was founded by IIT + IIM/INSEAD alumni with experience in strategy consulting, internet marketing and venture capital. Favista is a full service brokerage helping buyers/investors buy, sell, rent or lease property in India. Favista offers best realty advice for Apartments and Flats for sale in India, land/plots for sale, New Residential & Commercial Projects in India and also assists selling properties at best rates.

Retail: The combined per capita income of the Delhi NCR is one of the highest in the country and this ensures a healthy consumer base to every retailer out here. The best domestic and global retailers occupy this market, which boasts of the largest number of operational malls - a validator of the bight future of the organized retail sector. The present prominent retail projects are based of the South Delhi retail mall developments and future demand is likely to come in the suburbs of Gurgaon, Noida and Greater Noida.

Residential: As per estimates, approximately 86 thousand new homes were sold in NCR in 2012, which is about 25% of the total new homes sold in the country during the year valued at Rs. 65,000 crores. The NCR market has been offering a wide range of projects that can be categorized into various types. The market consists of investors as well as end-users. Its significant to note that the investor seem to dominate the Gurgaon market while Noida has been witnessing more end-users.

Thus, it is expected that the residential markets of Gurgaon, Noida and Greater Noida will be the greatest beneficiaries in the next five years.

The residential market of Noida has been the major contributor for the past 17 quarters when it comes to private apartment units. The sales volumes at Noida have been the highest in the last 18 months with Noida-Greater Noida. Knight Frank reports that 145,395 residential units were launched in Noida. The city is one of the major satellite cities of NCR and is well connected with Delhi, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad.

Gurgaon, also referred to as the Millennium City, has its evolution coinciding with the liberalization of the Indian Economy. Dotted with high-rise buildings and sparkling malls, it is a self-sustaining market with various advantages like proximity to the international airport, corporate hubs, lucrative tax policies and availability of huge land parcels. Knight Frank reports that 119,404 residential units have been launched in Gurgaon during 2007-’12 and the city has witnessed absorption of 98,713 units during this period. All the major developers have their eyes set on this booming market, as there has been a healthy appreciation in the market price levels resulting from the increased sales volume. New destinations have paved way for themselves as upcoming suburbs in Gurgaon. The Dwarka Expressway, one such Gurgaon suburb, has seen 18,649 residential units launched since 2007. The note-worthy fact here is that 77% of these residential units were launched in the last 21 months. The annual average absorption rate here stands to be 3180 units and the region has witnessed 108 percent appreciation in the last five years.

Greater Noida has emerged as a planned industrial region, educational hub and an affordable housing option. Located about 40 kms from Delhi, the region has witnessed a total of 127,424 residential units launched since 2007. Out of this, 79,746 units have already been absorbed. In 2010, Greater Noida had witnessed the highest number of launches.

The potential of a number of hidden gems in terms of residential markets is being analyzed and developers have started to build their land banks in these regions. These areas include the suburbs of Sohna, Neemrana, Manesar, Narela and many more which are expanding the residential boundaries of NCR.

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Facade and Fenestration News for India voids and solid space on walls and place windows in interesting configurations that are appealing to the eye as well as takes advantages of gorgeous views. From rectilinear and curvilinear varieties to custom shaped windows look to window manufacturers to see all of the options available.

Get creative with different shape and sizes of windows.

9. Solar glazing to save energy and your furnishings: Another consideration when choosing windows is how much heat gain and loss through your glazing or windows is transmitted. Several window manufacturers sell solar glazing or windows that keep more harmful Ultraviolet or UV light from penetrating into your home. We already know the potential harmful affects of UV light when outdoors but the light can also fade your furniture and finishes as well.

10. Windows - “Inspiration” for your interiors: Your windows are a frame to the views outside.

When choosing colors and finishes for your rooms look outside to get inspiration. A kitchen that overlooks a gorgeous garden through picture frame windows may not need a lot of color to compete with the beautiful view. Windows can help you reinvent your interiors by using the view as inspiration!

VISTA and VIEW Ask any Homeowner - what is the top utility that they love about their House and their response is usually the view and the location. In fact, many of them can compromise and settle for smaller spaces, if it means they get a better view in the bargain.

Every room in your home can benefit from beautiful windows and there are countless number of design styles to choose from. If you have been looking for ways to brighten your interiors, look to your windows.

by Anurag Khandelwal.

Architect and PG in Construction & Project Management Architect and visionary of WOODBARN INDIA, His innovation in design to maximize utility, function, aesthetics, and energy saving concepts and his penchant for pre fabricated building technologies, sets him to be pioneer in making wooden structures in INDIA. He has a vast experience and is an accomplished lecturer and speaker on Green architecture and water conservation. He is also visiting faculty with various universities.

Find them here – 1. Natural light is a source of healthy living: Natural light is a source of energy for our body, mind, spirit and connectivity to the outdoors and is a primary source for healthy living. Humans are no different than green plants. A naturally lit room can augment growth .Regardless of how your window looks; ensure your home has a source of natural light in every room, when possible.

2. Selecting the right Window: Plan out the design of your home with an architect or designer; consider the space the window will be placed in. Tall ceilings and voluminous rooms could benefit from clerestory windows high above the ground or multistory windows that are typical in atriums and multistory foyers. Smaller rooms with windows that have a lower sill height to the floor can also get access to good amount of sunlight and great views. Choose a style that takes into account your room’s best features.

3. Framing the perfect view outside your home: There is nothing quite like waking up to a picturesque view of the ocean through floor to ceiling glass windows or enjoying the city lights through the curtain wall windows of your urban loft. Windows are more than just openings in the wall, they help you capture the outdoors and bring them into your home. When designing your home from the beginning, determine what perfect views you want to capture first and then choose a window that will enhance it.

4. Opening your ceiling view with skylights: Another wonderful way to take advantage of natural light is through skylights. Your ceiling or “5th wall” has always been a surface that many homeowners forget about when designing their interiors. Skylights offer privacy and a source of natural light to rooms that normally couldn’t because of lack of space for windows on exterior walls. Skylights also serve as a design feature and come in fixed and openable varieties.

5. Consider a variety of opacities for your privacy needs: Do you have that room in your home where you would love to have natural light pour in but you need privacy too? Bathrooms are a prime example of where privacy is priority but bringing in light is as well. Consider a variety of opacity levels for your window style.

Transparent glass you can see straight through, while translucent glass is common in glass block windows in bathrooms. The view is obscured but natural light can still enter. There are many window manufacturers that offer a variety of windows for your privacy and design specifications.

6. Clerestory windows let in light and keep the wall space free: In many homes wall space is at a premium. Whether you are an art collector and like to display wall artwork or you prefer privacy on certain exterior walls, clerestory windows are the perfect solution.

Clerestory windows are located high off the finish floor level, usually close to the roofline to still enable natural light to pour in but frees up valuable wall space. They also are used as a design feature by architects to give the appearance of the roofline as floating above the structure and can be used in a variety of applications.

7. Design your windows around the Orientation of your property: If you are in the planning stages of your home consider the geographic location of your home and analyze how your house will be situated in accordance with the sun. Architects and designers alike will tell you to “walk the property” when choosing design features of your home. Consider climatic and seasonal changes before choosing the right window, to maximize energy efficiency and comfort.

8. Use a variety of shapes and sizes of windows for visual interest: There are no specific design rules when it comes to choosing window shapes and sizes. Many architects and designers like to play with

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8

Facade and Fenestration News for India

The Theatre of the Sun

by Architect Amit Khanna, AKDA Moving through the sky, the sun is one of architecture’s few constants. Precisely predictable throughout the year, its presence and ferocity has shaped the nature of architecture throughout human history. Regional typologies around the world have developed to either welcome its warmth or shade from its heat. In India, the numerous geographical differences in the country have created a vast variety of mechanisms to control the sun and none is more remarkable than the humble courtyard. To the untrained eye, an empty void nestled in the midst of a dense built environment would seem like a waste of space. However, it is an architectural device of astounding value and simplicity. The light diffuses into the surrounding spaces and the courtyard itself can be used for a myraid of activities throughout the day and night.

As an architectural typology it has endured for millenia, yet it is completely absent from modern cities. The pressure on the land, soaring densities and archaic building bye-laws have all, but eradicated the courtyard from the urban townhouse – It simply isn’t feasible to provide so much open space within each individual home. The agglomeration patterns do not permit all spaces to be naturally lit from exterior windows. So how is one to sufficiently illuminate all interior spaces?

One of the more successful solutions is one that imbibes the best qualities of the courtyard and marries them to the best fenestration technologies prevalent today – Operable Skylights.

Skylights have been around long enough, but have always had a plethora of problems. They are essentially holes in the roof, so water penetration is always an issue. The glasshouse effect, where the effect of the heat gets compounded because it cannot escape – is a boon for colder countries, but very uncomfortable for an already hot climate. It is also important to diffuse the light coming from a skylight for the same reason, the glare in the summer rendering the area useless for anything other than sunbathing.Also, a critical function of the courtyard was to draw out hot air from the centre of the house, forcing in fresh air from the periphery, thereby generating some much needed air movement.

Operable skylights address all of these concerns and more. Modern sealing systems use a multitude of neoprene gaskets and draining systems that allow for minimal water penetration. The little bit of water that does enter is drained through perforations in the profiles. Powder coated aluminum ensures a robust finish to the framework that holds the glass panels in place. The operable panels themselves can be electronically controlled, based on internal temperature and humidity levels.

A high-performance glazing system will generally admit more light and less heat than a typical window, allowing for daylighting without negatively impacting the building cooling load in the summer. This is typically achieved through spectrally-selective films. These glazings are typically

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configured as adouble pane insulated glazing unit, with two 0.25 in. (6 mm) thick panes of glass that are separated by a 0.50 in. (12 mm) air gap. This construction gives the insulated glazing unit a relatively high insulation rating, or R-value, as compared to single pane glass. A low-emissivity coating is also often part of these high-performance glazing units, which further improves the R-value of the unit.

Many daylighting designs will employ skylights for toplighting, or admitting daylight from above.

While skylights can be either passive or active, the majority of skylights are passive because they have a clear or diffusing medium that simply allows daylight to penetrate an opening in the roof.

They are often comprised of a double layer of material, for increased insulation. Active skylights, by contrast, have a mirror system within the skylight that tracks the sun and are designed to increase the performance of the skylight by channeling the sunlight down into the skylight well. Some of these systems also attempt to reduce the daylight ingress in the summer months, balancing daylighting with cooling loads.

Daylight redirection devices take incoming direct beam sunlight and redirect it, generally onto the ceiling of a space.

These devices serve two functions: glare control, where direct sun is redirected away from the eyes of occupants, and daylight penetration, where sunlight is distributed deeper into a space that would not be allowed otherwise. Daylight redirection devices generally take one of two forms: a large horizontal element, or louvered systems. Horizontal daylight redirection devices are often called lightshelves.Tubular daylight devices are another type of toplighting device. These devices employ a highly reflective film on the interior of a tube to channel light from a lens at the roof, to a lens at the ceiling plane. Tubular daylight devices tend to be much smaller than a typical skylight, yet still deliver sufficient daylight for the purpose of dimming the electric lighting.

As mentioned previously, the windows must be carefully designed to control the solar gains and potential glare stemming from a daylighting design. To this end, solar shading devices are often employed to minimize the amount of direct sun that enters the space. These can take the form of louvred slats, which soften the lighting by bouncing it off the dark wooden surfaces.

AKDA integrates the disciplines of architecture, interior design, furniture, lighting and product design under a singular ethos. Established by Amit Khanna in 2004, the studio philosophy is to make regional specificity and sustainability intrinsic to the design process and product.

9

Facade and Fenestration News for India Infinium TM Column And Beam Aluminium Building Systems M/S Hitech Alum (I) Fabricators Pvt. Ltd. introduces INFINIUMTM an environmental friendly, column and beam recyclable green framing system for building structures, which is set to revolutionize the building / housing industry saving costs and time, while offering a world of possibilities in innovation, design and architecture.

The INFINIUMTM building grid system replaces the conventional RCC/ Steel column and beam design with aluminium members, thus creating a lighter framework which is corrosion free and easy to erect. The foundation bolting system to concrete footing means no large foundation requirements at the building site thus reducing the foundation costs drastically.

The aluminium column and beam structure integrates itself with dry infill insulated walls, roof and floors, improving R values, reducing heating and cooling costs and creating space for easy instalment of Electric and plumbing utility services.

The INFINIUMTM aluminium members are extruded to ASTM standards and fabricated at our factory. The structural members and the joining accessories based on the project designs are sent to the site and assembled by technicians without using any heavy equipment.

INFINIUMTM Aluminium framing is analysed in according of the code standards ( IBC, UBC, ASCE 7•05, Aluminium Design Manual ).

Non-combustibility and high strength allow its use in structures up to 3-storey high with shear wall.

The INFINIUM structure weighs a tenth of red steel and twentieth of concrete when compared to the identical building design made from these materials. The reduction of structural weight, seismic loads makes it resistant to high wind and earthquake damages.

TM

INFINIUMTM aluminium structural framing is fabricated in precision engineered environment for durability, ease of handling and reduced labour costs. Interlocking connections and bolting system translate to simplified site assembly with basic tools, thus saving time and money.

Most architectural designs can be built with this method using prefabricated components and dry walling sheets with infill insulation for acoustic requirements and energy conservation resulting into an environmentally friendly GREEN BUILDING. Multi level units with shear walls can be built with by INFINIUMTM allowing modular span, open walls, less material and space saving. The eco-friendly system results in durability, sustainable design, higher energy efficiency with lifetime quality. The INFINIUMTM system can be kept exposed internally or externally or be colour coated to match the aesthetics planned.

Welcome to the world of INFINIUMTM aluminium column and beam building / housing framing system to create an Environment friendly World.

Profine’s major investment plans for India Profine GmbH – International Profile Group – is a worldwide leading manufacturer of PVC-U profiles for windows and doors and a renowned provider of shutter systems and

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PVC sheets. With its KBE, KÖMMERLING, and TROCAL brands, the Group has an excellent international standing at 28 sites in 21 countries. Profine Group manufactures at production facilities in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, the USA, China and the new facility at Vadodara, Gujarat.

The Profine Group has plans to invest Rs 100 crore in Gujarat. It has already invested Rs 35 crore for a new extrusion plant for manufacturing Un-plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC), at Vadodara under its Indian subsidiary, Profine India Window Technology Private Limited.

The 14,000 square metre site at Savli has the capacity to produce 3,000 tonnes from three extrusion line, which can be raised to 10 lines with a production capacity of up to 12,000 tonnes. Company has 11 plants globally and the uPVC are so far being imported from China and Germany.

Dr. Peter Mrosik , Owner cum CEO, profine group “The production facility in Vadodara counts among the current largest investments of profine. It shows our clear commitment to the Indian market and it’s outstanding growth potential.”

ture in the long term growth of the organization. SCL Group invested Millions of Rupees in creating one of the best IT infrastructure to support their back-end office and main operations.

The innovative team continuously comes up with new solutions for a better life style. A step in this direction is “Windows on EMI”. To

ascertain the trust and support from clients, the group assures “120 hour supply and Installation guarantee” The group is an emerging name and scores a position amongst the top market players of the industry.

The four day program was divided into different modules: In the aluplast® Technology Centre, the window fabricators learned how to construct the new lift-and-slide door 85mm that, like any aluplast product, can be combined without difficulty with the other system series.

Constructing the new fold-and-slide door requires a high degree of professional skills, a challenge all participants mastered brilliantly.

The next training module focussed on energeto, the innovative steel-free profile system, and the special construction measures required for its fabrication. The practical modules were backed up by partner companies such as G-U, who shared their professional expertise with the participants. The energy savings calculator, the planning and tender software, static calculations, calculations of the thermal transfer coefficient for windows and many more were topics dealt with in the theory session.

One of the highlights of this year’s Event was the work in the Window Academy GFF in Karlsruhe. The academy offers advanced professional training for window fitters, trainees and prospective master craftspeople.

In cooperation with the aluplast partners BOSCH (tools) EJOT (fastening systems) and HANNO (sealing and insulating systems), the participants had the opportunity to get firsthand knowledge and practical experience on the correct window installation.

aluplast hosts International Innovation Days 2013

During the last training day, all participants had to prove their newly acquired skills in a test in order to receive a certificate.

Sound professional training was this year’s theme at International Innovation Days ,an exclusive event organised by aluplast® in late September for more than 60 international customers and partners from over 20 different countries that used the opportunity to broaden their professional know-how in theory and practice and discover new technologies and to exchange experiences and ideas.

Christian Feldmann, sales manager Asia, Africa and North America, concluded the event positively: “Our fourth International Innovation Days were again a great opportunity to bring together partners from all over the world, to discuss current issues of the branch and to get a direct feedback. This year, we focussed on the comprehensive topic of professional training because we at aluplast attach great importance to ensuring that the excellent quality of our products is enriched through flawless, professional processing.”

Mr. Farid Khan, CEO, Profine India “Profine has taken a big step in the Indian market in revolutionizing the door & window outlook to the consumers. Local production will get rid of customs duty, bringing down the price. India will also be used for exports to Bangladesh and Srilanka. Later on even the developed countries will be considered for exports. The production facility in Vadodara counts among the current largest investments of Profine”.

Savli, near Vadodara, is one of the 12 sites from across India, profine had considered for setting up the manufacturing facility. The company zeroed in on Savli after a comparative survey in January 2012. “We will get our raw material from RIL’s facility at Jamnagar. So we finally settled for Gujarat,” said Khan.The plant at Vadodara will manufacture uPVC profiles under the brand Koemmerling for windows and doors.

SCL in Expansion mode SCL is initiating its expansion plans by enlarging its dealership network and opening regional offices in all strategic locations of North India.

A recent step in this process is a regional office in Chandigarh. The office is acting as a strong support to the already existing dealer network and providing support to the overall structure.

Living by the slogan of Redefining Window Industry, the group has always focused on quality and customer satisfaction.

Strategic Partners:

Supporting Associations:

Organizer:

Contact:

SCL Group took a big leap with its signature brand CORA and has recently tied up with LG Hausys for raw material supply and technical support and to produce even better superior quality windows. The visionary management understands the importance of IT infrastruc-

International Fenestration Forum

NürnbergMesse India Pvt. Ltd. Tel : +91-11-47168828 Email : rucheeka.chhugani@nm-india.com

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10

Facade and Fenestration News for India

The role of hardware in windows and doors limiting size, functionality and design

From Conventional to System Windows – The Indian Facade and Fenestration Industry has indeed come a long way. With this has also come a need to install better quality hardware ensuring better functionality and design.

We spoke to some of the leading names in the Industry to find out about the role of quality hardware. Here are the excerpts: 1. How important is the type of material being used in manufacturing of the hardware? Materials often define/limit the functionality of the system.

Mr. Philip Coulin, Head Representative at Roto Frank AG, India Office explains “The choice of materials has to be a compromise between several factors. The material needs to be strong, to allow a maximum of mechanical stress, especially on the safety and security relevant parts, while being flexible enough to enable the different shapes and forms. It has to be cheap and suitable for mass production and at the same time of a high enough quality grade and purity level to last for decades, even when exposed to extreme climates.”

Mr. Harshal Oswal, Director, Kelegent agrees “India has a tropical climate and it varies from place to place, so the materials used for production of hardware has to be of the right grade and quality. Use of corrosion resistant steels and good alloy’s for aluminium and zinc die-cast components will eventually define the performance of the hardware assembly.”

“Looking back over the last few years, profiles made of aluminium have become more and more light weight. On the other hand, PVC-U profiles have become larger and have more chambers for thermal insulation purposes. This has consequences for the hinges as well. The weaker the material is the lower factual load capacity of the hinge”, adds Mr. Puneet Dhingra, Country Manager – India, Dr. Hahn GmbH & Co. KG The significance of hardware in windows and doors has increased dramatically over the past few decades, keeping in line with the most diverse requirements being placed on windows, doors and facades in general. According to Mr. Paul J. Prunty, Product Manager Window Systems and Mr. Emery N. Dér, Area Sales Manager, Gretsch-Unitas GmbH “The impulses resulting from stringent requirements for energy conservation, the architectural trends and the growing awareness and demand for burglary inhibition has resulted in state of the art feats of engineering in hardware technology.”

Enabling and

“We often confuse standardization with providing fewer options. Standardization means providing options (eco, high end) (single point, multi point locking) but ensuring that the hardware can be used for various profiles/systems”, explains Mr. Shah, he further adds “We at PEGO provide options to our clients depending on their ticket size & requirement. Though we can always customize the hardware for them due to our in house capability but we suggest our clients not to do the same unless there is a clear value addition benefit achieved.”

Mr. Coulin also agrees “Most contemporary systems now look for standardization, to offer their customers the largest range of hardware options possible. A few spatial dimensions have to be incorporated into the profile design and most available standard hardware will fit.

Important here is that fabricators don’t abuse this standardization and start mixing hardware of different manufacturers. These combinations haven’t been tested and might cause severe liability issues for the fabricators down the line”, he cautions.

“With more and more profile companies entering the Indian market, we have a lot of different standards to match. An effort should be made to standardize the groove dimensions/design parameters so that the hardware can be standardized. Similar to an automobile industry, we can regulate some parameters which are important from the hardware fitment perspective to standardize a lot of the accessories and reduce inventories”, proposes Mr. Oswal.

Mr. Dhingra though offers a different viewpoint “By regular investment in cutting edge production technology, Dr. Hahn is capable of manufacturing custom-tailored solutions as well, as our business philosophy is to offer the perfect solution for every situation. So there is no need for standardisation.”

“In this day and age more and more products must be in accordance with e.g. state and local government building regulations, resulting in more complicated processes, whether production or administrative. The standardisation of hardware (for example the introduction of the 16mm Euro-groove in windows) has evolved over the years, making life easier for all involved in these processes.

2. How can we make testing facilities available for fabricators and system suppliers to test hardware, so that we can define hardware limitations and capabilities better.

If we take further optimising steps into account, such as the modular concepts behind hardware components, we begin to appreciate the reduced stocking, handling and general cost-saving benefits involved. Let us take a standard corner drive for example: this can be used in numerous applications such as casement windows, UNI-JET Tilt&Turn windows, UNITAS horizontal pivot windows, Inline sliders, Tilt&Slide and Fold&Slide doors, main doors with SECURY multi-point doorlocks and low thresholds, smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system (RWA) etc. etc.

This benefits not only the environment, but also your productivity and wallet!” conclude Mr. Dér and Mr. Prunty.

Mr. Oswal feels that “India has a huge scope for hardware manufacturing companies because it is known for its engineering abilities and good production houses. But we need to be innovators rather than just production houses.

4. Hardware often limits the functionality defined by a system. Should design of hardware and system go hand in hand? Currently hardware is designed after the system specifications are defined.

For this very purpose we need supporting facilities like designing, prototyping and testing facilities.

Testing facilities are important because the local conditions are best known to the local production/ manufacturing companies and it cannot be generalized,” he adds.

Mr. Oswal, opines “System should be designed keeping in mind the hardware limitations. An idea can be successfully converted to a product if designing and production teams work together.

Designing systems which cannot accommodate available hardware is of no use. System specifications should be confirmed only after studying the feasibility of the hardware” , he concludes.

“If Hardware manufacturers are consulted in advance at the time of designing stage of the system, more precise solution can be provided”, feels Mr. Shah , “ At times if the extra grove or a chamber while designing in the profile is noted for the hardware requirement; it would go long way in improving the functionality of window/door”, he adds.

“The main problem is that there isn’t any third party (laboratory) testing available in India for the product cycle testing of the hardware. Hence it is important to create & form a tie up with a laboratory to take this further. But this requires support from fabricators to provide technical information about the system.” explains Mr. Karan Shah, Partner, Pego Hardware.

Mr. Coulin stresses on the need for establishment of a strict code or norm for these tests. “Once certified hardware has become a mandatory requirement in the building process, the testing facilities will come automatically. Important is, that these codes are strict enough and require certain material strengths and quality grades”, he asserts.

“It is of the utmost importance that both profile-supplier and hardware manufacturer work simultaneously on the same system from day one!

Today’s state-of-the-art technology has evolved because of the close cooperation between both fabricators and system suppliers together with hardware manufacturers. The use of extensive testing facilities for fabricators and system suppliers to test hardware in complete systems is part and parcel of our daily work - hand in hand with our partners”, state Mr. Dér and Mr. Prunty.

3. How can we standardize the hardware to suit multiple systems or vice-a-versa? Non-standard systems or hardware often limit the functionality.

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Ideally new systems and new hardware are designed keeping each other in mind of course. Market demands give the general direction, new systems then require new hardware or sometimes new hardware requires special systems. Mr. Coulin explains “Customization is always nice to have, but also drives up the costs. Especially in aluminium, systems can be custom designed to perform ideally as per the projects requirements. However it’s always advisable to keep the design as standard as possible. The more standardized a system is, the more often it has been tested and installed. As a result the more reliable it becomes.”

Mr. Dér and Mr. Prunty elaborate further “Just as end-customers expect complete solutions from their fabricators, GU provides completely interlinked product solutions. Starting right at the beginning with R&D projects with the system-supplier companies, GU accompanies the process right through to profile- and project-related tailor-made solutions - all of our partners profit from the close cooperation in our partnerships.

Our experience has proven that the close cooperation before a window system or profile is launched on the market is highly valued by our partners: whether profile suppliers or fabricators.

Our extensive in-house testing facilities combined with constant striving for excellence provide solid, tried and tested results.”

This is also echoed by Mr. Dhingra , who states “Many hinges are system-adapted and are developed in close co-operation with door manufacturers. Different door/frame combinations require special solutions. So co-operation at an early phase of development mostly leads to perfect harmony of hinge and system and avoids compromises.”

11

INNOVATIVE BUILDING SYSTEMS

innoVAtiVe sYsteMs on A globAl scAle

DESIGNED TO PERFORM ALUMINIUM WINDOW, DOOR AND CURTAIN WALLING SYSTEMS The AluK Group is a global leader in the design and manufacture of a wide range of performance aluminium building systems, combining years of experience in the development of innovative solutions that improve our living and working environments. AluK not only delivers the highest performance products but also the service and project support to facilitate successful specifications and installations.

Our aluminium window, door and curtain walling systems have been specified in some of the world’s most prestigious buildings and offer superior performance alongside outstanding design.

www.aluk.com AluK Building Systems Private Limited Regus Millenia, Level 1, Tower B, No. 1 & 2 Murphy Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore - 560008, India T: +91 80 67654210 | F: +91 80 67654222 | email: info@aluk.in