Window and Facade Magazine (Jan-Feb 2022)

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www.wfmmedia.com Volume 8 | Issue 1 | ` 150 January - February 2022

SHAPING TOMORROW’S FAÇADES Designs, Materials & Technologies for Innovative Future Façades & Fenestrations Face to Face

Ar. Karan Grover & Ar. Ishan Grover Karan Grover & Associates (KGA)

Industry Speaks

Faraz Aqil Managing Director, aluplast India Private Ltd

Façades for High-Performance Buildings

Ashish K Jain Partner - AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP

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Volume 8 | Issue 1 January-February 2022 PUBLISHED BY F & F Media and Publications C-55, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase - 1, New Delhi-110 020 T: +91-11-40623356 FOUNDERS Amit Malhotra TECHNICAL PANEL Mahesh Arumugam Director Meinhardt Façade Consultants KR Suresh Regional Director Axis Façade Consulting EDITORIAL Renu Rajaram renu@wfmmedia.com +91 9312864830 Shefali Bisht editorial@wfmmedia.com DESIGN & CONCEPT BY Sanjay Bandre MARKETING & OPERATIONS Kapil Girotra kapil@wfmmedia.com +91 9560925255 SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION Devagya Behl support@wfmmedia.com +91 9871151112 Mukesh Kumar mukesh@wfmmedia.com +91 9560088995 RNI: DELENG/2014/57870

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A Guide to Comprehensive Façade Design

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Significance of Waterproofing in Residential Properties

Saurabh Goenka, Senior Associate, S9ARCHITECTURE, New York Dr. Arup Gupta, General Manager, Head Construction Chemical R&D, Berger Paints India Ltd.

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Zero Energy Buildings: Key to Sustainable, Human-Friendly Future

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Façades for High-Performance Buildings

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Professor Stephen Lau, Design Research Director, LWK + PARTNERS Ashish K Jain, Partner - AEON Integrated Building, Design Consultants LLP Façade NXT – an Initiative for the Sustainable Future S.N.Maanvizhi, Discipline Manager – Architect, L&T Technology Services Limited

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Cracking the Myth of Solar Façade Cladding

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Next Generation Façade Inspection

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Mohamed Shamir Khader, Business Developer (India), WallVisionBV Paul Mcdevitt, Managing Director, TÜV SÜD Building Advisory Service Building Façade as Branding Vehicle Karine Charlebois, Associate, Eckersley O’Callaghan Face to Face Interview with Ar. Karan Grover, Principal Architect & Founding Director & Ar. Ishan Grover Design Director and Senior Associate, Karan Grover & Associates (KGA)

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Cover Story

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Industry Speaks

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Shaping Tomorrow’s Façades Interview with Faraz Aqil, Managing Director, aluplast India Private Ltd Project Watch Projects by Amit Khanna, Principal Architect, AKDA

Cover Image, Courtesy: Parag V Singal, Principal Architect, Parag Singal Architects

DISCLAIMER: With regret we wish to say that publishers cannot be held responsible or liable for error or omission contained in this publication. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek expert advice before acting on any information contained in this publication which are very generic in nature. The Magazine does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced in any form or context without the permission of publishers in writing.

WRITE TO THE EDITOR Please address your suggestions to: The Editor, Window & Façade Magazine, C55, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase – 1, New Delhi, 110020 or email renu@wfmmedia.com. Please provide your full name and address, stating clearly if you do not wish us to print them. Alternatively log on to www. wfmmedia.com and air your views. The opinions expressed in this section are of particular individuals and are in no way a reflection of the publisher’s views.

“Printed and Published by Amit Malhotra on behalf of M/s F & F Media and Publications Printed and published at Print Plus Pvt. Ltd. Name of the EditorMs. Renu Rajaram”

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Union Budget for FY 2022-23 on 1st February. The budget is a forward-looking one, focusing on a long-term plan for the country with digitization, urban development, and sustainability at its core. It demonstrates a strong commitment to urban growth via sustainable living and better governance.

During the budget speech, to provide a boost to the ‘Housing for All’ mission, Sitharaman announced the completion of 80 lakh homes under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). For this, Rs 48,000 crore is allocated under PMAY for urban and rural housing in FY23. This surely will boost affordable housing market.The move is very positive for the real estate sector and companies.

Besides, Rs 60,000 crore was allocated under the Har Ghar Nal program. The demand for affordable housing has been increasing in the past few years.

The government has also announced an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore toward Gati Shakti for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.

According to Ramesh Nair (CEO, India & Managing Director, Market Development, Asia, Colliers), the Union Budget 2022-23 is the government’s commitment on building affordable housing stock and urban growth.

Rating the budget at 7/10, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, National Vice Chairman -NAREDCO and MD Hiranandani Group said that the budget is clearly about complementing macro-growth with micro-all-inclusive welfare, digital economy and fintech, tech-enabled development, energy transition, bolstering investment and climate action – which augurs well for the nation.

It is the need of the hour to focus on sustainability and energy efficiency for businesses and building infrastructures. We hope that the allocated funds will be used for projects to reduce carbon emissions and that the low-carbon development strategy will create new job possibilities in the country.

The January-February edition of the magazine is focusing on the future façade materials and technologies.. We spoke to many experts from the façade, real estate and architecture industry to know their views on ‘Future Facades’. The edition brings out an amalgamation of their thoughts, ideas and vision for the future, considering progress in material science, and technologies, along with various sophisticated tools used for energy analysis and sustainable designing.

Do go through the interesting articles and project, and let us know your feedback.

Wishing all our readers and other associates a successful and joyous 2022!

Renu Rajaram renu@wfmmedia.com

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Façade Design

Green walls and roofs mitigate the heat island effect

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A Guide to Comprehensive Façade Design

n architecture, façades can be considered as visual gateways to buildings. In addition to providing a watertight enclosure, façades also control the amount of natural lighting, ventilation and thermal protection. Façades greatly influence the aesthetics of buildings and can also have a huge impact on their energy efficiency, lifespan and ease of maintenance. Here are some parameters to consider while designing façades and fenestrations so they can create an incessant dialogue with the surroundings as well as the observer, in addition to being energy-efficient and sustainable.

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COMMUNICATING FAÇADES When considering building designs that communicate with its surroundings, façades have to be regarded with a keen design eye and sensitive outlook, as they are what first catches the attention of the spectator and sets the tone for the rest of the building. They can be often misinterpreted as static emotionless walls embracing trendy silhouettes and flashy materials, with little regard to how they engage the observer or the adjacent context.

A wiser approach may be to develop skillfully crafted façades that borrow references from their

immediate surroundings to create a meaningful expression, forging strong links between the building, its function, location and the user.

Whether the building embraces and enhances its context or stands out is up to the masterful eye of the designer. An iconic façade is often desired, but it must also consider human scale and be interpreted as part of the urban fabric. It should be just as enjoyable a spatial experience when approached at street level as it is when seen from a distance. There are many ways to achieve this, such as emulating dynamics of the surrounding street grid, or drawing from spatial

Façade Design arrangements and movement patterns of people, be it inhabitants or passers-by. Pleasing scale, proportion, rhythm, and solid-tovoid relationships also play a critical role in adding character and depth to exterior façades.

MATERIALITY From historical and cultural to functional and aesthetical significance, façade materials can define the building’s identity. In addition to imparting robustness and durability, sustainable façade materials play a significant role in terms of their impact on the environment as well as inhabitants.

Materials should also be selected based on constructability and availability of skilled labour. Higher upfront costs associated with durable and easy-to-maintain materials can often be offset by cost savings over time.

Glass is unarguably the most popular façade material in use today. Large glass windows come with the advantages of creating a connection to the outdoors while also providing ample daylighting and ventilation, which can positively affect mental wellbeing and productivity. However, these benefits must be evaluated against detrimental impacts on energy performance. As architects, it is our responsibility to ensure that these glazing units are enhanced with appropriate performance coatings suitable to the local climate.

Plantings and softscape around buildings, terraces or rooftops can help mitigate the reflection and glare concerns caused by heavily glazed buildings. Green walls not only add character to building façades but can also act as air purifiers and sound insulators.

When concrete façades are desired, precast panels offer

many advantages compared to conventional cast in place concrete. It uses less water, can be reused, permits faster construction and maintains better quality over time. When combined with modular technology and digital manufacturing, these can offer tremendous cost and time savings, besides high precision.

Metal can be considered as one of the most sustainable façade materials in terms of maintenance, reuse and recycling. Combined with good insulation and measures to mitigate reflective heat, they can alleviate performance concerns and last an entire lifetime. Metal façades, however, must be designed with thermal breaks between exterior and interior spaces since metals are excellent conductors of heat.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Orientation plays an important role in determining the amount of solar radiation, daylight and/ or prevailing winds that can be captured to improve performance and reduce costs, especially in skin-load dominated buildings

where most of the energy gain or loss occurs through the exterior skin. For example, façades in the northern hemisphere should be oriented to maximise southern exposure in cold climates, while elongated in the north-south direction in hotter regions. Using materials with high thermal mass can moderate the impact of extreme temperature variations in hot and dry climates by creating a thermal lag, therefore stabilising indoor temperature. In warm and humid climates, natural ventilation through the building skin can help remove excess moisture in the air, hence reducing the load on cooling systems. In cold climates, compact form with small fenestrations can minimise the amount of heat loss through the building envelope.

In today’s era, glass façades have become a norm which often negatively impacts the building’s energy performance. Using the right combination of available technologies in the fenestration industry, however, can mitigate some of these concerns. For instance, double and triple pane glazing can considerably reduce the thermal

Prefabricated façade panels promote efficient construction

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Façade Design

Double skin façades can help reduce heat gain

transmittance (u-value) of windows.

Additionally, low-e, spectrally selective, or reflective coatings, can control the solar height gain coefficient (SHGC) of glazing. SHGC reduction works by preventing the hottest component of sunlight i.e. infrared radiation from passing through the glass. Low SHGC is desirable in warmer regions, while high SHGC in colder climates allows for more heat penetration. With the proper composition of these components, the same fenestration can be adapted to perform well in different climates.

Flipping windows can be very effective in areas with wide-ranging seasons. These are double glazed units with a clear outer pane and the reflective inner pane. During winters, the inner pane allows solar radiation to pass through but traps heat inside. Flipping the window by reversing the reflective pane to the outside in summertime helps reflect heat back, keeping indoor temperatures cooler.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES Internet of Things (IoT) controls real-world objects digitally, making the living environment smarter and more responsive by amalgamating the digital and physical worlds.

Digital twin, a digital replica of the physical building, can gather

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data through smart sensors to better understand and analyse a physical structure. By using this comprehensive real-time data, façades in particular can adapt to continually shifting external environments. There has been swift progress in our ability to replicate life-like situations for energy analyses and daylight simulation; all of which greatly benefit the design outcome for façades.

Dynamic façades that are capable of changing their form and orientation to automatically respond to their surroundings are considerably influential towards creating low energy buildings.

Smart façades with daylight, temperature and humidity sensors can reduce the building’s energy requirements. Shading devices can be supplemented with sensors that track sun movement to automatically adjust the shading mechanisms. Automatically sliding window screens that open and close with change in temperatures may further reduce the heat gain in buildings.

While it is true that technology comes at a higher initial cost, this cost must be evaluated against the long term advantages of improved quality, reduced life cycle expenses and faster construction; after all, time is money.

SAURABH GOENKA

(AIA, LEED AP BD+C) Senior Associate, S9ARCHITECTURE New York S9ARCHITECTURE.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Saurabh Goenka has more than a decade of experience crafting multifaceted, awardwinning projects in some of the world’s most fast-paced urban environments.

Instrumental in the design and completion of several landmark projects, Saurabh’s enthusiasm for architecture is driven by the fact that it is tangible, influences millions of lives and strives to make them better through the process of creativity. As a senior associate, Saurabh is also an expert in advanced design techniques and a digital technology leader at S9 Architecture, New York. Saurabh is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, the USA with a masters in urban design. He is an AIA (American Institute of Architects) licensed Architect and a LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) accredited professional.

Façade Maintenance

Significance of Waterproofing in Residential Properties

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aterproofing is one of the most essential milestones in the construction world. It is a crucial element for any design or construction activity both in rural and urban scenarios.

The season of monsoon & several back to back cyclonic disturbances throughout the year results in severe dampness, seepage of water in walls and slabs, and this has become a common sight in most Indian homes. These can be either on the roof, ceiling or walls of residential buildings & bungalows. To address these universal problems professionally is to adopt precautionary methods through waterproofing.

The foundation structure of any property (be it commercial or residential) is the most crucial element in construction. The roots are extremely vital to make any property sturdy. Modern developers create signature properties, which reflect innovation in construction,

Seepage of water in walls and slabs

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design and layouts. In this process, they often forget to address an intrinsic part of the construction, which is waterproofing. A wellinformed property seeker always will check on this vital aspect before finalising a property. For the lesserinformed individual, waterproofing essentially is the process of making any structure water-resistant so that it remains relatively unaffected by water under specified weather conditions. The three generic segments of waterproofing are basement waterproofing, internal waterproofing and roof waterproofing in residential properties.

An average property seeker often enquires about floor area, basic amenities, locational advantage, connectivity, budget etc. Due to the lack of awareness about the importance of waterproofing, it is often overlooked despite being an integral part of any building.

India being a tropical country, waterproofing is imperative.

Year-round rainfall and floods in

some regions definitely call for waterproofed structures. Excessive rainfall or high underground water-table causes moisture build-up within the structure of the building resulting in water stains, peeling off paint from walls, short-circuit, damaged furniture, water seepage and dampness etc. in the buildings. Waterproofing can prevent a structure from all these adversities, else they will require constant repair with regular unnecessary monetary investment. Research shows that waterproofing expenses (while constructing) account for just 2-3 % of a building’s total construction cost approximately; however, damage caused due to moisture build-up & leakage can account for up to 80% of a building’s defects.

The process of waterproofing not only protects the house from the damp condition but also controls moisture build-up, the appearance of mould & fungus inside and outside the building, but also helps to retain the aesthetics &

Façade Maintenance

Water seepage on sealing

internal strength of the property.

Waterproofing offers a long-lasting solution, which is value for money for the common consumer. From the human health point of view growth of spores/ fungus inside damp walls gets exposed to air and are breathed into the lungs; which is unhealthy. Such unhealthy breathing can lead to respiratory disorders, infections.

Now building façades continue to command a great deal of design attention. Through computeraided designs many shapes surfaces and geometries are possible. It can broadly be divided into two segments: The opaque portion and the transparent portion. Nothing much to discuss

the transparent portion, other than sealing & bonding and the cladding systems which are weatherproof.

The opaque portion waterproofing however is very important and may require the following items depending on the situation: • Damp-proof course to prevent the rising dampness • Integral waterproofing materials for concrete and plaster • Non-shrink grouts, sealants, foams (open-cell & closed cell), pleated seals, metal covers • Sealer & primer coat • Silicone-based water repellent • Acrylic co-polymer based elastomeric coating • Protective coatings

Primarily the façades & fenestration while we install, should be based on the following principles: • Protection (heat, cold, wind, rain, humidity, noise, etc.)

• Safety (Burglary resistance, fire protection, bomb blast, etc.)

• Aesthetics (design freedom, choice of materials, non-staining) • Profitability (durability, energysaving, low maintenance cost) In the transparent façade segment, it can be broadly divided into two: Curtain Wall Façade and Insulating Façade.

Curtain wall façade system is a lightweight multifunctional envelop made of glass, metal, stone or composite panels. The

Waterproofing

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Façade Maintenance

DR. ARUP GUPTA

General Manager, Head Construction Chemical R&D, Berger Paints India Ltd.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wall treatments

panels are fixed to a metal subframe, either with pressure plates (capped system) or bonded with silicone sealant (structural glazing).

Ventilated façades consist of a wall construction, mainly concrete or steel, with an external (or internal) insulating layer and decorative envelope. The air gap between the insulating and decorative surface is used for ventilation of the façade. The silicone adhesive in a combination membrane system is used in this case, which is vapour proof and also minimises the noble gas loss filled within the space.

In the opaque portion, the panel bonding and sound damping are two major issues. They are usually done nowadays with high-end PU-adhesive, Silicone sealants

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Elastomers & Acrylate based sound damping dispersion, membrane and expansion tape.

While waterproofing may seem like a blow to the construction budget, it must be considered from the standpoint of long-term durability of the structure and comfort quotient of its residents.

According to construction experts, waterproofing should be a point of discussion and must be involved in the design stage of the building rather than postconstruction while conducting repairs and renovations. Utmost importance has to be given to the role of waterproofing techniques being thoroughly devised and practised, therefore making it the key element of construction aesthetics.

Dr Arup Kumar Gupta is having more than 30 years of experience in the field of Construction Chemicals in India & Middle-East. Before joining to Berger Paints India Limited in the year 2012, he was the Technology Expert of a Swiss Company of Global Repute named Sika AG for the region IMEA, in the field of Concrete & Mortar and used to operate from regional R&D Dubai. Dr Gupta’s areas of expertise involves development of additives for concrete & mortar to enhance the durability & sustainability of various structures. Presently he is working as General Manager, Construction Chemical R&D for Berger Paints India Limited, Kolkata.

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Future Façades

Zero Energy Buildings: Key to Sustainable, HumanFriendly Future

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uilding construction and operations make up 38% of the world’s energy-related CO2 emissions, according to the 2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction published by UN Environment Programme. To significantly decarbonise our buildings, one of the key innovations being actively explored by architects is the idea of a ‘zero energy building’, which has attracted much discussion across the building industry and academia and is now increasingly seen as critical for the future sustainable smart cities.

What are zero energy buildings?

This article highlights some of Professor Lau’s insights on the future of zero energy buildings in the hope of instigating its wider adoption.

At its simplest, zero energy buildings generate as much energy on-site as it consumes, through renewable sources, on a yearly basis.

This makes its energy consumption ‘net zero’.

While there are different approaches to maximise energysaving, passive design features often form the core of all, involving the building form and fabric, overhangs

and shading devices.

Active designs like efficient HVAC and Internet of Things (IoT) systems are additional strategies working in conjunction with passive ones to enhance a building’s capabilities of achieving zero energy consumption.

Renewable energy sources are another important element defining this kind of sustainable buildings. Solar power is now a popular choice for generating local energy. However, current limitations with the amount of energy produced by solar power mean that contemporary efforts can at most achieve ‘nearly zero

In a competition proposal for an office building by LWK + PARTNERS, the architecture provides porous layers of experiential, landscaped spaces around the airy atrium

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Future Façades

LWK + PARTNERS’ design for an office building competition proposal allows natural light and strong summer wind through the openings of the building to the central void which centralises all shared facilities and communal areas while offices are allocated on the outer range

energy’ consumption. Nevertheless, these attempts still provide lots of inspiration for architects and designers to advance their designs and more should be done to promote its adoption in future urban development.

BUILDING FORM AND FABRIC How a building is shaped and situated affects how much heat, natural lighting and wind it gets, while energy demand for cooling is the fastest growing end-use in buildings according to UN Environment.

Traditional box-like buildings consist of isolated enclosed spaces, which prevent the entry and circulation of natural wind in the building. On the contrary, breaking down the building mass into loosely stacked up horizontal planes allows cross-ventilation to happen, while each plane provides partial shading for the level below. A shallow composition depth makes this even more effective.

Each area can be oriented and configurated to create additional

breeze corridors, pleasant outdoor terraces and communal hanging gardens where people can gather and socialise in a thermally comfortable setting. Cladding the building with insulating façade materials also helps lower airconditioning demand, which are complemented by vertical or horizontal fins for shading.

Instead of lifts, placing a major staircase in the middle of the building spaces is a positive approach to save energy use, promoting wellbeing and a sense of community. These open structures encourage people to move around and engage with the space, enhance visual connections between floors and create more dynamic circulation flows, offering an active experience not possible in lift journeys.

OVERHANGS AND SHADING DEVICES To save the most energy, zero energy buildings should be designed in ways to avoid excessive sunlight exposure and maximise shading.

An over-sailing roof provides overall shading for the whole building, blocking out a substantial amount of direct sunlight and thus reducing overall energy demand.

Photovoltaic panels can be installed on top to capture solar power, and should ideally be adjustable to face the sun at different times of the day to maximise catchment.

In the research by Professor Lau, the National University of Singapore School of Design and Environment 4 (SDE4) serves as a successful case study for ‘nearly zero energy buildings’, with energy generated by 1,225 solar photovoltaic cells installed on the roof. The renewable energy generated is made fit for building annual energy consumption.

Surplus energy is supplied to the utility grid while energy is drawn back to the building in case of higher demand.

A combination of overhang and shading devices like louvres, perforated façades and blinds should be installed to minimise radiant solar heat gain. Depending on the angle of the sun, building

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Future Façades

National University of Singapore’s School of Design and Environment 4 as an example to illustrate massing strategies (Credit: National University of Singapore)

height and other site characteristics, calculations and testing need to be conducted to identify the best balance between the extent of different devices.

For example, for a 4/F enclosure at SDE4, it is found that the energysaving effect is best with a twometre overhang plus an internal screen and partially operable windows. It is also a good idea to allow occupants greater control over their immediate environment through openable windows and adjustable fan speeds. They lead to enhanced flexibility and encourage occupants to adapt to a wider range of thermal conditions than those configured by conventional thermal control systems.

SMART SENSORS AND RESPONSIVE ENVIRONMENT Adapting to local climate has always been part of vernacular architecture.

But as the devastating impact of climate change grows more imminent, climate responsiveness

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is now something not to be missed in any contemporary buildings across the globe. Smart building systems can be combined with local weather information to generate a responsive environment with optimised temperature.

For zero energy buildings, the ideal operative temperature is

usually set at 27-28˚C compared with around 23˚C in conventional premium office buildings. This offers a pleasant user experience for most human activities while conserving energy resources for cooling.

To balance energy efficiency and user comfort, a key strategy is to employ an intelligent hybrid cooling

Stairs form a key architectural feature at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, Hong Kong, China designed by LWK + PARTNERS for the scenic harbour view

Future Façades etc, providing operators with useful analytics and insights on how to improve future energy efficiency, operational workflow and user experiences. These data can then be fed back to the building management systems to generate adaptive responses. For example, lights can go off automatically when the area is not in use.

Besides, offering a range of light levels not only saves energy but also provides users with the most suitable environment according to the activities being carried out, depending on if people are working, socialising, exercising, dining or meditating.

This competition proposal for an office building by LWK + PARTNERS features hanging social spaces for an open-air experience

system combining natural wind, smart fans and air-conditioning.

Its effectiveness is powered by the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. For example, people opening windows may indicate that less air-conditioning is desired, so air-conditioning can be turned

down automatically with more fans turned on.

Other than temperature, these IoT sensors also capture a diversity of other real-time environmental data like air quality, light levels, water use, patterns of space occupancy, movement of people,

HUMAN-ORIENTED POSTOCCUPANCY EVALUATION In 2019, China authorities launched the Technical Standard for Nearly Zero Energy Building, which sets out the technical approach of ‘Passive first, active enhancement, maximise renewable energy use’.

LWK + PARTNERS Design Research Unit proposes a fourth element, which is ‘human-oriented postoccupancy evaluation’.

LWK + PARTNERS’ Green Shore Residence Phase II in Guangzhou, China adapts to the Lingnan regional climate with semi-open spaces filled with natural air and light

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Future Façades

PROFESSOR STEPHEN LAU LWK + PARTNERS’ Green Shore Residence Phase II in Guangzhou, China adapts to the Lingnan regional climate with semi-open spaces filled with natural air and light

Canvassing real users’ feedback on their subjective perceptions of using the building, these postoccupancy evaluations aim to assess the building’s ability to deliver an ergonomic experience. These time-relevant data give operators a better idea of how to fine-tune their operations to provide the best comfort for users while boosting energy-saving performance, carbon reduction and cost-effectiveness.

Architects can also use the data to inform future designs.

For example, in a study coconducted by Professor Lau, his team surveyed students of a tropical university campus to understand their thermal comfort in learning spaces using different ventilation strategies. His results reflect that users adapt to a wider temperature range and become less sensitive to temperature change when they stay in spaces with hybrid cooling or natural ventilation. This suggests that the implementation of hybrid cooling or natural ventilation reduce users’ demand for air-conditioning and therefore decrease energy demand. This provides valuable

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insights for future campus designers for similar climates.

TRANSITIONING TOWARDS NET CARBON ZERO More than just energy-saving devices, zero energy buildings have a great potential to balance the needs of people and the environment. While the primary goal for designing such buildings is to carbon reduction, occupants will also benefit from a better user experience with the use of ergonomic technologies and ecofriendly structures that also serve as vibrant social hubs.

Architecture is key to realising a net zero future and zero energy buildings are certainly part of this.

Not only are these green structures good for the environment, but they also foster a smarter, healthier landscape beneficial for people’s health and wellbeing.

With the use of artificial intelligence technologies, architects are set to build a fully responsive environment that helps people adapt to the age of climate change and evolving human needs.

Design Research Director, LWK + PARTNERS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Professor Stephen Lau is the Design Research Director at LWK + PARTNERS. He has extensive research and practical experience in sustainable building design. Stephen Lau is leading the company’s Design Research Unit and constantly evaluates the opportunities brought by zero energy buildings.

LWK + PARTNERS is a leading architecture and design practice rooted in Hong Kong.

With over 35 years of growth, the diverse design team at LWK + PARTNERS shares expertise to provide a wide range of services including architecture, planning & urban design, interiors, landscape, heritage conservation, building information modelling (BIM), brand experience and lighting design.

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Future Façades

Façades for High-Performance Buildings

W

ith rapid urbanisation in developing countries, the need to reduce environmental impact and building energy costs has never been greater. The Indian construction industry is at a critical juncture wherein it has to balance the demand for low-cost construction but simultaneously comply with the stringent environmental & efficiency norms that are becoming the order of the day.

Building services engineers now can challenge existing concepts for energy reduction and investigate alternate materials and façade configurations that affect building’s electro-mechanical designs and

Advanced façades

has a direct consequential impact on the project’s capital and operating costs.

With the majority of buildings in India expected to be constructed in the next three decades, the experts are working towards creating a balance between the technology from the western world and the old wisdom of Indian buildings that evolved over a while in harmony with nature.

BUILDING FAÇADES Façades, as a building envelope form the outer skins of buildings, has a projected image and creative intent. The façade is also the focal point of energy efficiency in a building design because it works as

the first frontier to face the intense heat and a major source of heat ingress into the buildings. As an enclosing building component, it connects or separates the interior and the exterior. All components of the building façade, therefore need to work together to regulate the indoor environment, responding to heating, cooling, ventilation, and natural lighting needs. It must balance requirements for ventilation and daylight while providing thermal protection appropriate to the local climatic conditions.

The optimally designed building façade is an important factor not only for achieving energy efficiency, but also the human comfort for which the buildings are actually designed. A thoughtfully designed skin can make a new building work more effectively for its owners, occupants and environment. It can also transform the performance of an existing building.

TRENDS & IMPLICATIONS OF FAÇADE DESIGNS Traditionally we had buildings with thick walls, small windows, huge attics and cross-ventilation. The trend has gradually emerged in the recent decade, driven largely by the pursuit of transparency in the building façade. The use of glazed façades in modern buildings gained popularity because of enhanced views, building's reputation and attracting International companies.

However, if not designed consciously, these design approaches have a significant

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Future Façades

Building-integrated photovoltaics capture the solar radiation and turn it into energy

impact on the capital cost of Electrical and Mechanical systems and the building’s subsequent operational cost.

In addition to economical aspects, building façades have both positive and negative effects on work performance as well.

Negative effects are associated with discomforts, distractions or health risks that interfere with peoples’ ability to do their work whereas positive impacts are associated with enhancing work performance, psychosocial well-being, and health to enhance overall performance.

FAÇADE IMPLICATIONS ON OCCUPANT HEALTH & PERFORMANCE Performance enhancement is more likely to come from a different set of building features and attributes that affect performance. Lighting that produces glare or visual discomfort is more likely to be associated with headaches and eye problems. Glare due to direct solar penetration and the lack of luminous uniformity across the space distorts the perception of good indoor daylighting.

As per a field study of office workers, it is found that workers who had window views of nature felt less frustrated and more patient, and reported more overall life satisfaction and better health than workers who did not have visual

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by identifying the most feasible and cost-effective options for the project. The quantified results help owners, architects and engineers to make informed design decisions.

Below are the images which demonstrate the pattern of direct sun ingress into space and subsequent placement of workstations to achieve glare-free daylight in indoor spaces:

access to the outdoors or whose view consisted of built elements only. The positive effects of nature may also extend to the immune system, thereby directly affecting human physical health.

Thereby, one of the perennial challenges in designing façades is to achieve an even distribution of diffused daylight across the building section.

USE OF COMPUTER SIMULATIONS FOR FAÇADE OPTIMISATION To achieve optimised façade design from energy efficiency, cost efficiency and occupant comfort perspective, there are specialised computer simulations conducted viz. Wind CFD Analysis, Solar & Daylight Analysis, Glare & Visual Comfort Analysis, Natural Ventilation Analysis, Parametric Modelling. Whereas, for making cost-based decisions on façade, Life Cycle Cost Analysis is also undertaken to enable owners to make more thoughtful decisions.

These computer simulations conducted at different stages of the projects help optimise the building designs to enhance performance and achieve comfort at the same time. The simulations are aimed to evaluate building designs for identifying potential concerns and providing solutions to ensure appropriate façade design

Images demonstrating the pattern of direct sun ingress into space

Below is the image of Wind CFD analysis conducted to optimise the window openings within the courtyard of this office building.

Wind CFD analysis conducted to optimise the window openings within the courtyard of the office building

Future Façades

Building performance enhancing façades

FAÇADES OF FUTURE Catering to the demands of an ever-expanding industry and innovative designers, the future technologies in building façades will provide better efficiency, aesthetics and commercial value to the developments addressing a wider spectrum of issues covering the following: • Façades Generating Power – Photovoltaic Glass Unit (PGU) Building-integrated photovoltaic's capture the solar radiation and turn it into energy.

A high level of energy generation (up to 15% efficiency) can be generated through a Photovoltaic Glass unit (PGU). The advantage of this technology is that it is allowing the usage of the fenestration part

Façades generating power

of the building as PGU’s provides transparency to the human eye up to 70%.

• Living Façades: A living façade is a vertical surface incorporating vegetation into its structure or face to facilitate various aesthetic, environmental, social or economic functions and benefits.

While research and studies on the subject are limited, it is thought that living façades could make a significant contribution to sustainability if properly integrated.

Also known as; living walls, vertical greenery systems, vertical gardens and vertical vegetated complex walls, they should not be confused with green walls (the process of allowing climbing plants such as ivy

A wall-mounted, modular three dimensional, green façade system with plants showing seasonal interest

to scale a wall while being rooted in the ground).

• Interactive Façades: The interactive façade will have to include systems that correct or moderate the performance of the glass as the outdoor conditions change, also allowing for individual occupant adjustment of the indoor comfort parameters.

In the last few years, technological advancements have gone a step ahead as a result of which technologies like Phase Change Materials, Motorised external shades, automatically controlled integrated blinds in DGUs, motorised internal blinds are already available. This is a positive indication in this direction and buildings are certainly accepting the same depending on the respective business needs and project budgets.

• Façades Enhancing Indoor Environment – Growing Fresh Air: Most developing countries have high pollution levels and as a result, the indoor environment can be even more polluted. Drawing ventilation air through a green façade or a

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29

Future Façades

Living walls

greenhouse offers a potential to counter the toxins, VOC's, microbial infections etc. in an air-conditioned building.

• Dual Skin Façades: The dual skin façade can be simply defined as a system that consists of an external screen, a ventilated cavity and an internal screen. Solar shading is positioned in the ventilated cavity.

Summer Operations

Winter Operations

The external and internal screens can be single glass or double glazed units, the depth of the cavity and the type of ventilation depend on environmental conditions, the desired envelope performance and the overall design of the building including environmental systems.

• Hydroponics Façades Addressing Food Crises: The idea that fruits and vegetables can grow with water, light and nutrients is the basis of hydroponic: one of the innovative systems of making the building self-sustaining. There have been other numerous advantages of this system as well. A

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reduction is seen in street-level concentrations up to 40% for NO2 and 60% for particulate matter.

They potentially contribute to an increase in biodiversity in urban areas by providing a habitat for birds etc. The most important aspect is their “Rejuvenating effect” on the living creatures around as they contribute to softening of the urban landscape and allowing buildings to seem more 'natural’ and pleasing for the people.

Schematic of differen designs of green and iving walls – a direct living wall façade

CONCLUSION Energy efficiency + Comfort + Wellness are key concerns in today’s commercial construction industry. How important are energy efficiency gains whilst maintaining occupant comfort and well-being from the building envelope is a topic that is gaining momentum amongst industryleading architects and design firms. To address a few paramount issues in the industry, with everincreasing pressure for the dual objectives of higher performance and improved ROI to stakeholders, innovative trends and forces shaping the future of building skin contains the answer of many unfolded domains.

ASHISH K JAIN,

Partner - AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ashish K Jain has over 18 years of comprehensive work experience in the field of Green buildings, sustainability, BIM, interior design and architecture for projects across different countries. He has been leading sustainability groups in India and the Middle East. As a thought leader in sustainability, he has presented several papers at various international & domestic forums and conducted various lectures on sustainability at premier institutes of India. He has been associated with the forums like CII climate change council, ISHRAE, IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit Rating System, IGBC Green Homes Rating System, IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating System, etc.

As a Sustainability professional, Ashish has strong professional experience within the field of sustainable building design and has been advising professionals of the building industry in sustainability and energy conservation.

Future Façades

Façade NXT – an Initiative for the Sustainable Future

C

reating a sustainable future for our future generation is the real need of today. If we keep consuming the available resources, then nothing will be left for the generation next.

Sustainability can be achieved in many ways. In this article, I will be focusing on the building sector, particularly the building façade as an energy harvesting component. As per International Energy Agency statistics, the building

sector consumes 42% of electricity. Hence, we need to focus on the measure to minimise electricity consumption and at the same time, we need to focus on alternative sources of energy generation. To achieve a sustainable building, we need to look for new materials and new technologies, which are evolving every day. We need to integrate them into our design. This will lead to better building performance and better aesthetics.

The basic function of a building façade is to protect from harsh weather conditions and to provide a safe internal environment and aesthetics.

Presently, façade design is more focused on achieving energy-efficient building, achieving better daylight and reducing the HVAC cooling and heating loads. As we move towards net positive buildings, we need to focus on energygenerating façades without compromising the aesthetics. The

Fig. 1: Photovoltaic power potential map - We need to focus on capturing the solar to harvest energy (Source: Global solar atlas)

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Future Façades with a chamber of 12mm filled with air and rear glass of 4+4mm float glass with LowE coating. The total power installed is 27.35kWp

Fig. 2: Comparison between the Solar Photovoltaic glass and conventional glass (Source: Onyxsolar)

Fig. 1 shows a photovoltaic power potential map. We need to focus on capturing the solar to harvest energy.

Building façades with conventional curtain glazing can be replaced with Solar Photovoltaic Glass to harvest energy. Fig. 2 shows the comparison between solar photovoltaic glass and conventional glass.

Solar photovoltaic glasses are of two types: Amorphous silicon glass and Crystalline silicon glass, both are available as opaque and with various levels of transparency. The peak power generated by each type also varies, hence while selecting the type of glass, due care needs to be provided. The below image shows the look and feel of the Amorphous and Crystalline silicon PV glass. Whereas Amorphous glass can be proposed for the area where we require more aesthetics - like the façade area, crystalline can be proposed where it doesn’t require more aesthetics - like the skylight area.

Fig. 5 shows the proposed office building with the solar photovoltaic facade, total integration area considered is 972 Sq m with amorphous silicon technology having a 30% transparency degree.

Glass configuration is 6+3+6mm

Below details - FIg.3 & 4 - is the outcome of the feasibility study: l Electricity generated in 35 years: 511,193 kWh l Enough energy to feed 1004 light points working 4 hours per day for 35 years l Enough energy to prevent the emission of 438 tons of carbon dioxide

Fig. 3: Solar photovoltaic glasses are of two types: Amorphous silicon glass and Crystalline silicon glass, both are available as opaque and with various levels of transparency

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33

Future Façades

Fig. 4: Degree of Transparency of Amorphous Silicon PV glass (Source: Onyxsolar)

l Energy generated in 35 years: 87,05,733 INR l Net investment: 54,29,841 INR (Photovoltaic Glass cost – Conventional Glass cost + Electrical installation cost l Payback period: 12 years l By installing solar photovoltaic glass, the project can reach up to 8 LEED credits (Renewable energy production on-site: up to 3 credits, Heat Island Reduction: up to 2 credits, Optimise energy performance: up to 2 credits, Innovative product: up to 1 credit)

Cost and other benefits: We can generate our own electricity from the sun. 40% reduction in the HVAC cooling load, 20% reduction in the lighting load, achieve daylighting, reduce peak energy demand, reduce operational cost and aesthetically integrated.

Challenges: Include initial investment, the cost of the product, aesthetic reasons, performance, unavailability of codes and standards, availability in the market since there are very few manufacturers, additional

Fig. 5: Proposed Office building with solar photovoltaic façade

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Fig.6: Challenges in installing solar photovoltaic facade (Source: Technical article published in Journal of Facade Design and Engineering)

Future Façades

S.N.MAANVIZHI

Discipline Manager - Architect L&T Technology Services Limited

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Fig. 7: A roadmap to 2050 prepared by the International renewable Energy Agency, where we are at 109 GW of solar power generation, which is targeted to achieve 360 GW by 2050 (Source: International Renewable Energy agency report)

labour cost due to specialised installation, lack of awareness of the new technology & material, and need for extra maintenance.

The image (Fig. 6) shows the survey result, and the size of the text shows the frequency of occurrence during the survey.

Source of details are taken from Global Energy transformation – a roadmap to 2050 prepared by International renewable Energy Agency (Fig.7), where we are at 109 GW of solar power generation, which is targeted to achieve 360 GW

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by 2050, and we could also see the photovoltaic levelised cost of energy had reduced drastically from 347USD/MWh in 2010 to 81USD/MWh in 2018, and is expected to still lower to 38USD/ MWh, this is mainly due to new materials and technologies. We need to grow from 36% to 81% of generating electricity thru renewable energy. To conclude, little drops of water make a mighty ocean. Every small effort towards sustainability makes the world liveable for the future generation.

Maanvizhi completed Bachelor of Architecture from Bharathidasan University and Masters of Town and Country Planning from the School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University, Chennai. She is working with L&T Technology services for the past 15 years.

Her expertise includes master planning, building design and interior design and executed larger scale Greenfield manufacturing facilities to Brownfield expansions in India, Vietnam, U.A.E, Indonesia. Maanvizhi is an IGBC Accredited Professional and she is passionate to create a sustainable built environment.

Future Façades

International school in Copenhagen integrated with solar panels

F

Cracking the Myth of Solar Façade Cladding

ace is the index of mind”, a widely used English proverb which means that the face replicates our thoughts, sentiments and emotions. In the field of architecture, it is the façade of a building that depicts the creativity, emotions, and thoughts of the architect, and reflects the character, function and value of the building. Nowadays, façades are designed using different types of materials. Glass, terracotta, HPL laminates, ACP and even plants, thereby promoting green façades.

Façades protect buildings for the external influences such as rain, wind, heat and radiation from the sun.

The sun has been a source of clean energy early as the Egyptian civilisation, the technology and applications of using the sun have evolved to harnessing the sun from a façade. Consequently, the global installations of solar façade

cladding - also known as BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics) - is set to grow at an impressive rate of over 15 per cent until 2024. Now, pro-active architects are beginning to embrace the technology followed by other stakeholders like the users, government, property

developers and policy makers that will propel the growth of this technology.

In this article, we explore further into the different types of impacts and aspects of a technology like solar façade cladding has on earth, mankind and economics.

Black and blue appeal of solar façades

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37

Future Façades solar façade is specified in square feet being a building material. A key contributor to the price of a BIPV or solar façade is the cost of professional labour. The labour needs to be skilled and accurate as it involves various technical parameters that are accounted during installation. Eventually, this cost can be reduced by training installers on the technology of solar façades. Thus, BIPV creates a new attractive market opportunity for well-organised, professional companies in the market of architectural façades.

Textures, colours, BIPV

TECHNICAL ASPECTS India has witnessed solar integrated façade as early as 2008.

However, the technology has not taken off as expected both in India and across the world. During the initial days of the technology, solar façades often wore a black/blue appeal which has been one of the main concerns of the architects which led to the disinterest from the architects. Fortunately, the technology has evolved across these years to the extent that it can be manufactured in various colours and even textures much to the awe of architects. Although one of the key challenges that remain is to train the façade contractors and installers on the technology and installation procedures.

ECONOMIC ASPECTS Solar façades are becoming attractive due to the growing awareness of architects and consultants largely to the flexibility in design, colours and textures.

Unlike a normal façade, BIPV or solar façades offers one key economic benefit i.e., it offers an ROI, thus making it financially

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attractive for the building owner as well as the user. However, the investment cost remains high when compared to a solar application on a rooftop. This is often related to the misconception that exists between solar rooftops and solar façade. Decision makers understand that solar rooftops use solar panels often sold in terms of watts; the amount of energy that it can generate. A

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Mankind is fighting its existence from Paris to Katowice. There is a growing concern about climate change across the world. One of the key contributors to climate change has been carbon emissions emitted from power plants.

Burning of fossil fuels like coal, petrol, gas not only emit carbon that leads to climate change, but also toxic gases and particles that contribute to air pollution. India’s stance on nuclear power as a clean

Skill development is necessary when promoting BIPV in India

PRoject: INDIA BULLS BLU

we cReAte identity foR moDeRN StRUctUReS

The high end exclusive modern facade systems made with in-house designs and the latest technology of Glass Wall Systems and manufactured by premium manufacturers product which speaks for itself.

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Future Façades and from other extreme weather conditions. Moreover, generating solar energy in cities contributes to a reliable grid and prevents the use of fossil fuels.

SOCIAL BENEFITS Urbanisation which is one of the growing challenges across the world puts enormous strain on the socioeconomic structure of cities.

Countries such as China and India are the ones which are more prone to such enormous challenges.

Therefore, the government schemes like Smart cities mission of

Making use of the colour - white

source of energy raises concerns across the world. Nowadays, with the growing population and usage of energy for transportation, HVAC system, computers, phones, gadgets, it is time that we switch to safe renewable forms of energy generation closer to demand in cities. Solar rooftops and solar façades can generate energy inside cities. Solar façades provide a key benefit in reducing the energy consumption of the building. It protects the building from the sun

Emitted fumes from power plants

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Smart cities -changing the face of India

the Government of India is one step towards the right direction. Udaipur -smart city is a great example.

However, it is also important as humans that we contribute in building sustainable cities.

High rise buildings and huge skyscrapers are being built across these growing cities at a rapid pace in addressing the needs of the growing population. However, this puts pressure on the energy demands of the city which needs the power plants to produce more energy to meet the demands of the city. In this case, solar façade becomes more attractive than a solar rooftop as the investment is combined along with the

Future Façades

Solar Integration made easy -ZIGZAGSOLAR

MOHAMED SHAMIR KHADER Business Developer (India), WallVisionBV

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sun, Sphinx, Solar and Egypt

construction cost of the building.

Moreover, it acts as a short-term solution to a long-term problem.

Likewise, the cities will have far lesser rooftop and space mainly due to the growing space constrain that makes solar façade much more attractive.

POLITICAL AGENDA The world has witnessed different governments from Paris to Katowice and it might not too far in this world when a nation’s politics gets decided by environmental issues such as CO2 level, global warming and climate change. Now, the world is getting in a jinx with two extremes where one extreme of the world is still exploiting fossil fuels like coal and

natural gas for electricity. On the other hand, we have renewable energy targets surpassed to have a better world. Various policies have been framed across the world to curtail the growing energy needs of the building. The European policy of having nearly zero energy buildings by 2020 is one such step towards a cleaner world.

Ever since the Great Sphinx was built in Egypt, the world has witnessed art, architects and artistic buildings. Now, it is important that we preserve this world along with these architectural landmarks. The landmarks that the architects have designed, the ones that symbolise creativity, thoughts and emotions, the ones that will embrace newer technology.

Mohamed Shamir Khader has been associated with Wallvision B.V. since the start of 2017. Wallvision B.V. is a company that is in Eindhoven, the Netherlands and based in the façade and the fenestration industry. After being impressed by the high-tech innovation that happens in the Netherlands, Shamir decided to learn more about the newest technologies in the Netherlands since 2015.

In his current role as a Business Developer, he manages the market activities and start-up operations in India. Along with his technical background in solar energy and his passion for architectural design, he is determined to support architects and façade industry with knowledge, training, inspiration and products for creating superb solar façades in India and Southeast Asia. For more details, contact - Collin Fernandez, collin@zigzagsolar. com www.creteq.in

WFM | JAN - FEB 2022

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Façade Inspection

Next Generation Façade Inspection

L

ike all building elements, façades will age and be subject to soiling and structural deterioration, accelerated by exposure to man-made pollutants and other environmental factors. Damage or deterioration to façade elements can result in water penetration, falling debris and, in extreme cases, façade failure - all of which have the potential to cause harm. It is therefore vital that any risks are mitigated as early as possible to keep buildings safe for occupants and people within its vicinity.

Authorities across the world are now beginning to regulate on the scope and intervals for façade inspection. Insurance will also require building owners to show that the relevant maintenance needs have been met. Failure to maintain the building façade properly may result in increased insurance premiums, difficulty in obtaining insurance renewals,

Façade inspection is an integral part of building survey

or the termination of insurance cover. It is therefore vital that those responsible for a building’s maintenance and upkeep can demonstrate to insurers that all reasonable steps have been taken by implementing appropriate risk management procedures. This

As façades age, they will get subjected to structural deterioration

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should include periodic façade inspections.

The degree of façade inspection and maintenance that is required will depend on the materials used and their intended life. The necessary frequency of inspection can be divided into three categories.

1. Routine: continuous regular observations that should be undertaken by the user as part of the occupancy of the building.

2.General: visual inspections of main elements.

3.Detailed: a full inspection of the façade by a suitably qualified person.

Periodic façade inspection will help to detect potential issues and underlying problems with a façades early on, such as cracks, corrosion and flaking. It will also help to identify the level of defect deterioration and minimise the risk of any compromised facades exposing safety risks.

Façade inspection is, therefore, an integral part of building survey

Façade Inspection as it helps to verify the integrity of the building structure and ensures safety. Not only is façade inspection vital to support building operators and owners of large high-rise buildings, but it can also be used to help construction companies ensure the quality of façades and monitor the progress of their construction projects.

However, conventional façade inspection usually requires roof access and involves the use of gondolas, all of which is time, labour and cost-intensive. It is also highly disruptive for occupants and dangerous for inspectors due to the difficulty of accessing high-rise buildings.

WHY DRONES? Many building owners will already have access to or will have invested in a façade access system for cleaning and other maintenance needs, such as checking lighting, photovoltaics, louvres and vents.

A good façade maintenance solution should already optimise the access equipment against the

Drones reduce complexities and costs

Automated drones check for problems with building façades

complexity of the building’s façade.

Such systems include suspended platforms, roof trolleys and dedicated platforms, and mobile elevated work platforms. So, the question is, why can’t these systems also be used to provide detailed building surveys?

For the outside of a building to maintain its aesthetic appeal, it must be regularly cleaned and maintained. Also, insurance warranties for facades usually mandate that cleaning and maintenance cycles remain unaffected.

Economical and effective façade maintenance is therefore now a prime consideration

within the overall building design process.

So, existing façade maintenance systems cannot be diverted to dedicate time to more detailed survey work that could be easily completed by drones.

Likewise, employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and to ensure that those affected by their activities are not exposed to risk. Falling from height is likely to happen when operatives are getting in to and out of the manned platform, usually because safe access points are not provided. They can also sometimes become trapped in the manned platforms due to a mechanical or operational failure, and it has been known for equipment to accidentally tip when it snags on something protruding from the building. Using drones takes way this additional risk for the detailed surveying of facades.

For buildings that are 30 years or older, it is highly unlikely that any digital information about a building is available. Also, buildings of historical interest will not be able to use permanently mounted facade access systems for maintenance and cleaning. So, drones make sense in terms of reducing any complexities and costs when detailed surveys of the building are required.

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Façade Inspection

Façade inspection by drones can be conducted in a fraction of time and cost

SMART INSPECTION Smart façade inspection using digital twin technology can automate and improve façade inspection quality, as well as save costs and minimise safety risks. This innovative approach to façade inspection uses automated drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to check for deteriorating materials and underlying problems with building façades. As it is equipped with a smart piloting system, the drone ensures both operational safety and high-quality inspection.

High-resolution visual and thermal cameras can accurately scan the exterior of buildings, with thermal cameras being particularly effective for the detection of any hidden defects, capturing potential facade failure points.

An advanced AI model will also ensure that compliant inspection reports, which meet the highest industry standards, are delivered.

This is achieved by using a drone to capture images along the façade of the building. AI can then be used to assist human inspectors with data analysis. Raw data, collected by the drone, is fed into the AI platform so that the algorithms can be used to maintain privacy by detecting and masking people that have inadvertently been photographed

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by the drone. At the same time, they identify façade defects, classifying them by type (cracks, decolouration, corrosion, sealant deterioration etc) and severity, as well as give recommendations for repair. As AI is not infallible, it is vital that a human inspector reviews the results and uses engineering judgement, giving feedback that can be used to continually improve the AI algorithm.

This means that façade inspection can be conducted in a fraction of the time and cost, as compared to the traditional methods of inspection. The resulting 3D model of the building façade is also helpful in better understanding the building’s structure and will also automatically update any detected defects. Inspection reports are also able to make use of an intuitive 3D model so that the state of the façade can be visualised, and any necessary repairs tracked and managed. This is because the façade inspection software constructs a 3D model of the building façade, which helps to better understand the building structure and automatically locate the detect defects on the building. As repairs and follow-ups can be seamlessly managed through the drone platform, along the lifecycle of a building, efficiency is improved, and costs saved.

PAUL MCDEVITT

Managing Director, TÜV SÜD Building Advisory Service

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul McDevitt is the Managing Director of TÜV SÜD Building Advisory Service, a data management and analytics business, which ensures that building owners, managers and occupiers can access the information they need to make fully informed decisions.

Paul is a business leader with over 20 years of experience in the construction and real estate sectors. As Managing Director of the new Building Advisory Service (BAS) Division, he was responsible for developing the concept in response to market needs, as well as creating and leading the BAS Team that is responsible for delivering BAS’s innovative data management services. By bringing a clientcentric approach to the business, Paul ensures that BAS’s services are founded on a thorough understanding of the client’s needs and project ambitions.

Future Façades

Building Façade as Branding Vehicle

E

ven though we are told that we shouldn’t, most of us will judge a book by its cover. It strives to pique our interest and make us look inside to discover the story it has to tell. The same could also be said about the façades of buildings. Nowhere is this more true than for the flagship stores that line 5th Ave in New York, one of the most expensive and best shopping streets in the world. Any brand having a storefront on this artery

- or any similar luxury retail area in the world - will have the likes of Louis Vuitton, Armani, Prada, Gucci and Cartier as neighbors. Special attention is therefore paid to the design of the flagship store façade since it has such a large impact on the perception and credibility of the brand. Contrarily to most of the other stores in the chain, the role of the flagship often has more to do with drawing new customers and showcasing the brand than making sales. The huge financial investment

Figure 1 - Exterior view of Bulgari 5th Ave store (Bulgari, Gionata Xerra, 2018)

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required to create a flagship in a prime location often means that it doesn’t make any profit for the company, but if it is successful in creating an unforgettable shopping environment and experience, it has the potential to become a destination in itself and increase the “fan base” of the brand.

BULGARI FLAGSHIP STORE, 5TH AVENUE, NEW YORK When the Italian jewellery brand Bulgari recently restyled its 5th

Future Façades frame within the glazing joints and support the outer bronze lattice.

There was initially a desire to use a custom extruded bronze frame from the façade, but the large spans and the small maximum dimensions (around 125 mm) which can be extruded in bronze, combined with the relatively low stiffness of the material rendered this approach unpractical.

The lattice consists of milled bronze baguettes and cast bronze florettes mechanically fastened together to form a large trellis.

The façade is illuminated via doughnut-shaped custom LED light fixtured located behind each florette. The wiring for the light fixtures is housed within the lattice, behind an invisible recessed front cover running the full length of each baguette. These light fixtures help create a visual continuity at night between the store at the ground level and the dark tenant space above. They can also be Figure 2 - View of bronze florette (EOC, 2018)

Ave flagship located in the 1921 Crown Building, it wanted to convey opulence with a dolce vita flair (Figure 1). Influenced by the brand’s Roman roots, the architect Peter Marino, therefore, proposed a façade comprising a gold-coloured bronze lattice with bronze florets at each corner, inspired by a 1930’s sketch for brooch found in Bulgari’s archives which unfortunately was never produced. Bronze was the favoured material from the start due to its extensive use in classical Rome artefacts as is found not only on the façade but throughout the interior of the store.

The new façade consists of five 9 m-tall windows and marble-clad portals inserted into the openings of the existing building on two

elevations. Each double-height window covers not only the Bulgari store at the ground level but also the tenant space above. In a desire to make this delineation between occupants appear as seamless as possible when viewed from outside at all times of day and night, a polymer metallic mesh was embedded within the laminated outer layer of the insulated glazing units was embedded into the glazing units at the upper level.

Two main layers form each of the windows: an inner glazed façade and the intricate bronze lattice. The 1.2 meter-wide x 2.5 meter-tall diamond glass panels are mounted onto a bronze-clad welded steel frame. A series of standoffs are connected to the steel

Figure 3 - Exterior view of doubleheight entrance of the Bulgari 5th Ave store (Bulgari, Gionata Xerra, 2018)

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Future Façades

Figure 4 - Space behind florettes where custom LED fixtures are located (EOC, 2018)

programmed to create animated patterns of various colours on the store façade during special events.

In order to address the issues of glass replacement and differential thermal expansion between the bronze lattice and the façade behind, the lattice was subdivided into smaller diamonds of the same size as the glass panels behind.

This allowed smaller thermal movements to be accommodated within each diamond which can be individually removed in the event that a glass panel needs to be replaced. It also offers the advantage of being able to preassemble and pre-wire each diamond segment in the shop, reducing the installation time on site.

At the base of each window opening, a large marble-clad steel portal cantilevered from the existing ground level slab accommodates either a display window or an entrance. The framing of the main entrance was kept as delicate as possible by creating a welded steel frame which was then clad with extruded bronze profiles which secure beveled glass panels into position.

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NEW PUMA FLAGSHIP STORE, 5TH AVENUE, NEW YORK Contrasting to Bulgari, opening a flagship store on 5th Ave was for the German sportswear fashion brand Puma a first. Undoubtedly smaller than some of its competitors, it is growing at a steady pace and the new Manhattan store was therefore used as a means of increasing its visibility, status and market share (Figure 6).

The 1700 square-meter store span two floors. At the ground

Figure 5 - Display window at marble portal (EOC, 2018)

level, a 3.7 meter-tall frameless fully glazed façade with only structural silicone at the vertical joints between panels provides unobstructed views of the products on display.

However, Puma used the upper portion of the façade to express its brand identity where it is divided into approx. 2.6 meter x 2.6 meter squares further subdivided into four insulated glazing units replicating the star pattern printed on the soles of

Figure 6 - New Puma flagship store on 5th Ave (EOC, 2019)

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Future Façades

Figure 7 - Interior view of Puma façade (EOC, 2019)

its classic Puma Suede sneakers.

The tri-dimensionality of the motif is achieved by pushing the central point of each star outward.

Ceramic frit is silkscreened onto the edges of the triangular glass panels and backlit with LED light strips integrated into the support frames to accentuate the illusion of faceted stars.

Since there was a desire to have no framing in the façade at the ground level, the upper façade had to be hung from the 3rd-floor slab edge and the vertical building movements be accommodated in the horizontal joint between the two façade systems. The framing consists of one baywide x 3 bays-tall welded steel “ladders” hung side by side and restrained against wind loads at the 2nd floor level. For maximum installation efficiency, the glazing and light fixtures were inserted in

Figure 8 – Painted steel façade frame with integrated LED strips (EOC, 2019)

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each “ladder” in the factory and the assembly was lifted into place.

Once this was completed, only the vertical joints between adjacent “ladders” needed to be sealed and the light fixtures are connected to the power supply. This approach saved time on site and allowed to take advantage of the better quality obtained with assembly under factory conditions. Here, contrarily to Bulgari, the owner wanted to have a clean, but slightly rugged appearance. The interior steel frame is therefore left exposed and simply painted.

Despite being very different from one another, the system and material selection as well as the detailing of the façades of the Bulgari and Puma stores contributed to the embodiment of their respective brand identities. Flagship retail store façade design presents an interesting challenge of integrating branding into technical solutions that commonly require long spans, high transparency and integrated lighting schemes. The Bulgari and Puma Stores presented to demonstrate successful implementation of these principles and are well placed in the historical legacy and evolution of this typology of façades in this niche sector of the industry.

KARINE CHARLEBOIS PE, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Associate Eckersley O’Callaghan

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Karine Charlebois is an Associate at Eckersley O’Callaghan in New York where she leads commercial, retail, educational, cultural, hospitality and highend residential façade projects.

She has designed custom curtain walls, structural glass façades, window walls, skylights, cable walls and rainscreen systems.

Her experience combined with her educational background in mechanical and structural engineering as well as architecture allow her to find novel façade solutions which combine innovative use of materials, constructability, structural and thermal performance while taking into account the project sensitivities with regards to the architectural intent. Charlebois is a Registered Architect and Professional Engineer in the United States.

She has also been a guest tutor at the Parsons School of Design and the University of Maryland.

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Face to Face

“Architecture Should be in Infrastructure Category from Green Globe Foundation.

His son, Ar. Ishan Grover, Design Director and Senior Associate at Karan Grover & Associates (KGA), joined his fathers well-known firm after completing Bachelors in Arts (Concentration in Art

AR. KARAN GROVER Principal Architect & Founding Director, Karan Grover & Associates

Ar. Karan Grover, Founding Director of Karan Grover & Associates needs no introduction. He is the first architect in the world to receive a USGBC 2.0 LEED Platinum award. He has been passionately advocating the need to look at one's culture and heritage for clues as to the direction for contemporary architecture and sustainable development relevant to the Indian context today. Ar. Karan Grover almost single-handedly won India’s nominations for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status for Champaner after a 22-year old campaign. The charismatic architect has been selected as the winner of the Green Globe Award for Architect,

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& Architecture History along with Architectural Studio) from Franklin & Marshall College and Masters of Architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.

Over the past 5 years at KGA, as the Design Director, Ar. Ishan Grover has led numerous

Face to Face

Sync with Climate & Culture” reputed projects. One of his first projects after returning from America was to restore and upgrade a 110 - year old factory shed into the ‘Alembic Museum at Alembic City Art District’. He is part of a team that is responsible for the design of a 200-

bed in Pune which is set to start construction.

Today, he is leading a team of 20 members to design a 150 acre Police Training Campus in Gujarat which was awarded to KGA during a nation-wide competition held in 2020.

Ar. Karan Grover, inarguably

AR. ISHAN GROVER Design Director and Senior Associate, Karan Grover & Associates (KGA)

the most influential green architect, is an influencer among students and fellow architects in practising people-centric and ecofriendly designs, imparting knowledge on ecological and environmental concerns.

The senior architect has won numerous awards and accolades in India and internationally.

He is one of the most prominent voices spreading India's rich culture and heritage and is considered as the messiah of Green architecture.

Raffles Park, Bangalore

Here is the excerpt from the interview with Ar. Ishan Grover and Ar. Karan Grover on their firm, accomplishments, and their mission and vision.

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Face to Face

Monet Business Park, Baroda

P

lease tell us about your practice and its growth in India over the years?

Ar. Karan Grover (KG): Karan Grover and Associates (KGA) was established in 1985 after dissolving a partnership with Ar. Manoj Patel, which started 10 years ago. KGA emerged into a multi-disciplinary organisation with the best associate consulting teams for all the services, which is seen as an integral part of architectural design activity.

In 2004, KGA was the first architectural firm in the world to win the USGBC “Platinum” award for the greenest building in the world - The “CII–Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre”. Later, we also went on to win the second Platinum Award for the interior of

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ABN AMRO Bank in Ahmedabad.

Some more “Platinum” buildings are in the pipeline. KGA won the US GBC Gold Award for the Keendiam diamond factory at Navsari as the greenest factory in the world in 2008. Synthesis Business Park project at Kolkata has been awarded LEED CS Gold Certification by IGBC in October 2012. West Block 3 at L & T Knowledge City, Vadodara was awarded ‘LEED INDIA GOLD’ Rating by Indian Green Building Council in July 2013.

I consider myself so privileged to have been made the Permanent Honorary Fellow of the National Academy of Environment at the hands of former President Dr Abdul Kalam in Delhi. In my effort to bring the attention of

youngsters in conservation, I had been nominated as a “social entrepreneur” Fellow of the Ashoka Foundation, Washington in 2004.

KGA got selected as the winner of the Green Globe Award for Architect, Infrastructure Category from the Green Globe Foundation.

The “CII–Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre” the first LEED US Platinum Building in India has been selected as the 2009 winner of the “Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Awards”, under the NGO Category in 2011.

In August 2009, I was given the Keys of the City of Birmingham by the Mayor of Birmingham at the Inaugural Address of the International Green Congress of the Green Building Focus. The World Economic Forum at Davos

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Face to Face

Monet Business Park is an office building in Baroda, spread across 12 storeys and 6,000 Sq ft per floor

has named me as their member on the Panel for Sustainability for 2009.

I have been a founding member of ADaRSH (GRIHA) and has been nominated as a Member of the Confederation of Indian Industry Western Region Sub-Committee on Climate Change & Sustainability for the year 2010-11. Also became the Chairman of IGBC Vadodara Chapter on 28th March 2011.

The other awards won by KGA are ACE Award 2009 by Economic Times; Nirman Navratna Award 2009; and CNBC AWAZ Award 2009; Lifetime Achievement Award at the “Aces of Spaces” Architect & Interiors India Awards 2012, Kohler Bold Design Awards, 2018, etc.

As a speaker at many national & international public forums I have addressed over 20000 professionals and students pro bono annually on Sustainability & Green Architecture – a personal commitment made to President Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative, New York in 2006.

Presently KGA has been awarded with lots of new projects and is

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functioning very well in the field of architecture with the leadership of Ishan Grover, who is the Design Director and my younger son..

What inspired you to become an architect?

Ar. Ishan Grover (IG): While growing up, I was surrounded

by a mesmerising collection of paintings, artefacts, magical floor lights and carpets. Such an environment would inspire me to choose a career in some form of fine or applied arts. However, this choice was clear and made at the age of 19 during my undergraduate studies at Franklin & Marshall College which was a liberal arts institute with a population of 2,200 students. The flexibility to pick any subject allowed me to pursue a degree in art & architecture history and architectural studio. My course in architecture history opened my eyes to the world of architecture which included key figures like Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Mies Van Der Rohe and the likes. Their perseverance and dedication towards their ideas and goals within the architectural framework were mesmerising. These certain principles of architecture further inspired me to pursue an M. Arch. at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign.

Could you please talk about a few of your ongoing projects?

KG/IG: Karan Grover & Associates

The scale of the south elevation has been divided by using 84 planter beds.

Particular attention was given to the drainage (exposed terracotta pipes) of these beds

Face to Face

Police Training Academy, Khalal Dist, Gujarat

is currently working on several different typologies of projects ranging from private residential homes to large institutional campuses. We believe that the design of the building should go beyond fulfilling the programmatic requirements and strive to serve the users through a humanistic and sustainable approach.

Gujarat State Police Housing Corporation, Police Training Center Campus, Khalal, Gujarat: A nationwide architectural design competition was held last year in October in which we were selected as the principal architects responsible to design a state-ofthe-art Police Training Center for 2500 cadets and expandable to 5000 cadets in Gujarat. The campus sits on a 150 – acre site with a natural undulated topography adjacent to a river.

Larsen & Toubro Office and Residential Tower: We are in the design process of conceptualising two towers, office and residential, at the Knowledge City Campus in Baroda. Both towers are being designed to be certified as LEED Gold rated.

Monet Business Park: Recently completed office building in

Baroda. It is spread across 12 storeys of premium open office space of 6,000 Sq ft per floor. The scale of the south elevation has been divided by using 84 planter beds with a combination of flowering and non-flowering plants. Particular attention was given to the drainage (exposed terracotta pipes) of these beds which have lent itself to an interesting elevational detail.

available in the market. How do you choose the apt one for your project? What are the criteria?

KG: The selection of cladding/ glazing materials are mainly focused as per clients requirements; aesthetics of the building and architectural design which is finalised for a particular project with utmost study about all aspects of the project.

There are many cladding/glazing

Tell us about glazing on a few of your completed projects and

façade and materials

In a nationwide architectural design competition KGA was selected to design a state-of-the-art Police Training Center for 2500 cadets and expandable to 5000 cadets in Gujarat

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Face to Face

Police Training Academy, Khalal Dist, Gujarat

ongoing projects?

IG: Glazing is an essential part of our architecture. The advantages of proper use of glazing are unmatched. The type of glazing is dependent on the typology of the building. We have recently finished installing 30,000 sq. ft of glazing for an office building with predominant south-facing windows. The main idea was to allow the right balance of light

Interiors of Raffles Park, Bangalore

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and heat. In addition, we decided not to have high reflectivity as it is a nuisance for people walking in close proximity to the building.

We also recently finished a private residence that makes use of a uPVC single pane frame. The main concept here was of keeping the sound from the outside to a minimum but also having a sleek look with thinner frames.

What are the key factors to consider while designing and installing glass façades & fenestration?

IG: Using high-performance windows can drastically reduce heat gains and in turn reduce energy bills to cool the building.

In addition, window systems with low-e and special coating can filter UV radiation. This coupled with other passive techniques

Face to Face

Raffles Park Project - Using high-performance windows can drastically reduce heat gains and in turn reduce energy bills to cool the building

can help build a building that is sensitive towards its environment.

A few other important factors that influence our decisions is the visual requirements, shading, acoustic control and colour effects.

Please brief on the design and technical details of a safe glass façade, considering fire safety, and wind, rain and earthquake resistance?

IG: When we start with designing the fenestration, we work with experts who help us with all the design calculations that make the glass safe and secure to wind and fire. In one project we found that by tilting the glass by a few degrees we were able to reduce the direct heat into a particular room.

How would the façade design and other elements of the façade help the building to be energy efficient,

at the same time provide better interior environment? What about sustainability and environmental considerations when choosing the façade/cladding material?

KG: The façade design and related elements of a project are designed such as it should give maximum energy efficiency and better interior environments in all our projects; which culminates with a particular project or a site which is no harm to any environmental or sustainability problems to the project in any way.

What are your views on future façades & fenestration technologies, and materials?

KG & IG: In the recent past, windows have undergone a tech revolution. A High-performance, energy-efficient window is now available that can dramatically cut energy consumption. Many

studies also show how health and productivity are improved because of a well-ventilated room with ample natural light. The natural next step would be to create a glass that can harness the suns energy.

There are solar panels available that are transparent which can be applied to your glazing. However, this seems a long way in the future before it is available to the masses.

What is your advice to young, aspiring architects?

KG: There is no disbelief that we live in uncertain times; times that are made harder by the presence of a growing economic crisis and a dramatic increase in natural disasters and pandemics.

The building industry has been hit very hard over the past few years and at times the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be growing dimmer, and moving farther

Alembic Museum at Alembic City Art District, Baroda

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Face to Face

Alembic Museum, arched corridor, exhibition space and the courtyard

away. Our industry has adapted to accept new realities of how we must design, and a movement has ushered in a new era of energy and resource-saving techniques.

We are at a climax in our history,

a pressure point of our times, and as we begin to understand and accept the responsibilities of our actions, we are forced to change how we create our built environment. The changes we

Akshar Center for Hearing Impaired Children, Baroda

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make today will help preserve our cities, our cultures, and our world for generations to come. We are at the crossroads of a major decision.

We are faced with a choice, a chance to change.

shankesh.rathore@gmail.com

Cover Story

F

SHAPING TOMORROW’S FAÇADES

açades are an indispensable and essential part of a building’s overall aesthetic as well as usability. Over the years, advancements in technology and the availability of sustainable and innovative materials have transformed the purpose, identity, and designs of façades and fenestrations. With the advancement of the industrial revolution façades transformed drastically from bulk masses to fully transparent frameless glass panes, connecting inside with the outside. In future, with the progress in technology, we will find a sea change in the design approach and use of façades. Human imagination is endless and probably unstoppable. Novelty constantly attracts everyone and the architect has a great responsibility to strike the right balance between human aspirations and our ecosystem.

The construction industry is a

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huge contributor to environmental degradation worldwide. According to the International Energy Agency, the building and building construction sector combined are responsible for 36 per cent of global energy consumption.

There are many ways for a building to be more environmentally sensitive. The simplest way is to design buildings which are energy harvesting, sensitive to local climate and thus need less energy to build and operate.

WFM spoke to many experts including many architects, façade consultants and other professionals, checking with them and questioning them on the key characteristics they look for in high-performance façades, and their outlook on future façades.

The focus of this article is to help you to choose the right kind of design and materials for the façades of the future. Read on…

Cover Story

Green Terraces, Parkroyal Singapore (Studio Meraki)

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Cover Story The façades have the power to transform the occupant experience and energy consumption. Façades are not just aesthetic skins over the buildings; they have a large role to play in how the buildings function and interact with its occupants.

KEY CHARACTERS OF HIGHPERFORMANCE FAÇADES AND FENESTRATIONS In architecture, the building envelope, otherwise known as a façade, is increasingly becoming important in terms of building performance and architectural design. The façade is the only interface dividing the interiors and

exteriors where the design of this spatial boundary should allow a seamless transition, says Ar. Anil Badan, Principal Architect, Studio B Architects.

Façades and building envelopes determine visual identity, character, and the expression of architecture. Façade in a building is placed at the intersections of the interior and exterior environment, these play an integral part of the building aesthetics as well as the performance of the structure. Thereby, an integrated optimisation of the conflicting performance criteria of cooling load, daylighting, sound insulation,

occupant comfort, structural stability, cost, and aesthetics requires an advanced façade design process, explains Shweta Kaw, Principal, Studio Meraki.

Thus, high-performance façades should primarily be looking into putting up a balancing act amongst all the above mentioned key players as façades can have up to 40% impact on the total energy use of the building and also significantly impact the occupant productivity within a building.

AR. AMIT GULATI Founder, Design21

AR. ANIL BADAN

Principal Architect, Studio B Architects

Kapil Tower by Katerra Design

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SHWETA KAW

Principal, Studio Meraki

The material of a façade, says Ar. Amit Gulati, Founder, Design21, is of paramount importance.

Before deciding on material or design, one has to think about objective, colour, safety, comfort, sound insulation, thermal insulation, glare control, passive heat gain and loss, surrounding structures, and many other essential factors.

High-performance materials aid in controlling the light, heat, and sound in a structure in order to create the optimal comfort range for the users. The right type of material will also aid in energy and building efficiency. These materials reduce the ingress of heat and at the same time allow a higher percentage of daylight into the building. The lower the shading coefficient of glazing, the better the material is in preventing solar heat gain.

Cover Story According to Ar. H.H. Nishanth & Ar. Veda T.N, Associate Directors, Architecture, Katerra Design, the key characteristics of an efficient high-performance façade are: l Must be climate, region and building function specific for it to be efficient in providing a comfortable interior environment for its occupants. l Must enable daylight penetration into the building while cutting down the heat and glare, providing comfortable well-lit interiors. l Good acoustic performance to provide sound insulation from the external environment. l Must be durable and future proof with the ability to adapt to future requirements. l Façade systems, screening 3-D view of a project by Cityspace ‘82 Architects

AR. H.H. NISHANTH

Associate Director, Architecture, Katerra Design

AR. VEDA T.N

Associate Director, Architecture, Katerra Design

and fenestration design must work in tandem to achieve the goals of aesthetics, responding to climate, good visual light transmission and cutting of heat gain and glare. This also makes the building system a lot more efficient and sustainable.

Ar. Rohit Krishna Gulati, Principal Architect, Incubis Architects too agrees that high-performance commercial building façades incorporate comprehensive (passive and active) design features and systems that incorporate daylighting, solar heatgain control, ventilation and space conditioning leading to enhanced sun protection and cooling-load control, increased thermal comfort, and ample daylighting.

According to Ar. Gulati, the key characteristics of highperformance façades include providing visual focus and intent from inside to outside depending on the use and function of the space within and accordingly provide for minimum glazing and moderate window-wall

ROHIT KRISHNA GULATI Principal Architect, Incubis Architects

ratios; providing adequate natural ventilation and controlled daylight based architectural features based on the solar-orientation of the façade; and providing passive and/ or active systems to control heatgain and minimise lifecycle costs for space conditioning. He adds that the highest performance is likely to be achieved when all measures are conceived, designed and executed in an integrated manner.

“When it comes to designing and

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Cover Story creating a façade or fenestration that is high performance in nature, the impact on the daylight needs to be calculated and considered.

As daylight and views can have a drastic impact on the real estate value of a building, a façade must factor in building massing, window to wall ratio, the orientation of glass, visual transmittance of glass, solar shading strategies and more that can have a significant impact on the amount and quality of daylight penetration”, observes Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Founder and Principal Architect at Cityspace ‘82 Architects.

AR. SUMIT DHAWAN

Foundr and Principal Architect, Cityspace ‘82 Architects

Ar. Parag V Singal, Principal ArchitectParag Singal Architects says that a highperformance façade & fenestration not only increase the thermal

AR. PARAG V SINGAL

Principal Architect, Parag Singal Architects

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Elevation of a project designed by Parag Singal Architects

comfort level of the occupants but also lowers the energy consumption of the building. The façade design must be such that the reduced heat gain should not lead to loss of daylight. To summarise, a high-performance Façade & fenestration is essentially a comprehensive system that incorporates sufficient daylight, controls solar heat gain and ventilation.

Thus it is understood that highperformance façades maintain constant comfort in terms of light, heat, and sound to create the optimal space that can be enjoyed by the user. The façade can also be retrofitted with solar panels, wind tunnels, etc., hence, reducing the power consumption of the building, says Ar. Badan. Highperformance façades not only help in the temperature control of the indoors but also maintain a certain lux level, reduce energy consumption and create a soft transition between the indoors and outdoors, adds Badan.

LOOKING AT THE PARADIGM SHIFT As the world becomes more technologically driven, the old façades used for simple purposes like temperature control and limiting energy consumption will

be easily replaced by automated façade patterns. At the same time, the materials used to make the façade are also envisaged to be much more sustainable. Many materials used in the building of façades, such as aluminium, glass, and steel, can be used more frequently, making a truly sustainable façade. Talking about the future façades, Ar. Dhawan predicts that both kinetic façades and bio façades that use the power of photosynthesis are the next choices to be an eco-friendly alternative to the façades that use fossil fuels.

Advancement in computational technologies over the past few years has resulted in the revolution in the façade industry, notes Ar. Kaw. Not just a surge in visually enticing and more efficient materials, but there has been an ever-increasing jump in technologically challenging intelligent façade systems as well as breathing green façades.

Kinetic façades, in which the panels open and close throughout the day in response to the sun’s movement, thereby balancing heat ingress and daylight to enter the building as required and green façades have seen a rise, especially keeping in sync with the philosophy of a sustainable green future. Parametric façades

Cover Story efficient system that allows for an active exchange of air,” says Gulati.

One façade design that we think will be popular in the future is parametric design, predicts Ar. Badan. Parametric design is envisaged to be a paradigm in design where the relationship between elements can be manipulated to form complex geometric designs and structures. This design process uses algorithmic relations to create multiple possible designs.

Ranchi Express Towers - Day View by Incubis Architects

owe their birth due to the digitisation of production and technological resources bringing advantages in both aesthetics and efficacy. The potential to produce flexible designs, complex and uneven geometries, better product visualisation, faster design iterations and quick turnaround has increased their popularity amongst architects and designers.

Biomimicry inspired living façades wherein we mimic nature and try to avail the utmost benefits that one can have from them at minimum cost have also started gaining ground.

Ar. Amit Gulati expects a paradigm shift in façade design regarding its requirements, roles, and responsibilities. The design of façades that do not become obsolete and gel perfectly with the building interiors while still managing to reflect the culture around the building is the need of the hour, adds Gulati. “One exciting feature for façades is humanisation, with which the façades could focus on human needs and understand their interaction with the environment. Another popular trend would be ventilated façades, which are essentially an energy-

REVOLUTIONARY ADVANCEMENT IN FAÇADE AND FENESTRATION DESIGNS, TECHNOLOGIES & MATERIALS Inspired by the computational changes and the rapid advancements in the world of architecture and design, façade design has grown by leaps and bounds in the past five years.

When comparing the present face design to a design that was popular five years ago, one can see a vast difference between them. One of the noteworthy advancements made in the façade design sector is the introduction of smog neutralising façades, notes Ar. Dhawan, This idea was originally conceptualised in Berlin, but this façade design made of steel and plastic does a fantastic job of reducing air pollution. Another

Green façades with vertical gardens - Green Terrace of ParkRoyal, Singapore (image courtesy, Studio Meraki)

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Cover Story development that has been seen over the last five years is the use of homeostatic façades, initially developed by a firm in New York City. In this case, the building’s climate is controlled on the basis of the external environment automatically.

Ar. Amit Gulati observes that the industry has witnessed a considerable change in terms of new material usage, façade treatments, and even technological advancements. “Façades these days have become more of a functional element in addition to their aesthetic importance. Materials like glass, wood composite plastics, tiles, dry cladding systems, sunscreens, aluminium, and titanium are becoming increasingly popular,” observe Ar. Amit Gulati and Ar. Badan.

The architecture and design of commercial, institutional, residential, or public buildings are adapting to include an integrated façade system that aid in building performance and energy consumption, points out Ar. Badan.

Ar. Amit adds that in India, one of the significant developments in urban construction is the IT/BPO boom which has led to a noteworthy transformation in the urban skyline.

The buildings have presented mind-numbing possibilities both in terms of design and use of modern materials. The architecture and design of commercial spaces like malls, hospitals, public utilities, and even educational institutions are adapting to include an integrated façade system aiding in the building performance.

Technology and digitalisation are transforming our world into a more and more intelligent place each day. Façade technology has also advanced in the recent past and building façades will continue to become more and more intelligent in the coming years. Ar. Nishanth & Ar. Veda from Katerra Design adds that technological advancements in the façade systems have enabled

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architects to achieve cutting edge and complex façade design.

According to them, the following advancements brought a revolution in the present day façades: l Automated façade and window systems make building energy-efficient, secure and weatherproof. l Dynamic glass with electrochromic coating that automatically changes its properties based on the climatic conditions outside.

This depending on the building orientation reduces the need for shading devices and interior blinds. l BIPV (Building Integrated Photo Voltaic) façade systems integrate solar power generation with façade and open building terraces for better usage. l Photosensitive shading devices that automatically change orientation based on the changing sun angles throughout the day. This complements a high-performance glazing

system and provides a smart solution to efficient façade design. l Smart glass screens that sense occupants and accordingly change from transparent to opaque for screening, making interior spaces very dynamic.

Some of the path-breaking innovations have been electrochromic and photovoltaic glass, agrees Ar. Singal. Such glasses have been widely used in interiors especially in offices to create private spaces as per need.

But now the same technology has found its way to the exteriors and is being actively used in building façades. “The ability of electrochromic glass to go from translucent to opaque has been facilitating offices to reduce the solar heat gain dramatically while keeping the visual connection with the outside world as per need,” he adds.

The use of photovoltaic glass enables the building to produce its own energy and reduce its carbon

Projects by Parag Singal Architects - elevation

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Cover Story High-Performance Façades

ASHISH K JAIN Partner - AEON Integrated Building Design Consultant LLP Key Characters of HighPerformance Façades & Fenestrations: Highperformance façades typically get associated with energy efficiency but those have a great deal of other focus areas too including thermal comfort, visual comfort and well-being of the building occupants for whom the building is made.

Therefore, key characteristics of high performing façades include striking the right balance between efficiency, health, comfort and cost-efficiency.

Advancements in Façade & Fenestration Designs, Technologies & Materials: Façade designs have always evolved to solve problems of the particular era when those are built. We have seen Dynamic Glass as one such revolutionary advancement in fenestration technologies which has the power and potential of changing the way we think and use our façades. At the same time, we are moving into a Digital World and Artificial Intelligence is right there, it will be exciting to see

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the integration of these hightech elements into building façade and fenestration in the next few decades to come.

With a great deal of focus on solving global issues including carbon footprint reduction, energy and water conservation, food crisis and pollution mitigation, the next few decades are expected to see some great advancements in the façade design and technologies.

To name a few, these may include Power Generating Façades, Living Walls, Dynamic & Interactive Façades, Façades Growing Fresh Air, Hydroponics addressing food crisis etc.

Innovations in materials & technologies: Without innovations in products and technologies, it is not possible to reach the next level of efficiency. One best example can be seen in the fenestration of buildings. From Zero glass in traditional building façades, we have graduated to fully glazed buildings today. Had there been no advancement and innovation in the Glazing Manufacturing industry, this was simply not possible.

Façade & Fenestration materials & technologies of future buildings have even more crucial issues in hand to solve including carbon neutrality,

Vertical garden

energy and water neutrality, health & safety, comfort & wellbeing and most importantly cost-effectiveness. Therefore, innovations in materials and technologies shall be imperative to achieve highly efficient and more aesthetically appealing façades.

Tools, Automation & Digital Technologies: Digital Twinning of buildings through computer simulations have significantly helped façade design optimisation. To achieve optimised façade design considering Energy Efficiency, Cost Efficiency and Occupant Comfort perspective, there are specialised computer simulations conducted viz. Wind CFD Analysis, Solar & Daylight Analysis, Glare & Visual Comfort Analysis, Natural Ventilation Analysis, Parametric Modelling. etc. Whereas, for making costbased decisions on façade, Life Cycle Cost Analysis is also undertaken to enable owners to make more thoughtful decisions.

Computer simulations conducted at different stages of the projects help optimise the building designs to enhance performance and achieve comfort at the same time.

The simulations are aimed to evaluate building designs for identifying potential concerns and providing solutions to ensure appropriate façade design by identifying the most feasible and cost-effective options for the project. The quantified results help owners, architects and engineers to make informed design decisions.

Cover Story

Projects by Katerra Design

footprint. Since the cells are sandwiched between two glass panels, the said glass is not 100% transparent. This not only enables cutting down on the extra sunlight entering the premises but it can be utilised to create beautiful patterns when mixed with standard glazing, explains Ar. Singal.

Ar. Kaw too vouches that electrochromic/photochromic glass usage along with reflective coatings and the variety of façade materials has grown not just in terms of aesthetics or functionality but are having a major hand in contributing to the environment as well.

Ar. RK Gulati talks about several advancements especially in control systems, technologies and materials over the last few years. In his opinion, the key revolutionary innovation is the improved availability and increased use of analytical 3D modelling software that can calculate energy use and predict life-cycle costs based on the combination of design features and specification features employed. These have resulted in the ability to model different options and analyse iterations accurately and quickly leading to lower design time with a much higher level of predictability. The resultant data being integrated into BIM systems, will lead to improved coordination and execution methodologies. “This will help us achieve our sustainability

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goals faster apart from improved energy efficiency and productivity,” infers Ar. RK Gulati.

INNOVATIONS IN MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES The façade and fenestration industry is extremely technology-driven, where innovations keep happening.

Currently, sustainable buildings are the leading trend in the construction industry. This increases the demand for environmentally friendly and automated façades and fenestration solutions. Ar. Amit Gulati notes that products like high-performance glass use the least amount of energy to maintain a comfortable environment inside the building. Technological advancements have made it feasible

to manipulate the percentage of transmittance, reflectance, and heat absorption of different wavelengths. Much of the recent innovation in glass for fenestration products has been focused on controlling solar radiation, thus improving building performance and reducing maintenance costs.

In real-life applications, it can be seen that when a certain panel or glass has been used, it is easier to control the internal temperature homeostasis. At the same time, beautiful façades are also a must in commercial buildings like malls or retail outlets, and these façades can attract more people.

Besides glass, durable, malleable, and scalable materials like aluminium, zinc, and concrete will

Projects by Parag Singal Architects - elevation

Cover Story

Green Façade Oasia Singapore

soon be the go-to choice for many architects who play an essential role in the innovations made in the field of façade building, envisages Ar. Dhawan. According to him, the design of façades has been highly complex, but at the same time, they are vital in determining the overall use and flexibility of the building.

Architects Nishanth and Veda assure that advancements in technology like façade simulation studies are assisting in deciding the right fenestration and glazing parameters like sizes, modules, orientation and locations. “As the global temperature rises, we also see the rise of innovative and energy-efficient façade materials as an alternative to glass,” they predict. This will all lead to highly sustainable and energyefficient façades. Technological advancements in the façade system design have enabled architects to achieve cutting edge and complex façade design.

Softwares like the grasshopper, rhino, etc., have made parametric designs so much easier to calculate as the computer does all the major calculations and even checks for risk factors, points out Ar. Badan.

This also makes it possible to use local materials most sustainably to create a design that is also visually stunning. The need for environmentally friendly façades

that aid in improving air quality, soundproofing, temperature, and light control is a necessity of today and will remain a demand in the future as well. Nuances to maintain optimal internal comfort levels can now be automated with the help of technology. These technologies also become a part of the building management system, hence optimising the building performance, adds Ar. Badan.

Ar. Singal explains it through the case of Al Bahar Towers in Dubai. “The kinetic façades is a prime example of how technology and products are changing the definition of façades. It has a responsive façade that takes cultural cues from the “mashrabiya”, a traditional Islamic lattice shading device. The screen operates as a curtain wall, sitting two meters outside the buildings’ exterior on an independent frame.

Each triangle is coated with fibreglass and programmed to respond to the movement of the sun as a way to reduce solar gain and glare. In the evening, all the screens will close”, he gives details of an illustrious case study.

Ar. Kaw describes the projects like Oasia Hotel and Park Royal at Singapore as apt and illustrious sustainable ventures. “I have visited these buildings located in the heart of the city during my tenure in

Singapore so I would like to share my personal experience as these buildings go miles ahead even after achieving the basic prerequisites of Greenmark certification and rating. Their façades are not just their identity and a major revelation in creativity but they have led the green movement in Asia,” she vouches.

ADVANCEMENT IN AUTOMATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES The energy that we consume is limited and precious in nature. So, many architects are trying to create energy-saving façades that will ultimately help future generations and are also looking into selfcleaning façades to eliminate pollution. Individual solutions such as ventilation and heating can, of course also be smart, notes Ar. Dhawan. “A smart façade is a façade that relies exclusively on renewable sources of energy rather than using up the energy sources that are non-renewable. An innovative façade requires numerous sensors to measure all possible external influences like wind and transmit these readings to a control unit.

Gateways enable networked devices to communicate with each other. The network can be either cable- or radio-controlled,” reveals Ar. Dhawan.

Technological advancements

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Cover Story have made it feasible for any typology of building to engage in extensive sustainable practices.

In terms of development, says Ar. Amit Gulati, innovative sustainable materials with smart automation technology can inspire a generation of architects to create climatically responsive architecture which prioritises human comfort and experience. In terms of design, inventive and original architecture becomes more feasible. For example, the Parametric form of design was challenging to create a few years ago; but today, with the help of technology like Rhino and Grasshopper, it has become super accessible. In terms of installation, automated machinery is constantly decreasing the amount of time and effort required for construction. This advancement will keep upgrading as time passes, continually aiding in creating stunning architecture.

Architects from Katerra Design too agree that digital technology is assisting in designing, developing and installation of efficient façades.

Simulation study software assists in arriving at the right material for the relevant façade. Software like Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper,

Elevation of a future project by Parag Singal Architects

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Medical College, Bengaluru by Katerra Design

etc assists in achieving complex parametric façade designs and executing them. Tools like Ecotect are assisting designers with daylight simulation, thermal energy simulation, glare analysis, etc. which help in designing energy-efficient façades.

Ar. Kaw, adds that architects try various permutations and combinations on computers, finding out different inputs and solutions, to develop the right algorithm, that can bring the desired results like the flow and the type of air, besides pouring in natural light to achieve a highperformance building.

TOOLS AND SOFTWARE FOR DESIGNING & INSTALLING EFFICIENT FAÇADE & FENESTRATION SYSTEMS The software industry has been helping out the designers with their incredible algorithms. We have come a long way from basic 2D drafting software. Ar. Singal elaborates on the available software - Now we have options like Rhinoceros 3D which can create, edit, analyse, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS curves, surfaces and solids, subdivision geometry (SubD), point clouds, and polygon meshes.

There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware. Accompanied by its plugin Grasshopper that builds generative algorithms, Rhinoceros

is a powerful tool to use.

Another name that has made it to the list is Fenestra Pro, adds Ar. Singal. In a short period, Fenestra Pro has established itself as a powerful façade design software that supports the design and construction of beautiful, highperforming buildings. It facilitates architects in designing sustainable solutions towards net-zero carbon initiatives.

According to Ar. Dhawan, using the structural analysis software RFEM and RSTAB as well as the stand-alone program RSECTION, you can design façade structures, such as glass façades, curtain walls, double façades, element façades, and many others.

Ar. Amit Gulati adds that Softwares like COMFEN, CAD interface, Rhino, Grasshopper, ERP systems, RIFD technology, FEMP, etc., all make the process of façade design much more accessible and convenient. Ar. Anil Badan too agrees with Ar. Amit Gulati.

The recent penetration of 3D printing dovetailed with parametric design tools such as RHINO, PYTHON and SOLIDWORKS is a great help to model and experiment and innovate façade design, explains Ar. RK Gulati. It helps in quick modelling of surfaces and concepts with ease of iterations till the desired concept is finalised.

Once the design is finalised, the same 3D data can be utilised by

THE SYSTEM: • Patented curtain wall system • Long spans • Elimination of horizontals • High transparency • Complex geometries

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• Versatility • Superior thermal performance • Jumbo glass sizes • System material options: aluminum, glass, & timber

Photo: St. Regis Tower, Chicago

Cover Story

IMAGE CREDIT - INCUBIS ARCHITECTS

Vertical Greenery, Oasia Singapore

by Studio Meraki

tireless artistic pursuit and the continuing emergence of urban complexes and super high-rise buildings give façade design technology plenty of space to play its role, and the advent of BIM brings good opportunities for the development of façade design engineering, fabrication, and installation.

Analysis and conceptualisation for façade in hot dry climate

the execution team to derive shop drawings. This seamless movement from conceptualisation to 3D printing to design development and execution detailing and then to execution reduces the overall timelines as well.

Some examples 1. Analysis and conceptualisation for a façade in a hot dry climate

2. Express towers_façade concept with parametric passive shading features 3. Façade with vertical landscape & passive shading Various analytical procedures and simulation tools are now readily available for the evaluation of high-performance complex façade design. In design, manufacturing, and installation, the architect’s

Ranchi Express Towers- Day view, Designed by Incubis Architects

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FUTURE OF FAÇADES & FENESTRATIONS - 50 YEARS FROM NOW According to Ar. Amit Gulati, City planning is adapting to include intelligent design and smart technologies. This would have a significant impact on the design of façades, as façade designs are a reflection of the city as well.

Hence, the architectural design of the building envelope needs to be sustainable and energy-efficient.

The materials will become far more durable, malleable, and environmentally friendly. Solutions like hollowed-out bricks that prevent excessive heating or cooling will become more apparent.

Technology will also improve to instantly provide quick, easy, time-saving, and environmentally responsive façade solutions with sustainable materials.

Smart façades that are automated to be climatically responsive will also become extremely common and widely used.

One of the most significant predictions made for the future of the façade design is that nonrenewable and non-recyclable

Cover Story

A green façade project (Studio Meraki)

materials will be booted entirely out and be replaced by selfrenewing materials like steel, brick, and aluminium, vows Ar. Dhawan.

There is an overwhelming need for façades to conserve energy, and in the next fifty years, it can be assumed that the façade will be completely carbon neutral.

Façades have also taken up a much more technological route.

In future, they can maintain the internal homeostasis of the building operated through remote control or an app.

“We are already witnessing how AI and IoT have touched almost every aspect of our lives. Energy efficiency and sustainability are the key factors driving façade design and, in the future, this is going to be more and more driven by AI. AI-controlled façade materials and systems will change the way we experience and interact with buildings,” say Ar. Nishanth & Ar. Veda. The façade, integrated with IoT, will start to become an extensive data collection centre, which can be used for the more efficient functioning of the complete built environment. For a simple example, a façade that can

change itself based on the weather conditions outside & sense the occupant load inside can start talking to the automated shading device and the HVAC system to achieve maximum daylight penetration with minimal heat gain and ensure efficient cooling of the built space. The possibilities are endless. Architects from Katerra Design also add that use of recycled materials and biodegradability will start becoming important factors.

Ar. V Singal believes that kinetic façades can become a common practice within the next 50 years. The flexibility it provides in sustainable design, being aesthetically rich, is very promising.

“We need to make the technology more viable in terms of availability and affordability. A kinetic façade enables us to control solar heat gain, daylight, and ventilation, regardless of the coordinates of the site or the season. Once designed and installed, the kinetic façade will adjust with the help of technology. And with the growing

age of artificial intelligence, the horizon of possibilities has widened even more,” he is hopeful.

According to Ar. RK Gulati, integrated approach to building façades with integrated building systems is the way ahead, considering conscious energy usage and use of materials having least ecological impact.

We also should look at providing improved sustainability goals for the mass consumers as well.

The use of appropriate material and technology combined with passive systems has to be made mainstream. For example, use solar panels to provide shading and/or transparent solar panels as glazing.

Increased use of vertical landscape features to moderate the microclimate is another method to improve overall reduction in energy use.

Ar. RK Gulati expects that full glass façades will no longer be representative of ‘global’ and ‘high-tech’ but is symbolises a ‘high-waste’ culture as it increases

3D view of a project – Cityspace 82 Architects

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Cover Story Fire-Safe Façades & Fenestrations for the future blended approach using both performance and prescriptive based design for a particular building based on its own specific requirements.

DR. ANKIT SHARMA (PHD), Post Doc Researcher in Fire Dynamics Façade and Fenestration play an important role in the design of fire-safe buildings. Ventilation during a fire can reduce heat flow to the sprinklers and fire alarms and thus reducing their time of action. Ventilation also aids in fire spread as it provides fresh oxygen increasing the fire intensity. It has been observed in different research studies that fenestrations also have a greater influence on the height of window ejected façade flames and hence flame spread.

For façades, two important parameters which define the performance of firesafe materials are their combustibility and smoke production. The air cavity between the cladding and insulation, provided for maintaining proper ventilation in the façade, acts as a chimney and supports rapid vertical fire spread to top floors.

Therefore, future façade and fenestration need to be designed considering these important aspects of fire safety.

Need of the hour is to follow a

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(NOTE: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and are not linked to any agency, organisation, employer, or company).

Cover Story Capex, increases demand on the energy used for air conditioning/ cooling etc. High-performance glass and shading devices on a full glass façade is a paradox abinitio. “We should not be waiting 50 years to change this mindset for the sake of reducing our carbon footprint. Research and application of our indigenous vernacular systems’ approach to the climate for contemporary façade design is an intelligent and sustainable way ahead,” adds Gulati.

Post pandemic, the focus has most evidently shifted to occupant wellbeing, health and comfort, observes Ar. Kaw. “I personally foresee that non-sustainable façades will be a thing of the past soon and strict guidelines will have to be adhered to regarding the efficacy of the façade in terms of thermal control. Also, in tune with the new age contemporary design aesthetics, façades will no longer remain just a functional skin, but shall unveil a sense of awe, beauty, complexity and be able to due to interpret an architect’s imagination as perceived due to the augmentation in digital fabrication technologies as well as computational design software, thereby enabling more accuracy and a plethora of possibilities”, explains Ar. Kaw. The diverse reiterations possible now will greatly impact the building science jargon likewise. Also, the dynamism in façades will be in tune with the environment and the microclimate at the site. Façades will also become a natural habitat for nurturing flora and fauna empowering the green building movement. The vertical gardens are making their way in urban life to save mankind from harsh conditions of the environment while saving the planet itself, predicts Ar. Kaw. Ar Badan too forecasts parametric façades, façades that

Cityspace ‘82 Architects – 3D view

are technologically controlled to entirely open a building, façades that adapt to the climate, and green façades as some of the future façade designs that will become extremely popular.

The architectural design of the building envelope shall move towards sustainability and energy efficiency. Solutions like recycled bricks, recycled plastic, recycled windows & doors, etc., shall become more prominent. Technological advancements also allow for an automated, climate-responsive façade design, he adds.

CONCLUSION With the manufacturers offering state-of-the-art intelligent materials that can respond to the environment, architects have begun their adoption in the buildings they create. These dynamic material solutions

along with the latest in software technologies to create the most sustainable building using computational analytics can provide the optimal solutions.

Moreover, the Internet of Things (IoT) can be integrated with the overall building management system to build intelligent buildings that are efficient in use and easy to maintain. It is a matter of time and an increasing rate of adoption before the futuristic building becomes commonplace in the Indian skyline. Continuous innovations bring in products and solutions and serve the façades of today and tomorrow in an intelligent, energy-efficient and sustainable manner. It is this sense of agility from manufacturers, curiosity and sense of experimentation from designers that will help us leapfrog into the arena of ‘futuristic façades’.

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Industry Speaks

“aluplast has Always been at Forefront of Bringing the Latest Technologies in the Fenestration Industry” Faraz Aqil is the Managing Director of aluplast India Pvt. Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of aluplast GmbH. aluplast is a world leader in uPVC doors and window profile systems.

Faraz Aqil, armed with a Master’s in International Business Management, has more than 20 years of senior management experience, with the last 13 years directly heading a German multinational company Mehler Technologies' Asian operations.

He has an extensive record of accomplishment in sales, general management, and communication. Aqil oversaw the growth of the company since he started as the first employee. He also had the opportunity to oversee their business in Asia in the last few years.

FARAZ AQIL

Managing Director, aluplast India Private Ltd

In an interview with WFM Media, Faraz Aqil talks about the products offered by aluplast India, the company's contribution in bringing about the current revolution in the façade and the fenestration sector, and their recently completed /ongoing projects. He also elaborates his journey with the company aluplast India Private Ltd, and their success stories in India in the recent past.

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Industry Speaks

P

lease tell us about the company aluplast India Pvt Ltd and yourself? aluplast is not a new name in India and has always been known to be a top and premium brand. We have been active in India for the last 15 years. In 2015, we decided to set up a manufacturing unit in Vadodara with the purpose of manufacturing some of the uPVC profile systems to make it a hub in Asia, and to cater to the rest of Asia and Oceanic.

How long have you been in this business and the Indian market?

I joined aluplast India Pvt. Ltd. in Dec 2021. Before this, I was in a different industry for almost 15 years and worked with another German MNC as Regional Sales Head for the Asian region.

Tell us briefly about your journey with the company over the years?

I am one of the new babies in the fenestration industry as I come from a different industry altogether. However, the last year has been quite eventful. Despite the challenges that we faced

aluplast-extrusion plant at Baroda

due to COVID, the company has come out very strongly posting wonderful sales and production results, all thanks to the great team that we have at aluplast India and all thanks to all our partners who have worked very hard all through this year to post good sales.

Tell us about your major success stories in India in the recent past?

We have recently launched a fantastic range of wooden and

Team aluplast at their manufacturing plant

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aluminium surfaces uPVC profiles in India with textures, which are one of the latest in India.

Both these assortments (aludec & woodec) have been received with an overwhelming response from customers across India. In the last month, we displayed our aludec and woodec systems in the Zak Windows and Doors Expo - 2021, Mumbai and we received an amazing response from the visitors.

Industry Speaks

aluplast experience center in Saket, New Delhi

What are the products offered by aluplast India Pvt Ltd for the façade and fenestration?

Aluplast being a system provider, we offer various options in sliding and casement systems that can fit all requirements. We have highend sliding systems like lift-slide and smart-slide to economical systems like the sliding 60 series.

Similarly, in casements, a range of combinations is available with us IDEAL 2000 and IDEAL 4000 opening inwards, outwards, or a tilt & turn. The Energeto 5000 series provides excellent sound insulation.

Throw some light on your company's facilities and infrastructure?

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing unit is situated in Vadodara, Gujarat. Our profiles go through quality management systems after production and before shipments.

In addition, being an innovator, we are more focused on R&D and we develop the systems considering the Indian market. We focus more on providing support to all our fabricators and well architects in designing the right window.

We also recently inaugurated our experience center in Saket, New Delhi, which displays all our latest The project Malabar Hills

innovations. We are planning for a few more experience centers all around India; the announcements will come up at a later stage.

The experience centre at Delhi displays all the latest innovations by aluplast

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Tell us about your channel expansion strategies in the market?

Our markets have grown sharply during the last two years and we need to supplement this growth with new investments in India.

Thus, we have a clear growth map

Industry Speaks project in place for the next few years in India, which shall see aluplast creating new benchmarks in this important market.

What has been your organisation’s contribution in bringing about the current revolution in the façade and the fenestration sector? aluplast has always been at forefront of bringing the latest technologies in the fenestration industry as far as uPVC is concerned. We have been known for our premium quality and this is what contributes to the performance of windows in the longer run. This has helped in generating confidence in minds of customers to rely more on uPVC systems as a better option as compared to other systems.

We are committed to spending more on R&D, reducing carbon footprints and aiming to provide the right solutions to the market that not only perform but also contribute to the environment.

Project Amangani

Hillary Field Centre Extension & Refurbishment, Scott Base, Antarctica

Metro Buildtech

Please tell us about a few of your recently completed /ongoing iconic and innovative projects?

Along with our channel partners, we focus on all kinds of projects be it residential, bungalows, schools or airports. Our aluplast team in New Zealand have also done a

RNS Bunts School

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Industry Speaks

IIT Jodhpur – An iconic project

project in Antarctica where the temperature goes as below as -90 degrees. This show that our systems are designed to sustain extreme climatic conditions.

A few of the projects are below: l Amagini l Metro Buildtech l RNS Bunts School l Private Residence, Kerala l Hillary Field Centre Extension & Refurbishment, Scott Base, Antarctica l IIT, Jodhpur l INS Hansa Airforce Station at Goa, India As per your view, how important is the role of right profile and system selection helping in achieving façade/fenestration performance, optimum acoustic and thermal insulation as well as the desired aesthetics?

I think it is very important to select the right profile, as profile plays a major part in acoustics and thermal performance. Only aluplast provides numerous lamination/surfaces in wood or

INS Hansa Airforce Station at Goa, India

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Sherwood Bungalow

aluminium that can match the aesthetics and is available with the co-extruded gasket in India, which ensures excellent sealing against weather and noise.

How well aware do you think the decision-makers like architects and builders are about the availability of the fenestration products, their quality and standards?

Architects & builders play an important role and are very well versed with current innovations in the markets. Both are very well aware of the fenestration products and know what quality they are recommending to their clients. They know very well that they cannot compromise on a functional area like doors and windows of a house if they want to build a good house. Thus, there is always a huge demand for premium products like aluplast.

What is the emphasis laid on R&D in uPVC profiles, especially for the Indian market?

aluplast has always been known for innovation, whether it is the products like Smart Slide or laminations like woodec and aludec. Aluplast India has its own R&D center which works in tandem with our German headquarters to bring out the right products.

What do you see as the main challenges faced by the uPVC Profile industry?

The main challenge that I see is the cheap profiles with the substandard quality available in the market. These cheap profiles are poor in performance and are not manufactured considering the tropical climate. It is important to opt for the right product that has better durability and provide excellent thermal and sound insulation.

How was the business as a whole for the fenestration industry during the pandemic, and how did your brand face the situation? Where do you see the fenestration/ profile industry evolving over the next 5 years?

Despite the pandemic, we had a wonderful business. We had our ups and downs and were challenged with high raw material prices, shipping challenges, and health issues at our facility.

However, we are a tough team at aluplast India and have been able to overcome them with proper planning and hard work.

We have left those days behind and are now looking forward to an eventful 2022.

Airport South Metro Station, Nagpur

Kukreja's Sun city, Nagpur

Revive Clinic, Hyderabad

“OUR EXISTENCE IS AN OUTCOME OF OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS TOGETHER WE SHALL GROW TOWARDS A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL FUTURE." Office address: 41, Alucomét, Vyankatesh Nagar, Khamla Road, Nagpur - 440025 Contact no. +91 9503577665

Reach us at alucomet@gmail.com

Project Watch

The Changing Nature of Façades Globally

F

aced with the enormous challenge of reducing the climate impact from the construction and operation of new and existing buildings, manufacturers, architects and construction companies the world over have begun to reassess the criteria for architectural envelopes. While environmental conditions vary dramatically across different climatic and geographical regions, the fundamental role of the building skin can be encapsulated in four basic parameters - weatherproofing, insulation, ventilation and daylighting. It is within these four parameters that modern architectural cladding and building envelope systems must seek to excel, simultaneously reducing energy consumption in the construction and optimisation of buildings.

The widespread use of glass as an architectural envelope has been historically driven by multiple factors, including the availability of mass manufacturing, cost reductions when compared with traditional systems and the relative ease and speed of installation. Spurred by the ‘concrete frame and glass wall’ ethos of mid-century modernism, and the dramatic vistas possible by the edge to edge installations, glass has become the de-facto standard for cladding buildings. However, thermal performance and ventilation has always been and continue to be major concern. Although recent developments such as triple glazing and layered lamination have improved the insulating capabilities of the material, glass-

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clad buildings continue to require a greater degree of interior air conditioning to achieve thermal comfort.

In contrast, a built-up insulated wall system with a permanent exterior finish such as brick or stone is often a much more expensive cladding solution, requiring multiple components sourced from multiple manufacturers. However, there can be significant long term savings, such as increased thermal insulation, lower maintenance costs (such as the reduced need for repeated cleaning) and lowered heat island effect. Studies have shown that up to 89% of the carbon emissions from a building material over a 50-year lifecycle period come from the operational phase of the building, compared to the manufacturing processes.

That makes brick and stone a viable alternative to the current hegemony of glass.

Choosing an appropriate cladding material remains one of the most important determinants of the exterior form of a building.

Rather than focus on aesthetics, or short term capital cost constraints, contemporary architects need to assess the success of their buildings from a performance perspective.

A truly ‘green’ building can save energy year after year, and not be limited to a one-time goal linked to the construction process or schedule of the building. Efficiency standards for automobiles, public transport and other aspects of city life continue to rapidly evolve, pushing manufacturers to the boundaries of their capabilities. The design of buildings must also begin to reflect this ethos, and the external cladding is the best place to begin making our built environment more environmentally responsible for a sustainable future.

Project Watch Case Study 1

Apartments at 17, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi

BEST WITH BRICKS APARTMENTS AT 17 VASANT VIHAR, NEW DELHI Vasant Vihar began life in postindependence Delhi as a sleepy, quiet suburb to the administrative capital, occupied largely by senior government functionaries.

The urban growth has affected the locality both in spirit and in form. Single-family homes have been replaced with multistorey apartment buildings, with subterranean level offices and parking areas. The façades of the buildings and the landscape had a conflicting context with the mix of old and contemporary designs.

The owners wanted to rebuild an ageing building on a site of 350 Sq m to elicit maximum benefit of the area offered by new

regulations. This would not only allow the owners more space but also reaffirm the status of the property as a family home for the next generation.

Six apartments were planned, laid over 4 floors. Additionally, four workspaces were created in the basement, along with dedicated car parking for eight cars. The building was designed to provide common amenities, but complete privacy to the occupants from one another. To achieve this, a common entrance lobby on the ground floor provides access from multiple access points to the main stair and elevator.

On the first two of the upper floors, the building is divided into two apartments, each with a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms, with ensuite bathrooms. The full width of the building ensures

that each of the rooms receives sunlight and adequate ventilation through full-sized windows. These windows open into a five-foot-wide continuous wood-lined verandah, designed to maintain complete privacy from surrounding neighbours.

The top two floors have a single apartment each, occupying the complete 2200 Sq ft area. Each of these apartments is lavishly appointed with a large living room, three large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and their own private rear verandah. There is a centrally positioned kitchen, connected through a utility balcony to a staff room, with its own bathroom.

The façade of the building is an exercise in restraint. The end walls have been finished in a pale cream coloured brick, chosen for

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Project Watch

Day and night view of the apartments

Dense, vertically oriented railings provide the requisite safety for the deep verandahs

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its bright and robust nature. The slim horizontal bands on each floor are finished in exposed grit wash, a hardy surface texture that allows white chips to reflect light and avoid absorption into the structural slab. Dense, vertically oriented railings provide the requisite safety for the deep verandahs, and the building is capped with a band of exterior grade wood, designed to weather and turn to a light shade to complement the brick.

The project illustrates an evolving understanding of the durability of materials in our harsh climate.

Brick is inherently durable - Clay bricks last almost indefinitely, being largely immune to fire, windborne debris, and temperature fluctuations and their exceptional thermal mass help mitigate heat transfer. On a TCO and lifecycle basis, bricks outperform almost every other building material, effectively reducing the environmental

Project Watch

The project illustrates an evolving understanding of the durability of materials in our harsh climate

impact from other systems like air conditioning and heating.

Aluminium windows with double glazing are used all around, the terrace is insulated with PU sheets overlaid with Kota stone, and LED lighting is used throughout the building. Sensors are fitted in the washrooms, and they automatically control the lights based on movement and

ambient light conditions. The apartments are secured with a keyless central security system with digital access.

The building façade reimagines the contemporary apartment building, not as an opportunity to stretch the boundaries of architectural possibility, but to hone the façade to the key essentials of sustainability

QUICK FACTS:

Project: Apartments at 17 Location: Vasant Vihar, New Delhi Architect: Amit Khanna, Principal Architect, AKDA Contractor: Build Design Workshop Plot Area: 350 Sq m Constructed Area: 1200 Sq m Windows: Schueco Year of Completion: 2020

Aluminium fenestrations with double glazing are used all around

Photographs: Aishwarya R, Photo Dote WFM | JAN - FEB 2022

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Project Watch Case Study 2

Safdarjang Residence - a monumental circular aperture sits within a square brick screen

ODE TO KAHN

SAFDARJANG RESIDENCE, NEW DELHI On a quiet residential street in

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New Delhi, Safdarjang Residence, a monumental circular aperture, sits within a square brick screen. It is an apartment building developed by a family for private use. The façade of this building could be

seen as a response to the context or a reflection on materiality. The façade is a paean to the idea of architecture as imagined by the well-known architect, Louis Kahn, who has left an indelible imprint

A perfect blend of superior performance, unmatched privacy, and pleasing appearance, makes it the perfect choice for modern homes.

MODERN AESTHETICS

Scan to know more

ENHANCED PRIVACY

UNMATCHED ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SUPERIOR UV PROTECTION

SUSTAINABLE

Project Watch

QUICK FACTS:

Project: Safdarjang Residence, New Delhi

on the architecture of the Indian subcontinent. Crucial to his formmaking was the act of puncturing seemingly vast brick and concrete

walls with soaring geometric voids, creating dramatic shadows as the harsh Indian sun made its way through the sky. These voids were often circular; vast arches that were pure in their conceptualisation and inch-perfect in their execution, a testament to the genius of Indian craftsmanship.

Consisting of 4 apartments elevated above a parking level, the property is hemmed in by neighbours on both sides. The 30foot width of the building is its only source of light at both ends.

The floor plans of the apartments are reductive, with all services concentrated in a core on one side of the building, including the staircase, elevator, 3 bathrooms, the kitchen and both bedrooms.

The other longitudinal half of the building is an expansive living space, that is illuminated by the full-length windows on either end.

On the top floor, this open space is punctuated by a courtyard that is open to the elements.

On the façade, thin brick tiles are supported by a framework of crisp stainless-steel profiles, both acting as a tension ring within the void

Location: New Delhi Architect: AKDA Design Team: Amit Khanna, Ankita Misra, Krishna Yadav Contractor: Build Design Workshop Windows: Schueco Plot Area: 200 Sq.Mts. Constructed Area: 800 Sq m Year of Completion: 2021 Photographs: Andre Fanthome

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On the façade, thin brick tiles are supported by a framework of crisp stainlesssteel profiles

Project Watch and as supporting angles on the top and bottom of the screen. The entire brick screen is elevated off the ground level, proportioned to be a perfect square circumscribing a circle. The exposed side and rear walls are finished in an exposed grit wash set in white cement plaster.

The project illustrates an evolving understanding of the durability of materials in our harsh climate.

Brick is inherently durable - Clay bricks last almost indefinitely, being largely immune to fire, wind-

The project illustrates an evolving understanding of the durability of materials in our harsh climate

Every component of the building has been selected with the same parameters of high performance

borne debris, and temperature fluctuations and their exceptional thermal mass help mitigate heat transfer. On a TCO and lifecycle basis, bricks outperform

Elevational View

almost every other building material, effectively reducing the environmental impact from other systems like air conditioning and heating.

Every component of the building has been selected with the same parameters of high performance, inherent robustness and energy efficiency. Aluminium windows with double glazing are used all around, the terrace is insulated with inverted pots overlaid with terracotta tiles, the air-conditioning uses variable refrigerant volume based on active monitoring of indoor use, and LED lighting is used throughout the building. Sensors are fitted in the washrooms, and they automatically control the lights based on movement and ambient light conditions. The apartments are secured with a keyless central security system with digital access.

Sectional view

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Project Watch Case Study 3

The Atrium Tower

ATRIUM - A LANDMARK STRUCTURE MOTI NAGAR, NEW DELHI The Atrium Tower is a landmark in the area, distinctive not only for

its height but also for its unique glazing design. The surroundings of the Tower consist of buildings with an average size of 3 storeys and a DDA park on the backside.

The spatial planning was done

so that the core is aligned with the longer side of the site giving the building a clear vision of the park and the bustling road in the front. The core which faced north was covered with louvres along

Glass being the obvious choice for the façade, to control the light and heat gain, DGU panels have been used with an insulating board to control the light and heat gain

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Project Watch

AMIT KHANNA

Principal Architect, AKDA

The Atrium tower is fast becoming a template for future development

with glass, making it naturally lit with glare-free light. All the other services have been aligned with this core giving us a clear linear usable space.

Since the building is 7 storeys, a refuge area had to be planned which has been provided facing park, this also acts as an open space at 5th floor. Glass being the obvious choice for the façade, to control the light and heat gain, DGU panels have been used with an insulating board on the back of the panels along with the floor slab and sill which helps the frame of the building look invisible from the front and allows light to enter the habitable areas incorporated into the design.

It is a landmark building showcasing intelligent planning scheme, material choice and minute design elements.

The double glazed panels of light and dark blue are interspersed with louvres in circulation areas on the North Façade. By positioning the circulation cores along one periphery, the building opens up to the expansive views of the park to the rear of the property. This

longitudinal arrangement allows all the spaces to be naturally daylit as no work desk is more than 25 feet from the closest window.

Surrounded by industrial areas that are fast converting to the service sector, the Atrium tower is fast becoming a template for future development, cementing its place as an icon.

QUICK FACTS:

Project: Atrium Tower Location: Najafgarh Road, Motinagar, Delhi Client: Rajneesh Gandhi Architect: Amit Khann Design team: Amit khanna, Ankita Misra, Daud Ibrahim Project Area: 3842 sq m.

Initiation of Project: 2018 Completion of project: 2020

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Amit Khanna is the Founder & Design Principal at AKDA, a design firm that integrates the disciplines of architecture, interior design, furniture, lighting and product design. He graduated from the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi in 2002, and completed Masters in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Oxford. He is a recipient of the Moira Barrie Award (UK) & held the Kellogg Scholarship at the University of Oxford. Established in 2004, AKDA is a globally recognised multi-disciplinary architecture & design firm, based in New Delhi.

Amit Khanna has won several national and international awards and recognitions, most recently feted by the Minister of Industries for his contribution to excellence in the use of indigenous stone in buildings. He is a regular speaker at industry events, and his articles and projects are published in national and international media. He also teaches at SPA Delhi.

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Product Watch

AluPure Presents Majestic -The Sleek Interlock Sliding Door System PRODUCT FEATURES: l Sleek and affordable

premium interlock sliding door system for all classes

l Maximum shutter size 1.5 x

3 mtr

l Glass thickness SG and

DGU upto 32 mm

l 2 track and 3 track frame

with SS guide rail and inside lip

l Sleek fly mesh sash with

transom optional

l Sleek interlock width 33

mm, depth 120 mm

profine India launches its new sleek interlock aluminium sliding door system “Majestic"

A

higher security

l Available in multiple colour

options

l Low maintenance,

eco-friendly and nonflammable

l Durable, comes with 10

years warranty

weather conditions by German and Indian R&D team. This will be a great fit for the market looking for sleek doors at an affordable price.

Mr. Kamal Bajaj, Business Head – AluPure said “Majestic is not just for sleek aesthetics but a performance sliding door system and designed for tough weather conditions i.e. high wind load, water

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upto 300 kg

l Multiple locking to ensure

luPure aluminium system – the brand of “profine India” has launched its new sleek interlock aluminium sliding door system “Majestic” for India and International market. The launch of this sleek sliding door systems was done by Mr Farid Khan, Director & CEO – profine India along with partners and other esteemed guests during Zak Doors and Windows Expo 2021 at Mumbai.

This system Majestic is being designed in accordance with the Indian building requirements and

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l Rollers can bear the load

penetration and air permeability parameters. This will penetrate all market segment of the fenestration industry”.

The sleek and minimal slightness of the frame provide wide opening and unobstructed view to the outdoors. it is available in multiple colour options through powder and anodized coating solutions. for more information on the product, visit www.alupure.co.in

https://facebook.com/koemmerlingIndia |

• Casement window and door systems (Outward/Inward Open) • Grill mesh casement window system • Top hung window • Sliding windows and doors • Lift & Slide doors • Sliding Folding doors • Tilt & Turn window system • Insect screen compatible

KOEMMERLING The systems reflect innovative features and elegant designs with long lasting look and appearance in all weather conditions.

Range of Systems:

+91 931 139 7008

https://twitter.com/koemmerlingind |

https://www.koemmerling.co.in/blog/

Also available in Woodgrain finish and Grey shades

Product Watch “Majestic could be Another Game-Changer for Alupure Brand” in India and in Germany to develop and launch this product. And, previously also, the Alupure series was much appreciated and very well taken by our customers. We are quite positive about the success of this product in the market.

We are quite confident that this majestic series will also do wonders.

MR FARID KHAN Director & CEO – profine India Every fall comes with a rise…

Could you please tell us about some of your products which you have launched? How are they different from other available products in the market?

The system which we have launched, known as “Majestic” from the Alupure brand, is a sleek interlock sliding aluminium door system. As far as the USP is concerned, it's an interlock with 33 mm width and a depth of 120 millimeters.

This can do a single big panel of 1.5 mt width and a height of 3 mt and can be of 6 panel door. Earlier we were having 3 more series - for residential and retail projects, and for highend projects, which is called ‘Opulenz’. This particular system that we have launched is added to the affordable luxury segment.

This is a high mid-range product since in Mumbai and the western part of India, there is a higher demand for premium products at an affordable price. So, we took the initiative with my team

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What are the standards and parameters you considered while manufacturing this product?

Considering water tightness and air permeability, all European norms were followed as they are the best in class. Up to a window load of 2.5 KPA, all the tests have been carried out, which was well appreciated by my whole internal team. So in terms of standards, parameters and quality, nothing has been compromised. The earlier series was also completely tested for its competence. All the vital requirements suggested by the structural team and by the architects are all being provided.

We are quite confident that this could be another gamechanger for Alupure brand.

Can it be used in supertall buildings?

Yes, it is suitable for high-rise buildings. As I mentioned above, it is apt for a wind load of 2.5 KPA and the product Opulenz is suitable for a wind load of 3.5 KPA. We have different systems for different sizes, different heights and different locations. So now the product ‘Majestic’ is more like a baby in our big basket.

Please brief us about the technology involved in the creation of this product.

As the market knows that we have been very innovative and we have been very sure of what we are giving to them, and that speaks of trust and their confidence in us. It is a German technology and a German product that is made in India.

How are you trying to market it in India and what kind of after-sales services you are going to provide?

As far as after-sales support is concerned, we will do it the same way we did with Opulenz and with the other products of Alupure series, the same team is there to cater to this particular product as well.

The channel partners will be briefed about the technical aspects and will be given training for this particular system and therefore they will pass it on to the market. So, everything will be serviced by our technical team who are based all across India. The technical knowledge will be transferred to the service team members.

What are the plans for the year 2022?

We expect the year 2022 to be very exciting for both Koemmerling and Alupure.

We are planning a few more launches in Alupure and Koemmerling within this year.

We are planning to celebrate 125 years of Koemmerling in 2022. This is going to be a very big event everywhere in the world.

Brand Watch

Translating Client's Vision into Reality Glass Wall Systems

G

lass Wall Systems (GWS) is one of India's leading façade fabricators, providing turnkey façade solutions by translating the client's vision into reality. At GWS, we believe that if there is a better way to do something, we should find it.

Innovation holds the key to staying ahead in the race and giving our clients a better product. Unitized curtain wall systems, stick-type curtain wall systems, ACP panels with the system are some of the kinds of façades we specialise in.

The company also focuses on diversified technological advancements in executing projects. For example, curved unitized panels, articulated unitized panels (at Kohinoor Square Mumbai), dynamic façade lighting (at Mondeal Square Ahmedabad), curved ACP panel with systems (at World Towers Mumbai), perforated aluminium screens, diagrid (at Capital BKC Mumbai), free-flowing façade (at JW Marriot Kolkata), etc.

Among the many innovative façades we have built, our most innovative façade with SAGE USA glass is currently under construction in Bangalore, India.

Bagmane Developers is one of the most trusted names in the construction industry, and Glass Wall Systems is delivering its vision

Bagmane Rio Business Park would be a one of its kind business campus in Bengaluru

for Smart Façades in India. It is a privilege that one of the trusted names in the construction world, Bagmane Developers have chosen us to put together this vision of theirs. The world’s largest smart/ electrochromic glass project, Rio-Business Park is a 1.6 million square foot commercial building in Bangalore, India. Our company was chosen as the building's façade fabricator, making us the smart façade company in the country to execute such an enormous project like this.

“I am always striving to set up a trend in the futuristic technology within the building façade industry. Regarding the creative possibilities of the façade at

Bagmane Developer’s Rio-Business Park is a 1.6 million square foot commercial building in Bangalore

Rio-Business Park, this project uses intelligent glass, which automatically tints throughout the day and reduces glare while regulating temperature.

This technology gives the building a luxurious feel and offers energy savings. Our strong R&D and teams have developed a strong unitized curtain wall system with an easily integrated IGU cable and connections along with the mullions. In doing so, it is effortless to integrate the smart glass aluminium-framed panels, resulting in a hassle-free façade installation process. With our combined resources and creativity, we believe we would be able to provide our valued clients with scalable performance,” states Rounaq Choudhari, Director at Glass Wall Systems.

For more information, contact: Glass Wall Systems, 503-504, 5th Floor, A-wing, Marathon Futurex Mafatlal Mills Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013.

Tel: +91 22 6103 3456.

Web: www.glasswallsystems.in

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Brand Watch

“We Look Forward to Creating Newer Milestones in Years to Come”

Nikhil & Reema Jain, Directors, The Rishabh Winpro Pvt Ltd

Please tell us about your company Rishabh WINPRO Pvt. Ltd.?

WINPRO is a leading brand for a wide range of system products, facades and fenestration works including doors, windows (uPVC as well as Aluminium). It provides end to end services in the value chain including design & engineering, manufacturing, installation with professional project management and after-sales service support.

WINPRO has always invested heavily in manpower and machines under their technically qualified management. WINPRO is known for the quality and outstanding service to its esteemed customers.

Tell us about your manufacturing and warehousing facilities in India?

WINPRO has a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Haridwar with fully automatic German and Italian machines controlled by highly advanced software at the back-end spread across more than 2,50,000sq.ft. of covered area, in 10 acres of owned land. We have three automatic machining centers running. With head-office and the Experience & Design Center in Noida, the company has a presence with projects executed on a pan-India level.

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What are your major projects?

With a single largest project over Rs.20 crores, we take pride in multiple repeat projects from our customers. This has been possible with not only top quality products, timely delivery and professional service but also making complex design intents of the customer a reality with professional inhouse design & engineering team.

To name a few, DLF Camellias, Crest, Ultima, YPCC, Mall of India, New Town Heights at Bengaluru, Kolkatta & Gurugram; Emaar Palm Drive, Emerald Plaza, Digihomes; Godrej Evoke69, Parklane, Windsor, Nature+; Ajnara Heritage, Daffodil, Ambrosia, Le Garden; Ireo Rise; Ambience Commercial Tower; Oxygen IT SEZ; Experion Windchants; Alpha G Corp Gurgaon One; Brigade Cosmopolis, etc.

Tell us about the collaboration between WINPRO and aluplast?

With heavy investments made by us in the most advanced and automatic German uPVC window manufacturing plant & huge warehousing facilities and true German best quality innovative profile systems from Aluplast, this partnership has grown from strength to strength.

The volumes for aluplast have grown exponentially with this partnership making them set up a manufacturing unit in India. At Winpro, we have won awards for

WINPRO’s state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Haridwar

Best Executed Residential Projects amongst aluplast partners worldwide. We are looking forward to more exciting times ahead with latest addition of 800 Floors order from DLF and a few more big ones in the pipeline.

Where do you see your company in the next 5 years?

We are excited about upcoming future opportunities. With our order books at record-high, we are not only sticking to our value system and foundation that has made us so successful but also innovating by adopting and putting to practice global best practices in manufacturing, installation, safety and quality. We are now working on Government & Infrastructure projects, focusing on quality factory-manufactured products, instead of on-site. We are thankful to all our customers, architects, façade consultants who have been so supportive in our journey and look forward to creating newer milestones in years to come.

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Advertorial

ECO PASS SKY Axxent from SIEGENIA

ECO PASS SKY axxent from SIEGENIA enables the production of lift and slide elements made of timber-aluminium with a zerobarrier threshold, combining this with unique design benefits.

ECO PASS SKY axxent from SIEGENIA combines barrier-free access to the outside with a zerobarrier threshold and unique design benefits, turning large timber-aluminium elements into eyecatchers. With regard to aesthetics and barrier-freedom, this threshold sets standards for lift and slide elements: This begins with an optical adaptation of the threshold to the frame material with the aid of a doubling into which the running rail is discreetly integrated. End-users benefit from a valuable appearance without any steps. The cube design of the sash cover caps fulfils the highest aesthetic demands. The streamlined metal covers provide value down to the last detail. With only two millimetres on show, they are barely visible and are convincing due to their invisible fixing.

Just as elegant is the STYLE drain

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Image database: SIEGENIA

grid design, which is also suitable for use in combination with a drainage gutter. Great emphasis is placed on aesthetics with this solution because the optical design of threshold and outside area are precisely and mutually coordinated.

The passage can also optionally be equipped with floor lighting.

ECO PASS SKY axxent also shows its strengths with regard to sill installation. In terms of a qualitatively and functionally highquality comprehensive solution, SIEGENIA has cooperated with a leading drainage and sealing specialist to achieve this purpose.

The efficient design with sealing plates, sealing wedges and base profiles provides maximum compression. The grid system ensures reliable water drainage. The high-end solution is also convincing in production: fabricators benefit here from the cost-effective complete delivery of the threshold with the aid of the COMFORT UNIT – including the precisely fitting grid for the threshold.

Verified security up to RC3 (DIN EN 1627ff) No compromise in terms of safety: ECO PASS SKY axxent and PORTAL HS, SIEGENIA's hardware for lift

Image database: SIEGENIA

Image database: SIEGENIA

An Aesthetic Eyecatcher

The cube design with the valuable metal covers fulfils the highest aesthetic demands. The fixing is also invisible.

and slide elements, set standards with regard to security. The efficient solution is now available in a number of versions with certified burglar resistance in RC2 and RC3.

End-users needn't forego barrierfree access even in the RC3 version.

ORDERING MADE EASY With the ordering of the PORTAL HS – both with the ECO PASS SKY axxent threshold and with other threshold variants – fabricators benefit from the cost-effective processes with easy handling: with the COMFORT UNIT, window manufacturers can purchase customised, preassembled complete packages from SIEGENIA. This also includes the easy and time-saving ordering of RC-certified versions. All components are assembled in a complete package.

For More details contact:

ECO PASS SKY axxent combines the barrier-free passage to the outside with an absolutely zerobarrier threshold with perfect sill installation.

SIEGENIA India Pvt. Ltd., Plot no. 52, Sector 37, Udyog Vihar Phase VI, Gurugram 122001, Haryana, India.

Contact: +91- 99711 77168 Email: info-in@siegenia.com Web: www.siegenia.com

Advertorial

Fenesta’s Legacy – Driven by Innovation, Perseverance & Passion doors are available

A

family-owned business established in the preindependence era way back in 1889, DCM Shriram Ltd., is a global conglomerate with diverse business interests in Agri-Rural/Chloro-Vinyl and Value-Added Business. Fenesta is amongst the innovative ventures of the Rs. 8308 crore worth company, which rose to prominence by leading the path of development and innovation.

A lot has changed in Indian homes since Fenesta made its foray into the market 18 years back with ready- to-install Windows and Doors. The brand has gone way beyond market and sales competitions changing people’s perception of the ubiquitous windows and doors in their homes.

It has shifted their focus to the importance of living spaces that shuts off the menace of all kinds of pollution. Tenacious and backed by science and eco-friendly practices, the brand brought about a profound makeover in people’s lifestyle with far-reaching impact on their health and wellness.

Fenesta raises a toast to celebrate 18 years of innovation, customer love, and success!

Fenesta’s uPVC Windows Protecting Millions of Homes and Counting: Fenesta’s uPVC Windows are suitable for India’s extreme weather conditions that need robust technology and advanced scientific inputs to address concerns of ultra-

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Manufacturing facility at Kota violet rays, tropical heat, monsoon storms, coastal winds, and 100% relative humidity. Fenesta windows are totally insulated from air, dust and noise pollution. Rainwater seepage especially through windows is a thing of the past. Significant energy savings were made possible, lowering electricity bills and reducing the carbon footprint. Add to these customized solutions, strength, exceptional durability, zero maintenance and round the year proactive service, a yardstick that windows are measured by today.

Fenesta offers all these and much more, building lasting relationships with their customers.

Fenesta’s Ultra Luxury Aluminium Windows and Doors are a style statement enhancing living spaces. Aluminium is a naturally green material - found in abundance,has tensile and malleability properties and is 100% recyclable. It reduces deforestation and global warming.

State-of-the-art Internal Doors made of hybrid polymer that combines the aesthetics of wood and the durability of polymer from Fenesta are available in four colours – White Oak, Natural Oak, Teak and Walnut. Available in plain and designer finish they are termite and water-resistant; they do not expand or contract with temperature extremes the way wooden doors are prone to and also require negligible maintenance. Fenesta

as ready-toinstall integrated door solution systems, which include the frame, trim, panel, lockset, handle, hinges, stopper, buffer, transportation, installation and post-sales service which makes them One-Stop Door Solution. The hassle-free installation is done by well-trained company professionals.

Fenesta also offers its customers prompt and comprehensive aftersales service, to ensure maximum peace of mind!

Today, Fenesta is reaching out to its customers with a vast network of dealers and Signature Studios.

State-of-the-art internal doors from Fenesta Fenesta covers 350+ cities with their product portfolio offering more than 1000 design options to both retail and institutional customers. AR-enabled Fenesta APP and a 360-degree VRenabled Studio walkthrough help customers experience the products in a showroom like environment within the safety of their homes.

The brand endeavours to make it more futuristic while adding newer technologies for better customer experience.

For more details, contact: Call Toll Free 1800 102 9880; E-mail: response@fenesta.com; Website: www.fenesta.com

Buzz

Chennai’s ITC Grand Chola Gets LEED Zero Carbon Certification

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TC Grand Chola , Chennai, has become the largest hotel in the world and commercial building to achieve the LEED (Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design) Zero certification from the United States Green Building Council, which encourages a holistic approach for buildings and places, thus will contribute to a regenerative future.

ITC Hotels is one of the world’s largest chain of hotels with the maximum number of LEED platinum certified properties.

In March 2021, ITC Windsor, Bengaluru became the first hotel in the world to achieve the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.

ITC Grand Chola has invested in building the renewable energy footprint through self-owned wind farm and solar energy, according to a statement from the hotel.

ITC Hotels has initiatives on environment, hotel ecosystem, health, and well-being. These

include achieving LEED platinum rating, being one of the first chains to eliminate single use plastic free products, deployment of radiation harmonisers across the chain, farm to fork low carbon footprint cuisine, clean air and others.

Bangladesh Hospital Bags RIBA International Prize 2021

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riendship Hospital, Satkhira, an eighty-bed community hospital situated in a remote rural area of southwest Bangladesh, designed

by Bangladeshi architect Kashef Chowdhury/URBANA, has won the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) International Prize 2021.

The 80-bed community hospital has been designed by Kashef Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi architect using only local bricks for construction.

The hospital was chosen as the winner from a shortlist of three new buildings by the Grand Jury that was chaired by renowned architect Odile Decq.

According to a statement issued

by RIBA, the hospital, built at a low cost, has been designed to work with and withstand the tangible climate change effects of rising seawater in the surrounding region. “A series of courtyards bring in natural light and ventilation, while a canal traversing the site collects valuable rainwater since the groundwater remains

unusable for most purposes,” the RIBA said.

The water channel gives visual respite, aids in micro-climatic cooling and is a source of distraction for both patients and their relatives from the anxiety associated with the disease.

“Friendship Hospital embodies an architecture of humanity and protection that reflects the Friendship NGO’s philanthropic mission to provide dignity and hope to communities through social innovation," Decq said, according to a RIBA statement.

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Brand Watch

Insights into revolutionary façade & fenestration materials & technologies

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ith the ongoing expansion of the real estate sector, the façade and fenestration business appears to have made consistent progress.

The industry is seeing a substantial transition in the business as the real estate sector in the country develops itself with the growth in the economy.

It's noteworthy that the façade and fenestration industry isn't simply limited to Tier I and Tier II cities, but has begun to grow its base in Tier III cities where people are developing an aesthetic sense for their homes.

According to IMARC Group, the Indian façade market was worth US$ 2424.4 million in 2021 and is predicted to reach US$3,930.4 million by 2027.

The world's fast increasing energy requirements, along with decreasing natural resources, have created an unsettling scenario. And the façade and fenestration play an important part in utilising energy efficiently and so contributing towards the energy conservation of buildings.

Dev Chandwani Business Development Director, Deceuninck Profiles India Private Limited

Future Façade and Fenestration Energy efficiency is one of the main reasons why the façade and fenestration are gaining popularity.

Today’s architects are looking for the next step after Net-Zero.

The basic concept of Net-Zero = Produce as much energy as needed by the home. We saw a phase of buildings/homes with rooftop solar panels, solar water heaters to reduce energy consumption, high-performance windows to control the energy losses.

To achieve the result, just put windows with Uw <1 W/m2K. Is it possible?

Yes, it is possible with Deceuninck’s Legend Casement window & door profiles that are built with one of its kind 6 chamber systems that offer excellent thermal insulation.

Now Indian homes can adopt European technology and become as energy-efficient as their counterparts in Europe.

About Deceuninck Deceuninck is a Belgium-based company established in 1937, is currently the world’s Top 2 manufacturer of UPVC profiles for doors and windows. Deceuninck in India is one of the fastest-growing UPVC Profile companies with more than 45 authorised and certified channel partners making highquality Upvc windows & doors.

Legend casement

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For more information, visit www.deceuninck.in.

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