Window & facade magazine (May-June 2017) - India Edition - 3rd Anniversary

www.wfm.co.in

www.wfm.co.in Volume 3 | Issue 6 | ` 100 3rd Anniversary Edition

Special Feature

Fire Safety Compliance of Combustible Cladding

Face to Face

Ar. Yatin P atel Founder Director, DSP Design Associates

Green Talk

Energy Conscious Façade

THE GAME CHANGERS Impact of RERA & GST on the Real Estate and Facade Façade & Fenestration Industry

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WINDOW& FACADE

Contents

MAGAZINE

Volume 3 I Issue 6 3rd Anniversary Edition

On the three 10 -pronged approach to fire safety and few pitfalls that lead to increased fire risk

Advance Façades & Glazing Failures On façade types and exact cause of façade failures

72 On the latest advancements in technologies pertaining to smart envelope design

Façade Design Technologies for Indian Context

18

On Parametric design, 79 which can aid in developing smarter facades

Face to Face

Façade Design Optimization On energy 30 conscious façade designs and how facades can express architectural language & character for a building

21 Century Façade Skins: Futureproofing Our Assets

88

Interview: Yatin Patel, Founder Director, DSP Design Associates

st

38 How to restore and protect building skins

Key Aspects of Façade Material Selection

Industry Speaks Interview: Jean-Paul 101 Hautekeer, Global Marketing Director, & Dharmesh Shah, India Commercial Leader, Dow Corning Corporation

A Modern Public Facility 42

On the most important factors to consider before purchasing façade materials

Cover Story

New Railway Station 113 Building at Hubli by Kembhavi Architecture Foundation

Post-Event Report 49 GST & RERA – The Game Changers

UWDMA Regional 118 Conferences and Zak World of Facades Mumbai

Co-Founders: Syed Ahad Ahmed Amit Malhotra Sarvesh Bagla Technical Panel: Mahesh Arumugam - Director, Meinhardt Façade Consultants KR Suresh - Regional Director, Axis Façade Consulting Editorial: Renu Rajaram renu@wfm.co.in +91 9312864830 Esha Sharma esha@wfm.co.in +91 98119 86040 Marketing & Operations: Kapil Girotra kapil@wfm.co.in +91 9560925255 Subscription & Circulation: Jasmeen Kour jasmeen@wfm.co.in +91 9871151112 Studio Design: Neelam Negi

RNI: DELENG/2014/57870

Energy Conscious Façade

Fire Safety Compliance of Combustible Cladding

Published by: F & F Media and Publications Pvt. Ltd. C-55, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase - 1, New Delhi 110 020 T: +91-11-40623356

Cover Courtesy: DSP Design Associates & HB Design 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@wfm.co.in. Please provide your full name and address, stating clearly if you do not wish us to print them. Alternatively log on to www.wfm.co.in 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.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Renu Rajaram renu@wfm.co.in

Over the last few years, with tough competition from global players, many local façade and window-installation companies have been forced to develop new product lines and business strategies for survival. With gale-force winds of competition lashing the building industry, companies have invested or are planning to invest a lot of money, people, and time to fight rivals. It is tough, challenging, and yet strangely reassuring to take on familiar opponents, whose ambitions, strategies, weaknesses, and even strengths resemble their own. However, among high-end players, the obsession with traditional rivals has blinded companies to the threat from disruptive, low-end competitors. On the other hand, the low-cost business competitors, who are mostly local manufacturers, have adopted business models and technologies different from those of market leaders. Such companies offer products and services at prices drastically lower than prices offered by the established global leaders. They thrive in the Indian market, which is highly cost sensitive. While doing so there is a danger of quality taking a back seat compared to cost factors. GST (Goods & Service Tax) and RERA (Real Estate Regulation & Development Act), which were recently introduced by the Government, are real game changers for the industry. The two doctrines were introduced by the Government to bring some discipline in quality and to rationalize prices. The new norms of RERA, insisting on developers for five year warranty clauses, may force manufacturers to provide back to back warranty, which eventually would improve product quality. Again, the big players in the trade may take advantage of their technological edge and could eventually increase the market share on the strength of warrantee, thereby offsetting the disadvantage due to price differential with local players. This edition’s cover story is on the impact of RERA and GST on the real estate and façade and fenestration industry.

It has been three years since we launched the magazine. To celebrate this milestone, we have come up with many interesting articles in this edition. The contents include articles on ‘Advance Façades & Glazing Failures’, ‘Façade Maintenance’, ‘Façade Design Optimization’, ‘ Design for Energy Conscious Facades’, ‘Key Aspects to Consider while Selecting Materials for Facades’, and many more.

I would like to express my gratitude to all who have contributed to the magazine, read the magazine, and provided valuable suggestions during the last three years.

I would also thank all advertisers who supported us. It has been an honour and a privilege to have been a part of this industry’s growth and evolution. Let’s see where the future takes us!

Happy reading!

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Fire Safety

Fire Safety Compliance of Combustible Cladding About the Author: Abhishek Chhabra represents Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants, a Dubai-based, multi-accredited, privately held engineering firm providing independent testing, inspection and certification (TIC) services. The company has helped construction industry to achieve quality and safety compliances in the region since 1995.

Abhishek Chhabra Business Development Manager, Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants, UAE

An engineer and a post graduate in finance, Abhishek Chhabra has been advocating the need for testing, inspections and certifications for improved safety and quality in various industries for most of the last 15 years. Along with helping certification bodies in expanding their horizon of business in the last decade, he has also been writing articles and about mandatory and voluntary quality and safety compliances and presenting at various forums. He is currently responsible for the company’s fire compliance business.

As per the data from the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, 264 tall buildings (more than 100m) were built between 2006 and 2016 in the Middle East region. North America built 218, Europe built 113, Central America built 65, Oceania region 38 and South America built 32 tall buildings in the same period.

The developers and architects in the Middle East region continue to challenge the engineers to build unique high rise buildings within their limitations of time and money. Adding to this is the unique climate and a passionate drive to be environment friendly.

Navigating this maze that leads to the topping out of buildings is easy if you are armed with the right knowledge and are aware of the tools available that help you distinguish between safe and unsafe.

The shift from the traditional load-bearing wall construction method to the current method of building constructions provides an excellent opportunity to clad buildings quickly. This offers a fantastic canvas

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for architects to showcase their creativity in designing the building envelope. But providing the much needed air/water tightness and thermal performance continues to lure the industry towards materials laden with potentially combustible organic compounds.

There are many stakeholders whose active participation results in the cladding of buildings. Starting with architects and design consultants; all the way through contractors, material manufacturers and their representatives; right up to the authorities setting minimum requirements and independent third party Testing, Certification and Inspection bodies. The codes around the world, including the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practise, use a three pronged approach to quantify and mitigate the potential fire risks of cladding systems.

This article details the three-pronged approach to fire safety and lists some of the common pitfalls that lead to increased fire risk.

Figure 1: Test Apparatus for BS EN ISO 11925-2

Material Compliances The word “combustible” is possibly the most overused and misunderstood word in the industry.

There are several fire related properties of materials which are critical to understanding the use of various materials in cladding systems. Below defined properties are used to quantify how various materials behave (react) in an environment that can create a fire; or behave (react) after catching a fire.

The quantification of these properties can be done by many different test methods or approaches. Often methods developed in different parts of the world vary widely in the approach followed. This note will be naming a few commonly used test methods. It is vital to understand that most of these test methods are not equivalent to each other and often quantify the same properties by different approaches.

Ignitability The ability of a material to be ignited (catch fire) can vary and the environment in which a material can catch fire is one of the tools to quantify the “ignitability” of a material. Test methods such as ASTM D 1929 determine the flash ignition temperature and spontaneous ignition temperature of plastics using a hot-air furnace. The BS EN ISO 11925-2 quantifies the ignitability of building products using direct impingement of flame (a small flame- say the size of a cigarette lighter for 15-30 seconds) to the material (See Figure 1).The EN ISO 1182 uses a cylindrical

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Figure 2: Cone Calorimeter as per ISO 5660-1

furnace tube at 750°C measuring temperatures of the specimen continuously for rise and/or visible flames to report ignitability.

Ignitability as a standalone property without information about below properties might not always be useful.

Calorific Value and Heat Release Ratio These two properties quantify information with similar intent about the material in question. The chemical composition of a material dictates the amount of latent energy the material has. Hence it helps to understand the potential of the material to contribute to the fire by producing higher energy. Unlike the ignitability, which remains the same, irrespective of the volume or quantity of the material, the quantification of this property becomes useful along with the information about the volume or quantity of such material being used at the end application. The BS EN ISO 1716 uses a bomb calorimeter to determine the gross heat of combustion or calorific value (meaning how much calories or energy the material has and can release when it ignites). Along with other properties of smoke production and mass loss rate, the ISO 5660-1 test method measures the oxygen consumption under controlled irradiance of external ignition to calculate the heat release ratio (See Figure 2). Also meaning the rate at which this material will release the latent energy it contains which can either contribute to the fire or help ignite the adjacent material.

will spread. While the Part 6 of the BS 476 measures the flame spread index, the BS EN 13823, popularly known as the single burning item test is more comprehensive and brings out Total Heat Release, Fire Growth Rate, Lateral Flame Spread and even quantifies other properties of smoke and in case any droplets are being produced.

The EN 13501-1 uses results from EN ISO 1182, EN 13823, EN ISO 9239-1 and EN ISO 1716 to arrive at detailed classification (See Figure 4).

Project Specific System Design Compliance Figure 3: Steiner Tunnel as per ASTM E84

Spread of Flame, Smoke and Other Behaviours Depending on the composition and distribution of potentially flammable ingredients of a material, the rate at which the flame will spread on its surface and the smoke it can produce will vary. This is often quantified using reference materials. Like the Steiner Tunnel test (ASTM E84) uses standard Red Oak Wood as a defined rate at which fire would spread across its surface and creates and index using the same (see Figure 3). It also uses a photometer to quantify the smoke which is developed during the 10 minute horizontal flame spread test. Different test methods use different scales and references to arrive at classifications of the rate at which flame

The fire response of the constituent materials of a cladding system is different when they come together as a unique system. The external environment, along with the quantity and distribution of the individual components of a cladding system, influences the behaviour of the complete assembly when they come together in a building. It is a resultant property and is unique to each system design. The validation of a standard system in a simple cladding installation is easy as its representative mock up can be built and tested. The NFPA 285 test uses the Intermediate Scale Multi-storey Apparatus to validate the leapfrog effect of the fire breaking out of an opening (See Figure 5 and 6). The same rig is also used to validate the efficacy of the fire and smoke seal of the firestop as per ASTM E2307 (See Figure 7). The BS

Classification as per EN 13501-1 Class A1

Will not contribute in any stage of fire including the fully developed fire

Class A2

Will not significantly contribute to the fir load and fire growth in a fully developed fire

Class B

Will not lead to the flashover situation, but only in second part of the reference scenario

Class C

May lead to the flashover situation, but only in the second part of the reference scenario

Class D

May lead to the flashover situation, with-in the first part of the reference scenario

Class E

May quickly lead to the flashover situation

Class F

Easily combustible material

S1

Weak or no smoke

S2

Medium Smoke

S3

High Smoke

d0

No dripping at all

d1

Slow dripping recorded

d2

High dripping recorded Figure 4: File Classification as per EN 13501-1

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“A common mistake is the use of the term FIRE RATED for quantifying the behaviour of materials. Fire Rating is a property of a system like a door-set; partition wall; floor etc. which is able to contain fire in a compartment like a room for 1 or 2 or more number of hours”

8414 is another commonly used large scale mock up test.

A specialist fire consultant is one who has the capability to review the following data and information to arrive at the risk assessment of a cladding design.

1. Detailed system assembly drawing of a cladding system 2. Various reactions to fire properties described above 3. Fire propagation response on a mock-up fire test like NFPA 285 or BS 8414 or another.

Empirical knowledge from the material and mock-up tests and experience of the fire consultant is utilized

to assess the risk of the system to be installed. Such assessments often result in requests to change material, thickness, spacing and even the gaps; which all affect the final capability of the system to resist the propagation of fire. It is common (and often necessary) to conduct more than one mock-up test to validate the behaviour of an assembly which cannot be replicated in any of the standard mockup fire tests. This helps arrive at the empirical data needed to take decisions on risk assessments.

Independent Inspections Often the cladding subcontractor starts his work very close to the handover date (he is lucky if the deadline has not passed already when he is awarded the contract). It is obvious that the constraints of time, money, availability of approved materials and possible lack of trained / certified installers can hinder the replication of approved drawings to the fullest. Not having an independent inspector who is empowered to ask the sub-contractor to remove and rework non-compliant installations is a recipe for a fire to happen. As an experienced and

Figure 5: NFPA 285 Test Rig

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Figure 7: ASTM E2307 Test Rig

Figure 6: NFPA 285 Failed Test

accredited inspection agency Thomas Bell Wright International Consultants have data to prove that having qualified and trained installers leads to quicker work completion and often saves more. Savings in material costs and money-man-hours justifies the higher perceived cost of trained and certified sub-contractors. Accreditations to ISO 17020 or Accreditation Criteria for Special Inspection Agencies (AC291) by International Accreditation Service (IAS), which is a subsidiary of the International Code Council, offer the tools to validate independent inspection agencies.

and other markings that can be validated on the packaging of material received on site. Look up www.tbwcert.com to learn more. ∙

Improper drawing reviews: Each non-validated change in the approved drawing can be a potential fire safety risk. When the drawings change hands from the architect to the design consultant to the contractor and the sub-contractor, there are several changes that are proposed and often agreed as well. A specialist fire consultant or a competent body has capability to review empirical data from test results in conjunction with their past experiences. The body will analyse the liability of the fire risk when approving the drawings. Any changes to these drawings takes away “ALL” the liability and passes it on to the one who agrees to the changes.

∙

Site supervision by accredited and authorized third party inspectors: How can the agency, whose payment is linked with the time-line of the installation, ask to bring down the installation and redo it again in case of a non-compliance is noticed? Both the qualifications and commercial delinking are critical to the inspection agency’s role. Though last, this is the most important and often neglected step.

Pitfalls Months of preparation and millions spent by stakeholders to achieve compliances go futile in certain projects who miss out on these potential pitfalls: ∙

Relying on non-related test reports and declarations for promised future compliances to make decisions to select and buy materials can be a fatal mistake. Failing to cross-check and correlate the certification and listing of materials being purchased with material being delivered on site is equal to taking home someone else’s (smaller) shopping trolley. Each certificate submitted has a tracing number which leads to the website of the certification body that provides details on the manufacturing details of the product, particulars of the certification mark

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Being one of the last phases of the project, cladding of a building often faces crunches of time and money. Ignoring proper supervision is a sure-shot recipe for another fire to happen.

Façade Safety

Advance Façades & Glazing Failures About the Author:

Eng. Dasun Siriwardena, Head of Design & Engineering/ Manager projects, L & S Wallspan (Pvt) Ltd.

‘A façade is a building’s primary exterior face. It generally includes the main entry to the building and has the most elaborate architectural features.

As the most public face of a building, a façade is particularly important to your business. Studies have shown that thoughtful design improvements often lead to greater sales for a business by attracting more customers’.

(Façade design in dialogue, 2013)

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Dasun Siriwardena is a façade design engineer with over 11 years of experience. After completing his engineering from D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo in the year 2005, he joined polytechnic college for design engineering draftsmanship. Later he worked as a design engineering technical officer for façades, quantity surveyor for façades, project manager and construction engineer. Starting from the conceptual façade design stage to structural analysing, detailing, simulating, quantity surveying and managing construction of the façades, he has been working with various projects in Sri Lanka, Maldives, U.A.E, Oman, Iran and Africa. Dasun is passionate about his work and has been discovering façade engineering as a highly specialized and rare field in the structural engineering sector.

Façade Types

Veneer

Looking at contemporary building envelopes (façades), it is obvious that various types of façade systems and materials have been innovatively and architecturally incorporated into buildings. As a majority, façade types mentioned in Figure 1 have been in practice in the sector.

Truss systems can be designed using various types of aluminium or steel profiles. Such a system can provide continuous support for the simplest and most minimal off-the-shelf glazing system, thus combining relatively high transparency with excellent economy.

Framed Stick Glass Facade

Vaneer Various types of other Cladding

Panel / Cassette Frameless

Stone Point- Fixed Bolted

Point-Fixed Clamped Fig.1: Facade types

In this article, I will be highlighting the various types of glazed façade screen structures and the safety precautions to be considered in the design and engineering stage by architects, façade consultants and façade design engineers, especially considering façade safety and security aspects.

A modern and innovative façade

Panel / Cassette Panel systems are generally designed by framed glass units. The frame panel can be point fixed by a structural supporting system while the glass remains continuously supported on two or four sides.

Framed Frameless Framed systems are designed to support each glass on two or four sides. There are plenty of different systems innovated as ‘Framed’ by respecting above mentioned support standards.

Stick Stick-built glass façades are a method of curtainwall construction where much of the fabrication and assembly takes place in the field. The mullions of extruded aluminium may be prefabricated, but are delivered as unassembled “sticks” to the construction site. Mullions will be installed onto the building’s face to create a frame for the glass, which is installed subsequently.

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Frameless glazed systems are considered as the most expensive glazed system out of all types. These glass panels require perforations to accommodate the specialized bolting hardware. Cast stainless steel spider fittings are most commonly used to tie the glass panels to the supporting structure. The glass must be designed to accommodate bending loads and deflections resulting from the fixing method.

Point-Fixed-Clamped

Point-fixed-clamped system are designed to fix the glass panels without any perforation for supporting.

In case of a spider type fitting, the spider is rotated

45 degrees from the bolted position so that its arms align with the glass seams.

Cable Truss

This system design and engineering rely on the introduction of pre-stress forces into the tensile elements of the truss to provide stability. Depending upon the conditions of span and load, referring to its design calculation statics, the required pre-stress forces can be quite high, and must be resisted by the adjacent building structures. It is, therefore, important to identify these forces and incorporate those into the design static of the façade along with structural analysis.

Glass Fin Façade design in an airport

Mullion

Glass fin systems are quite simple in concept. In these systems, a glass fin is set perpendicular to the glass pane at each vertical line of the glass grid.

Mullion systems include a steel or aluminium sections positioned at every vertical joint in the glazing grid. These steel and aluminium mullions can be designed in ‘open’ or ‘closed’ positions.

Truss

Truss systems employ a planar truss design, often in a hierarchical system that combines element types and tension components. The truss systems stand as complex steel fabrication and are frequently manufactured to architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) standards. Moreover, rods or cable elements may be incorporated into the truss design and lateral tensile systems are often used to stabilize the façade structure.

Resistance to wind thermal stresses and altitude are important factors to consider while designing and installing facades

Mast Truss Strength of Annealed Glass

The mast truss utilises cable bracing as a strategy to reduce visual mass. This structural type is named after its nautical origins - i.e., a central compression element (or mast), which is stiffened by a cable bracing that incorporates spreaders to give shape to tensile elements. The brazing incorporated to the mast, adds to the stiffening, and reduces the length between supports to minimize its buckling force.

This brazing can be mounted as bilateral, trilateral or quadrilateral symmetry about the centre mast.

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Strength of annealed glass is dependent on:

• Surface condition and edge quality of the glass panel • Load duration on the glass panel • Environmental condition (Humidity) • Stress distribution on the surface • Size of the stressed area • Damage on glass surface (Flaws and cracks)

Property

Tempered Glass

Strength of Glass Heat Strengthened Glass

Chemically Strengthened Glass

Surface Compression stress

100 – 160 MPa

40 – 60 MPa

300 – 900 MPa

Core tension stress

50 – 80 MPa

20 -30 MPa

Depends on height of the compression zone

Characteristic bending strength (5% fractile, after European standards) Allowable stress in a global safety concept

120 MPa

70 MPa

50 MPa – 70 MPa

29 MPa – 40 MPa

Fracture pattern

Small dices, ca.

1cm2

Compressive zone

20% of thickness

150 MPa – to be used with great caution due to the vulnerability of the compression zone

Big pieces, comparable with annealed glass 20% of thickness

Big pieces, comparable with annealed glass Typically, about 100 µm

These allowable stress limits should be incorporated into the design calculation simulation of each façade at its design stage as per the protocol to keep the façade safety factor 2+. glass (Heat strengthened glass)

Why Tempered (Strengthened) Glass?

• Increases apparent tensile strength due to

Typical Failure Modes

compressive residual stresses on the surface of the glass.

• Principally like “Pre-stressing” methods in structural engineering.

• Improves the brakeage performance due to

• Instability failure – Compression member or flexural member • Overstressing of the glass in tension – by

excessive uniform load, blast, impact, thermal stress or uneven / inappropriate supports

safety glass (A tempered glass)

• Surface and edge effects • Solid inclusions

high breakage performance in laminated glass

It is possible to determine the exact cause of the failure by considering the following:

small, blunt pieces/splinters – hence it is called

• Improves apparent tensile strength, but keeps after fracture. As in the case of laminated annealed

Thermal failure

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Failure of Origin

Hard body impact

Failure pattern

Soft body impact

Hard spot on the edge impact

Inclusion impact

Uniform lateral load at 2-edges upported glass panel – Low loading

Uniform lateral load at 2-edge supported glass panel – High loading

Uniform lateral load at 4-edge supported glass panel – Low loading

Uniform lateral load at 4-edge supported glass panel – High loading

Advance Failures on Glass Components: Vertical Glazing Application Vertical glazing (Subtending angle of

Impact

Solution

Resistant to wind, thermal Calculational simulation protocol to satisfy stresses and altitude normal use of national codes of practice

(<10˚ to vertical) Vertical glazing (<10˚ to vertical) subjected to blast and / or hurricane loading

• Resistant to wind, thermal • Calculational simulation protocol to satisfy normal stresses and altitude • Resistant to flying debris from hurricanes • Blast overpressures

Vertical glazing (<10˚ to vertical) with a safety barrier / balustrade role

• Resistant to wind, thermal stresses and altitude • Resistance to human static horizontal load • Human impact

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use of national codes of practice • Flying debris test for hurricanes (Motion simulation) • Calculational simulation for testing blasts (Dynamic simulation)

• Calculational simulation protocol to satisfy normal| use of national codes of practice • Calculational simulation for horizontal static load • Testing for human impact

Advance Failures on Glass Components: Overhead Glazing Application Inaccessible overhead glazing (Subtending an angle of>10˚ vertical)

Horizontal glazing accessible for maintenance purposes

Horizontal glazing accessories to public

Impact

Solution

Resistant to wind, thermal stresses, altitude, Calculational simulation for all actions snow and resistance to impact if objects can other than impact. Hard body impact be thrown or dropped onto glass (Motion simulation)

• Resistant to wind, thermal stresses, altitude, snow and resistance to impact if objects can be thrown or dropped ont

• Calculational simulation for all actions

glass

simulation)

• Resistant to static live loads

• Calculation of static live loads

• Resistant to maintenance personal falling

• Testing for hard body impact, soft

and dropping objects

body impact and post-fracture strength

• Resistant to wind, thermal tresses, altitude, snow and resistance to impact if objects can be thrown or dropped onto glass

• Calculational simulation for all actions

• Resistant to static live loads • Resistant to public dropping objects and falling onto the glass

Nickel Sulphide (NiS) Inclusions and Related Failures of Tempered Glass

• Spontaneous breakage – sudden failure of

thermally tempered glasses without external action

• The phenomenon has been known since the 1960’s • For high-rise buildings, a big echo in media occurs generally as flying glass debris • A general reason for spontaneous glass breakage is small (50µm to 500µm diameter) that undergo volume change

• The typical breakage pattern (Butterfly) is one indication, but not a sufficient indication of NiS • In recent times, the heat-soak-test is considered as the most efficient measure to bring panes with inclusions to failure in advance.

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other than impact. Hard body impact (Motion

other than impact. Hard body impact (Motion simulation) • Calculation of static live loads • Testing for hard body impact, soft body impact and post-fracture strength

Conclusion

As a façade specialist, façade engineer or façade consultant, it is our responsibility to work and abide all the necessary design and engineering protocols to develop a perfect façade considering, sustainability, weather tightness, interaction with super structure, thermal gains and losses through the façade, occupant comfort and energy efficiency, shading, ventilation, natural lighting, fire behaviour of the building envelope, acoustic performance, safety and survivability, security, maintenances and durability. Moreover, façade failures are a vast area of study. One needs to have immense experience and knowledge to analyse the reasons for failures and provide exact solutions.

Façade Design

Façade Design Optimization About the Author: Architect L.A. Murthy is the Founder and Managing Director of ADCPL (Architects, Engineers & Interior Designers), a 26 year old company based in South Delhi. He did his graduation from REC Bhopal. His work experience spans PAN India and he specializes in mega industrial, warehousing & institutional projects. ADCPL has recently won the award for ‘Best Architectural Design Firm in Delhi’ by MAMR. ADCPL’s work has been showcased in various exhibitions.

Architect L. A. Murthy Managing Director ADCPL and Architect Amit Murao Vice President ADCPL

Amit Murao is the Vice President of ADCPL and currently working on PAN India projects. He did his graduation from SPA New Delhi, where he was awarded Gold Medal for his thesis. He has done various specialization courses from world renowned universities like IIT-R & Harvard to expand his knowledge base. He specializes in high-end residential, commercial and interior projects.

It is a common saying that the first impression is the last impression. This is true in the case of architecture as well. And to create that perfect first impression, an architect needs to design a unique

RD l 30 WFM 3 ANNIVERSARY MAR - APR 2017 l EDITION l

and striking façade. In architectural design, the façade of any building is a primary aspect from an aesthetic perspective as it defines the architectural language and character for the rest of the building.

Façade of any building is a primary aspect from an aesthetic perspective

Moreover, from a pure engineering perspective, the façade is also of great importance due to its influence on energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

The saying “Form follows function” is very common with architects, but in the contemporary style of designing, form of a building has become as important as its function. The competition amongst designers to create a landmark building has pushed humans to continuously try and develop new materials. With the ever-so-developing technology, a lot of ‘modern day materials’ are now available at the designer’s disposal to choose from and give their ordinary cement concrete building an extraordinary look.

We believe that architecture should not be just about designing something visually extraordinary. It should be about gauging the local conditions and designing for optimized solutions. And in this contemporary style of designing, an efficiently designed façade is a very important aspect. Keeping the correct orientation of the building, designing proper sunshades, minimising the heat gain of a building by reducing the opening/glazing sizes on western and southern faces are just some of the basic techniques which have been used for centuries and can still be used to achieve an efficient façade. For example, the use of thermal mass in shelters, dates back to the dawn of humanity, and until recently has been the prevailing strategy for building climate control in hot regions.

But with the ever growing advancements in technology, we now have modern techniques to

Egyptian mud-brick storage rooms (3200 years old)

Sun path analysis in Ecotect software

achieve an even more efficient façade. Building simulation, vertical landscaping, dynamic facades, photovoltaic integrated glazing are just the tip of the iceberg to a very vast array of modern options available to us.

Energy Conscious Façades Façade designing may be categorized into various heads like intelligent facades, Climate responsive facades, Interactive Facades etc. However, we would like to elaborate on the Climatic responsiveness and Efficiency aspects of a façade design, which is based on (but not limited to) the following fundamental parameters: 1. Building Orientation: Good orientation, combined with energy efficiency features, can reduce the need for supplementary heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy bills, reduced

Building Orientation

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greenhouse gas emissions and improved comfort. It considers the variations in the sun’s path in summers and winter, as well as the direction and type of winds.

2. Altitude angle & Azimuth angle of the site: These angles govern the shading systems applicable for the given context. The two most important parameters are Horizontal Shadow Angle and Vertical Shadow Angle. The horizontal shadow angle is the difference in azimuth between the sun’s position and the orientation of the building face and a smaller HSA angle means a larger shading fin. The vertical shadow angle or “profile angle” is measured in a plane perpendicular to the building face. It is the altitude of the sun projected to this surface and a lower VSA angle which means a larger overhang.

3. Thermal performance of a building envelope: Thermal efficiency of an envelope can be assessed at the following levels:

• Element level – gives primary idea about

transmittance

• Assembly level – gives a clear picture of

the thermal behaviour – Resistive, reflective and capacitive. E.g. Whole wall thermal transmittance, time lag, decrement factor etc.

4. Glazing systems: The type of glazing you choose can help you to keep the heat in during winter while also keeping the heat out in summer. U-values measure the overall performance of the window by accounting for the amount of heat passing through a glazed unit in watts. We intend to use windows with low U-values since they will be more effective at keeping out any undesirable heat and cold.

The thermal efficiency of glazing system is primarily driven by the following factors:

• Thermal transmittance of glass • Solar heat gain through glass • Thermal transmittance of frame • Air-tightness of the glass-frame assembly

thermal resistance to heat flow. E.g. Thermal conductivity.

• Component level – gives a more precise idea

about the thermal performance. E.g. Thermal

Altitude angle & Azimuth angle of the site

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Tapered façade with high performance glass to reduce heat gain: Corporate Building for JBM, Faridabad

Case Studies

VIMHANS Hospital, Nehru Nagar, New Delhi designed by ADCPL

VIMHANS Hospital, Nehru Nagar, New Delhi The VIMHANS Hospital, located in Nehru Nagar, New Delhi is a multi-speciality hospital. The 13,500 Sq m site has two blocks, an existing block and the newly designed cancer speciality block.

The cancer block was designed with the concept of keeping the recovering patients close to nature.

Double height terrace gardens were introduced at different levels throughout the front façade. These gardens not only acted as healing gardens for the recovering patients, but also gave rhythmic breaks in the front façade of the building. The stone cladding is intricately designed in such a way that it breaks the façade into various interlocking blocks.

Mr. Singhal’s Outhouse

– Shrey Singhal, this 8000 Sq ft bachelor pad has a spiralling sculptural form emerging from a single articulated plane that warps to produce three separate roofed volumes. For this lifestyle project, the client wanted open and dynamic spaces and that was achieved by using glass partitions instead of regular brick walls. To minimise the heat capture inside these glass-walled spaces, huge cantilevers were planned for the ground floor. These cantilevers not only give the structure an interesting form, but also act as shading devices for the ground floor.

Twin Towers, Gurugram The Twin Towers in Gurugram is yet another fine example of efficiently designed façade. The concept behind designing this building and its façade was to break the monotony of the buildings existing in its surroundings.

Designed for India’s upcoming singing sensation

Mr. Singhal’s Outhouse

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Twin Towers, Gurugram

Strips of ACP on the façade

The building has a pentagonal shape which has three sides perpendicular to each other. The fourth and the fifth side are at 45 degrees to what would have been the fourth side of a rectangular building.

The concept of the 45 degree angle is also carried on the elevation of the building. Strips of ACP run horizontally and swiftly take a 45 degree turn to complement the plan of the building. The inclined faces of the building are designed in the form of interlocking blocks at alternate levels. The voids created by these interlocking blocks act as terraces.

Each floor has its own terrace in alternate directions which gives the façade a very interesting form.

– which is inspired by the design of client’s newly bought Lamborghini Aventador!

Conclusion As mentioned in the very beginning of this article, façade of any building is of utmost importance from an aesthetic and energy efficiency point of view.

Therefore, it is obligatory for a designer to prioritize his/her intents (of aesthetics and efficiency) in the very beginning of the design process. At times, aesthetics take the front seat, the other times we prioritize energy efficiency and sometimes we are able to strike a balance in both the aspects.

Mr. Singhal’s Car Lounge The car lounge, another lifestyle project being developed to redefine luxury. A building, being developed with the vision to showcase the client’s cars and his love for luxury vehicles, is still in its preconstruction phase. The form of the building in itself speaks about the taste of the client. The faceted front face of the building has multi-folding glazing

The front face of the Mr. Singhal’s Car Lounge

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We hope that this article raises some important questions for the façade designing in India, like how we can be more energy efficient while maintaining good aesthetics in façade. Maybe the solution lies in a collaborative working environment of all project stakeholders – which can yield more optimized results!

The aesthetic facade with multi-folding glazing

Façade Care

21st Century Façade Skins: Futureproofing Our Assets About the Author:

Reece Wood Entrepreneur, Thought Leader & Innovator, Building Transformation

Reece Wood is an entrepreneur, thought leader and innovator specialising in the commercial property sector and is committed to helping commercial building owners protect their investments. As the pioneer of proactive building skin care strategies, he is a man on a mission to challenge the status quo and create conditions for advanced urban landscape protection strategies. Reece focuses on the wider context of urban building skin decay, particularly how façade deterioration and failure impact businesses, people, feelings, communities, environment and the future. Reece has written a number of books on the subject, most notably ‘A Unique Guide on How to Restore and Protect Building Skins’ and ‘21st Century Façades: Breathing Life into Urban Landscapes’.

Today’s façades push boundaries, communicate brand image and use exciting, collaborative materials.

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Creative, innovative, imposing, controversial.

Capturing a moment in time and history, and serving as a statement of engineering progress and architectural design - today’s façades push boundaries, communicate brand image and use exciting, collaborative materials to produce provocative and advanced performance solutions.

The discipline of façade design and construction has become segregated by the need to work with varying specialists, often resulting in a lack of thinking and planning on how to practically care for the external building fabric in the future. Its future condition needs to be addressed during the design stage so that an understanding of how the building’s

Façades should be perceived as a living, breathing skin within an urban space

The emergence of super skyscrapers with complex façades

Day in and day out, across the globe, there seems to be a recurring theme in the care of our façades; a distinct lack of appreciation for our building skins.

Whilst much of our work in the UK and Europe is driven by strict budgets and miles of red tape, the emergence of Super Skyscrapers in the Middle- and Far East means that the need for a façade care plan has never been more imperative.

fabric changes could and should influence material selection and the overall design finish is achieved.

By predicting the future weathering cycles we can help create more sustainable buildings and positive urban landscapes, where innovations are in line with façade skin performance.

As long as a façade is still perceived as a commodity and not as a living, breathing skin within an urban space, there will be little in the way of positive action to retain its initial architectural design – it will simply weather, age and fail until it reaches a point of no return.

I believe that fundamental thinking needs to change within organisations, businesses and communities that reside in the surrounding space. Building skins need contextual thinking to receive greater care, inspection and understanding.

The façade industry in recent years has witnessed significant changes. New materials, innovations, functions and performances have created an everchanging building skin landscape.

Traditional Procurement vs Proactive Asset Protection – Why We Need to Act NOW Traditional procurement plays a big part in why building managers and owners allow the façade to decay, the stress to build and material to fail. Many buildings receive nothing more in the way of their routine maintenance than regular window cleaning – until one day it becomes impossible to ignore the façade any longer which has now deteriorated to a seriously bad condition. This becomes detrimental to business and undermines the value of the building as an asset.

In my experience I have seen that this takes the form of 5-10 year façade cleaning cycles. Being a reactive approach, however, this cycle creates more expensive façade restoration projects as the façade deterioration and the repairs increase over time.

However, during these cycles, clients continue to

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Risk of Material Failure

3 Step Process

STEP-1

Review Current Provisions

Cost Analysis

Result Satisfaction

Create new opportunities for performance and cost improvements

STEP-2

Implement Soutions

facade Implement Facade cleaning & new facade maintenance management gurantee refurb plan project

Restore facade & maintain quality with new schedules and greater details and knowledge

STEP-3

21st Century Facade Programme

Lifecycle Inspection maintenance Proactive & maintenance clarity & benchmark & prevention solutions result performance

Increase lifespan of asset

How a building’s material can deteriorate/be maintained with an effective façade management plan

How to build long-term performance for your building façade - The 3 Step Process

spend large sums of money on traditional window cleaning procurement, leaving the building envelope to reflect negatively on their brand.

What Should You Consider in a Façade Care Plan?

driven, asset-protection-driven, building-specific, elevation-specific solution will do. It is important not to make presumptions, and not to generalise: together we have a responsibility to protect and future-proof our built environment.

As building owners and managers, we need a unique framework, designed to proactively care for the building skin. Together, we must understand the building skin; we must manage it, and we must care for it. Maintaining buildings for the future through inspection, cleaning, measuring and caring for the complete building envelope in a consistent and longterm planned program should be the basis of all care plans. Only a fresh, innovative, holistic, service-

Any service provider looking after a building skin should guarantee quality, care and the protection of your building, both as an asset and as a legacy. It should guarantee every building — as well as each material and elevation within the building façade — its own specific care plan. The key is to look for a provider that guarantees a proactive service and a program that’s completely aligned with the needs of the owner, and of the building.

Each façade needs a framework designed to care for the building skin.

Any service provider looking after a building skin should guarantee quality, care and the protection of your building

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CCL 1660

402-403, Tower C, NDM-2, Netaji Subhash Place, New Delhi-110034. Tel: ++91 11 47348888 info@lgfsysmac.com www.lgfsysmac.com

Façade Material

Key Aspects of Façade Material Selection About the Author:

Sumesh Sivasankar Coordinator (Projects & Procurement), Interiors R Us LLC, Dubai

Sumesh Sivasankar is a procurement Specialist working for an Interior Designing and an Interior Fit-out firm based at Dubai and is responsible for co-ordination of Projects and Procuring materials from both local and international markets. As a ‘Procurement Specialist’, his job is to assist the architects/designers to procure the materials/products, based on the design of the project, from the market within stipulated time and considering other factors too. He also has a vast knowledge of local market and negotiates for a better rates/prices with vendors/suppliers.

He is also responsible for the movement of materials from the supplier to company warehouse and to site.

The building façade, also known as the building skin or/and building envelop, has become popular in recent times. It is, however, not always considered as an important and a necessary exterior element of a building with aesthetic and functional purposes.

Historically, the facade has been just a concrete cover on the structure. Only in the last decade, architects and designers have started to think or consider about this aspect of the building and focus on sustainable material procurement.

Façade is an independent frame made of Aluminium Composite Panel, double glazed glass, pre-cast stone, natural stones or metal panels mounted and fixed in Galvanized Iron or on an Aluminium structure. The frame could be of a material alone or a combination of two materials. It is fixed with stainless steel components along with rubber gaskets, sealant, silicone gel, metal screws etc., on the beams.

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The architect/designers divide the face of the building structure into two areas. First, is the vision area which is directly exposed to the sunlight, and hence the materials used here permits sunlight transmittance to the interiors. In short, it acts as a weather barrier against air and water infiltration and should transmit light to the interiors. The other part/ area is called the Spandrel area where horizontal and vertical beams appear. Here, the materials that are opaque in nature are mostly used.

The architect/designer along with the procurement specialist should sit and discuss the features of the façade for the building, considering the most important factors, before purchasing materials.

These factors have an impact on the building, inhabitants and the environment. The factors need to be prioritized accordingly and should be treated important before procuring the material and installing it on the building.

OASIA Hotel, Downtown at Singapore

1. Lifespan/Durability of the Material The lifespan of façade materials is the capability of the material to perform its required functions and not required to get replaced within a short time.

The client will be looking for a material that has a long lifespan with a minimum maintenance cost.

In short, the material should not be replaced with a new one for its life period. Along with the durability of the façade material, the architect/designer has to consider about the functional performance of the product. In simple words, if the material is of good quality product, it would perform well with little defects.

2. Cleaning Process The second factor to be considered is about cleaning the façade. The taller the building, the more difficult

Façade cleaning by a professional façade cleaning worker

it is to clean. There are, however, solutions for the process and should be done as per the proper instructions from the manufacturer. The process to clean the façade materials and to improve its aesthetic and functional performance is of prime consideration. Cleaning the façade material ensures long life span of the material. Materials should be selected based on cleaning/maintenance capability.

3. Health and Safety Another important selection criterion is the health and safety impact of the materials. The structure might be made of concrete and cement, but it can contain metals and chemicals that are harmful to the inhabitants. If the façade material is of low quality and does not fall under health regulation, or brings more complications to the life space, then it is to be avoided.

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Lighting display on façades - Ford Head Quarters & Dornier Museum

While selecting a façade material, the architect/ designer and the procurement specialist should read the instruction from the manufacturer. Verify that the product is certified by the Green Building Authority and other related authorities or governing bodies, and is able to withstand fire and maintains required level of humidity inside the building.

4. Rate/Price of the Product The price or cost of material is a significant deciding factor. The architect/designer should convince the client to go for the product that has a longer life even if the price is high. The client might hesitate initially about the price of the material and demand products that are cheaper without considering the other side of the product like the life span of the product. The procurement specialist can do a research on the material that gives the maximum performance or value while being economical. Educate the client that cheap is not always best!

5. Material Availability and Delivery Time This is another important factor to be considered while selecting the façade material. A procurement specialist should always keep in mind these two concerns - material availability and time required to procure or lead time.

If the specified material is available in the local market, the procurement specialist should reserve the material by issuing a local purchase order along with an advance payment or just the local purchase order as mutually agreed by the seller and the specialist. Then there are no tensions and surprises.

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When products have to be sourced from international market, the procurement specialist should inform the architect/designer about the availability with international supplier and the time required for the material to arrive in the local market. Sometimes, it takes more time if the international supplier doesn’t have the material. Then he/she might have to order it from the manufacturer or might have to manufacture it themselves. In both the cases, the specialist should inform the architect/designer and also the client.

6. Thermal Properties of the Product Another important selection factor is the thermal properties of the façade material. The façade materials are exposed to different weather conditions. It is a fact that the performance of the product changes accordingly due to climate changes and temperature. So the façade material should be selected carefully keeping this in mind. Weather conditions have to be accounted. Middle East has high humidity when compared to Europe. So façade materials should be chosen accordingly.

The LifeCycle Tower in Austria is the best example for Thermal Bridging and includes a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPVs) system, green wall system and solar thermal panels. The surprising factor is that this tower has wooden panels and glass as façade materials, when most modern facades use little or no wood at all.

7. Acoustical Performance of the Product Acoustical or sound proofing performance of the

New York City Port Authority Bus Terminal

façade product is also critical to the selection process.

The product should minimize sound pollution in the building in urban areas. The most used method of façade product is double glazed glass filled with an inert gas like Helium, etc., which in turn supports to minimize the sound pollution in noisy areas. The use of inert gas is that it can withstand any climatic conditions and temperature fluctuations. In some cases, customizing the shape of the façade is also used to reduce the sound pollution.

Summary Façade materials should be chosen on the basis of many factors like the product’s value, lifespan, performance in different climatic conditions, availability, price, and health and safety measures.

Rather than the price, the most important factor to be considered is the material’s durability and its contribution to the building’s performance. While trying to reduce costs, procurement specialists should not opt for cheap materials that will only increase the cost of building over time.

Burj Al Khalifa is of double glazed glass which reflects sunlight and makes it sound proof.

LifeCycle Tower’s sectional view

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LifeCycle Tower in Austria – World’s tallest wooden building

Cover Story

Siddha Town Madhyamgram, Kolkata - by Siddha Group

RERA & GST

The Game Changers The real estate industry is suddenly faced with two big events, Real Estate Regulation & Development Act (RERA) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), both of which are forcing it to become more transparent and process driven. RERA aims to regulate the unregulated sector and bring some discipline to check the project delays and unfulfilled promises from developers. GST aims to rationalize the tax structure and bring uniformity in prices, which is expected to benefit both the developers and the home buyers. The effects of this series of policy changes are going to be long term. How it is going to change the market, is yet to be seen. WFM spoke to many prominent industry leaders on the impact of RERA and GST on the real estate and façade and fenestration industry. Here are the excerpts from the discussions:

From July 1, 2017, Goods &Service Tax (GST) effectively cuts through a perplexing taxation complexity in the country. It replaces the multiple taxes levied by the central and state governments and has become subsumed of all the indirect taxes, including central excise duty, commercial tax, octroi tax/charges, value-added tax (VAT) and service tax.

home buyers and enhance transparency in the real estate sector. The Government of India enacted RERA on 26th March 2016 and all its provisions came into effect, from May 1, 2017. RERA, it is hoped, will make real estate purchases simpler by bringing in better accountability and transparency, provided that states do not dilute the provisions and the spirit of the central act.

The Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016 (RERA), intends to protect the interests of

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RERA & GST: The Determining Factors The RERA Effect i) RERA clearly specifies that the developer is liable to repair and responsible for any structural defects for Jayant Gosavi, next 5 years from Senior Vice President – the date of handover.

Operations, Gera Developments However, there needs to be more clarity on specific defects which may come as RERA gets mature. ii) Till date, civil contractors give normally 12 months defect liability warranty; however, now developers need to pass on the 5 years liability towards the contractor. In this scenario, followings things may happen: ∙

Oblivious, contractor may charge extra premium for an extended period of liability. The premium can be negotiated for specific items.

∙

Also towards the implementation of RERA, it is foreseen that many small developers may face liquidity issues and there will be lockdown period for many upcoming projects for initial couple of years. This could trigger reductions in number of projects and therefore will eventually lead to more competitive bidding by all contractors at lesser premiums.

iii) The manner in which developers may procure only material or with material and labour combined will be largely governed by: ∙

Ease of passing off the GST advantage by the contractor to the developer. Although with the non-profiteering clause in GST, all the GST benefit is required to be passed on to the next party and eventually to consumers, it is yet to see how much of it will eventually be feasible. One way to ensure this is to purchase material directly to ensure that entire GST input benefit from manufacturers is collected by the developers directly.

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∙

A Strategy to deal with the warrantee clause in RERA; in order to ensure single point ownership of material and workmanship, it may be prudent to go for general contracting strategy, i.e. with material orders to achieve the much better quality and 100% liability transfer to contractor.

Alternatively the developer may have to increase his own overheads to deal with the liability of the material part being procured in house.

iv) Earlier contractors had the tendency to load the risk component of project encumbrance factors such as sanctions, land litigations, etc. This component will drastically reduce in RERA scenario as all relevant sanctions would be in place before project starts. v) Since the project completion burden will be crucial, developer may transfer this risk to contractor. Hence the liquidated damages clause would become more effective. Cost towards the risk of non-completion in time may be an add on.

The GST Effect Contract price in effect would reduce due to elimination of excise duty and subsequent taxes on it. However, final cost to compete with taxes will depend on the total configuration of material involved in the project by computing the individual items and summing it up. E.g. In Aluminium window, the rate may be derived considering taxes on glass, aluminium extrusions, wool pile, EPDM, locks etc. Add-ons are its labour component, availing tax credits, etc.

It is estimated that, post GST, the façade works, i.e. Aluminium and glass rates, are likely to reduce.

Approx. 12.5 to 14% of rate benefit could be possible (Please see Annex A). Provided all GST input credits are completely passed on to the succeeding links up to the final end customer. However, impact of other overheads due to GST documentation and cash flow blockage in case of GST rate differential (for e.g.

Glass GST is 28%, however, if the same is supplied

GST Working for Aluminium Window & Glass Work. Rates are indicative only for illustration Previous

GST

S. No.

Item

Qty

Unit

Basic Rate

Excise %

Previous Vat

Vat Set Off

Insu

Fright

1

10mm Toughed Glass

1

m2

1000

12.50%

13.5%

10.8%

1%

4%

125

135

108

10

40

12.50%

13.5%

10.8%

2%

2%

18

19

15

3

3

12.50%

13.5%

10.8%

2%

2%

1

1

1

0

0

2

3

Aluminium

Hardware

1

1

Kg

L.S

140

5

Total

1202

167

6

Revised ( GST )

Insu

Fright

28%

1%

4%

277

10

40

18%

0%

2%

25

0

3

18%

0%

2%

1

0

0

Total

GST Benefit

Total

Net Benefit in %

1050

-12.65%

143

-14.43%

5

-14.43%

-28% 1327

-277 -18%

168

-25 -18%

6

-1

This illustration is based on direct purchase scenario or with assumption that the entire GST benefit of all material will be passed on to Developer by the contractor.

Annex A: GST working for Aluminium window and glass work; source - VAT Data - www.mahavat.gov.in

and installed by the contractor, the GST collected is only 18%, as such an extra 10% GST credit will be pending for refund for the contractor) will have to be factored in.

The Cost Factor Due to GST, prices of façade/window works will go down. However, due to RERA’s 5 Year warranty clause, contractors may charge extra premium towards operation and maintenance and prices will go up. Five-year warranty clause has another implication too, where due to competition and to keep warrantee cost low, quality of work will eventually improve. At the same time, due to tight fiscal control in RERA and limited project launch, competition among contractors will go up and hence eventually prices may go down.

opportunity. Hence, it is expected that the quality will improve.

Reduction in Paperwork Reduction in paper work related to different tax heads is definite. However due to GST input credit requirement each invoice will have to be posted on monthly basis with relevant HSN code by both the supplier and buyer on the GST portal in order to secure the GST input credit. This part of posting invoices will need accurate reconciliation by both buyers and sellers before the invoices are posted as any minor mismatch on the portal will be rejected by the system and the input credit will be lost. Hence the invoicing part may become time consuming and will require some amount of paper work.

The Payment Structure

Quality Gains Five year warranty clauses may force manufactures to give back to back warranty and eventually product quality would improve. The big players of the trade may take advantage of their technological edge and can eventually increase the market share due to warrantee strength and thereby try and reduce the price gap with the local players. This coupled with GST tax benefit will mean that the effective price of better quality material will be marginally higher than current prices. We may expect big façade players like Rayners/Fenesta to take advantage of this

Payment conditions need not change; however, for the GST input credit to be valid, the buyer would need to clear the invoice payment within 180 days from date of invoice which is generally the case. GST input credit limit of 180 days will however impact the retention amount. The concept of retention money will have to be implemented by means of bank guarantee and all payments including retention amounts, will have to be made within the 180 days window to ensure GST input credit is availed and passed on.

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Impact of RERA & GST on Real Estate

Express Trade Tower (ETT) - NOIDA (Image credit - 3A Composites India Pvt. Ltd)

GST has been predominantly conceptualized around a ‘One Nation, One Tax’ philosophy and will help eliminate the previous cascading tax structure, ease compliances, create uniform tax rates and structure, and help in reducing additional tax burdens on consumers, says Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Property Consultants Pvt. Ltd. However, the biggest game changer in GST is the introduction of Input Tax Credit (ITC), whereby credits of input taxes paid at each stage of production or service delivery can be availed in the succeeding stages of value addition. This makes GST fundamentally a tax only on the value added at each stage. This means that the end consumer will thus only bear the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain, with set-off benefits at all the earlier stages. To ensure that manufacturers, developers and service providers pass on the benefit to the final customer, the Government has included an anti-profiteering clause in the GST bill under section 171 of GST law.

Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Property Consultants Pvt. Ltd

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Rajesh Chawla, Director, VEKA India Pvt. Ltd

This clause clearly states that it is mandatory to pass on the benefit of tax reduction due to ITC to the final customer.

Rajesh Chawla, Director, VEKA India Pvt. Ltd, points out that RERA is the regulation that was much required for the builders industry, since it will bring in more transparency, and organized & quality focused approach in the business functions.

Since the builders are now required to warrant the premises they sell / offer, in turn, they have already started to ask their vendors to provide warranty.

Which means the quality will certainly get a good push in the building materials sector including the facade & fenestration industry.

According to Niraj Borikar, Head Marketing, FunderMax, RERA will impact façade industry positively in terms of accountability, credibility and trust between developers and consumers.

Niraj Borikar, Head Marketing, FunderMax

Rajesh Mehta, Director, Siddha Group

Developers are required to register all new projects with the regulating authority. They must adhere to the sanctioned plan and specifications of the project.

Developers are responsible for repair of defects found within 5 years. This means that there will be clear plan sanction and specifications laid down for façade and fenestration works of any project which brings a lot of clarity for budgeting, planning and execution. RERA also brings accountability for not only developers but also for material suppliers and contractors to deliver high quality work as per sanctioned plan and specifications.

“As far as GST is concerned, we are likely to be allowed with distinct inputs for the purchase of construction materials, which in turn may assist in bringing down the costs of construction”, says Rajesh Mehta, Director, Siddha Group. However, he adds, would be able to share our thoughts more strongly only after drawing a parallel between what will engender in comparison to what is being implemented. He is optimistic about the overall impact of the GST bill and sincerely hopes that it offers total transparency across transactions and across industries for all to be impacted positively.

Kapil Chikodi, Head – Business Development, Glass Wall Systems

PV Somasundaram, Vice President - Sales Operations, 3A Composites India Pvt Ltd

a clean and transparent taxation part. He is optimistic that with one tax, we need not worry about too many of the complications of taxing structure.

Pertaining to RERA, PV Somasundaram (Vice President - Sales Operations, 3A Composites India Pvt Ltd) says that the developers will have to take initiative to get registered themselves first.

With the insistence on specifying carpet area, RERA will give transparency in the actual usable area and thereby the rate.

GST on the other hand, says Chikodi, paves way for

Satish Kumar, Country Manager, Ege Profil Deceuninck India Branch, observes that RERA was passed by the Government to regulate and streamline the real estate industry. Many states are yet to adopt it. Some states have been lenient on projects started before 2014. The real effect of RERA will be seen in the few projects currently registered under it. He is hopeful that, since the developer has to maintain the building for 5 years, he would choose products and vendors who have a good track record and offer good quality products.

Paras Trinity, New Delhi (Image credit 3A Composites India Pvt. Ltd)

Siddha Galaxia, Kolkata -by Siddha Group

Kapil Chikodi, Head - Business Development, Glass Wall Systems, is optimistic and hopeful that RERA and GST would streamline the business activities within the construction industry. Any project coming under the scanner of RERA law will be completed on time and buyers would get the assurance on the timeline of project completion.

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503-504, 5th floor, A wing, Marathon Futurex Mafatlal Mills Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013.

Tel: +91 22 6103 3456. WEBSITE: www.glasswallsystems.in

Impact of GST & RERA on Façade & Fenestration Industry Most of the players in the façade & fenestration sector agree that the GST will be a favourable breakthrough for the organised players in the industry going forward. This taxation structure will bring consolidation in the supply chain, promising to facilitate seamless and fast transfer of goods across the country, thus increasing the working capital availability. The idle time would reduce due to easier clearance procedures, eliminating the loss of transit times.

French Fixed Windows from Window Magic India

RERA Act lays down that in case any structural defect or any other defect in workmanship, quality or provision of services or any other obligations of the promoter as per the agreement for sale relating to such development is brought to the notice of the promoter within a period of five years by the allotted from the date of handing over possession, it shall be the duty of the promoter to rectify such defects without further charge, within thirty days, and in the event of promoter’s failure to rectify such defects within such time, the aggrieved allotted shall be entitled to receive appropriate compensation in the manner as provided under this act. This is a boon to the buyers.

Manish Bansal, Director, Window Magic India is excited about the introduction of GST regime. For fenestration industry, he adds, GST will propagate a positive change by ensuring cascading of taxes

Manish Bansal, Director, Window Magic India

Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta Building Systems

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is reduced. This will be greatly beneficial as it will lead to a lower cost of production. One of the major flaws of the current indirect tax regime – the nonavailability of tax credit of central/union taxes over state taxes and vice versa – could be eliminated by allowing unrestrictive tax credit under GST, adds Bansal.

Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta Building Systems agrees that RERA & GST will have a positive impact on the facade and fenestration Industry, particularly to the organized players in this Industry. He is sure that the new directions will help in timely and faster completion of projects and uphold the usage of quality products.

G U V S Nagaraju (Assistant Vice President – Finance and Accounts, Aparna) observes that

G U V S Nagaraju, Assistant Vice President – Finance and Accounts, Aparna

Ashok Kumar Bhaiya, CMD, Aludecor Lamination Pvt.Ltd

Fold & Slide Door

Aluminium Door & Window Systems

When Walls Become Doors 400093

HARDWARE - for uPVC , Aluminum, Wood etc. Profiles.

SYSTEM DOORS & WINDOWS - ROTO-I (Slide & Fold , Lift & Slide , Tilt & Turn , Casement , Sliding etc.)

the onus of developers to provide adequate and extended warranty for the material/equipment used in construction will result in the demand for quality and durable materials which will extend to products like doors and windows. Hence the demand for the uPVC and aluminium doors and windows is bound to increase, he adds. Since the GST rate will be lower for the uPVC product than the previous year’s tax rate, it will bring down the price to the final consumer.

Villa Windows - Fenesta

Ashok Kumar Bhaiya, CMD, Aludecor Lamination Pvt.Ltd. points out that with the warranty claws in RERA, if builders don’t use quality products, they will be in trouble, compensating the buyers in case they find any defect in the project in the initial 5 years.

“They have to fix any defects for free within 30 days, failing which they ought to compensate,” he expounds. For ACP manufacturers, RERA is a boon since quality products are offered by the organized sector. With the induction of GST, Bhaiya hopes that the costs will go down by 8 to 10% since there are no indirect taxes and due to reduced compliance costs.

Regarding price implication of GST, one has to see the entire contract and the pricing will depend upon

how the contracts are defined or framed post GST, says Somasundaram of 3A Composites. The input credits, which are linked back to back, need more time to see visibility of GST effect.

Narendra Patel, Managing Director, Torfenster System India Pvt Ltd remarked that RERA & GST encourage tax compliant & quality conscious companies, insulating them from

Narendra Patel, Managing Director, Torfenster System India Pvt Ltd

UWDMA Welcomes GS T uPVC Windows and Doors Manufacturers Association (UWDMA) welcomed the Goods and Services Tax, the biggest reform by the Government of India since Independence. The uPVC window Industry has been taxed heavily since the very beginning as uPVC windows were always being produced in factories unlike aluminium or wood, which in some cases still continue to be made at site. Being factory made, it was always under Central Excise 12.5% + VAT 14.5%. Window producers with sales turnover under 1.5 crores opted out of central excise but couldn’t take input credit making the uPVC Window the most taxed item in the building industry.

Under the GST, the uPVC Window will be taxed at 18% which will boost the growth of uPVC windows not only in projects but also retail as it will become more competitive. Aluminium windows come under 28% slab of GST which gives UPVC an additional edge which it was lacking all these years.

The GST subsumes lot of taxes – Central Excise, VAT, Sales Tax, Service Tax and Octroi. It makes the estimation also easier as the number of headings under which the raw materials fall are mainly in 2 slabs – uPVC profiles, Steel Reinforcements and PVC made hardware at 18% and other hardware – handles, rollers, etc., and glass at 28%. In the pre GST era, some companies used to split the supply cost and labour cost to save on some taxes. Now it will be just one tax slab – 18% for supply and installation across the country – truly One Nation, One Product, One Tax. GST coupled with RERA and Industry status for the affordable housing sector heralds a new chapter for all of us. With the Governments’ initiative – Housing for All by 2022 – PM Awas Yojana, rapid urbanization, expanding cities and demand for new homes would all spur growth of the uPVC Window sector. Exciting times lie ahead!

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Saket Jain is certain that GST will reduce the tax burden of raw material for the retail customers and builders. Tax credit will be available to all the builders for raw material purchased leading to reduction of overall cost of construction and interstate movement of material would have no additional tax, leading to lower cost to the purchaser.

GST would also help in bringing 100% compliance of tax by all players in the value chain leading to leveled playing field for all. If any business does not conform, they will be unable to obtain input credits which will make them uncompetitive. Hence it will be in everyone’s interest to conform to GST. All of this will surely have a positive impact on organised players in the facade and fenestration industry, assures Jain.

Is the GST Decided by the GST Council Fair for the Industry?

IB- BLU (Image credit - Glass Wall System)

small unrecognized players who compromise on the product performance by under cutting the price. The home buyer will get better value for his investment & reduced maintenance cost of installed products.

Nagaraju of Aparna too agrees that currently, the fabrication business is dominated by small players who use imported profile components for which they have no control on the quality of the products and materials used. With this implementation, it gives an opportunity for the established players to enter the region with their own manufacturing units and keep the quality in check. This in turn is in line with India’s vision of ‘Make in India’ which meets quality products that meet global standards.

Ashok Kumar Bhaiya, Somasundaram and Niraj Borikar agrees that GST is fair as majority of the basic materials in the building materials industry is in the 18% bracket. Earlier, excise duty component was 12.5%, VAT varied from 5% to 13.5% for products depending on the state. Whereas, now it is uniform and no concessional forms are involved.

So, transactions will be easier. Rajesh Chawla from Veka is also positive about GST for the same reason.

In case of inter-state sale (sale against C forms), the additional 2% against CST becomes a cost to the buyer, for which, under GST a full input will be available.

But Chikodi from Glass Wall System is not very certain about it. “So far I cannot comment 100% on the fairness of introducing GST, but bringing in one tax component is making things easier to understand and maintain,”, he adds. Due to a larger country and many states, we do feel that GST will definitely make a difference in a positive way.

Will the Burden of GST be Ultimately Borne by the Consumers?

GST as such should give price relaxation in-terms

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“Complete Governance & Transparency Ensure Quality Products”

White uPVC windows from Lingel With the introduction of GST and RERA, the Industry will benefit as there will be complete governance and transparency which will ensure that buyers are getting the right, good quality products. The project delivery would be on time and the builder will have to guarantee that the products installed in the projects are of superior quality or will then face actions. This will be a good move as companies with good quality products and reputed companies will only survive. The

Mario Schmidt, Managing Director, Lingel Doors & Windows Technologies Pvt. Ltd

5 year warranty will assure the use of high qualityproducts. For resolving the issues, we should feat an international standard same like those practiced in Germany.

We, as a supplier, are made responsible to see that our dealers/customer deposit their local VAT returns on time which is actually of course completely out of our control. We know that C forms can be issued only on a quarterly basis after closing

of passing on the benefits to the end customers, says Chikodi of Glass Wall Systems. “We have done the study of the same and we find there would be slight difference in various components of goods and services. There is a speculation in our industry that prices should come down provided the benefits are passed on. We will have to wait and watch the actual impact upon implementation of GST”.

The GST slab for uPVC category is 18% & Aluminium is 28%. Even though it’s higher, the overall product

the VAT return. In case, one of our customers becomes the defaulter, the form will not be issued to him, which leads us into the situation where we are not able to issue those forms to our VAT departments and we do need to pay the balance tax from our sources to receive the C Form required to issue to our suppliers. This usually leads to huge loss every year.

The biggest positive impact, we presume, will be the country wise uniform system. Also we hope that the C form will end.

This uniformity of taxes will bring down the cost of taxation. The industry is too happy that our request to the Ministry of Finance got approved and the new GST rate will be 18 percent only.

Quality products from organized sector are in big competition with the large unorganized fenestration marked without Tax collection on the final product (on site fabrication of wood and low-end Aluminium).

pricing will be lesser than in earlier regime due to the elimination of Excise Duty @ 12.5%, VAT @ 14.5% on total assessable value & Service Tax @ 15% on installation value, observes Narendra Patel of Torfenster. Also, there is a higher saving in the Customs Duty component. The advantage is the facilitation of ITC for the builder even during material procurement across the state saving the additional CST @ 2% (against C Form) Hence we feel the tax slab is fair at this current scenario, adds Patel.

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Satish Kumar, Country Manager, Ege Profil Deceuninck India Branch

GST, operational from 1st of July 2017, will bring all companies under one roof. Earlier companies registered under Central Excise could take ITC on goods purchased by them where central excise was charged.

In turn they had to charge central excise on their sale. Now all companies are under GST. All of them can take IGST credit. Subcontractors under 20 lakhs for small works need not be under GST. Sub-contractors between 20 to 75lakhs under 1% GST. The buyer can pay GST under reverse charge mechanism and avail ITC. So overall it is

going to help the industry.

On some of the raw materials the taxes have increased marginally from say 12.5% Excise + 2% CST to 18% IGST. Earlier 2% CST was a cost whereas now the entire 18% is available as ITC. On few items it has increased to 28% but again fully available under ITC. Many of these items were being procured locally (intra state) within the state where 12.5% Excise and 14.5% VAT totalling

UPVC Profile Galvanised Steel Reinforcement Hardware Glass

PRE GST - Under Excise CST Rs/sqft Excise (12.5%) 2% ` 200.00 ` 25.00 ` 4.50 ` 50.00 ` 6.25 ` 1.13 ` 100.00 ` 12.50 `` 100.00 ` 12.50 `-

Value Addition

` 150.00

Item

VAT 14.5%

Modvat

Landed

` -25.00

` 204.50

` -6.25

` 51.13

` 16.31 ` -28.81 ` 16.31 ` -28.81

` 100.00 ` 100.00 ` 150.00

Excise VAT

` 605.63 12.50% ` 75.70 14.50% ` 98.79

Modvat for customer

` 780.12 ` -174.50 ` 605.63

Big companies registered under Central Excise and procuring from manufacturers directly

Gera’s Imperium Grand - Commercial Project – Goa

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A project by Torfenster

GST Impact on Prices

to 27%. In some cases the hardware would be procured from Dealers at 14.5% VAT. The Dealer would have purchased from the Manufacturer at 12.5% Central Excise + 2% CST. By enabling full ITC, there is no overall Tax loss.

how quality defects and retention would be treated under GST. It could be possible that the Retention amount will be a separate contract.

Impact of GST on Payment Structure: It will depend on individual contracts; but if a customer is taking ITC, then he has to make the payment to the vendor within 180 days. Or the vendor can claim the GST amount back and the customer could be penalized. This is still not clear PRE GST - Not under Excise (<1.5Cr) Excise CST VAT Modvat Landed (12.5%) 2% 14.5% ` 25.00 ` 4.50 ` 229.50 ` 6.25 ` 8.16 ` - 8.16 ` 56.25 ` 12.50 ` ` 16.31 ` -16.31 ` 112.50 ` 12.50 `` 16.31 ` -16.31 ` 112.50

IGST 18.00% ` 36.00 ` 9.00

UNDER GST IGST Modvat 28.00% ` - 36.00 ` - 9.00 ` 28.00 ` - 28.00 ` 28.00 ` - 28.00

` 150.00 ` 660.75

VAT

14.50%

Modvat for customer

` 95.81

GST

18.00%

Landed ` 200.00 ` 50.00 ` 100.00 ` 100.00 ` 150.00 ` 600.00 ` 108.00

` 756.56

` -

` - 95.81 ` 660.75

` 708.00 ` -108.00

Modvat for customer

` 600.00 Small companies not registered under Central Excise procuring from manufacturers and local dealers

Another Project by Torfenster

Imperium Green, Goa by Gera Developments

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Sarovar Hotel, Mumbai (VEKA)

Window systems by VEKA

For the organized players, there seems to be a marginal reduction in the pricing that gets passed to the consumers, says Borikar. The HPL panels fall under the GST rate of 18% which has increased from the current VAT rate ranging from 5.5% to 14.5% as tax rates varies from state to state. According to Bhaiya of Aludecor, for ACP industry as a whole the prices are going to be competitive and better.

Unethical invoicing practice (Under invoicing) will get eliminated and thus giving impetus to the industry.

In reality, the real effect would be understood only after four to five months of the implementation of the GST bill, says Rajesh Mehta of Siddha Group.

In case the retailer decides not to pass on the benefits he gets on availing tax credits, the original supplier will push him to reduce prices to stay competitive. Hence the transparency that GST will bring at all levels will help the end consumer get a fair price, says Saket Jain of Fenesta.

As a manufacturer of cladding material, prima fascia, we are convinced that the implementation shall influence the façade industry positively especially for all organized players, says Niraj Borikar.

GST must bring the price down primarily because of two factors - Input Tax credit (ITC) availability & lower percentage of GST, analyses Rajesh Chawla.

However, it will further depend on how vendors will invoice to their various customers, based on the location of project & depending whether the glass is brought directly to the site (under 28%) or it is billed ex-factory - along with the windows. Plus, for the vendors who were not under excise earlier, their price will increase.

The Government has aimed for a reduction in prices.

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Will the paperwork increase or reduce under GST? Before GST, there were multitudes of taxes, each with its own collection agency, rates, brackets, rules, exceptions, compliance requirements, and audits. This lead to huge amount of paperwork and even after that, harassment at the hands of tax officials, says Manish Bansal. With GST, he adds, businesses can concentrate on just one tax, which reduces paperwork for some extent. Because of online payments paperwork will be reduced.

A critical menace, says Chawla, is the sale against C forms that plagued the industry / Businesses in India where sellers were always held for ransom by the erring buyers will vanish - for good. Under GST, most of the information will be digital which will help in reducing lot of paper work apart from transparency.

GST will streamline the documentation and have a clear understanding on filing the tax returns or maintaining the transactions, says Chikodi.

Contrary to this, Somasundaram of 3A Composites believes that the paperwork will increase under GST on account of maintaining records per transactionwise. “The frequency in filing the returns may increase and the all the relevant documentation need to be maintained and preserved for each and every transaction. The importance of documentation seems to be higher in GST regime. However, we

expect the transactions to be transparent and within the purview of the law,” he adds.

The flip side of GST, says Narendra Patel, is increase in paper work which cannot be avoided due to its’ complexity in implementation. In fact, with the introduction of GST, accounts reconciliation between concerned entities happen in every transaction leaving no ambiguity in the business.

In the parlance of uPVC Windows, says Chawla, of supplying all the said items separately is/was wrong. uPVC Windows are required to be fabricated in a proper factory setting & sent to the site in completed form. Now, since the GST of full window is 18% & other items like glass is 28%, vendors might switch to send complete windows to site. However, for outstation projects, where the glass is sourced locally, there might be an issue, as the glass then might have to be billed under 28% instead of 18%.

derived generally based on completion of certain scope of work like supply of panels and material for framework, work in progress, completion of certain portion of total work, etc.

As the GST rate for supply as well as installation is pegged at 18%, the payment structure might get consolidated into two parts i.e., supply and installation, says Nagaraju (Aparna). Keeping the installation portion equivalent to the labour cost associated with it, majority portion of the payment will come in the form of supply value. This will increase the early cash flows to the suppliers.

Bhaiya of Aludecor hopes that payment structure will get better and won’t get affected as all payments will get unified under the new and robust system.

Somasundaram too agrees to this and adds that the payment structure will depend on how the contracts are worked upon post GST.

Borikar of FunderMax is sure that on long term GST would be beneficial to all though initial hiccups is expected during transition in short term. However, in any case, the payment structure as such is

Narendra Patel of Torfenster too observes that the mode of payment will continue to be as per negotiation between the supplier & the builder. GST will not affect this in any manner. DLP (defect liability period) of 1 year & above is reduced to a maximum of 180 days. This will help the supplier in a better cash flow management & collect 100% invoice value.

This will help the supplier to reduce his costing as he will not incur additional interest charge for delayed realization or totally forfeit the retention amount which happens in few transactions. Both of them have to devise a mutually controlled mechanism for the DLP in the GST regime which is good for them.

HillPark Boulevard (Image credit - Aparna)

HillPark Lake Breeze (Image credit - Aparna)

Payment Structure Post GST Will the payment structure get affected under the GST as earlier many of the payments were linked to supply of frames, glass, and installation separately?

We will have to wait till the full implementation of the GST and see how it all goes. We should get a clearer picture in 2-3 months post implementation.

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A project in Bangalore by FunderMax

Conclusion While RERA and GST will slowly change the way the real estate industry operates in India, they have also thrown open a few aspects that need extensive deliberation. One such issue is the liability of developers to provide for workmanship for structural defects for a period of five years. Unlike in the past, developers will now have to create a back-to-back warranty with suppliers in case a challenge comes up. Starting from the contract to execution and finally handing over, documentation has to be clearly spelled out. If a developer wants to save himself from the pain of poor construction, he will have to keep tabs on agencies he conducts business with and the quality of materials he procures. The end user would, of course, benefit from this improved diligence.

Indiabulls Sky (Image credit - Glass Wall System)

GST in India provides the long awaited generalization of the indirect tax structure. The cash constituent of the building construction economy will reduce due to the execution of GST in India. To avail ITC, contractors must purchase raw materials from GST-registered vendors, resulting in better tax compliance. Under GST, the work contract is considered as a service, and hence, the composition scheme is not available.

Contractor’s compliances and costs will increase as they will follow the standard taxation system. GST confirmation on works contract as a service has brought clarity. But the lack of details in the areas of input tax credit (ITC) and composition schemes might lead to disputes. All in all, GST should impact the construction sector in a positive manner, not only from a rate perspective but also on pricing of various products, albeit in a long run.

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Advertorial Keeping in Mind the Energy Conservation Needs Tell us a bit about your company Simta Clear Coats Pvt Ltd and what is important for you?

SIMTA Group was established in 1991 with an aim to serve for D.Sampathkumar, Director, the nation and Simta Clear Coats Pvt. Ltd. run the business with energy efficiency. The manufacturing of uPVC window and door profiles started at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu in 2013.

What do you think of uPVC as a material for doors and windows? uPVC material has many advantages in doors and windows manufacturing. By replacing wood, it results in saving trees and reducing global warming, and replacing aluminium which results in reduction of energy in manufacturing, will contribute to the economy of our country and in general maintenance free, aquatic proof, better aesthetics, fire proof, high strength etc.

Indian climatic conditions with the uPVC Compound having a high UV stability and impact strength.

Our manufacturing facility is fully automated, well controlled process through European branded machines, most advanced test lab in-house and dedicated team to develop and achieve the business goal.

What kind of innovations would you like to see in uPVC Windows?

Innovations should take place in new design of profiles suitable for indoor applications like modular kitchens, office partitions, and prefab work places.

What are the problems faced?

Since this business segment is unorganized, the quality level has not been well defined. The product quality standard for India has not been released by the government, inviting China to take over the market.

What are the trends in the industry?

Positive construction spending and renovation in existing constructions are expected to drive the industry demand. The upcoming generation is expected to support this change.

Please tell us briefly about your products?

Our product ranges in uPVC Profiles, covers to make casement and sliding windows & doors with more than 40 different types of profiles available in regular white colour, laminated profiles and RoHS certified profiles.

What are the advantages of your uPVC doors/ windows over the others?

Our profiles are designed & manufactured to suit the

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Contact: Simta Clear Coats Pvt Ltd, 4/56, Somanur Road, Muthugounden Pudur (PO), Sulur, Coimbatore-641 406 Ph: 0422-2689621 Fax: 0422-2682621

Green Talk

Energy Conscious Façade About the Authors: R Praveenbabu is a Senior Sustainable Architecture Design & Energy Analyst at Conserve Consultants based in Chennai. It is a global consulting firm in the business of planning, design, development and maintenance of energy efficient, sustainable, high performance green buildings/built environments and organizations. He has successfully executed more than 50 projects.

R Praveenbabu, Sustainability Energy Analyst & Mamta Rawat, Sustainability Design Consultant, Conserve Consultants

Mamta Rawat, a USGBC LEED Accredited Professional, IGBC AP & BEE Certified Energy Manager, has more than 7 years of experience in sustainability domain. She has been associated with number of projects providing value additions in terms of design, construction & operation. She has executed LEED facilitation for 30+ organization & done energy audits and implementation work for 60+ Projects.

Modern architecture is influenced heavily by commitment towards beautifully designed exteriors and sustainability of the design. Energy consumption in the building sector has grown tremendously over the decade but the pledge to conserve energy along with retaining the aesthetics of the design is gaining momentum. It is a common assumption that sustainable building design is only connected with sourcing energy through renewable sources.

But, the concept of sustainability goes beyond just renewable energy. In short, sustainable building design is calibrated to interact efficiently with the environment. The skin of the building, which includes the roof and façade, does most of this interaction with the environment. A normal façade or building envelope is used only as a physical separator between the interior and the exterior environments and acts like an outer shell of the building. Smart Facades on the other hand, are way ahead of conventional façade , in terms of their capabilities and performance.

l 72 WFM 3RD ANNIVERSARY EDITION l

India, being in the tropical part of world, the overall climate is hot throughout the year. It becomes a challenge in large building complexes located in harsh climatic environments to keep the building cool and comfortable for its occupants. Cooling systems are the “go to” solution to compensate the heat ingress

An energy conscious façade bestows complacent indoor conditions

Energy conscious façade design directly contributes to energy performance of the building

and to facilitate the temperature inside the building to a comfortable level. This leads to a situation where 40-50% of the energy consumption of the buildings is used up by the air conditioning systems. This consumption level can be reduced by 10-20% by the inception of energy conscious façades in the building.

With the latest advancements in technologies pertaining to simulation techniques, envelope design and materials, the drive to make the envelope more sustainable and energy efficient is becoming a necessity in high performance built environment.

So, let’s get to know about energy conscious façade design, which makes façades more efficient and able to provide tangible energy saving solutions, rather than just act as the external envelope for the building. By definition, an energy conscious façade bestows complacent indoor conditions for the occupants, irrespective of the external conditions, with the support of building technologies in a particular building.

Based on the external environment and the comfort requirement of the occupants inside the building, different technologies are used within the façades to make them more productive and sustainable over a period of time. For the tropical climate environment such as India, the energy conscious façades provide maximum benefit to developers and occupants.

Energy Conscious Façades The price for not paying attention to the design of the façades in relation to the energy conservation of the building is felt across many manufacturing and commercial built environments and now there is a lot of attention to get the façade design right.

Energy conscious façade design not only acts as the envelope of the building, but they enhance the rigidity, strength, cohesion and endurance along with heat insulation, and resistance to fire. Thus, it directly contributes to energy performance of the building.

The demand for iconic building structures, along with energy efficient capabilities, puts pressure on the architects and structural engineers to come up with innovative façades designs that can satisfy both the requirements. With energy conscious façade design, significant part of energy utilization from mechanical ventilation, lighting and appliances, can be sustainably reduced.

Right from the start of the schematic design stage, form and orientation analysis will enable the architects to determine the right massing. Direct sunlight is not a popular preference in any occupied space, but complete day light block is worse. Hence, during the design of the project, by assessing the layout and façade through simulations, green consultant can assist the architects to harness diffused day lighting and eliminate glare. Through the daylighting analysis, façades can be designed strategically, which could reduce the building energy consumption and improve occupant comfort.

Shading analysis provides a holistic view of the solar azimuth across the year. During the design phase, it enables the architects to provide proper shading facilities to achieve the required shading of the project. Analytically designed shades through stereographic diagrams, are then merged into the façade design by architects to create a visually appealing façade.

l 3RD ANNIVERSARY EDITION l WFM 73 l

With Shade

Without Shade

Shading analysis provides the holistic view of solar azimuth across the year

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Envelope analysis and selection of material to reduce heat ingress is a must for energy conscious façades.

This has a two-fold benefit: reduce air-conditioning energy consumption as well as improve thermal comfort by reducing the radiant temperature. With envelope analysis, it is possible to measure the performance of a façade and thereafter work out design strategies and materials selections to reduce the same. From a conventional measure of 3-4 W/Sq ft, it is possible to improve the façade performance to <2W/Sq ft, a reduction of almost 50%.

To know better on energy conscious façade design, the case study on Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Dahej Plant illustrates the analysis and impact of such facade in the built environment.

Case Study

Torrent Parmaceuticals Ltd - Dahej Plant working environment for the employees and requirements of stringent pharma production within the unit is a challenge. At Conserve, we took this as a challenge and wanted to incorporate façade techniques that are resistant to external climatic condition and provide comfortable indoor environment, well within the constraints of the pharmaceutical industry stipulations.

It all began with mapping the climate of the unit location (Bharuch, Gujarat) over the years and analyze the change in the temperate from high to low and the frequency of such change. Being directly located Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Dahej SEZ (TPD), Bharuch, Gujarat

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Dahej SEZ (TPD), situated near Bharuch, Gujarat, is a massive pharmaceutical manufacturing plant which has a built area of more than 97,000 Sq.m, which is spread across a land of 70 acres. The requirement for manufacturing units in the pharmaceutical industry is unique from other sectors due to the sensitivity of the processing to the external environment. Façade design that is able to withstand the harshness of the outer environment and also provide a comfortable

Façade design that is able to withstand the harshness of the outer environment in the location

Optimum window wall ratio and the right glazing selection was essential for ample natural lighting

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below the tropic of cancer, the climate in Bharuch is tropical hot throughout the year and façade design that is able to maintain optimum indoor temperature was proposed.

it was confirmed that more than 20% of heat ingress enters through the envelope, being a horizontally laid out building.

There was no substitute for natural lighting, which has been proved to improve workers’ productivity.

Hence, an optimum window wall ratio and the right glazing selection was required. Along with the architect, multiple design options were simulated to create a façade design to allow only diffused daylight inside the unit. We achieved this by strategically designed finishes which are placed at cardinal locations to achieve diffused sunlight to a comfortable level and also reduce the heat ingress associated to solar radiation.

Shading techniques reduces the heat ingress

Initial analysis, such as sun path & solar insolation, were done to identify the external factors of the unit and to get a concept design understanding of the envelope. Shading analysis were further performed on the model to determine the impact of solar radiation and their impact on the occupant’s comfort. By evaluating the heat balance of the unit,

Through shading analysis, we were able to decide on the orientation of the fins to achieve adequate shading throughout the year. This subsequently reduced the solar radiation and the cooling load of the entire unit was reduced to a considerable level.

It also enabled us to cut down the sun glare in the unit.

The reduction in heat ingress lead to a savings of 1.9 million kW per annum, achieved mainly due to the energy conscious façade techniques by the consultants at Conserve. Energy savings through reduced air conditioning system for the factory ranges up to Rs.2.7 million per year (Industrial electricity cost per unit is Rs.7). These figures across the life cycle of the building of at least 50 years are indeed, astonishing.

QUICK FACTS

Project: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Dahej SEZ Location: Bharuch, Gujarat Client : Torrent Pharmaceuticals Architect: Aniket Bhagwat, M/s. Prabhakar B. Bhagwat Sustainability Consultants: Conserve Consultants Pvt Ltd Commencement Date: 2011 Completion Date: 2016 The plant built built in 97,000 Sq.m area

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Tech Talk

Façade Design Technologies for Indian Context About the Author:

Sushant Verma rat[LAB]-Research in Architecture & Technology

Sushant Verma, Founding Partner & Research Head – rat[LAB] (M.Arch.

Em.Tech. – AA London, B.Arch. SSAA New Delhi, MCoA India) is an architect & computational designer, currently leading the research organization rat[LAB] - Research in Architecture & Technology. Former architect at Zaha Hadid Architects, London & a Sr. Editor at Arch2O, he holds teaching positions at a number of universities internationally & is involved in education for computational & parametric design. He is the founder of rat[LAB] EDUCATION, which is an initiative to spread the idea of computation in design profession & education in India. Recipient of MAK Schindler Award from Vienna / Los Angeles and a finalist for AIA Emerging Leaders Fellowship from Chicago, his work is widely published and exhibited. Sushant joined the elite list of TEDx Speakers by speaking at TEDx Gurugram on ‘Smart Cities need Smarter Design Education’.

Facades and building envelopes determine visual identity, character and expression of architecture.

Building facades lie at the intersections of the exterior and interior environments, forming an integral part of a building’s aesthetics as well as the building’s performance. As the external environment is changing all the time, buildings need to adapt to it in a smart way and facades play an important role here. Adaptation needs to be made with respect to environmental factors such as heat, light & wind.

How these factors affect the performance of a building largely depends on the façade design & engineering. Irrespective of how the facades are designed, they are meant to serve a purpose.

Architectural practice in the Indian context today has become more globalized than ever and there is a healthy exchange of knowledge and data due to the openness of the internet, mass share of data and architectural journalism being at its peak. Challenges in the practice are as much as it would be in any

country or environment. India is slightly slow in adapting to new technologies & methods, but we push hard to break the conventional boundaries for innovative work to emerge. India is a booming market and acceptance of change is becoming better with time & globalization. Parametric Design & Computational Design has become largely accepted now in India due to a global exposure to emerging trends and due to demonstration of built articulations by various emerging design studios in India.

Parametric Design, if rightly put to use, within the domain of façade design, can aid in developing smarter facades that can perform a multitude of tasks in an optimized way. Parametric design opens up vast possibilities of controlling performance based factors right from an early design stage of a façade project, yielding results that speak beyond mere aesthetics. Since parametric design is a technique and method of designing, we can’t truly make a fair

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Fig. 1: Parametric Façade for Molded Dimensions Factory, Gurugram, designed by rat[LAB] in collaboration with Design Plus, New Delhi. A computational workflow is followed in design process to extract fabrication data and environmental analysis of façade parametrically.

comparison between a non-parametrically designed façade and a parametric façade, but it would not be wrong to say that the possibilities of designing smarter and efficient facades is made possible today with the aid of parametric methods.

A building skin is designed using a number of parameters such as environmental conditions, structural feasibility, and materiality, among others; all of which can be quantified as data. Since there is a large amount of data involved, the computation becomes an essential part of dealing with the complex dynamics of design. Computation can be carried out through non-digital & digital processes aligned together and algorithms used can be about complex (and simple) problem solving. These problems include structural load calculations, material behaviour calculations, fabrication data extraction, etc. An algorithmic method of designing a building skin or a façade system can aid in controlling all the parameters and objective data that is embedded in design and a flexibility to use this data for creating a smart(er) system.

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In an on-going project by rat[LAB] in collaboration with Ar. Abhishek Bij of Design Plus, New Delhi

Fig 2: Parametric Façade for Molded Dimensions Factory, Gurugram, designed by rat[LAB] in collaboration with Design Plus, New Delhi.

for Molded Dimensions Factory, Gurugram, a prominent part of the façade is designed to create an aesthetically dramatic effect, while optimizing building performance and fabrication cost. A differentiation among members of façade is being parametrized through an algorithm that calculates the running length & cost of various building members.

This allows us to change the base parameters (such as angular variation, dimensional shifts, etc.)

Fig.3: Details on fabrication & cost calculations

Fig. 4: Radiation analysis

and study its changing effect on fabrication cost & environmental performance. Multiple platforms are integrated to evaluate the results in real-time, as we change the influencing parameters and create a range of designs. This allows choosing an optimum design for the façade, based on the set criteria. The algorithm is also developed to extract fabrication data from the parametric model, saving on design & production time, hence cutting down on project costs.

An international collaboration of rat[LAB] with Takumi Yoshioka and Masaki Morinobu of Nonscale Co. Tokyo led to a proposed shopping centre for Japan & India exhibited at the SC Fair 2016 held at Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan. The project is designed by Nonscale Co., while the highlighting roof-structure has been envisaged and designed by rat[LAB]. This large span adaptive roof structure inherits hybrid qualities of a tensile and a grid shell, with automated

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shading devices inbuilt in the structure. The project explores Computational Techniques to develop Form, Structure & an Adaptive Skin /Envelope for the Architectural Built. Advanced Computational Techniques & Methodologies have been used to design a complex roof structure that can adapt to dynamic environmental conditions. The multifunctional shopping center will be sheltered by a large span skin, which incorporates origami shading modules with a transparent material for a visual connection. It will be a shopping centre ventilated like any outdoor space with controlled temperature and better comfort levels.

Use of data for design conceptualization and fabrication resolution becomes critical in the Indian context. The image (Fig. 7) shows design in the development stage of some hospitality projects that the firm is undertaking where tight project constraints such as time, budget as well as client

Fig 5: Long-span Tensile-Grid Shell (SC Fair 2016, Yokohama) (Sketch & Visualization

by Nonscale Co. Ltd. Tokyo, in collaboration with rat[LAB])

Fig.6: Environmental Analysis (SC Fair 2016, Yokohama)

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Fig. 7: Concept Designs for on-going hospitality projects in Delhi, where Façade forms a key component of the project.

notions are all tackled to create optimized design solutions that can be realized at reduced project costs and through conventional labour methods.

Cellular Morphology Façade, again an ongoing exploration by rat[LAB], is digitally retrofitted on S-W façade of the tower and consists of multiple unique components of hexagon topology. The hexagrid system is controlled through an algorithm that alters its density and attraction during the concept design stage. Six prominent functional zones are speculated as attractor points on the façade that become the first parameter of control and solar insulation analysis on existing S-W façade becomes the second guiding parameter. With the new morphology of this retrofitted façade, local angular variations are introduced that can redistribute the sunlight in a differentiated manner on the building envelope. This can potentially change the way the building is heated up and gets daylight in the interior spaces. Light, heat & visibility of / from interior space can now be optimized as per user requirements, adding a locally embedded intelligence in the new façade geometry. These parameters can be tied up with LEED / GRIHA factors so as to work well with the industry norms too.

The most interesting one (and challenging too) has to be the ‘adaptive [skins] or ‘adaptive [systems]’ project. It is a project that was started in London as part of an academic research and built upon in various iterations in Los Angeles later on. It was

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started with a sole vision of challenging the static built environment against the dynamic natural environment, where numerous layers of architecture come together to make a building function in negotiation with changing environmental parameters such as sun, rain & wind. The research has taken a series of iterations from 2012 to 2014, with the latest developments shaping up in Los Angeles, CA at The MAK Center. A dynamic façade system was designed as a proposal for MAK’s Exhibition Space at the site of Mackey Apartments, which was designed by one of the pioneers of Modernism – Rudolph Schindler in 1939.

Rat [LAB]’s ongoing projects across India explore various building envelope iterations, including the

Fig. 8: Proposal for dynamic façade at MAK’s Exhibition Space in Los Angeles, California

Fig.9: Comparison of existing and new façade systems through solar insolation analysis (Original Photo Copyrights: Deepak Chandok; Visualization: rat[LAB]-Research in Architecture & Technology)

Fig.10: Prototype of Cellular Morphology Façade exhibited at Alliance Francaise de Delhi, February 2015.

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Fig. 11: Conceptual visualizations of computationally designed façade for KUN Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., Chennai; an on-going project by rat[LAB].

KUN Aerospace Factory project in Chennai, where identity and sustainability have been looked into through a context-based computational approach.

The envelope developed embraces the flows in nature, and moulds itself to new creations in an inspired manner. Instead of barring wind flows, for example, this facade is designed using the same flaws as technical data as well as guiding curves which define the very skin of the built form, at the same time being inspired by double curved geometrical industrial parts manufactured in this building.

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Building skins lie at the intersections of exterior and interior environment. An opaque separation or vitric façade/skylight doesn’t accurately answer to our most intricate questions on building envelopes.

Computational methodologies of deriving, analysing and streamlining contextual data from the building vicinity initiates a shift in this conventional process.

Scientific knowledge is then, imbibed by designers and artists to make tangible and sustainable skinsystems, forming an integral part of building aesthetics as well as building performance. Such an approach would paint a better meaningful picture of our city skyline.

Face to Face

In Pursuit of a Sustainable Future Yatin Patel- Founder Director- DSP Design Associates laid its foundation 3 decades ago, leading it to its long standing global conceit.

With the forethought to minister the domain with a nation-wide service capability, DSP Design operates through multi-disciplinary studios across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Gurugram and Hyderabad with projects accomplished in over 40 cities. The organization services various segments including high density residential, corporate & commercial real estate, hospitality ventures, industrial, retail and education for design solutions. DSP Design has been awarded with over 70 national and international honors .

Yatin Patel Founder Director, DSP Design Associates

Architect Yatin Patel’s contribution to the world of architecture and design has been exemplary. Having been the architectural mind behind some of the finest buildings in India, Ar. Patel leads his firm to tread on the path of architectural excellence. WFM met Architect Yatin Patel for a roving conversation about his journey as an architect, his practice and approach to sustainability in design, trends and innovations in building façades, and much more.

WFM: Tell us about your design firm, your journey as an architect, and a few of your recently completed innovative and iconic projects?

Yatin Patel : With a vision to establish a multi-faceted design consultancy firm and to extend its services pan India, I co-founded DSP Design Associates with Mehul Shah and Bimal Desai, two prominent visionaries in the architectural industry.

DSP Design Associates credit their goodwill to a healthy clientele, having designed over 200 million Sq ft spread across over 1000 projects. The crux of the business success comes from a research driven, highly scientific approach to projects, irrespective of the scale and scope of the project. Every project is assigned a well thought, sui generis treatment in terms of strategy, vendor recruitment, execution

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and quality control. In addition to commercial and residential real estate, the organization also services verticals like hospitality and industrial architecture.

DSP Design commands expertise across Master Planning, Building Design Services and Interior Design with a global rank of #66th among biggest 100 architectural practices worldwide by WA100 with an encouraging appraisal for 3 consecutive years.

DSP Design is currently a finalist at the World Architecture Festival Awards, 2017 scheduled for November, 2017 for a recently designed concept for an IT Park at Bengaluru.

From Public architecture and buildings, to Master Planning, to conceiving commercial and residential buildings and thereby executing projects to meet

IT Park, Bengaluru

international standards, DSP Design has serviced brands like Lodha Group, Piramal Realty, Omkar Developers, Sheth Creators, Kalpataru Developers, TATA Housing, L&T Realty, Wadhwa Group, and Mantri Realty among others.

The organization has undertaken extensive work also within the public domain, with Transstadia, Ahmedabad, being one among the most recent landmark project.

WFM: How would you describe your design approach?

Yatin: At DSP Design we have never believed in a “one size fits all” solution. Instead, we believe that by understanding our clients and their particular needs, we create inspiring spaces that are bespoke to each client. What sets us apart is the fact that we work with our clients to understand their vision and requirements and help them develop their design brief to optimize real estate value and increase the utility of the space without compromising on design.

Each time we take on a new project, we spend a considerable amount of time in the initial stages working with the client to develop and add to their

Auris Serenity, Malad West, Mumbai

design brief. The client brief is not a static document for us, but rather a dynamic piece of document which evolves during the initial stages. We conduct our own research and analysis to optimize their design requirements and with our experience, research and the prevailing regulatory norms, we arrive at an efficient design strategy, which eventually makes it distinct with every project/client.

With rising real estate costs, efficiency of space has become imperative and we ensure that all our design solutions respond to this. Our research and experience in global architectural trends and designs along with our analytical approach help us in optimizing design solutions. Using an approach that integrates the research of new trends, strategies and design, we have repeatedly delivered transformative solutions that use space more productively, enhance organizational performance and allow people to connect with one another.

WFM: According to you, what is a green design & what is a sustainable building?

Yatin: Green’ and ‘sustainable’ are terms which cannot be used interchangeably. While green is a relatively simple concept with major sensitivity

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Transstadia – The Football Stadium in Ahmedabad

towards the impact on the environment and its inhabitants, sustainable buildings are a derivation of thoughtful application of processes with multiple consideration factors over the building life-cycle of the project.

A green design may be one which is conceptualized to reduce the project’s environmental footprint while a sustainable building is planned by not only evaluating the environmental factors, but also considering its social and financial implications over time. A sustainable building is, to a great extent, future-oriented 3-pronged applications from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition.

WFM: What are the greatest challenges when it comes to designing for environmental sustainability?

Yatin: The alarming rate of global warming has changed the way the architecture and construction industries operate - a building design needs to factor in this change.

With LEED Certifications, innovations in green materials, resource efficient products, at the

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same time uncomprised building design and functionality, the increasing costs of green and sustainable products and the dynamics of the building regulation norms, have all been key in affecting the transition from the traditional building design towards green and sustainable structures.

Achieving a balanced output with an unparalleled design makes it a challenging exercise.

WFM: What is the role played by the building façade in achieving sustainability?

Yatin: ‘Intelligent Facades’ is a popular jargon when it comes to facades and sustainability. The building facades have a major impact on the primary energy consumption of the building with extensive implications for climate regulation, daylight levels and the building’s overall carbon intensity.

Facades, being an integral partition between the inside and the outside, are capable of creating self-regulating thermal protection which makes them a largely considered and accepted material to empower the use of renewable energy and achieve sustainability.

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A Convention Center at Bengaluru

There is scope for customisation and scalability, depending upon the level of energy usage estimations, and can be a major influencing factor towards the structural design, which is typically decided at the initial stages of the design.

WFM: What are the key factors to consider while designing a sustainable facade of a building?

Yatin: The key factors are: (a) Due-diligence in terms of the building energy consumption analysis (b) Arriving at an optimum glazing ratio and an area perspective as a balancing act between the solar energy optimization and the aesthetic intent within the design plan (c) Shading analysis to achieve an optimum balance of energy and daylight (d) Decisions on the building material that directly impact the building’s performance WFM: Talking about materials for facades, how do you choose them for your projects?

Yatin: The intended use of the project takes precedence. The design strategy involving façade for a residential project, as opposed to a commercial

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project, is invariably different. The design specification of the façade definitely leads to setting the norms for material procurement; however, this involves simulation in terms of determining how the façade responds to the context and the use of space.

The parameters considered towards the testing exercise, typically, include thermal properties of the material (u-value and SHGC, SF, SR) and the performance of the material with respect to various climatic conditions.

WFM: Please tell us about some of the innovative technologies and materials which you have adopted for building facades?

Yatin: Technological advancements in manufacturing green building materials have changed the way building skins are designed, with a positive shift in the consumer acceptability from a value for money perspective. Integrated solar cells on facades, shading devices, cladding with recycled materials with thermal and insulation properties, metal screens made of Copper/Zinc/Aluminium/Steel are some materials we use extensively.

A residential high-rise at south Mumbai

Materials like UHPC (Ultra High Performing Concrete), Carbon Fibre, Corten Steel, high pressure laminates (HPL), ETFE Membranes and Solid Surfaces have also served as intelligent choices given thorough due-diligence before execution.

WFM: Brief on the important factors to take care while designing and executing façade for a high-rise building?

Yatin: Analysis of wind pressure/ the projected loads on the facade, use of unbreakable materials, resilient and self-cleaning finishes, flammability factors, use of low combustibility materials, sturdy cavity barriers, materials used for insulation and inner lining, materials used for external wall cladding, use of leak proof material, creating glazing systems keeping in mind the acoustical comfort of the user, building façade maintenance system, psychological safety factors for the user, performance of the system with respect to adverse climatic conditions, life safety factors in case of damages, are a few factors we cautiously consider while designing and executing façade for a high-rise building.

Piramal Vaikunth, Thane

etc.) to consider while designing and installing facades. Could you please explain on this?

Yatin: Any material, be it thermal insulation towards environmental considerations, is procured based on the compliance specifications as laid down by the HVAC/STC consultants. We undertake strict quality checks at the time of designing as well as at the time of installation, also ensuring a quality audit before finalization.

WFM: Please brief on some of the opportunities and challenges faced by your firm?

Yatin: Designing and executing the building skin has its own challenges based on the type of project as sustainable façade designs demand a healthy initial investment. However, managing the design, with no compromise in the sustainability, life safety performance, and aesthetics, within the assigned budgets is critical.

Residential architecture, especially in case of highrise developments, is relatively more challenging as compared to commercial/public architecture.

WFM: Throw some light on quality control aspects (like the thermal insulation, acoustics,

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Case Study

Capgemini Development Center Airoli, Mumbai

Capgemini - Customer Experience Center

Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, inaugurated a new campus at Airoli in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in April 2016. The design for Capgemini (I Gate) Development Center, Airoli, Mumbai, attempts to create a high density, low-rise

development to cope up with the expected future growth. The podium has been carefully articulated with a combination of majestic steps, water bodies and landscaping to soften the effect of parking space below.

Capgemini - Building 5 & 6 of Phase 2 (Office building’s east elevation)

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Capgemini- Phase 1, View from the Main Road

Unitised Patterned Glazing - View

Capgemini – Phase 1 building with (2 floors of cafe, 2 floors of office space)

As a design philosophy, open spaces diverse in nature are provided at various locations which help in facilitating the community experience. In a constant endeavour to reduce the energy consumption of buildings, multiple energy conservation measures were adopted to reduce the energy consumption of

this campus by 0.7kwh/Sqft/month. A play in glazing pattern, facing the landscaped podium, helps in making an interesting background to the landscape in front. Apart from the Development block, which has the workplaces, the campus consists of a customer centre, employee care centre, seven

Another view of the Customer Experience Center

The perforated metal sheet laid on the façade along with the perforated vertical fins

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the horizontal joints was installed. In this glass area, the vision panel height is maintained constant at 2150 mm across all floors and the spandrel panel varies to match the floor height.

Unitized/Semi Unitize Double Glazing pattern created with 50x75 Al profile is running as per the pattern. The glass is a Low –E glass. In this area, the entire glass is done without a spandrel panel. Both at the top panel as well as the lower panel, the glass is proposed with GI shadow box, finished using the powder coating of the approved colour.

The Aluminium vertical louvers

distinct cafeterias, and service apartments.

Façade System Spider glazing is proposed in the entrance lobby; the façade is treated with three different kinds of glazing.

Unitize structural glazing (DGU) with external glass being Low –E glass (as per the specification provided) with an aluminium architectural profile running along

In the front, it was proposed to have Unitize Structural glazing (8mm Single Glazing) with louvers. A single glazing is provided with a cat walk done between the louvers and the glass. These louvers are 75x150 Al section placed at 150 c/c with an anodized finish.

The entire glazing work is ensured with an optimum fire seal at the floor level and finished with ACP coping at the top. All other exposed surfaces of the building are painted with textured paint of the approved texture and colour.

The customer experience center is a combination of spider glazing and a semi-unitized glazing with a perforated metal sheet laid on the façade along with the perforated vertical fins.

Capgemini – Building 3 showcasing 2-level stilt car parks and 5 levels office space

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Shadow range study on the hottest day of the year (3rd May)

Daylight penetration study carried out and the average light lux level found to be 328.24 lux

Annual average radiation study was carried out to understand the sun’s radiation on every surface to decide the glazing and shading devices. Solar panels are proposed on the roof which provides shading to the roof top as well as generates 600kw electricity which is equal to 6 per cent of the projects requirement.

Daylight analysis of the facades

Green Features of Development:

• Water efficient landscaping • Use of treated water (STP) for landscape

The new campus, spread across 50 acres, will have a built-up area of 3 million sq. ft and will seat 30,000 employees. The first phase of the campus, with a built-up area of 1 million sq. ft. and seating capacity of about 13,000, is operational, while the second phase is expected to be completed by early 2018.

irrigation, use of traded grey water for flushing.

• Use of indigenous and drought tolerant tree species in landscape scheme • Implementation of Rain water harvesting, recharge wells, etc.

• Use of water efficient toilet fixtures in the interiors.

• Day light harvesting in office areas.

• Use of LED lighting for optimized energy consumption • Use of VFD (variable frequency drive) for

AHU motor control to optimize energy consumption.

• Use of all major equipments which are energy star rated compliant only.

• On site renewable / non-conventional energy sources- Solar Panels, Wind mills

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QUICK FACTS Project: Capgemini (Formerly IGate) Development Center, Airoli, Mumbai Architect: DSP Design Associates Scope: Master Planning + Architecture + Interiors LEED Rating: Platinum Land Area: 35 Acres; Built up 4,800,000Sqft Commencement Date: 2013 Status: Phase01-1million Sq ft- Completed; Phase02 -1.9 million Sq ft - On going

SMART WINDOWS FOR SMART HOMES For Enquiry +91-8527344373

Email us: Mario@lingel-window.in

Industry Speaks

“Our Silicone Technologies are Helping Shape the Indian Skyline” For more than 50 years, Dow Corning has been a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation. As a part of their customer commitment, and investment in India, they have opened SAHAYOG BUILDING SOLUTIONS CENTRES in New Delhi and Mumbai, aiming to provide an unrivalled level of technical support and customer service to their Indian customers.

Specialists at these centres will collaborate with construction industry professionals, offering comprehensive project support, industry-leading technical training and hands-on, skill-building workshops.

Jean-Paul Hautekeer (Global Marketing Director, High Performance Building Solutions, Dow Corning Corporation) and Dharmesh Shah (India Commercial Leader, Dow Corning Corporation)

Jean-Paul Hautekeer (Global Marketing Director, High Performance Building Solutions, Dow Corning Corporation), and Dharmesh Shah (India Commercial Leader, Dow Corning Corporation) spoke to WFM, explaining the advantages of using silicones in construction industry and its market potential in India. They also threw light on the wide portfolio of high-performance silicone materials available from Dow Corning and how they help their clients to choose the right products by offering the right expertise.

WFM: Tell us about your company, its products, and your business in India?

Jean-Paul Hautekeer (JPH): Dow Corning is a speciality chemical company, now a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, formed specifically to explore the potential of silicones, and their applications in various industries. We have more than 70 years of experience in the industry.

Silicone is actually made from sand, which is transformed into poly crystal and silicon polymers, thereafter it is used in making different products. In the construction Industry, silicon is mainly used due

to its durability and flexibility. Building components like glass on the facade are fixed using silicones due to these characters. Silicon will not deteriorate when exposed to sunshine, water, and any type of weather - hot or cold.

Increasing urbanisation and rising need for energyefficient buildings (especially high-rises) are leading to growth in demand for silicone based materials.

Applications containing silicones not only outperform and outlast organic weatherproofing materials, but they also enable innovative applications that would otherwise be impossible.

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© Dow Corning

Urbanisation and rising need for energy-efficient buildings are leading to growth in demand for silicone based materials.

WFM: Could you please talk about the present Indian market for construction as well as for your own products?

Additionally, developments such as migration and urbanization are creating a market for new and innovative building materials, standards and services that enable compliance as well as value for money.

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© Dow Corning

Dharmesh Shah (DS): The Indian construction market today is becoming significantly more conscious of the need for energy efficiency and sustainability among other things, which form the basis for the green building market. Given the general movement towards sustainability, energy and water conservation, durability, etc., this is going to take on a significantly larger role in the future. Another trend we are seeing is the expansion of design thought, combining function and aesthetics. Both of these trends require construction strategies and materials that will help architects and builders to fulfil these demands. Buildings of the future will need to be designed and constructed in such a way that they can combine aesthetics and sustainable thinking.

In facades made of glass or aluminium, silicone is used for connecting the different elements

© Dow Corning

Dow Corning’s global solutions expertise enables them to work with every stakeholder in the construction industry value chain.

Dow Corning’s global solutions expertise and our deep knowledge of the India construction market enables us to work with builders, architects, designers, and almost every stakeholder in the Indian construction industry value chain. Our technologies are helping shape the Indian skyline.

WFM: What is the role of silicones in energy conservation?

JPH: Whether the building facade is made of glass or aluminium, silicone is used for connecting the different elements in a durable, at the same time, in a very flexible way. We supply the product which links these materials with each other. With enabling technologies, we could make this bonding very strong.

Energy conservation is very crucial. Even if one buys the best glass for the facade and the insulation for wall, if the bonding is not good between the materials, there will be water infiltration, which will ruin the investment. Silicon is used in a very small amount to bond different materials. But the impact of silicon is extremely important. Because, for many

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decades, it would act as a barrier for water and air, which would prevent energy and monetary loss.

WFM: What kind technology introduced in sealants?

have

you

JPH: In India, a lot of single layer of glass is being used, though we keep hearing about the benefits of double glass for facades. We have come up with technologies which are being used in double glass.

We provide new product along with technology to those who manufacture double glass. The noble gas Argon is being used in the gap between the layers of glass and hence it needs to be sealed tightly.

Double glass technology is beneficial to prevent excessive heating from the sun, allowing controlled daylighting. There are special coatings given to glass based on the angle of sunlight on a building and intensity of the sun at the location. Hence the glass coatings are selected based on the orientation of the building and the angle of incidence of sunlight on the building. The coating also prevents penetration of moisture. This technology has many acoustical

© Dow Corning

The glass facade of the Dow Corning Business and Technology Center in Seneffe, Belgium.

benefits as well.

WFM: Please give details of few of newly launched products?

DS: At Dow Corning, our commitment is to our customers. Our aim is to provide our customers with the latest silicone innovations and to enable him to choose from a wide range of options, depending on what his needs are - be it sustainability, durability or value for money. We at Dow Corning are committed to helping our Indian customers succeed and grow in this very competitive and demanding market.

Our expanded range of materials includes highperformance silicone adhesives and sealants for building façades, silicone-based water repellent coatings and additives to help improve the sustainability of building materials.

In addition, we have also introduced Transparent Structural Silicone Adhesive or TSSA for fixedpoint exterior glass façades. This innovative, high strength, structural adhesive provides a nextgeneration bonding option for crystal clear, point

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fixed external glass façades, helps maximize thermal performance, and allows designers to avoid unsightly drilling when joining glass pieces. We are also promoting our PanelFix System that enables high-performance invisible panel bonding for ventilated Rainscreen façades. This is highly durable, safe and easy to use, and gives designers the advantage of design freedom. Our newly-introduced 121 Structural Glazing Sealant is also one of our latest innovations - this is a fast-curing sealant for use in structural and weather-sealing applications. It can be used on-site or in-shop, and helps simplify façade installation and reduces repair time as well.

WFM: What about your facilities? Tell us about your investment plans for the near future?

DS: In addition to bringing the latest silicone innovations to the Indian industry, we have also developed India-specific initiatives for the construction industry. Our Application evelopment and Technical Center provide a platform that enables our technical experts to collaborate with our Indian customers on product customization, to ensure that our materials meet their needs for

© Dow Corning

Dow Corning European Distributiion Center, Feluy, Belgium

durability, sustainability and efficiency. Our experts also provide the technical knowhow and services to ensure that the materials are used as per standards and requirement.

A key India initiative is the Centre for Construction Expertise. This is a Dow Corning-sponsored educational program, offering informative, skillbuilding workshops designed to improve the knowledge, skills and effectiveness of tradespeople, students and construction professionals alike. We believe that extending knowledge and providing technical training is the best way to enhance the construction industry.

We have also started an initiative called the Sahayog Building Solutions Centre, which is a customer experience centre, showcasing the range of Dow Corning’s high-performance silicone materials in India. Via Sahayog, our Indian customers can access the right products and expertise, depending on their needs. It also provides a platform for product demonstrations, guidance in product selection and application support, and collaboration with customers. We have two Sahayog centers - one in

Delhi, and the other in Mumbai.

In addition, we have implemented some of our global initiatives in India - the Project Management System that helps enhance the safety, quality and success of structural silicone glazing projects; and our global knowledge transfer and certification program, Quality Bond™, that offers training, inspections and quality management systems. Both of these initiatives are helping implement standards in the industry, and are instilling confidence in the power of our materials.

We are committed to helping grow and shape the Indian construction industry by way of our latest technologies and materials, as well as our initiatives that will help enhance the knowledge and expertise within the industry.

WFM: How do you find Business in India compared to other developing countries like China?

DS: India and China are both key growth areas for any multinational corporation, and Dow Corning is

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© Dow Corning

Chadstone Shopping Centre, Melbourne, Australia

no different. Companies need to succeed in both countries, though the means of ensuring success may vary, given that the differences in market size and trends, as well as the different opportunities and challenges present in both these key markets.

WFM: What is the impact of GST on this sector?

DS: Given that GST has been very recently introduced, I would say that it is way too early to definitively assess the impact on the industry. GST will certainly have a deep impact on the Indian economy, the construction industry included, but we should appreciate that the favourable effects of this new taxation regime will become clear only after a few months, or even a couple of years.

WFM: Tell us about Dow Corning’s future growth plans for India?

JPH: I have travelled to India a few times and every time, I see a lot of change in the building sector. If you look at the facade market in India, the difference is very prominent. Our products are mostly being used in building facades. Hence there is a lot of

scope in this market and there is a lot of scope for growth.

In India, most of the facade components are being manufactured by local fabricators and they are of very high quality which is extremely good. Two or three years ago, these products were not fabricated in India, but mostly imported from China or other parts of the world. Certainly there is a change and I am witnessing this.

The manufacturing elements in this segment are now progressing in India and they focus on quality of their products. This is a very positive change and it is going to continue in future too.

Another change which I have observed is, increased use of high performing glass in facades for fenestrations. Earlier, the glass used for building facades was much smaller in proportions. People have realized the advantage of using glass in buildings now.

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One of the emerging market in India is HPL Panel bonding as a refurbishment technique. We advise not to use screws, instead the HPL panel can be bonded with silicon. We help to do proper installation and ensure quality in the installation process and in the maintenance of quality logbook.

Quality of work done by the fabricators bring in more quality installations

WFM: What kind of projects uses your products more - Commercial or residential?

JPH: Demand for our products are more for commercial & institutional projects. In other types of projects, there is comparatively less awareness on the importance of application of sealants for doors and windows. In order to create more awareness on sustainability and the need to use apt products for energy conservation in buildings, we initiated programmes like SAHAYOG Building Solution Centre.

Now, the window and door market, which is in the initial stages, would benefit from silicone technology.

Hence we are focusing on this market, which is a bit fragmented and less developed in India. People need to know much more on the materials to use to make the walls completely sealed, especially the connection between windows and the wall.

We are educating the market through our centres, reaching the professionals working on this particular segment. At SAHAYOG, people can come and learn about various products, experience it by seeing how these products work.

WFM: What kind of on-site support do you provide?

JPH: We check for quality in the factory of our customers, as I explained earlier, and we help them on-site too. On-site, we offer what is called ‘deglazing’. While the work is on facades, our technical engineers will visit the site and witness the work of the fabricator/ consultant. We do conduct various tests to check the application of silicone, and provide ‘Dow Corning Warranty’ then.

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WFM: What is your advice to the architects/ fabricators and other professionals in the construction sector?

JPH: Architects should insist on quality and specifications. Quality certification systems are incentives for fabricators. Such certifications should be widely accepted. This will transform the quality of work done by the fabricators bringing in more quality installations. Consultants and architects play a big role in specifying the quality.

WFM: Where do you see Dow Corning’s role in the industry by the year 2025?

DS: Given that Dow Corning’s silicone materials have been playing a key role in the global building and construction industry for over five decades now, we see ourselves continuing to play a key role in the industry in the decades to come - participating as well as enabling the shaping of the industry together with architects, the designers, the engineers, the fabricators - pretty much every stakeholder in the value chain.

Our commitment to the Indian customer will continue - we will continue to provide industry-leading expertise and the best of material solutions, ensuring the best performance, safety and durability of building projects.

In short, we will continue to grow with this industry, and will grow the business from strength to strength.

We have always been seen as innovators and collaborators to the market, and now that Dow Corning Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, we will be able to achieve greater customer intimacy - we now have the opportunity for newer product offerings, increased geographic reach and expanded R&D power to bring innovations to customers faster.

Project Watch

A Modern Public Facility New Railway Station Building, Hubli About the Architect:

Nalini Kembhavi Partner, Kembhavi Architecture Foundation

Nalini Kembhavi graduated from Sir JJ College of Architecture in 1972 and partnered her husband in establishing Kembhavi Architecture Foundation.

She was instrumental in strengthening the Dept. of Architecture in BVB College, Hubli and is an expert pedagogue at various institutions. Nalini’s bent towards green practices is one of her primary strengths and her course on solar passive architecture at IIT (Powai) fortified the firm’s knowledge base. A strong proponent of the green revolution, she steered the firm to join the Green Movement with an assortment of eco-sensitive habitats and a certified green building - one of the first in India. Nalini believes in creating innovative designs leaning towards a greener, better future, backed by competent technology and research.

HUBLI, officially known as HUBALLI, literally meaning “Flower creeper”, is located on NH4 connecting Mumbai to Bangalore. Hubli Railway enjoys the status of zonal headquarters of south western railway of Indian Railways. This railway junction is connected to Mumbai in North-West, Goa

in West, Bangalore in South, Hyderabad and Solapur in North. It meanders through the rich forests of Western Ghats, the mining belts of Bellary, Hospette, traverses through archeologically important heritage sites of Bijapur, Hampi, Badami, Pattadkal, Mysore etc., carrying commercial produce, manganese ore,

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New Station Building, Hubli

The entrance to the station

timber sheet etc. thus making it one of the busiest and important junction.

by segregating arrival and departure concourse at different levels. Circulating areas and entrances catered for easy drop and pick up points for passengers arriving/departing by different modes of transport viz. 2, 3 and 4 wheelers, private vehicles, and public transport system. Parking facility was planned considering the hierarchy of vehicles totalling to approximately 5000, apart from the local bus transport, and prepaid pay & use auto service.

Adequate toilet facilities were arranged for, including handicap friendly toilets.

Hubli, being strategically located geographically on Deccan plateau, was a part of political upheavals from Vijayanagar dynasty through Adilshahis, Mughals, Peshwas and finally the British. The first railway workshop was established in AD 1880 and a station was built in AD 1881. After a span of 131 years, there was a need of a new modern railway station felt, which led to the conceptualization of a new railway station.

Circulating Area: Easy entry and exit areas for arriving and departing passengers were planned

Main Building: The main building consists of three blocks – Blocks A, B and C. All the three blocks were conceptualized in such a way that the

Circulating areas and entrances catered for easy drop and pick up point for passengers

The use of sun control glazing in structural glazing and aluminium windows helps to cut down glare

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Use of aluminium composite panel makes the façade easy to maintain.

Structural glazing and spider glazing has been used to maximize the daylight factor

structure is developed into three separate buildings, each performing different functions. All these three blocks are connected by a wide corridor on the land side, which can take the self operated trolley parking & passenger traffic.

which is functionally effective and aesthetically pleasing. Another emphasis was on using products which do not require a lot of maintenance as it is a public building.

Block A takes care of the connecting subway to the concourse level, the station chief officer cloak room, ramps, escalators and supermarket at the lower and a mall at upper levels.

Block B contained booking offices, admin offices, VIP lounge and large waiting lounge , helpdesks at lower level and railway retiring rooms, dormitories for IT’s , inspection officers etc., at a higher level.

Block C takes care of passenger amenities viz. food plaza, passenger retiring rooms, cyber café, tourist information lounge, and waiting halls for ladies & gents.

It was observed that due to the distance from the main road and difference between the levels of the site and the road (main road being at a lower level than track level), the visual axis of the building was lost from the main road. The height difference also resulted in a porch which soars to a height of 12m, making it the focus of the station.

Use of granite flooring helps to naturally cool the common areas. It is an easily available local material which also takes well to the wear and tear of the heavy foot traffic.

The structure has tubular trusses with znalu puff sheet roofing to reduce the impact of heat and sound. It provides efficient thermal insulation and thus helps in saving power consumption costs. The use of Galvalume roofing provides sound proofing and helps to reduce internal building temperature.

It is long lasting and does not require constant maintenance.

Most of the areas are left open for easy air movement to reduce the noise level. Building façade faces south west, hence a large deep connecting corridor was designed in front of the building, which gives ample shade for the user.

Large skylight in block A illuminates the central

Façade Design Except Block C which has been designed as per RCC structure for vertical expansion, all the other blocks have been designed to cater to the requirement of unobstructed movement through large spans.

Combinations of natural and man-made materials were used for creation of an energy efficient space,

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The porch which soars to a height of 12m

Elevation drawing of the structure

atrium consisting of ramp, escalator to subway level. Structural glazing and spider glazing has been used to maximize the daylight factor. The use of aluminium composite panels makes the remaining façade easy to maintain. ACP, a recyclable product, is a product manufactured in the same region; hence it saves the transport costs incurred and reduces the impact on the environment. It reflects the sun rays hitting its surface and hence reduces the temperature inside the building and saves the power spent on air conditioning. The colour red in ACP is used to add accent to the elevation which otherwise has all neutral colours.

The use of sun control glazing in structural glazing and aluminium windows helps to cut down the glare and at the same time keeps the heat of the sun out of the building to a certain extent. It, however,

does not cut out sunlight and hence provides ample natural lighting within the building. The glazing and claddings are very pleasing aesthetically, and does not compromise on functionality. The major effort was to fit in the restrictive schedule of public works and yet give a modern façade.

QUICK FACTS Project: New Station Building at Hubli Location: Hubli, Dharwad District, Karnataka Client : South Western Railway Architect: M/s Kembhavi Architecture Foundation Commencement Date: November 2008 Site Area: 16.843 Acres Completion Date: 2016

Materials Used for Facade & Fenestration: Aluminium Composite Panel, Aluminium Windows & Structural Glazing, Spider Glazing, Zinc Aluminium coloured coated Galvalume sheet, Double skin insulation with glass wool sheet using cable suspenders for roofing; External plaster using Birla texture & Sandtex matt finish paint, Stainless steel & glass railings; Flooring: vitrified, granite & granite cladding.

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Post Event

UWDMA to Host a Series of Regional Conferences uPVC Window and Door Manufacturers Association’s (UWDMA) new initiative URC UWDMA Regional Conferences - is aimed to bring together the best of marketing and production minds to reinvent the uPVC Window, and educate and exchange best practices from across the Country. The first in the series is “The Cost Factor”. It is an estimation analysis program, which has been put together with the best in the industry to bring out a formula to arrive at the COST. Margins and product prices may differ from supplier to supplier; but the costs essentially remain the same unless someone ignorantly miscalculates them.

‘The Cost Factor’ advices one to

Glimpses of the Bangalore event

Interactive audience at the Chennai event

put the money where it should be, and warns one of potential pitfalls in the Industry.

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follows:

• Opening Session Presentation of 10 minutes by UWDMA extends its reach to • the sponsor(s) hundreds of UPVC window producers across the country with • The Cost Factor- Presentation this regional program in every • Panel Discussion – with major city possible. UWDMA has moderators successfully organised this event in Chennai (May 2017), Bengaluru • Live Case Study of 3-4 Window (June 2017) and Pune (July 2017) with a very interactive audience comprising primarily of uPVC window producers. The other cities where they will organise this event in 2017 are:

“THE COST FACTOR - an estimation analysis event” organised at Royal Connaught Boat Club, Pune, on 13th July 2017

The Program Agenda would be as

• 17 August 2017- Gurgaon • 15 Sept 2017- Hyderabad • 13 Oct 2017- Coimbatore • 17 Nov 2017- Ahmedabad • 15 Dec 2017 - Chandigarh Lucknow

producers present

On completion of the U-RC Series on ’The Cost Factor’, UWDMA proposes to start a monthly program for builders and developers, which will also be taken to all major cities in the country. Such programs will empower all stake­holders by infusing & sharing knowledge that will catalyze growth in the Indian markets.

Post Event

The Exquisite Balance of Technology & Viability Zak World of Facades 21st April, 2017 – Mumbai Zak World of Facades through its 27th edition globally and 6th edition in Mumbai, once again took up the ongoing cause of empowering the facade industry and bringing together the stakeholders to discuss and dwell on some novel concepts and ideas like ventilation, solar shading, structural glass, alternative facade materials - both natural and synthetic in nature, natural cladding material, GFRC and a lot more.

names from the construction industry in India. This time, at Mumbai, it was no different when the facade experts from India and abroad converged and shared their expertise and experience in order to achieve best façade execution practices. Needless to say, this edition exhibited some of the finest facade products and hosted some highly technical, but relevant to the Indian context, facade talks. The event was intimate, with over 427 attendees who thronged the Grand Ball room of ITC Maratha.

The one day conference held every year in prominent metropolitan cities of India is becoming a ‘go to’ event for the most prominent and appreciated

The endeavour was to unite the ever expanding brigade of experts in the field of façades and building

Tariq Kachwala, Director of FG Glass, was the Master of Ceremony

Balaji Chandran, Head Application Engineering, FunderMax India

Welcome address by Syed Ahad Ahmed of the Zak Group

l 120 WFM 3RD ANNIVERSARY EDITION l

Frank Goudman, Export Manager for Reason Asia

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envelopes, to bring to the fore the novice ideas and improvise the old, thereby enabling an adept and empowered façade industry. The conference doubled up as a unique platform for networking and enhancing business relationships.

The 6th Mumbai edition of Zak World of Facades started as Tariq Kachwala, Director of FG Glass, who was the Master of Ceremony for the event initiated the conference proceedings with a short synopsis of the day to unfold. Relating the past journey of Zak World of Facades, Syed Ahad Ahmed, Director, Zak group, welcomed the audience and hence began the much awaited technical presentations.

The first session saw an informative presentation by Balaji Chandran, Head - Application Engineering, FunderMax India, who highlighted the principles of ‘Rear Ventilated Facade Systems’’.

Taking the concept of ventilation to the next level was Frank Goudman, Export Manager for Reason Asia who elaborated on “Natural Ventilation & Solar Shading for High-Rise Buildings” while explaining the need for ventilation and solar shading in high rises and suggesting solutions for the same.

Next in line was an interesting and informative account on development of glass for structural applications, which normally is considered a non load-bearing building component. Presented by the charming Sanmukh Bawa, Project Engineer, Eckersley O’Callaghan, “Engineering Clarity in Glass” was one distinct highlight of the show and

Sanmukh Bawa, Project Engineer, Eckersley O’Callaghan

Nitin Govila, Managing Director - Asia Pacific, ME & Africa for Serge Ferrari

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sparked the interest of everyone present.

Session two began with Nitin Govila, Managing Director - Asia Pacific, ME & Africa for Serge Ferrari who presented an alternative approach for facades by talking about ‘Architectural Functions & Benefits of Tensile Fabric Facades. He explained its various uses in thermal comfort & glare control as well as the possibility of executing dynamic facades with day/night effect.

Moving on to the next, Ashish Kapoor, Sales Director at Schueco India gave a brief introduction to the world’s leading test centre - “The Schueco Technology Centre” for building envelopes.

Taking over the stage from him was the keynote speaker of the day Hans Brouwer, Director, HB Design, who gave an articulate view on “Innovations in High Rise Residential and Environmentally Responsive Office Facade Designs”. The presentation left the audience awestruck with its sheer brilliance and never-thought-before like approach.

The second session concluded with the panel discussion on “Exploring the Eco-friendly Alternatives for Building Envelopes”. The panel comprised of some of the most sought after names of their respective fields. They were Nikita Mehta, Senior Associate, Architect Hafeez Contractor; Mukesh Jaitley, Director - Projects, Wadhwa Developers; Jawahar HH, Director, Glass Wall Systems; Akhil Palherkar, Joint General Manager,

Ashish Kapoor, Sales Director at Schueco India

Hans Brouwer, Director, HB Design

Sourabh Kankar, Regional Manager, Gujarat Guardian

Rajan Govind, Director, BES Consultants

L&T Realty; Balaji Chandran, Head - Application Engineering, FunderMax India and Ulhas Ghare, Consultant, GFRC Technology. Moderator KR Suresh, Regional Director, Axis Facades, deftly steered the discussion that questioned the monopoly of glass in facades and explored the use and implications of using alternative facade materials.

The conference adjourned for the networking lunch and the delegates thronged the exhibit area while eating or waiting for their turn at the buffet.

Session three opened with an interesting presentation by Sourabh Kankar, Regional Manager, Gujarat Guardian on “Sustainable Solutions of Smart Cities”. He elaborated on energy efficient glass solutions with case studies and explained the use of tools and calculators for glass selection.

Presenting next was Rajan Govind, Director, BES

The panel discussion on “Exploring the Eco-friendly Alternatives for Building Envelopes”

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Malvinder Singh Rooprai, Technical Consultant (Asia Pacific), Kuraray

Micha Pawelka, Managing Director, Priedemann Building Envelope Consultants United Arab Emirates

Consultants, who highlighted the “Importance of Good Design with Practical Approach”. He explained how a resolved design can have a positive impact on the project success and the adverse impact of an unsuitable design.

Continuing the excitement, the next presenter, Malvinder Singh Rooprai, Technical Consultant (Asia Pacific), Kuraray showed the audience “What’s Inside a Laminated Glasss”, while highlighting Interlayer solutions for various applications and at the same time dwelling on the performance limits being pushed by new materials and building regulations.

Next to present was the dynamic Micha Pawelka, Managing Director, Priedemann Building Envelope Consultants - United Arab Emirates, who urged the audience to “Be Serious Please” about the facade consultancy and defied the audience by asking petulant questions like who is competent and how long will it take for the industry to learn the lessons of responsibility and accountability.

Moving on to the next presentation, Hitesha Thakur, Design Manager from Glass Wall Systems explained about the “Different Elements in Facades” like glass and beyond the glass. Session three was concluded with another thought provoking presentation by Tanuj Sharma, Zonal Head - Central & West India for Kinlong Hardware India, whose endeavour was to strive for “Innovation & Standardisation in Architectural Hardware. He touched upon key subjects like galfen coatings and analysis with GI Cables.

The conference was complemented by a unique display of fascinating façade products

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Hitesha Thakur, Design Manager from Glass Wall Systems

Tanuj Sharma, Zonal Head - Central & West India from Kinlong Hardware India

Session 4 commenced with the presentation on “Direct Applied Exterior Finishing System” by Koushik Sarkar, CEO, USG Boral. He emphasised on a dry wall cladding technology and its benefits, thereby envisioning a clean and dry future.

Final presentation of this extraordinary conference was by S Ravishankar, Manager - Application Engineering & Tech Services for Dow Corning who spoke on “Innovative Silicone Materials for Innovative Designs”. The presentation entailed studies of high strength and crystal clear silicone technologies for exterior facades.

The high octane day was concluded with an open house quiz on “Fire Safety & Security” with expert opinion from the panel. Tariq Kachwala, Director FG Glass was the quizmaster. Panellists included Sundeep Gwash, Principal, The Firm Associates; Rajeev Antony, Managing Director, Schueco India;

The open house quiz on “Fire Safety & Security” with expert opinion from the panel

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Koushik Sarkar, CEO, USG Boral

S Ravishankar, Manager - Application Engineering & Tech Services for Dow Corning

Prabhat Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai Fire Brigaded and Kamlesh Choudhari, Director, Glass Wall System. It was interesting to see how involved the audience was and actively took part in the question answer session that prompted them to think out of the box and come up with the ways in passive fire protection.

The conference was complemented by a unique display, where some of the most fascinating facade products were showcased. Schueco displayed their precision engineered Facade and Window Systems while Glass Wall Systems showcased their exceptional facade building services. Modiguard was present with their high performance Sunguard and Climaguard range of glass and complementing that was the high strength and high performance interlayer systems by Trosifol. The display included high precision hardware from the houses of Kinlong and Archintex. The Mumbai conference also saw a diverse range of alternative facade materials ranging from dry wall cladding system from USG Boral, ultrathin engineered marble cladding from Neolith and High Pressure laminates from FunderMax as well as the extraordinary tensile fabric facade system from Serge Ferrari along with beautiful natural finishes from titanium zinc cladding system - VM Zinc. Dow Corning showcased their line of clear and high performance silicone materials, and Renson was present with their unique range of ventilation and solar shading systems. McCoy Soudal displayed their silicone and adhesives, and Siderise from UK exhibited their unique range of perimeter barrier systems for fire and acoustic isolation.

Buzz Aparna Enterprises Expands its Product Portfolio of building materials and has several successful products across uPVC doors and windows.

The unit has a capacity to produce 9 to 10 Metric Ton / day of uPVC profiles for sliding and casement system. ÖKOTECH will cater to the North, West and East India markets. The uPVC profiles will be available for casement windows, sliding windows, arch windows, special windows in varied colours like Golden Oak, Dark Oak, Walnut & Mahagoni, etc.

Aparna Enterprises, the flagship company of Aparna Group, is now expanding its product portfolio to manufacture leadfree uPVC profiles under the brand name ‘ÖKOTECH’ and the manufacturing unit is located at Hyderabad. Aparna Enterprises is into fabrication and manufacturing

sections for additional strength to withstand high wind loads. ÖKOTECH claims that, it has the largest profile bending machine in India that can produce arches with max of 3 meter radius. Aparna Venster is the uPVC division of Aparna Enterprises, which specialises in doors and windows.

Aparna Venster has manufactured and installed around 1 million uPVC windows and doors.

The technology and the entire equipment for manufacturing of ÖKOTECH uPVC profiles are being imported from WEGOMA, Germany to ensure high reliability and accuracy in the manufacturing process. The uPVC profiles are reinforced with galvanized steel

Century Ply to Setup a Door Unit Century Plyboards (I) Ltd, one of the largest plywood manufacturers in the country is planning to set up a door manufacturing unit in collaboration with a world renowned Chinese Company.

However, the company has not disclosed the name of the Chinese collaborator or the approximate involved in the project.

Century Ply is also in the final stages of completing its MDF plant and commence production.

The plant is coming up in Hoshiarpur in Punjab and the company is investing Rs 405 crore (Rs 4.05 billion) in this project.

ll128 128WFM WFMMAR 3RD ANNIVERSARY - APR 2017 l EDITION l

The plant will have a capacity to manufacture 198,000 cubic metres per annum, thus making it to one of the largest MDF plants in the country. Also, the company expects to complete the expansion of additional 2 lines in its laminates unit within the current financial year.

Century Plyboards (I) Ltd is one of the largest seller of multiuse plywood and decorative veneers in the Indian organized plywood market. The company is engaged in the manufacture of plywood, laminates, veneer, MDF, blockboards and doors.

The company has seven manufacturing units at Joka (West Bengal), Guwahati (Assam), Kandla (Gujarat), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Karnal (Haryana) Roorkee (Uttarakhand), and Myanmar. The Myanmar and the Roorkee units are held through subsidiaries.

Greenply’s New Unit in Hardoi Greenply Industries Ltd, by setting up a new unit in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, is expanding its plywood manufacturing capacity by about 40%. By adding 13.5 million Sq m to its plywood and allied production capacity at the said unit in Hardoi, the total capacity will round up to 45.9 million Sq m. "This expansion will entail an investment of Rs 120 crore, out of which Rs 80 crore will be funded by debt and the rest through internal accruals," said V. Venkatramani, Chief Financial Officer at Greenply Industries. This comes after the demand for plywood is said to have increased post GST (goods and services tax) announcement which will encourage a shift from the unorganized to organized

markets. The stock for the Greenply Industries has also increased as much as 57% in this year fiscal year so far. “While we are recovering in the current quarter after demonetization, growth is likely to be challenging for the next financial year as well,” said Venkatramani, who expects revenue growth of 5-7% in FY18 (fiscal year).

ISI Mark for Gyproc Saint Gobain India Pvt. Ltd – Gyproc Business has become the first Indian manufacturer to license an ISI mark for its Gypsum plasterboards from the Bureau of Indian Standards. The certification is for Saint Gobain's Wada plant, Palghar district, Maharashtra.

This marks the first event for a manufacturer in the country to get recognition for the highest standard of manufacturing.

The certification is valid via IS No: IS 2095: Part 1: 2011 for gypsum plasterboard manufacturing of various thickness boards..

Renson Healthbox 3.0 - UX Design Awards 2017 Nominee Renson’s Healthbox 3.0 ventilation unit with its ‘My Healthy Ventilation’-app is one of the nominees for the UX Design Awards 2017. The Renson Healthbox 3.0 is an intelligent and fully autonomous ventilation eco-system. It consists out of a compact, silent yet very powerful ventilation unit with built-in sensors and a mobile application acting as the principal user interface. The user doesn’t need to actively control the ventilation system.

However the user app increases awareness of the necessity to ventilate and the positive impact on one's health by translating an abstract and real-time dataset into an intuitive interface through

colour, artificial intelligent text and dynamic tips & tricks.

It shows the actual indoor air quality of the personalized rooms and the current ventilation status.

From innovative products and services to future-oriented concept studies, the nominated solutions utilize state-of-the-art hologram technologies, artificial intelligence, speech recognition, 360° optics or organic 3D printing technologies for intuitive

applications in a wide range of sectors. With the specific focus of the award, the International Design Center Berlin (IDZ) seeks to underline the tremendous importance of intuitive humantechnology interfaces in all areas of life. The limited number of nominations exemplifies the high standards of the competition.

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Training on NBC 2016 and Glass & Glazing System To acquaint and update engineers, architects and professionals particularly from Government sector about the requirements for ensuring appropriate and safe use of glass in buildings as per the Section and Clauses included for the first time, in the recently revised National Building Code 2016 (Part 4 Fire and Life Safety Clause 3.4.10 Glazing pg 25-26 and Part 6 Structural Design Section 8 Glass And Glazing pg 1-79), Confederation of Construction Products and Services (CCPS) in collaboration with Indian Building Congress (IBC) organized two days Training Programme on “NBC 2016 and Glass & Glazing System in Buildings”. The event was held on 17 and 18 July 2017 at IBC, HQ, R. K. Puram, New Delhi. This was the eleventh training program CCPS organized with IBC on various topics and fourth one on Glass & Glazing System.

The program was inaugurated by Sanjay Pant (HoD, CED, BIS) on 17th

July and certificates distributed by Brig. Girish Joshi (DDGW (Design), MES) at Valedictory Session on 18th July 2017.

The well-attended programme saw participants from, Military Engineering Services, Central PWD, Bureau of Indian Standards, PWD Delhi Govt., PWD Gwalior MP, North Municipal Corporation of Delhi, PWD Rajasthan, MMRDA Mumbai, Schueco India, Dhruv Consultancy, Samrat Ashok Technology Institute (Vidisha, M. P.), Lingaya University (Faridabad) and Amity University. The dignitaries present at the event included Brgd.

Girish Joshi (DDG MES), D. S. Sachdev (former DG CPWD), R N Dandekar (former ADG CPWD), G P Sharma (former Chief Engineer - PWD Rajasthan), P S Chadha (former ADG CPWD), Arun Kumar (BIS) and faculty members.

conditions related to glass and glazing should be included in Building Byelaws and items should be part of Schedule of Rates/Specifications.

Audience

Inauguration of the programme

The program was appreciated by the participants and majority of them viewed that human safety Distribution of certificates

Fire Door Market to See an Increase in Growth Based on a new report by Global Market Insights, Inc., the fire door market is expected to see a rise in residential and commercial markets due to an increase in expenditure on safety of people. The aluminium fire door market is to exceed USD 2 billion in sales by 2024 while the Europe fire door market is estimated to witness CAGR exceeding 6% up to 2024.

Properties like durability, strength, lasting colour appearance and sustainability are added

benefits to the market supply. General public safety concern, rising casualty rate and property damage during any fire accident have also propelled communities and designers to consider fire doors in designs. Steel, glass and aluminium as per standards with superior resistance are some of the common materials used. Stringent government regulations and norms on building safety codes & fire protection system will fuel industry growth.

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