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Volume 11 | Issue 4
May–June 2025
Choosing the Right Hardware and Ensuring Long-Term Performance of Façades and Fenestrations
Karan Kumar, Head Operations, Proactive Facade Management Solutions
Key Considerations Before, During and After Façade Execution – A Quality Control Perspective
Rohit Rajpoot, Senior Service Engineer in Façade, Schueco India Pvt. Ltd
Designing the Future: Tools and Strategies for Efficient and Effective Façade & Fenestration Design
Ar. Sheetal Sharma and Ar. Dhruv Sarveshwar Lal, Dhruv Sarveshwar Lal and Associates 34 Science Before Design: Designing Façades that Actually Perform
Anmol Mathur, Partner, CoLEAD LLP 40 Safety and Resilience in Fenestration Systems: Fire-Rated Windows and Doors - Meeting Modern Safety Standards
Rohit Reddy, Founder and Managing Director, Signature Developers Pvt. Ltd.
43 ESG in Indian Real Estate: From Green Buildings to Holistic Sustainability
Nandana D Kumar & Vinod Kumar M. LEAD Consultancy and Engineering Services (India)
46 Sustainable Fenestration Trends: Innovations in Façade Design
Vinod Singhi, Founder & Principal Architect, BASICS Architects
50 Living Skins of the Future: Merging Landscape and Façade for Climate Responsive Architecture
Garima Dubey, Co-Founder, Ukiyo Habitat
55 The Evolution and Future of Exterior Drywall in Construction
Vijaybhan Singh, Partner, Akash Impex INC
62 Installation Can Make or Break the Best System Aluminium Windows
Mahima Chaudhary, Regional Head, Grefet International
69 The Expert’s Edge
Interview with Ravi Balakrishnan, Managing Director, aluplast India
78 Cover Story
Safe and Resilient Buildings - Role of Façades and Fenestrations
100 Industry Speaks
Interview with C. Shashidar Reddy, Managing Director, Shakti Hörmann (P) Ltd.
106 Face to Face
Interview with Tilak Thomas, Principal Architect, Thomas Associates
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.
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MALHOTRA Founder, WFM Media & McCoy
Founder’s Note WFMMEDIANOWBRINGSYOU
For over a decade, WFM Media, as part of the McCoy Group, has stood for one simple principle – authenticity. We have strived to bring you stories that matter, insights that build perspectives, and case studies that reflect the realities of our industry across India and beyond.
As the construction and façade landscape evolves, so must we.
I am pleased to share that WFM Media, a thought leadership initiative and knowledge-sharing platform, is now ready for its next chapter. In the coming months, we will be expanding into large-format video content and AI-enabled offerings, crafted to inform, engage, and inspire. These new formats will soon be accessible across all leading social media platforms and our YouTube channel.
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We’re excited about what lies ahead, and we remain grateful for your continued trust and support as we build this journey together.
A CURATED SUITE OF INSIGHTS
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Choosing the Right Hardware and Ensuring Long-Term Performance of Façades and Fenestrations
When you look at a modern building, whether it is a towering skyscraper, a smart commercial space, an airport, or a luxurious home, what stands out first is the façade. It is the face of the building, a blend of design and functionality. Alongside, fenestrations (like windows and glazed openings) play a vital role in allowing light in, providing ventilation, and ensuring comfort indoors. While we often focus on the aesthetics and glazing materials, there is one part that quietly holds everything together - the hardware.
From hinges and handles to brackets and locks, hardware might be small in size, but it plays a massive role in how well a façade or window system performs over the years. If chosen wisely and tested properly, the right hardware can ensure your façade system works smoothly, resists weather, and stands strong for decades.
Let’s break down why choosing the right hardware and proper testing is critical, and how it all works in real-life applications.
WHY HARDWARE MATTERS MORE THAN WE THINK
Hardware is the hidden backbone of any façade or window system. Think of it like the joints in a human body. Just like our joints help us move, open, close, and bear weight, hardware allows glass panels, aluminium frames, louvres, and windows to function efficiently and safely.
Poor hardware choices can lead to:
• Windows that do not shut properly, letting in water or air
• Loose panels or cladding during strong winds
• Difficulty in operation over time
• Safety and security risks
• Higher maintenance or replacement costs
That is why the selection of hardware should never be an afterthought. It should be planned right from the design stage.
KEY DESIGN FACTORS WHEN CHOOSING HARDWARE
While selecting hardware, we need to think beyond just fit and finish. Here are some essential design factors that guide the selection:
1. Load Capacity: Hardware must support the weight of the glass or panel. For example, operable windows with large glass panels need heavy-duty hinges and friction stays.
2. Movement and Expansion: Buildings expand and contract due to heat, cold, and wind. Hardware should accommodate this without getting loose or jammed over time.
3. Wind Pressure: In high-rise buildings or coastal areas, wind
Selecting the right hardware also affects long-term maintenance and safety Window testing
Architectural Hardware
pressure is intense. Hardware should be capable of holding the structure in place even under storm conditions.
4. User Experience: Hardware should be easy to use, especially in residential and public buildings. Smooth handles, simple locking systems, and accessible designs are essential.
5. Compatibility with the System: It is important to use hardware that is compatible with the framing system, glass thickness, and overall façade engineering. Otherwise, it may fail even if it is high quality.
MATERIAL MATTERS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT HARDWARE MATERIAL
The environment in which the building is located has a huge impact on the kind of materials we should use in hardware.
• Stainless Steel (SS 304 or SS 316): Ideal for coastal areas due to its corrosion resistance. SS 316 has even higher resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments.
• Zinc Alloys: Often used for locks and handles. Cost-effective but needs protective coatings for durability.
• Anodised or Coated Aluminium: Lightweight and rust-resistant but not as strong as steel. Good for small to medium loads.
• Engineered Plastics (Nylon, Polyamide): Used in rollers, bushings, and weather seals. Reduces friction and noise.
In most cases, manufacturers combine different materials based on function and exposure. For example, a hinge might have a steel core and nylon bushings.
TESTING FOR LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE
Testing is what separates assumption from assurance. Even the best-looking hardware might fail if not tested under real-world conditions.
COMMON TESTS FOR HARDWARE AND FAÇADE SYSTEMS
• Cycle Testing: Hardware is repeatedly operated (e.g. open/close 25,000 times) to test durability.
• Salt Spray Test (ASTM B117): Used to check corrosion resistance, especially for coastal or polluted zones.
• Air & Water Infiltration Test (ASTM E283/E331): Checks if the system resists air leaks and water entry under pressure.
• Thermal Cycling: Hardware is exposed to extreme temperatures to check expansion, contraction, and durability.
• Impact Testing: Especially for highsecurity areas or cyclone zones where resistance to sudden impact is crucial.
Hardware that passes these tests gives peace of mind that the system will perform reliably for 20–30 years or more.
Hardware Test List:
Durability test for slide hung window
Architectural Hardware
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
You may wonder, how does a small piece of hardware contribute to sustainability? The answer lies in energy efficiency and lifecycle durability. Good-quality hardware ensures:
• Windows seal tightly, reducing air leakage
• Reduced energy bills due to better insulation
• Lower replacement frequency, which means less material waste
• Durable systems that do not need frequent fixes or upgrades
Some manufacturers also offer ecofriendly hardware made with recyclable or low-carbon materials, aligning with green building certifications like IGBC, LEED, or GRIHA.
MAINTENANCE, SAFETY, AND SMART FEATURES
Selecting the right hardware also affects long-term maintenance and safety.
• Ease of Maintenance: Hardware should be easy to access, lubricate, or replace without disturbing the whole system.
• Safety Features: Restrictors, child locks, and anti-lift mechanisms help in public buildings and homes.
• Smart Hardware: Some advanced hardware comes with sensors that notify facility managers about usage, faults, or even attempted break-ins. These can connect with building management systems (BMS) for smarter operation.
CONCLUSION: IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT LOOKS - PERFORMANCE IS KEY
When designing or installing a façade or fenestration system, never underestimate the role of hardware. While it may seem like a small component compared to glass or aluminium, it holds everything together and keeps it functioning smoothly.
Choosing the right hardware - based on design needs, environment, material compatibility, and usage pattern - and ensuring proper testing leads to a system that performs efficiently for decades. It improves energy performance, reduces maintenance hassle, and, most importantly, ensures safety and durability.
In a world where buildings are becoming smarter, greener, and more complex, hardware is no longer just a mechanical add-on – it is an essential part of the building’s long-term success.
Arrun Chanana is the Founder and CMD of Proactive Façade Management Solutions Pvt. Ltd., is a pioneering force in India’s façade industry, credited with introducing the concept of one-point façade solutions. With over 35 years of experience in the hardware and façade industry, he has significantly influenced the evolution of modern façades across the country. His visionary approach seamlessly integrates design, engineering, and execution into a unified service model, simplifying complex façade processes for leading developers and architects. Under his leadership, PFMS has earned a reputation for quality, innovation, and end-to-end lifecycle management of building envelopes, making it a trusted name in the industry.
More than 60 years of innovation, development & production of premium hardware for aluminum windows and doors.
BT-Lock: The Most Discreet Sliding Door Lock on the Market
Discover the BT-Lock – the ultimate solution for seamless design and high performance. By locking only at the top and bottom, the vertical frame remains completely free of visible lock keeps or components, preserving clean lines and modern aesthetics. Built for durability, BT-Lock offers corrosion resistance up to class 4 and has been tested for smooth operation over 50,000 cycles. It operates effortlessly via a cylinder, boasts SKG*** certified burglary resistance, and requires no maintenance. Perfect for those who demand both security and architectural refinement.
Key Considerations Before, During and After Façade Execution – A Quality Control Perspective
Ameticulous pre-execution phase is crucial for the success of any façade project. Every detail, from design validation to material handling, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the façade system meets the highest industry standards. Below is a comprehensive guide to the critical considerations before façade execution begins, emphasising technical accuracy, structural integrity, and quality control.
KEY
CONSIDERATIONS
BEFORE FAÇADE EXECUTION – A QUALITY CONTROL PERSPECTIVE
1. Organisational Structure for Site Coordination
A well-defined organisational chart is essential for ensuring smooth coordination and effective communication across all teams involved in the project. The chart should clearly outline roles and responsibilities from senior management down to the supervisors, facilitating seamless collaboration between departments.
façade panels
Departments to be included:
• Design: Responsible for finalising and verifying the design, including all structural and aesthetic aspects of the façade system.
• Safety: Ensures that all safety protocols are followed on-site, conducting risk assessments, and making sure that safety standards are met at every stage of the project.
• Project Management (PM): Oversees project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring that all aspects of the project are progressing as planned.
• Quality Control (QC): Maintains quality standards throughout the project, conducting inspections, testing, and ensuring that all materials and installations meet the required specifications.
• Planning: Coordinates the scheduling and logistics, ensuring that all activities are carried out on time and resources are allocated efficiently.
• Store: Manages material inventory and ensures that all materials are delivered, stored, and handled correctly, preventing delays or damage.
Having a structured organisational chart ensures clarity in roles and responsibilities, minimises miscommunication, and helps the team quickly address any issues that arise during the execution phase.
2. Design-Related Documents and Preparations
A. System Design Considerations
• Wind Load Analysis: Detailed wind load calculations should be based on local climatic conditions, ensuring that the façade can withstand extreme wind pressures.
• Structural Integrity: Calculations for the entire façade system, including anchors, supports, and attachments, must ensure that the system meets the required safety margins per local building codes.
• Thermal Break System Design: The thermal break system should be chosen or designed based on the project’s performance requirements, including energy efficiency, insulation, and condensation control. The selected or designed system must align with the project’s thermal performance standards, addressing both energy conservation and structural demands. It should be compatible with other façade components to minimise thermal bridging and optimise overall system performance.
B. Design Documentation
• Concept and Shop Drawings: All design documents, including structural details, glazing
Corner sill joint in
specifications, and material finishes, must be reviewed and finalised before fabrication.
• Survey Reports: On-site surveys should be conducted to validate the alignment of the façade system with the building structure, ensuring that tolerances are maintained during installation.
• Hardware Data Sheets: All hardware specifications—such as anchors, fasteners, and seals—should be technically vetted to ensure compatibility with the façade system.
C. Material Procurement Plan
• Procurement Scheduling: Ensure that material procurement aligns with the floor closure schedule, ensuring that materials for corner panels, doors, openables, and standard panels are available well in advance.
• Just-in-Time Delivery: A robust logistics plan should be in place to ensure the timely delivery of materials, particularly critical components like glass and framing systems.
3. Early Procurement of Corner Panels, Doors and Openables
To avoid complications during installation and maintain quality standards, materials for corner panels, doors, and openables must be ordered early and be available on-site. Delaying material procurement for these components can lead to alignment issues, misfitting, and quality compromises during installation.
Key Considerations:
• Advance Material Ordering: Ordering materials early ensures availability for smooth execution. Delaying procurement can result in rushed installation and quality control challenges later on.
• Complete Material Planning: Ensure all corner panels, doors, and openables are ordered and fabricated ahead of time, along with standard panels, to avoid lastminute shortages and coordination issues.
• Accurate Fabrication: Early procurement allows for precise fabrication and avoids misalignment
Façade Project Management
that could arise from missing or delayed components.
• Seamless Integration: Ensure that all materials are available and fit within the design for proper integration with structural elements, preventing delays and rework.
4. Performance Mock-Up – Façade Testing
Mock-Up Testing: Full-scale mock-ups are essential for validating the design, installation procedures, and material performance. They help identify potential issues with system integration, aesthetic consistency, and functionality before fullscale execution begins. Mock-ups should serve as the reference point for the entire project, setting quality standards and confirming that all systems and materials perform as intended.
The mock-up test should be conducted as per the consultant’s recommendations. For example, the Water Stone project by Brookfield, tested at Winwall Testing Laboratory in Chennai on 3rd September 2024, underwent a comprehensive sequence of tests to verify the façade’s
performance under various conditions. The following tests were carried out:
These tests simulate a range of realworld conditions to assess the façade’s
Shop drawing elevation
Façade Project Management
performance in terms of air and water infiltration, structural stability, and overall durability. All performance standards should be documented and verified to meet local and international building codes. Successful testing of the mock-up ensures that the façade design, materials, and installation methods will deliver the desired results during full-scale execution.
5. Visual Mock-Up (VMU) Before FullScale Execution
Visual Mock-Up (VMU) is a crucial step in the pre-execution phase to ensure that the façade design is visually accurate before full-scale execution begins. It allows the design and quality teams to validate the appearance and aesthetic details of the façade, providing an opportunity for adjustments before installation.
Key Benefits of VMU:
• Design Validation: VMU offers a high-fidelity visual representation of the façade, ensuring that the final product will match the initial design intent.
• Material & Finish Verification: The VMU helps confirm that the selected materials, finishes, and colors are consistent with the design specifications.
• Alignment with Structural and Architectural Elements: VMU allows
the design team to ensure that the façade aligns correctly with the building’s architectural features.
• Simulating Installation Process: The VMU helps visualise the installation sequence, aiding the team in identifying potential conflicts or issues.
• Client and Stakeholder Feedback: It serves as a tool to ensure all stakeholders are aligned with the final appearance of the façade.
6. Glass Technical Considerations for Quality And Performance
Glass Selection: The glass type, thickness, and performance should be specified in collaboration with the structural consultant and architect to meet both aesthetic and structural requirements.
Key Considerations:
• Quality Assurance and Certification: Ensure that all glass components are sourced from certified manufacturers and meet relevant international quality standards.
• Edge Deletion, Glass Thickness, Spacer Color/Type, and Argon Gas Check:
• Edge Deletion: Proper edge deletion is necessary to ensure optimal adhesion between the glass and frame.
• Glass Thickness: Select glass thickness based on structural load requirements and safety standards.
• Spacer Color/Type: Ensure the spacer used between glazing layers is compatible with the design and meets durability standards.
• Argon Gas: Verify that argon gas is properly sealed within double-glazed units (DGUs) to enhance insulation and energy performance.
7.
Sample Boards for Quality Control
The Sample Board plays a critical role in setting the quality benchmarks for façade materials and finishes. It allows the design team, client, and quality control team to verify the materials and finishes before large-scale production and installation.
Key Points:
• Material Selection: The sample board helps to visually confirm the material, finish, and color selection.
• Texture and Finish: Sample boards should include full-scale mock-ups of the façade materials to examine texture, gloss, and finish.
• Validation: The sample board allows all stakeholders to approve materials and finishes before they are used in the façade installation.
8. Glazing Room Requirements for Optimal Glass Quality
Key Considerations:
• Dust-Free Environment: Maintain a dust-free zone to prevent contamination of glass surfaces.
• Temperature Control: Control temperature and humidity to prevent thermal expansion or contraction that could affect the glass quality.
Proper Racking- Store
Visual mock-up (VMU) before full-scale execution
• Handling Procedures: Follow proper handling and storage procedures to prevent damage to the glass during installation.
9. Store Management: Material Handling and Protection
Effective store management ensures that materials are stored, handled, and delivered correctly, reducing the risk of damage before installation.
Best Practices:
• Material Segregation: Classify and organise materials based on their type and size to facilitate easy access.
• Controlled Storage: Store materials in dry, temperature-controlled environments to prevent degradation or damage.
• Packaging of Panels: Panels should be carefully packaged using protective materials to safeguard against scratches, impacts, and any form of damage.
• Delivery Standards: Ensure that the delivery of materials follows industry best practices with secure transport to avoid damage during transit.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS DURING/ AFTER FAÇADE EXECUTION – A QUALITY CONTROL PERSPECTIVE
While working on high-rise façade projects, façade engineers have encountered and overcome several challenges in ensuring the success of these installations. In this part of the article, the author shares
Façade Project Management
some key considerations from his own experience, focusing on quality control and technical challenges faced during the execution and post-execution phases.
1. Powder Coating and Extrusion Profiles
One of the first steps in ensuring a successful façade system is the inspection of powder coating on extrusion profiles before fabrication begins. From my experience, quality control at this early stage is critical. Dry Film Thickness (DFT) must be checked to ensure uniformity across all profiles. Any discrepancy in the coating can lead to future issues with aesthetics and performance, especially for high-rise buildings exposed to extreme weather conditions.
2. Protection of Powder-Coated Profiles
After the profiles are powder-coated, it is crucial to wrap them with protection film. This simple step significantly reduces the chances of scratches, dents, and other physical damage during transport and handling. However, the protection film should not be removed until after installation, once all cleaning and floor activities are completed, ideally 45-60 days before final handover.
3. Fabrication Checklist and Approval
Before fabrication is considered complete, a detailed checklist must be followed. This checklist should cover the following:
• Dimensional checks
• Material quality verification
• Hardware compatibility
Low edge deletion
Sample boards for quality control
Façade Project Management
Having faced challenges in past projects, I’ve realised that it’s essential to ensure all components meet the correct tolerances and specifications to avoid delays during installation.
4. MS Inserts and Fixing Details Approval
One key challenge I’ve encountered in my work is ensuring that all MS inserts and fixing details are approved by the consultant and system provider well in advance. If there are any discrepancies or delays in approval, it can affect the structural stability of the façade and delay the entire installation process. Ensuring all fixings are approved early helps avoid issues later on.
5. Glazing Room and Glass Handling
In a high-rise façade project, glazing room conditions can make or break the quality of the final installation. From my experience, ensuring a dust-free environment, controlling temperature and humidity, and using the right handling equipment (like suction lifters) for glass panels are essential practices.
Key
Tests in the Glazing Room:
• Butterfly Test: Ensures the glazing system can withstand
high wind loads, critical for highrise façades.
• Deglaze Test: Verifies the resilience of the system when subjected to external forces, ensuring the glass doesn’t detach.
• Relative Test: Checks the movement between the glass and the frame, which is crucial for the durability and safety of the façade.
6. Detailed Post-Fabrication Checklist
After fabrication, I have found it very helpful to maintain a comprehensive checklist to confirm that:
• The fabrication aligns with design specifications.
• All components fit perfectly and are in the correct sequence for installation.
This step is crucial to minimise the need for rework and to ensure that the panels are prepared for the next stage in the process.
7. Floor Bracket Inspections
As a project manager on high-rise façade projects, I can’t stress enough the importance of performing a detailed inspection of the floor brackets before installation. These components play a significant role in ensuring the façade is securely fixed to the building. Any misalignment at this stage can result in critical issues later, which could affect both structural integrity and aesthetics.
Powder coating thickness check (DFT)
Silicone bedding below joint sleeve
Angle measurement using a protractor
Façade Project Management
8. Pull-Out Test for Anchors
One of the most challenging but essential aspects of façade installation is ensuring the anchors are strong enough to withstand the forces they’ll face. Pull-out tests should be conducted on all anchors before installation to verify their load-bearing capacity and ensure that they can maintain the façade’s stability under extreme conditions.
9. Subsill Alignment and Pond Testing
In my experience, the alignment of the sub-sill is one of the most crucial aspects of ensuring that the façade performs as expected. The sub sill must be aligned according to the survey results. After sealing the joints, I’ve found that conducting a pond test ensures there are no leaks, making it an essential step before moving forward with further installation.
10. Pre-Lifting Checks and Safety Protocols
Before lifting panels into place, it is critical to carry out comprehensive checks to ensure everything is ready. I’ve worked on numerous projects
where safety protocols were rigorously followed before any lifting operations began. This includes:
• Verifying that the panels are secure and free from defects.
• Ensuring lifting equipment is functioning and safe to use.
• Making sure the workforce is welltrained in safety norms to avoid accidents.
11. Gasket Cross-Checking
and Waxing
Cross-checking gaskets before lifting is a step that I always ensure is performed thoroughly. Gaskets are vital for ensuring the system’s integrity, and applying wax to them helps the panels slide smoothly during installation. Missing this step can lead to friction, resulting in installation delays or even damage to the panels.
12.
Cleaning Before Lifting Panels
In my experience, cleaning is one of the most underrated but crucial steps. Before lifting panels into place, it is vital to ensure that both the panels and the installation area are clean. This minimises the risk of any debris being trapped between the panels, which could damage the surface or interfere with the sealing process.
13. Panel Alignment Post-Installation
Once the panels are installed, it’s crucial to check their alignment. All panels should be aligned according to the approved stack height and vertical grooves. Misalignment can affect the façade’s appearance and lead to significant challenges in both quality and structural performance later on.
14. Pond Testing After Installation
After each installation cycle, I always make sure to conduct a pond test. This
Pull-out test for fasteners
Standard sill joint in facade panels
Façade Project Management
test helps to ensure that the installation is watertight, preventing leaks that could cause significant damage in the long run.
15.
Post-Installation Checklist
I always advocate for a detailed postinstallation checklist. This checklist is essential for verifying that the installation is complete, the façade system is secure, and all components are functioning correctly. This checklist should be reviewed by the quality team, PMC, and the client to ensure full satisfaction before handover.
16. Complete Record Keeping of All Reports
Maintaining comprehensive records of inspections, testing, and approvals is crucial. These records serve as a reference for future maintenance and inspections and can also provide proof of compliance with regulations.
17. Handover and Final Cleaning
Before the façade system is handed over to the client, a final cleaning is necessary to ensure the façade looks pristine. This includes removing any installation debris, dust, or other residues from the system to make sure it looks as intended.
18. Maintenance
Finally, I always emphasise the importance of creating a maintenance plan for the client. This plan should include:
• Regular cleaning schedules
• Periodic inspections of the seals, gaskets, and hardware
• Recommendations for maintaining the system’s performance and appearance
CONCLUSION
Working on high-rise façade projects has given me a deep understanding of the technical, design, and quality control aspects contributing to a successful installation. By focusing on these key considerations during the post-execution phase, we can ensure that the façade system meets all structural and aesthetic requirements while maintaining long-term performance.
Every detail, from powder coating inspection to post-installation maintenance, plays a significant role in the success of a façade system. I hope sharing my experiences helps others understand the complexities and challenges of high-rise façade execution and how quality control is paramount to ensuring the desired results.
ROHIT RAJPOOT
Senior Service Engineer in Façade, Schueco India Pvt. Ltd.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rohit Rajpoot is a Senior Service Engineer in Façade at Schueco India Pvt. Ltd., based in the Delhi NCR region. He holds a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering and brings over seven years of experience in façade design, technical services, and quality management. His expertise spans a diverse range of cladding materials, including zinc, aluminium, GRC, and FRP, with a focus on both design and production. Throughout his career, he has worked on numerous high-rise projects, specialising in façade glazing. His deep technical knowledge, combined with experience in managing complex projects, enables him to deliver innovative and highquality solutions. Currently, he is with Schueco, a global leader in aluminium systems, where he continues to make significant contributions to the façade industry.
Façade panel level check
Pond test on façade
Designing the Future: Tools and Strategies for Efficient and Effective Façade & Fenestration Design
In contemporary architecture, façades do far more than shape the visual identity of a buildingthey regulate performance, influence occupant comfort, and define a project’s environmental footprint while catering to its aesthetics. As architects, we are no longer simply skinning buildings with stylistic veneers or false façades; we are engineering interfaces between inside and outside, art and science, static form and dynamic function.
Central to this evolution is fenestrationthe placement and detailing of windows, curtain walls, and shading elements. A well-designed façade and fenestration strategy can reduce energy consumption, improve daylight autonomy, enhance user well-being, and even extend a building’s lifespan.
But achieving this level of performance requires more than intuition. It demands an integrated design process supported by powerful tools - digital platforms, parametric workflows, and performance
simulations - that enable us to test, iterate, and optimise like never before.
This article explores how these tools, when coupled with sound design principles, empower architects to create façades that are not only efficient and code-compliant but elegant, expressive, and future-ready.
WHY FAÇADES MATTER MORE THAN EVER
A building’s façade is its most visible element, yet its performance impact is equally profound. Consider the multiple roles it must fulfil:
• Environmental Mediator: The façade controls light, heat, air, and moisture transfer between interior and exterior environments.
• Cultural Communicator: It expresses context, materiality, and identity.
• Energy Gatekeeper: Façades and windows influence HVAC loads, daylight penetration, and solar gain more than any other element.
• User Interface: Through views, ventilation, and light, the
façade directly affects occupant experience.
In the age of climate urgency and wellness design, the façade is a critical battleground. And thanks to evolving tools, we now have the means to design them with unprecedented precision and intelligence.
DIGITAL TOOLS TRANSFORMING FAÇADE DESIGN
1. BIM Platforms: Revit and ArchiCAD Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms like Autodesk Revit and Graphisoft ArchiCAD form the backbone of modern façade workflows. They enable us to model systems in 3D with embedded data—thermal performance, material specifications, cost estimates, and more.
Hotel West End view: For façades that require complexity, variation, or responsiveness, Rhino and Grasshopper are indispensable
The Ambrose, sector-117, Mohali, Punjab: The building’s façade is its most visible element, yet its performance impact is equally profound
Curtain wall assemblies, panelised cladding, and custom glazing modules can be developed with detailed geometry and performance attributes. These models form the basis for collaboration across disciplines— architects, engineers, contractors, and fabricators.
Benefits:
• Unified modelling and documentation
• Enhanced clash detection and constructability reviews
• Integrated cost, schedule, and performance data
2. Parametric Modelling: Rhino + Grasshopper
For façades that require complexity, variation, or responsiveness, Rhino and Grasshopper are indispensable. These tools allow us to define rule-based geometries that adapt to environmental data, view corridors, or programmatic requirements.
With parametric modelling, sunshading systems can be optimised based on solar orientation, or perforated panels can adjust their openness based on daylight needs or visual privacy.
Benefits:
• Rapid generation and refinement of form
• Logic-based control over façade elements
• Seamless integration with performance analysis plug-ins
3. Performance Simulations: Solar Tracking and Heat Gains
A façade that looks good but performs poorly is no longer acceptable. Tools like Ladybug and Honeybee (Grasshopper
plug-ins) allow us to analyse daylight autonomy, glare, solar heat gain, and energy use directly within the design process.
For concept-level analysis, software enables quick feedback on HVAC loads, glazing efficiency, and shading strategies. These tools model airflow, thermal bridging, and material behaviour with high fidelity.
Benefits:
• Informed decision-making from early design phases
• Quantifiable validation of passive strategies
• Better alignment with green building certifications (LEED, IGBC, GRIHA)
• DIGITAL FABRICATION & DETAILING: CATIA, INVENTOR, TEKLA STRUCTURES
As façade systems become more bespoke, the need for precision in detailing has increased. Software tools enable highresolution 3D modelling of custom panels, unitised curtain walls, and kinetic shading systems.
These platforms also support digital fabrication, allowing direct collaboration with manufacturers and fabricators. They help translate complex geometries into rationalised, buildable systems.
Anchorage - For concept-level analysis, software enables quick feedback on HVAC loads, glazing efficiency, and shading strategies
Hotel West End view - Curtain wall assemblies, panelised cladding, and custom glazing modules can be developed with detailed geometry and performance attributes
BIM
Benefits:
• Fabrication-ready models with embedded data
• Reduced errors in manufacturing and installation
• Cost savings through material efficiency and modularity
STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE FAÇADE AND FENESTRATION DESIGN
While tools enable performance, strategy ensures relevance. Here are key principles that guide efficient, context-sensitive façade design:
1. Climate-Responsive Design: Design begins with context. Orientation, solar path, and prevailing winds must inform every decision - from glazing ratios to shading devices. Use local climate data to tailor thermal performance, maximise daylight, and minimise glare.
2. Rationalisation and Modularity: Façades composed of repetitive, standardised modules are more costeffective and constructible. Rational geometry reduces fabrication time, material waste, and installation errors.
3. Integrated Shading Systems:
Rather than treating shading as an afterthought, design it as an integral element. From brise-soleil to doubleskin façades, effective solar control improves energy use and visual comfort.
4. Smart Material Choices: Material selection should consider not just aesthetics but also thermal behaviour, durability, and embodied carbon. High-performance glazing, fibre cement panels, terracotta rainscreens, and biobased composites offer strong performance with reduced impact.
5. User-Centric Transparency: Balance view, daylight, and glare. Façade systems should prioritise human comfort - providing visual connection to nature while managing brightness and privacy. Operable windows or adaptive systems further enhance occupant control and satisfaction.
The future of façade design lies not in more tools, but smarter use of them.
Emerging technologies like AI-assisted design, real-time environmental sensors, and digital twins will soon enable façades to adapt in real time - adjusting shading, ventilation, and opacity in response to weather, occupancy, and daylight.
But even as technology evolves, the architect’s role remains irreplaceable. Tools can inform and accelerate - but it is our vision, empathy, and contextual understanding that turn data into design.
CONCLUSION: DESIGNING WITH PURPOSE AND PRECISION
Façades are no longer static exteriorsthey are performative systems that shape experience, regulate energy, and respond to climate. By integrating the right tools with deliberate strategies, architects can create façades that are not only efficient and compliant but beautiful, sustainable, and responsive.
In the end, façade design is a synthesis of form and function, art & analysis, vision and verification. And with the right mindset and the right tools, we can design façades not just for today’s needsbut for tomorrow’s challenges.
Hotel West End view: façade design
Plan of Elixys Suites Hotel façade - Phase 5, Mohali, Punjab
Parametric Harmony and Material Contrast in the Elixys Suites Hotel Façade
Phase 5, Mohali, Punjab
This case study explores the façade design of Elixys Suites by Daawat, a boutique hospitality project based in the Chandigarh Tricity zone that demonstrates how a hybrid envelope system—composed of aluminium panels, aluminium louvres, and terracotta clay bricks—can embody both architectural expression and performance intelligence. Located in a dense urban environment, the design reconciles aesthetic rhythm, solar control, and material articulation through parametric logic and modular strategies. This article, structured for Façade Tectonics readers, delves into the design process, material selection, digital tools used, and the contextual value of the project.
DESIGN INTENT: EXPRESSIVE MINIMALISM AND PASSIVE PERFORMANCE
In an increasingly homogenised built environment, Elixys Suites stands out by adopting a vertically rhythmic and deeply textured façade. The objective was to articulate modern urban identity while delivering thermal and daylight control. The design pursues a visual interplay between fluid verticality and modular grounding, achieved through a carefully calibrated materials palette and digital design methodology.
Three key goals informed the façade strategy:
1. Vertical Emphasis & Iconicity: The hotel needed a distinct visual identity without resorting to superfluous ornamentation.
2. Material Contrasts: The envelope would showcase contrasting material textures and thermal behaviours - insulation from brickwork and sleek precision and insulation from aluminium.
3. Passive Solar Strategy: Integrate elements that reduce solar heat gain and glare on the south and west elevations.
FAÇADE COMPOSITION
1. Parametric Aluminium Panel Fins
The most dominant visual element of the façade is a series of vertically arrayed aluminium composite panels, designed through different phases of inspirational conceptual sketching and final conversion through parametric scripting by allied façade partners. These panels are shaped using a curvilinear logic that responds to both visual rhythm and solar orientation. The vertical fins frame window openings asymmetrically, creating a sculptural effect that modulates across floors.
• Function: Visual identity, partial shading, modulation of fenestration
• Material: Coated aluminium in a matte silver finish
• Fixing System: Mechanical subframe to reinforced concrete with thermal breaks
• Panel Strategy: Rationalised into modules for fabrication efficiency
This strategy allowed the use of a doublelayer aesthetic without complexity in construction. It also permitted cost-effective implementation in a non-repeating façade, while avoiding monotony through subtle curvature shifts.
2. Corrugated Aluminium Louvres
Behind and between the panelised elements lie corrugated aluminium louvres, in matte graphite black. These louvres serve a dual purpose: they act as a secondary shading skin and provide depth and ventilation to the façade system.
• Function: Reduce solar heat gain, provide dynamic shadow play, aid in moisture escape
• Installation: Back-ventilated cavity anchored on a secondary framing grid
Their crisp, repetitive geometry forms the background plane against which the silver panels project a play of solidity and void that changes with daylight. The louvres also allow air circulation behind the ACP cladding, extending façade lifespan.
3. Terracotta Clay Brick at Podium Level and Façade Length
The ground floor podium zones are wrapped in exposed terracotta clay brick, anchoring the building with tactile, human-scaled materiality. This transition from lightweight metal to solid masonry reflects a deliberate urban gesture: hospitality at the street edge must invite touch, comfort, and scale.
• Function: Material grounding, contrast, thermal mass and insulation
• Bonding Pattern: Running bond with recessed mortar joints
• Thermal Role: Acts as passive mass for diurnal temperature regulation
The brick elements serve as both thermal buffer and textural counterpoint to the sleek aluminium. At eye level, they establish visual and thermal comfort, especially in outdoor dining and pedestrian zones.
Elixys by Daawat, Phase 5, Mohali, Punjab
BIM
PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS
1. Solar Control and Orientation
The east and south façades required aggressive shading to counteract morning and midday sun. Solar studies guided the fin geometry and panel density. Areas with higher solar exposure were assigned denser panel arrangements and louvre recesses.
2. Daylight and Views
Despite a narrow urban site, the vertical spacing of fins ensured unobstructed daylight access and glimpsed views through strategically positioned windows. The façade achieves a balance of privacy and transparency, avoiding direct line-ofsight into rooms while maintaining visual porosity.
3. Ventilation Strategy
Operable windows are integrated behind louvred zones, allowing for cross ventilation in shoulder seasons. The open joint system between panels also permits façade ventilation, mitigating moisture build-up.
4. Material Performance
• Aluminium Panels: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable; lifespan over 50 years.
• Louvres: Durable and low-maintenance; serve as rain screens and thermal buffers.
• Brick: Provides insulation, thermal inertia, and local identity.
FABRICATION AND CONSTRUCTION EFFICIENCY
All façade elements were developed and exported into software by various consultants for detailed panel modulation. This ensured coordination between architectural, structural, and fabrication teams.
• Panel Optimisation: Modules rationalised into five sizes to streamline cutting and reduce waste
• Brickwork Mock-ups: Built on-site for joint control and texture refinement
• Louvres: Delivered as prefabricated vertical units in parts, reducing site installation time
Through these steps, the project balanced design ambition with practical constructability—a key tenet of contemporary façade tectonics.
URBAN AND EXPERIENTIAL IMPACT
The Elixys Suites façade performs not just technically, but culturally. By layering materials and orchestrating contrasts, it achieves a dialogue between contemporary minimalism and regional warmth. For visitors, the vertical rhythm inspired by a rhythmic flame draws the eye upward, emphasising elegance. At street level, the brick invites tactile engagement and comfort, enriching the pedestrian experience.
The hotel’s visual identity is thus inseparable from its envelope. What could have been a nondescript urban infill project becomes a case study in material integration, passive strategy, and digital precision.
CONCLUSION
In Elixys Suites by Daawat, the façade is not a stylistic afterthought—it is a multifunctional, expressive skin. Through a trio of carefully selected materials—anodised aluminium panels, aluminium louvres, and terracotta bricks—the design marries performance with presence, modularity with meaning.
The project demonstrates how a smallscale building can be a testbed for façade innovation, particularly when supported by parametric tools, simulation data, and local construction intelligence. As façade tectonics continues to push architecture towards integrated performance and expressive craft, projects like this point to a refined and replicable path forward.
Quick Facts:
• Project: Elixys Suites by Daawat
• Location: Phase 5, Mohali, Punjab
• Type: Boutique Hotel
• Client: Mr. Surjit Singh
• Architect: Dhruv Sarveshwar Lal & associates
• Façade Consultants: Magna Surge and Bharat Engineering
• Completion date: April 2025
• Façade System Type: Hybrid ventilated rainscreen façade with fixed vertical aluminium panels & fins, aluminium louver inserts, and exposed brick masonry
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ar. Dhruv Sarveshwar Lal, Founder Principal Architect, Dhruv Sarveshwar Lal and Associates is an alumnus of the Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh. Being exposed to projects of national repute during his forming years as a young architect drove him to form an ideology of his own true to the very essence of architecture. His aim always to reinvent, transform and enliven every space into an environment that responds to its occupants like a living organism with innovative designs & details inspired from the smallest of existence.
Ar. Sheetal Sharma, Principal Architect, Dhruv Sarveshwar Lal and Associates is a creative, passionate & an art lover with a penchant for vibrant, bold and distinguishable works. An expert in spatial aesthetics and organisation, handling luxury hospitality and residential projects, she raises the bar with her designed colour balance and aesthetic influence. The artist at heart; out of love for architecture her resolve is strengthened by the belief that knowledge needs to be shared to set right pragmatism to induce responsible architecture practice and culture.
AR. SHEETAL SHARMA Principal Architect, Dhruv Sarveshwar Lal and Associates
AR. DHRUV SARVESHWAR LAL Founder & Principal Architect, Dhruv Sarveshwar Lal and Associates
INDIA’S FIRST
Science Before Design: Designing Façades that Actually Perform
Imagine stepping into your new office tower. Sunlight floods the space. The walls gleam with sleek glazing. But by 2 PM, it is a furnace. Blinds are drawn. Air conditioning battles the heat. The view disappears. Comfort? Compromised.
And yet, this building probably holds a “green” certificate - Gold, maybe even Platinum.
This paradox is all too common. While our façades look futuristic, they often behave like relics of a bygone era - built on guesswork, aesthetics, and assumptions. What we need is a fundamental shift: a move from designing for looks, to designing based on science.
The traditional wisdom that guided vernacular architecture has become obsolete in our era of high-rise construction and advanced building technologies, materials, and electromechanical systems. Design principles that worked for modest-scale vernacular buildings simply do not translate to the complex thermal dynamics of contemporary corporate towers. Modern lighting systems eliminate
the need for traditional skylights to achieve daylight quality, advanced HVAC systems can deliver fresh air without operable windows, and highperformance insulation materials can maintain comfort without massive thermal mass.
Yet buildings continue to underperform. The disconnect lies not in our technology, but in our decisionmaking process during the critical design phase.
The good news? We already have the tools. We just have not made them central to the process.
ENTER BUILDING PHYSICS SIMULATIONS
Building science simulations are not new. They are the modern evolution of climate wisdom - now powered by data and computing. These tools do not just help you pass codes or win green badges. They help you ask and answer better questions early in the process.
Parametric tools like Ladybug + Grasshopper allow designers to simulate various depths, spacing, and angles of shading devices, tailoring them precisely to solar geometry
Building science simulations reveal the true thermal dynamics of tropical façades
• What happens if we reduce glazing from 60% to 35%?
• What is the real benefit of a shading fin?
• Can we lower HVAC size by improving façade design?
Simulations allow us to test these what-ifs before they become built realities.
BASICS FIRST - CLIMATE AND SOLAR STUDIES
Building science simulations reveal the true thermal dynamics of tropical façades. In Indian climates, envelope
heat gains follow a predictable hierarchy: solar gains through glazing dominate at 50%, followed by roof conduction at 24%, east and west walls contributing 8% each, south walls at 7%, and north walls at a modest 3%.
However, this distribution varies dramatically with building scale. In compact residences around 900 square feet, envelope gains can represent 70% of total building heat gain. In large corporate offices exceeding 10,000 square feet, this drops to merely 25%, as
internal loads from occupants, lighting, and equipment dominate deeper floor plates.
This data fundamentally reshapes façade strategy. For large commercial buildings in hot climates, optimising form factor becomes critical - compact ratios between 0.4-0.6 minimise thermal exposure. Conversely, smaller residential buildings in humid climates can accommodate higher form factors of 1.8-2.0 to capitalise on natural ventilation opportunities.
SHADING CAN SAVE YOUR FAÇADE (AND YOUR BILLS)
Shading is more than just aesthetic - it is performance geometry. In one factory office project in Delhi, adding vertical shading fins cut direct solar heat gain by 65%, reducing the glass surface temperature from 65°C to 48°C in peak summer. That means lower HVAC loads, cooler interiors, and happier occupantswithout relying on expensive glazing.
Parametric tools like Ladybug + Grasshopper allow designers to simulate various depths, spacing, and angles of shading devices, tailoring them precisely to solar geometry - and sometimes eliminating the need for premium glazing altogether.
With
Shading is more than just aesthetic - it is performance geometry
HEAT, GLARE & VIEWS: A DELICATE BALANCE
Windows serve multiple masters: thermal control, daylight provision, and psychological connection to the outdoors. High-performance glazing has advanced significantly, yet the fundamental truth remains - more glass means more heat. The challenge lies in achieving optimal balance without forcing occupants to deploy blinds that negate both daylight and view benefits.
Advanced simulation can evaluate glare probability alongside minimum illumination thresholds, targeting Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) of 300 lux to minimise artificial lighting dependence. The recently completed Nalanda University library exemplifies this integrated approach: combining high-performance double glazing with 45% visible light transmission and modular triangular fins, simulations achieved remarkable results - Daylight Glare Probability reduced to just 19%
while sDA increased to 70% of floor area.
This represents a paradigm shift from traditional trial-and-error methods to precision engineering of human visual comfort.
Overheating from glass façades creates invisible inefficiencies beyond mere energy consumption. Thermal and visual comfort are spatially dynamic. A workstation by the east window feels different from the lunch table in the courtyard. With comfort maps - spatial grids of heat load, predicted mean vote (PMV), daylight levels, glare hot spotswe can truly read the lived experience of space.
Poorly performing façades can render 10% of premium floor area unusable due to comfort issues. Simulationdriven façade optimisation addresses these hidden costs, improving thermal uniformity without compromising daylight access, view quality, or
architectural expression. The economic argument becomes compelling: façade improvements can reduce cooling energy demand by 20–40% while simultaneously increasing usable floor area.
INTEGRATED DESIGN AND THE AGE OF AI
Sounds fancy, but this is the hardest aspect - prioritising design decisions and ensuring the final product is an optimised integrated design which balances not only performance but cost. Parametric simulations powered by modern computing and AI tools help in arriving at the most optimum solutions which perform and pay back well.
In a simulated comparison of multiple façade options, the optimised design and specifications ensured:
• Energy use (EPI) dropped from 135 to 115 kWh/m²/year
• Cooling load dropped by 400,000 kWh
• Uncomfortable hours near the façade fell from 2,000 to 500 per year
• Façade costs were slashed in half - all while improving comfort
Without simulation, these insights would remain invisible.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising façade optimisation through generative design algorithms. Tools like Wallacei and Octopus employ evolutionary algorithms to explore thousands of façade variations simultaneously, identifying optimal configurations that would be impossible to discover through conventional design iteration.
The challenge lies in achieving optimal balance without forcing occupants to deploy blinds that negate both daylight and view benefits
Simulated comparison of multiple façade options
Visualisation tools like Midjourney accelerate concept development, allowing rapid exploration of architectural expression possibilities for optimised façade solutions
Machine learning models can now predict high-performance envelope specifications based on building typology, climate data, orientation, and programme requirements. More dramatically, AI-powered co-simulation engines compress analysis time from hours to minutes, enabling real-time design feedback during schematic phases.
Visualisation tools like Midjourney accelerate concept development, allowing rapid exploration of architectural expression possibilities for optimised façade solutions. This convergence of performance analysis and aesthetic exploration eliminates the false choice between technical optimisation and design ambition.
The path forward requires systematic change across policy and practice. Building codes must evolve beyond prescriptive compliance to mandate evidence-based performance verification. Green rating systems should reward demonstrated envelope performance rather than checklist adherence.
Most critically, the industry must recognise that simulation is not a design burden - it is a design enabler. The cost
of comprehensive façade simulation typically represents less than 1% of a project’s HVAC capital expenditure while potentially reducing operational energy costs by 20–40% over the building’s lifetime.
Contemporary façades are not mere architectural skin - they are sophisticated climate interfaces that mediate between exterior conditions and human comfort. With building simulation technology and AI-powered optimisation tools now mature and accessible, we possess unprecedented capability to design high-performance envelopes that exceed compliance standards and actively enhance occupant experience.
The question is not whether we can create better façades - it is whether we will choose to use the tools already at our disposal. In an era of climate urgency and energy consciousness, sciencebefore-design is not just best practice - it is professional responsibility.
The future of façade engineering lies not in intuition, but in intelligencecomputational intelligence applied with design wisdom to create buildings that perform as beautifully as they appear.
ANMOL MATHUR Partner, CoLEAD LLP
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anmol Mathur is a dynamic young building physicist and partner at CoLEAD LLP, bringing infectious energy and fresh thinking to the sustainability and façade design industry. With a Master’s in Building Energy Performance, he specialises in energy simulations, climateresponsive architecture, and AIintegrated design. Anmol was named CIBSE Young Modeller of the Year 2022 and has authored several publications advancing building science in India. Passionate about merging data with design, he represents the next generation of sustainability leaders - committed to shaping high-performance, human-centric environments through rigorous simulation, innovation, and purposedriven architecture.
Building Safety
Safety and Resilience in Fenestration Systems: Fire-Rated Windows and DoorsMeeting Modern Safety Standards
In the evolving architectural vocabulary of high-density cities, building envelopes have come to represent more than aesthetics or energy efficiency. Fenestration systems - comprising windows, doors, glazed partitions, and façades - now form the front line of safety and performance in modern structures. Among the most critical considerations within this envelope is fire safety, where the role of fire-rated fenestration has become central to the design and construction of responsible buildings.
As urban buildings grow taller and spatially complex, the need for advanced fire containment strategies has become more
urgent. Fire-rated windows and doors are no longer secondary specifications tagged onto designs for compliance; they are central to safeguarding life, infrastructure, and assets. This shift reflects broader changes in both regulatory frameworks and public expectations, where resilience is increasingly regarded as a defining characteristic of quality.
WHY FIRE-RATED SYSTEMS ARE ESSENTIAL
The fundamental role of fire-rated doors and windows is to compartmentalise a building during a fire event, slowing or halting the spread of flames, heat, and smoke. This compartmentalisation is
essential in giving residents, staff, and emergency responders the time and space needed to evacuate or manage the situation. In India, where highrise construction is booming and fire safety awareness is still maturing, such systems are not just value-adds - they are imperative.
National safety codes, such as the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, mandate the inclusion of fire-rated systems in critical areas such as lift lobbies, stairwells, corridors, service ducts, and basement entries. These zones are often the primary routes for evacuation and emergency access, making their protection
The development uses slim-profile aluminium fire-rated frames that do not obstruct the architectural rhythm
paramount. As fire can compromise a structure within minutes, certified systems - rated for durations of 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes - must be carefully selected and correctly installed to meet both legal requirements and performance expectations.
MATERIAL SCIENCE, TESTING, AND CERTIFICATION
Contemporary fire-rated systems use specialised glass and framing materials that undergo stringent testing under national and international standards. The performance of these components is assessed not only for their ability to resist fire but also for their structural integrity, thermal insulation, and radiation control.
Glass types such as ceramic, intumescent, and laminated multi-layer systems each have specific applications. Ceramic glass, known for its clarity and resistance to thermal shock, is ideal in areas requiring visibility without compromising safety. Intumescent glass, which expands under heat to form a smoke and heat barrier, is critical in tightly enclosed spaces. Multilayer laminated glass combines strength, acoustic insulation, and design flexibility, allowing for broader applications in both public and private spaces.
Equally important are the frame materials - steel for strength and durability, aluminium for corrosion resistance with appropriate fireproofing, and treated timber for design-led interiors. The effectiveness of a fire-rated assembly lies not only in its individual components, but in the tested and certified performance of the complete system - glass, frame, hardware, and installation. In India, standards such as IS 3614 and IS 3809 are applied alongside international benchmarks, including EN 1364/1634, BS 476, UL 10C, and ASTM E119.
Beyond certification, ongoing maintenance and periodic inspection of these systems are crucial. Fire-rated elements are not meant to be altered or retrofitted without professional oversight. Painting over seals, replacing hardware with non-certified variants, or improper
Building Safety
reinstallation can render the entire system ineffective, compromising safety and invalidating compliance.
AESTHETICS, FUNCTIONALITY, AND INNOVATION
One of the long-standing challenges in the implementation of fire-rated fenestration has been the perceived trade-off between safety and aesthetics. However, advances in technology have led to slimmer profiles, frameless glass solutions, and hybrid systems that combine fire resistance with acoustic insulation or smart automation.
Slim fire-rated profiles now allow for maximum glazing and visibility while maintaining structural and thermal performance. These are particularly important in premium residential and hospitality developments where natural light and transparency are key elements of design. Furthermore, hybrid systems are becoming increasingly sought-after, offering dual protection from both fire and sound - essential in dense urban locations where acoustic comfort is also a priority.
Another frontier of innovation is in building automation. Smart fire-rated doors with sensors, panic bars, and auto-lockdown integration can now be seamlessly tied into a Building Management System (BMS). This allows for automated responses during
emergencies, reducing human error and facilitating faster evacuation or lockdown procedures.
SIGNATURE HORIZON: A CASE STUDY IN INTEGRATED SAFETY DESIGN
Located at the highest point of Dollar Hills in Manikonda, Hyderabad, Signature Horizon by Signature Developers offers a prime example of how modern residential architecture can embed safety into the very core of its design philosophy. Conceived as a vertical community with panoramic views of Hyderabad’s historic and contemporary skyline, Horizon integrates a sophisticated fenestration strategy that aligns safety with design and environmental responsiveness.
The development, designed by Habitat Architects, comprises 82 luxury residences across 11 towers and is structured around a central open courtyard that encourages light, ventilation, and social engagement. The architectural expression relies heavily on openness and visual connectivity, made possible through extensive glazing and strategic façade treatments. Yet, within this openness, fire safety is never compromised.
Fire-rated glass systems are deployed across key transitional spaces, including lift lobbies, staircases, and basement entry points - areas where fire containment is legally and functionally non-negotiable. These systems are tested and certified to
Horizon exemplifies how residential buildings can offer both luxury and life-saving features without compromise
Building Safety
meet Indian and international fire safety standards, and are installed by trained teams to ensure proper integration with structural and architectural elements.
What sets Horizon apart is the level of attention paid to marrying safety with aesthetic goals. The development uses slim-profile aluminium fire-rated frames that do not obstruct the architectural rhythm of the interiors. Vision panels within doors maintain sightlines while still offering 60 to 90-minute fire resistance where required. In select areas, laminated fire-resistant glass is paired with acoustic treatment to ensure privacy and comfort, particularly in community facilities such as the banquet hall, gymnasium, and indoor recreation zones.
Another notable aspect is maintenance planning. Horizon incorporates an annual inspection protocol for its fire-rated systems, ensuring that seals, gaskets, and hardware are tested for durability and functionality. Residents are also made aware of the systems through onboarding sessions and communication, building awareness and encouraging cooperation during drills or inspections.
This holistic approach extends beyond fire safety. Horizon’s fenestration systems also address wind resistance, seismic activity, and acoustic insulation - especially relevant in a site that sits at a natural elevation and is exposed to seasonal weather variations.
The use of double-glazed, thermally broken window systems enhances insulation while also reducing noise transmission from external sources. GRC louvres on upper floors act as both a shading device and a windbreaker, reducing load on the building envelope during high winds.
In integrating these varied performance requirements into a cohesive façade strategy, Horizon exemplifies how residential buildings can offer both luxury and lifesaving features without compromise.
TOWARDS A NEW STANDARD IN RESILIENT DESIGN
As the construction landscape in India continues to mature, the integration of high-performance fenestration systems - particularly fire-rated windows and doors - will become a default rather than a distinction. Developers and architects must move beyond a compliance-first mindset to embrace fire-rated systems as part of a broader agenda for resilient, human-centric design.
Projects like Signature Horizon illustrate how this shift is already underway. By embedding safety into the design narrative from the earliest stages, such developments are not only compliant with regulations but are also more robust, adaptive, and future-ready. In the end, fire-rated fenestration is not merely about surviving a crisis - it is about building with foresight, empathy, and responsibility.
ROHIT REDDY
Founder and Managing Director, Signature Developers Pvt. Ltd.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rohit Reddy is an entrepreneur and the Managing Director of Signature Developers, a real-estate firm based in Hyderabad focused on delivering high-end residential projects. With a passion for architecture and design, Rohit founded Signature in 2012 with the vision of crafting timeless luxury, introducing the concept of ultraluxury residences to Hyderabad, and a goal to develop world-class residential projects.
Rohit pursued his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering at Purdue University, Indiana. Shortly after graduation, inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial legacy, he entered the real estate industry with a vision to revolutionise Hyderabad’s real estate sector. His journey into real estate was driven by his deep appreciation for design and the ambition to create lasting architectural landmarks.
Horizon’s fenestration systems also address wind resistance, seismic activity, and acoustic insulation
Sustainability
ESG in Indian Real Estate: From Green Buildings to Holistic Sustainability
The Indian real estate industry is undergoing a pivotal shift as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles gain traction across the sector. Forward-thinking developers, asset managers, and REITs are taking concrete steps to embed sustainability and responsibility into their core strategies.
As real estate developers under the purview of listed companies are mandated by SEBI to adhere to ESG frameworks such as BRSR, the trend in sustainability has shifted focus to ESG in a more holistic manner. The popular benchmark for the last 20–25 years, if you agree with me, has been green building certifications such as USGBC-LEED, IGBC, GRIHA, EDGE, etc., for any building voluntarily showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability. However, ESG frameworks have now gained significant momentum and become more than just tools - they are statements of intent for organisations. Lead Consultancy & Engineering Services, being a Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Asia Partner, understands through its frequent interactions with clients that investors are aggressively conducting asset risk assessments before investing. This is to
understand the company’s impact on E, S & G and the mitigation measures adopted to demonstrate real-time reductions in carbon emissions. Hence, many leading real estate companies are participating in GRESB to benchmark their ESG performance against peers and drive continuous improvement.
Real estate companies are leveraging technologies such as smart metering and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to optimise energy and water usage, while integrated water management systems - such as rainwater harvesting, treated greywater reuse, and water metering - are increasingly becoming standard components in building design. The focus on waste management is also evolving, with more projects aiming for zero waste to landfill through better segregation, onsite composting, circularity in construction, and partnerships with recyclers and waste aggregators.
Carbon accounting methods like GHG emissions tracking are becoming more structured, with developers beginning to measure Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions - often as a precursor to formalising net zero roadmaps aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Lead Consultancy is a pioneer in formulating master-class strategies for clients in terms of their overall decarbonisation roadmaps. This can be achieved if either their assets individually strive towards Net Zero status, or the organisation itself commits to SBTi targets. One of our most prestigious projects, the Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2, recently achieved IGBC Net Zero Energy (Operational Rating) status from the Indian Green Building Council.
The project achieved 23% energy savings compared to ASHRAE 90.1 2010 by implementing Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and additionally installed on-site and off-site renewable energy to offset 100% of the annual operational energy consumption. Some of the ECMs include high-performance building glazing, an insulated roof with 14% skylight (of the total roof area), a large canopy for effective shading of external glazing, reduced lighting power density and advanced lighting controls, and energy-efficient HVAC systems with advanced filtration media.
A second case study is L&T TC4 Chennaithe first facility to achieve IGBC Net Zero Carbon (Design). The project achieved a 28.71% reduction in embodied carbon, and 100% offset of operational carbon footprint through on-site and off-site renewable energy sources.
Social aspects are no longer secondary. Real estate companies are now actively measuring and reporting human capital metrics, including workforce diversity, health and safety performance, and training and development initiatives. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes are increasingly aligned with broader ESG goals, supporting education, housing, and infrastructure development in surrounding communities. Tenant
L&T TC4 Chennai - the first facility to achieve IGBC Net Zero Carbon (Design)
Sustainability
and employee satisfaction surveys, once considered optional, are now becoming key tools for gauging impact and informing strategy. Certain countries where Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is gaining momentum still lack sufficient implementation continuity to demonstrate how these assessments translate into value for organisations or communities.
Governance structures around ESG are also evolving. Several companies have established ESG steering committees and integrated ESG KPIs into leadership performance reviews. Ethical conduct, anti-corruption frameworks, and stakeholder grievance mechanisms are being institutionalised as part of responsible governance. Transparency is increasing through the adoption of global reporting frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD, alongside compliance with India’s SEBI-mandated Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR), which is pushing companies to better organise and disclose their ESG data.
IGBC Net Zero
(Operational Rating)
At the same time, emerging areas such as carbon credit generation, green leasing, and sustainable finance are opening up new opportunities. Companies are exploring carbon markets, renewable energy procurement, and registration of green projects for credit monetisation. Green lease frameworks are fostering greater landlord–tenant collaboration on sustainability goals.
A consultant’s role often fades into the background when ESG is driven by financial institutions, which typically exert limited influence over the ‘E’ (environmental) aspect of ESG. This is where technical consultants like Lead Consultancy play a pivotal role through deep subject expertise. Our role doesn’t stop at reporting - we help clients integrate ESG deeply into operations, culture, and strategy to unlock long-term value and resilience. In a landscape where regulatory demands are intensifying and stakeholder expectations are evolving rapidly, we help real estate players stay ahead of the curve by streamlining ESG processes, enhancing transparency, and building a more responsible and regenerative built environment.
As ESG consultants with deep experience across the Indian real estate sector, Lead Consultancy & Engineering Services has been at the forefront of driving sustainable transformation. We’ve partnered with developers, REITs, asset managers, and investors at various stages of their ESG journey, empowering them with the tools, strategies, and systems needed to embed sustainability into their core business.
NANDANA D KUMAR Executive General Manager, LEAD Consultancy and Engineering Services (India) Private Limited
VINOD KUMAR M
ESG & Sustainability Associate, LEAD Consultancy and Engineering Services (India) Private Limited
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Nandana D Kumar is a seasoned sustainability professional with over 15 years of experience in the green building and environmental consultancy space. Currently leading a 35-member team across both the head office and regional offices, she specialises in green building facilitation, project planning, and operational quality management. She has successfully managed end-to-end certification processes under rating systems like IGBC, LEED, and GRIHA, while also actively engaging with stakeholders and front-ending projects as a Project Lead.
Vinod Kumar M is an ESG & Sustainability Associate at LEAD Consultancy and an ISO 14064-certified Lead Verifier. With around two years of experience in the ESG space, he has worked on a range of sustainability projects involving GHG accounting, BRSR reporting, and the preparation of sustainability reports aligned with global frameworks such as GRI and CSRD. His work reflects a strong commitment to integrating ESG into core business strategy, particularly within the real estate sector.
The Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 achieved 23% energy savings compared to ASHRAE 90.1 2010 by implementing Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)
Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 achieved
Energy
status from the Indian Green Building Council
Sustainability Sustainable Fenestration Trends: Innovations in Façade Design
As buildings evolve to meet modern sustainability challenges, fenestration has emerged as a key area of focus in architectural design. Sustainable façade systems play a critical role in regulating indoor temperatures, optimising energy consumption, and improving occupant well-being. In this article, current trends in sustainable fenestration on material choices, biophilic integration, smart technologies, and climate-responsive design has been explored.
IMPACT OF FAÇADE MATERIALS ON THERMAL PERFORMANCE
The selection of façade materials significantly influences a building’s thermal efficiency and operational energy consumption. Different materials respond to heat and light in distinct ways, impacting insulation, maintenance, and durability.
• Glass: Untreated glazing permits excessive heat and light, creating a greenhouse effect. This can be beneficial in colder climates but is generally unsuitable for warmer regions. Multi-layered glazing with coatings mitigates heat transfer while maximising natural light.
• Aluminium & Steel: Metals absorb and retain heat, making them less
desirable for exterior façades in hot climates. However, their durability and strength make them essential for window systems and structural cladding.
• Wood: A natural insulator, wood prevents heat gain. However, it requires weatherproofing to extend its lifespan and protect against dampness.
• Brick & Stone: Locally sourced materials such as bricks and stones exhibit high thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night to stabilise indoor temperatures.
A well-insulated façade reduces reliance on artificial heating and cooling, which
can account for up to 30% of a building’s energy consumption. Sustainable material selection, therefore, becomes a key factor in improving operational efficiency.
INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE FAÇADES WITH OTHER BUILDING SYSTEMS
A holistic approach to façade design requires careful integration with structural, mechanical, and architectural disciplines. Building orientation plays a pivotal role in maximising thermal comfort:
• North-facing façades receive diffused light and remain cool.
• West-facing façades experience intense heat and should incorporate shading devices.
Passive cooling strategies, in coordination with mechanical systems, enhance building performance. Collaborating with engineers allows architects to optimise materials, thermal mass, and shading solutions while maintaining structural efficiency. Light, as a fundamental element of architecture, is also factored into design to influence user experience, productivity, and comfort.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN AND SUSTAINABLE FAÇADES
Biophilic design principles complement sustainable façades by integrating natural elements, improving indoor air quality, and fostering a stronger human-nature connection.
• Green Façades: Vegetation acts as a natural insulator, reducing heat absorption and filtering airborne pollutants.
• Visual Connection to Nature: Maximising outdoor views enhances occupant well-being and reduces stress.
• Natural Materials: The use of wood, stone, and sustainable finishes enhance sensory engagement and comfort.
The façade design of the Clubhouse at GreatValue Sharanam housing complex in Noida, utilising an alternating grid of wooden louvres and planter screens
The composite façade gives the west-facing Clubhouse a distinctive and welcoming appearance
By incorporating plants, shading devices, and water-based cooling systems, sustainable façades can improve energy performance while creating healthier indoor environments.
FAÇADE STRATEGIES FOR URBAN HEAT AND AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
In rapidly urbanising environments, façade design must address the challenges of rising temperatures and air pollution. Strategies include:
• Shading Devices: Louvres, overhangs, and perforated screens reduce direct sun exposure while maintaining ventilation.
• Low-VOC Materials: Sustainable sealants and coatings prevent offgassing, improving indoor air quality.
• Double-Skin Façades: A layered façade system enhances insulation while facilitating natural ventilation.
These interventions contribute to climate resilience, ensuring indoor comfort amid increasing urban heat islands and pollution levels.
LEVERAGING SMART TECHNOLOGY IN FENESTRATION
Advancements in digital design tools and automation enhance façade efficiency:
• Energy Modelling Software: Tools assess daylighting, glare control, and thermal efficiency during the design phase.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM): Facilitates seamless collaboration across disciplines for optimised decision-making.
• Smart Façades: Adaptive shading systems with automated controls adjust based on weather conditions, reducing energy loads.
Great Value Club
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Basics Architects was commissioned to design a clubhouse as a ‘communal anchor’ for an urban housing society in Noida, India. The programme for the clubhouse included a large reception and waiting area, bar and family restaurant, ballroom, sports hall, theatre, and a children’s play area. The interiors were required to reflect an aura of luxury while also catering to the communal needs of the residents. The
Sustainability
These technologies enable architects to create data-driven designs that achieve both sustainability and functionality.
THE FUTURE OF ADAPTIVE FAÇADES IN INDIA
As the Indian construction sector embraces sustainability, smart and adaptive façades are gaining traction. Automated systems regulate heat gain, natural light, and ventilation through sensor-based mechanisms, responding dynamically to environmental changes. This reduces reliance on artificial cooling and heating, driving down operational costs.
With increasing regulatory emphasis on green building certifications, sustainable fenestration is set to become an industry standard rather than an exception. By integrating climate-responsive design, biophilic strategies, and smart technologies, the next generation of façades will redefine the built environment’s relationship with energy and ecology.
Sustainable fenestration trends are reshaping architectural practices, emphasising efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility. Material innovation, collaborative design approaches, and technology integration will continue to drive advancements in façade performance. As cities confront climate challenges, well-designed façades will play a crucial role in creating resilient, adaptive, and energy-efficient built environments.
architectural design had to complement the surrounding views and flow seamlessly into both the pool deck and the central landscaped area of the society.
The footprint of the building had already been pre-established in accordance with the master plan of the housing campus. The west façade of the building overlooks the swimming pool, while the other three sides are largely opaque, facing the rear
DBDS School
2a: A deep balcony separates the composite façade from the inner shell of the building,
2b: Wooden louvres of the composite façade filter direct sunlight
The façade connects users to the outdoors and casts a strong visual impression
Sustainability
of the society. The building, along with the pool deck, is sunken in relation to the central greens of the development. The clubhouse features a small, funnel-shaped main entrance that opens dramatically into a large double-height lobby, creating a sense of surprise. This lobby also includes a partial mezzanine floor with large spans floating above the waiting area and further opens out into a veranda overlooking the pool. The restaurant and bar are located along the glazed façade and integrate seamlessly with the pool area. The sports arena and theatre are positioned in the opaque sections of the building. A children’s play area is also connected to the main lobby and extends onto the poolside deck.
The design approach adopted for the clubhouse is that of Minimalist Modernism. The evolution began with the strategic treatment of the west façade. This façade required protection from the harsh evening sun while still offering uninterrupted views of the pool. Screens were designed with these two requirements in mind, using exteriorgrade wooden louvres and vertical greenery. These were alternated to create a sense of dynamism and movement in the façade. The vertical gardens add drama and soften the building’s elevation, contrasting with the hard surfaces of the deck. The rhythmic interplay of biophilic elements and wooden screens breaks the monotony of the expansive façade.
The interiors of the large lobby were designed to visually and spatially connect
the main entrance with the west-facing glazing. Wooden ribbed ceiling slats maintain this flow and complement the textured grey travertine walls. The richness of the travertine adds a luxurious touch to the high-gloss wooden flooring. The ceiling has been shaped to follow the contours of the RCC roof, enhancing the spatial continuity. In contrast to the formal reception, the bar exudes a more casual ambience with exposed services and ceiling. Patterned tiles add vibrancy and character to both the bar and the adjoining corridor. The ballroom, with its lofty ceiling and fabric-panelled walls, conveys a sense of grandeur.
The architectural and interior design of the clubhouse functions as a central anchor for the housing development, catering to residents of all age groups. Its visual elements create a compelling dialogue with users, while simultaneously evoking a sense of luxury.
Vinod Singhi is an alumnus of the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, and the University of New South Wales, Sydney, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Architecture and Master’s in Construction Management, respectively. Having explored multiple domains in his design career of two and a half decades, Vinod has built his expertise in Hospitality Design and Education Architecture. Vinod has delivered several large-scale and high-impact projects for a clientele that includes Mayo College, JBM Group, National Highways Authority of India, DLF India, and GreatValue Projects India Ltd. Presently, he is leading the charge on the design of an integrated project comprising a 130-key resort and 40 branded estates in Sohna, where he is exploring how green building practices can be used to create luxury hospitality spaces. He is also designing a Sports School in Bengaluru for the JGI Group and a 1.6 lakh sq. ft. commercial complex in Noida for Fybros.
The west façade of the building overlooks the swimming pool, while the other three sides are largely opaque, facing the rear of the society
Sustainable Buildings
Living Skins of the Future: Merging Landscape and Façade for ClimateResponsive Architecture
AT THE THRESHOLD OF CHANGE
For much of architectural history, façades have been treated as surfaces - sometimes expressive, sometimes passive, but almost always static. Yet today, as climate realities intensify and cities become increasingly fragile ecosystems, we are being pushed to rethink the building envelope not as a line of defence, but as an active participant in environmental performance.
As a landscape architect practising in India, I have often found myself working
at the edges - where built form meets terrain, where inside transitions into outside. And in those edges, I see immense potential. The future of façade design, I believe, lies in embracing the logic of living systems, the rhythms of landscapes, the intelligence of ecosystems, and the adaptability of natural forms.
THE FAÇADE AS A LIVING INTERFACE
In nature, it is the edges - riverbanks, forest fringes, tide pools - that host the most diversity and transformation. They
are zones of negotiation and exchange. What if our buildings could operate in the same way?
Rather than treating façades as barriers that separate us from the outside, we should begin to design them as living interfaces - membranes that regulate, breathe, and evolve with changing climatic and urban conditions. This shift from façade-as-object to façade-asecosystem could be one of the most meaningful transitions in sustainable design thinking.
Bosco Verticale, Milan - twin residential towers alive with vertical forest façades. Hosting around 800 trees and 20,000+ plants, the building improves air quality, supports biodiversity, and creates a lush urban oasis within a dense skyline
Sustainable Buildings
LEARNING FROM THE LANDSCAPE
In my practice, I have seen how landscape design often brings a systemsthinking approach to architecture. We think in terms of flows - of water, wind, energy, and experience. This perspective is urgently needed at the level of façades and fenestration.
Green façades, for example, are no longer merely aesthetic gestures. In our hot and humid Indian climates, planted façades can reduce solar heat gain, filter dust and pollutants, support biodiversity, and even enhance mental well-being. But we need to go beyond the idea of simply adding plants to walls.
Can a façade be designed to respond like a living terrain - absorbing monsoon water, channelling ventilation, and even harvesting energy through organic processes? These are not far-off dreams. They are questioning that new materials, climate data, and integrated design approaches are beginning to address.
EXAMPLES THAT INSPIRE
Globally, a few path-breaking projects have already begun this journey. The BIQ House in Hamburg, Germany, uses algaefilled panels on its façade - not just as shading devices, but as mini bioreactors
that capture carbon and generate biofuel.
Closer to home, projects such as One Central Park in Sydney demonstrate how vertical gardens - designed in collaboration with botanists and horticulturists - can function as thermal buffers, habitat layers, and visual filters in densely populated urban areas.
While these examples may seem technologically ambitious, they offer a blueprint for how we can begin to imagine façades as productive systems. In the Indian context, I believe we have a unique opportunity to take this further, drawing from vernacular wisdom, tropical biodiversity, and low-tech ecological solutions to create living skins that are both affordable and regenerative.
WINDOWS THAT BREATHE, OPENINGS THAT ADAPT
If façades are the skin, then fenestrations are its pores. And just like in leaves, where stomata open and close in response to environmental cues, our windows and shading systems can be designed to breathe with the building.
Smart glazing technologies, such as electrochromic glass, already allow windows to adjust their tint based on solar exposure. But we don’t always need high-tech solutions to be climateresponsive. In many parts of India, we have long used jali screens, chajjas, and vegetative shading to cool and filter sunlight naturally.
What is needed now is a hybrid approach, where traditional strategies meet datadriven adaptability.
BIQ House, Hamburg - glass photo-bioreactor panels cultivating microalgae to generate biomass and heat, while dynamically shading the building’s east and southwest façades
One Central Park, Sydney – vertical garden façade designed by botanist Patrick Blanc covering over 50 % of the tower surfaces, using 250+ plant species to enhance microclimate, biodiversity, and visual connection to nature
Sustainable Buildings
SageGlass electrochromic glazing in action: windows transition through clear, light, and medium tint levels to balance daylight, glare, and solar heat, mimicking natural stomatal response for enhanced comfort and efficiency
Imagine fenestrations that open based on humidity levels, or screens that filter daylight the way trees filter sun through their canopies. These are not just efficient – they are poetic.
WATER, CARBON & THE VERTICAL TERRAIN
In landscape, we work with the ground. But façades are becoming new terrains in themselves - vertical grounds that can slow stormwater, purify air, and even sequester carbon through materials like bamboo composites, algae panels, or bio-based plaster systems.
Think about this: a modular, planterintegrated façade system that serves multiple functions - shade, water collection, and even small-scale food production. While the idea can still evolve, the intent is clear - façades must start doing more. And with every climate event we face, this need becomes more urgent.
THE ROLE OF NATURE IN HIGHDENSITY URBANISM
In our rapidly densifying Indian cities, where open space is shrinking, façades might be the only place left to “grow” green. But it’s not just about adding foliage; it’s about restoring ecological value.
A façade that supports pollinators, cools the air, buffers noise, and offers residents a view of something alive—this is no longer a luxury. It’s a public health and sustainability imperative.
Projects like Bosco Verticale in Milan, or even smaller local experiments in Bengaluru and Mumbai, where green screens and planter modules are used in housing
projects, point to the immense potential for vertical ecosystems in urban design.
BARRIERS TO BREAK, OPPORTUNITIES TO SEIZE
Of course, there are challenges: maintenance concerns, budget constraints, and material durability. But these are all solvable - with the right collaborations, long-term thinking, and a willingness to experiment. We need more interdisciplinary work, where architects, façade consultants, ecologists, horticulturists, and landscape designers all sit at the same table.
And we need policies and incentives that reward performance over appearance - ones that prioritise functioning green systems rather than greenwashing. In India, especially, we can look to our vernacular roots and tropical intelligence to develop solutions that are uniquely suited to our context - affordable, adaptive, and alive.
CONCLUSION: GROWING THE FUTURE
Ultimately, the future of façades will not be built - they will be grown. They will not just shield us from the environmentthey will help us live with it, and perhaps even heal it.
As designers, our role is shifting. We are not just shaping form - we are curating relationships: between climate and comfort, between technology and tradition, between built surface and living system.
The façade is no longer a wall. It is a skin. A terrain. A threshold. A possibility.
Let’s begin to design it that way.
GARIMA DUBEY
Co-Founder, Ukiyo Habitat
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Garima Dubey is a landscape architect and urban ecologist with a strong focus on designing public spaces that are climate-responsive, inclusive, and socially meaningful. She is the Cofounder of Ukiyo Habitat, where she works at the intersection of ecology, spatial planning, and placemaking. Her practice explores how design can support community well-being while responding to environmental challenges. She also teaches designrelated subjects at Dr B.R. Ambedkar University and Netaji Subhash University of Technology, New Delhi. Her ongoing research interests include blue-green infrastructure, urban resilience, and the role of public space as a democratic medium for engagement, equity, and ecological repair.
The Evolution and Future of Exterior Drywall in Construction
Construction, as an industry and a craft, is one of the oldest and most transformative elements of human civilisation. From early shelters built using mud and straw to towering skyscrapers made from steel and glass, the development of construction materials and techniques has always played a crucial role in shaping societies. Among the earliest significant milestones in human construction history are the large-scale buildings of ancient Mesopotamia, considered by many experts as the birthplace of urban construction.
In Mesopotamia, construction extended beyond simple dwellings. The people of this early civilisation built impressive structures such as temples, palaces, and ziggurats. These buildings were often constructed using intricate bricklaying methods that laid the groundwork for
future architectural and engineering advancements.
Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China each contributed their innovations - be it the pyramids, aqueducts, amphitheaters, or complex wooden and stone structures. As urban populations grew, so too did the demand for larger, more durable, and aesthetically pleasing buildings. This led to the birth of professional architecture and engineering. By the 16th century, with increasing urbanisation and the emergence of modern science, the construction industry began taking a more structured form.
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century marked a turning point, as new materials like iron, steel, and concrete emerged. The period was defined by rapid technological advancement and
mass production, which significantly transformed how buildings were constructed. In this period of innovation, new building materials also began to appear, one of the most pivotal among them being drywall.
THE RISE OF DRYWALL IN MODERN CONSTRUCTION
The desire to build faster, cheaper, and safer structures led to the invention of drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard. This material is mainly composed of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of paper or fibreglass. First introduced in the early 20th century, drywall quickly gained popularity due to its cost-efficiency, ease of installation, and fire-resistant properties. It revolutionised interior construction and is now standard in most residential and commercial projects.
As its success indoors became undeniable, the construction industry began to explore the possibility of using drywall in exterior applications. This led to the development of exterior drywall systems, which maintain the benefits of traditional drywall while introducing new qualities such as weather resistance and structural durability. These systems now offer a viable alternative to conventional brick and block walls.
ADVANTAGES OF EXTERIOR DRYWALL
Exterior drywall systems are designed for use in façades, external walls, and even high-rise construction. These systems are often built using light gauge steel frames, cement boards, jointing compounds, and waterresistant coatings. Below are several key advantages:
• Faster Installation: Compared to traditional brick or block walls, exterior drywall can be installed significantly faster - up to three
Drywall installation
Façade Systems
• times as quickly in some cases. This accelerated timeline can reduce construction project durations and associated labour costs.
• Labour Efficiency: Exterior drywall requires fewer laborers, which is particularly beneficial in markets experiencing labour shortages. The simplified process allows for faster training and deployment of crews.
• Cost Savings: Thanks to its lightweight nature and quick installation, the overall construction cost is often lower than that of masonry. The savings extend to transport and structural costs as the building requires lighter foundational support.
• Sound and Thermal Insulation: Modern drywall systems incorporate insulation layers that offer excellent soundproofing. They also support thermal regulation, which helps maintain comfortable indoor environments and reduces energy costs.
• Fire Resistance: Gypsum’s inherent fire-resistant properties make drywall systems safer in case of a fire, especially when used with fire-rated boards and assemblies.
• Superior Aesthetics: Exterior drywall provides a flat, smooth surface with sharp edges and corners, resulting in a high-quality finish. This makes it particularly attractive for architects and designers seeking modern, clean façades.
• Greater Height without Beams: Using steel frames, drywall systems can reach heights of up to 8 metres. without intermediate support beams - something challenging to achieve with conventional masonry.
KEY COMPONENTS OF AN EXTERIOR DRYWALL SYSTEM
An exterior drywall system is a multilayered structure that must meet specific environmental and structural demands. Each component is essential in delivering overall performance:
• Framing System: The structural backbone of any drywall installation is the frame. Typically made from
galvanised light-gauge steel, the frame must be resistant to moisture, rust, and pests. Important considerations include:
• Corrosion Resistance: Steel or treated wood framing should resist environmental damage. Frames made using PPGI (Pre-Painted Galvanised Iron) have very high protection against corrosion and weathering.
• Load-Bearing Capacity: Must support the weight of boards, insulation, and cladding.
• Wind Load Resistance: Critical for high-rise and coastal buildings.
• Seismic Compliance: Must include reinforcements in earthquake-prone areas.
• Stud Spacing: 400mm centre-tocentre is the standard for better structural support.
• Weather Barriers: Proper wrapping and waterproofing prevent water intrusion.
• Sustainability: Steel is highly recyclable, supporting green building standards.
Exterior Cement Boards: The exterior boarding is the most critical layer exposed to the elements. These boards
Exterior drywall systems, which maintain the benefits of traditional drywall while introducing new qualities such as weather resistance and structural durability
Façade Systems
are usually made from cement, sand, and fibreglass mesh, offering a robust, weather-resistant surface.
Key Features:
• Water Resistance: Prevents swelling, warping, and mold development.
• High Durability: Withstands impact, compression, and structural shifts.
• Fire Safety: Most boards meet Class A fire ratings.
• Fungal Resistance: Non-organic components resist mold and mildew.
• Freeze-Thaw Tolerance: Especially important in colder climates.
• Ease of Installation: Boards should be lightweight, pre-scored, and adaptable.
• Certifications: Look for ASTM C1325 and eco-labels like LEED or GreenGuard.
Basecoat (Finishing Layer): The basecoat serves as a preparatory surface between the cement board
and the final aesthetic finish (such as textured paint or tile).
Important Properties:
• Adhesion: Must strongly bond with both the cement board and topcoat (usually a textured paint).
• Waterproofing: Should form a barrier against rain or humidity.
• Crack Resistance: Durable against temperature expansion and building movement.
• Impact Resistance: Protection from environmental or mechanical damage.
• Vapour Permeability: Allows moisture to escape while preventing water ingress.
• UV & Weather Resistance: Should not degrade under sun exposure or freezing cycles.
• Workability: Easy to spread and compatible with trowel or spray application.
Common basecoat types include cement-based, acrylic-based, polymermodified, and lime-based products.
• Interior Gypsum Boards: The interior side of the drywall system can be customised depending on the room’s function. Common types include:
• Moisture-Resistant (Green Board): Ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
• Type X Fire-Rated Board: For added fire protection.
• Mold-Resistant Board: Used in humid environments.
• Impact-Resistant Board: Best for high-traffic areas.
• Paperless Boards: Offer top-tier mold and water resistance.
Vapour Barrier: Vapour barriers are crucial for moisture control, especially between interior and exterior wall environments. Benefits include:
• Moisture Prevention: Blocks water Vapour migration that could lead to rot.
• Mold Mitigation: Keeps inner wall cavities dry.
• Energy Efficiency: Helps insulation perform better by limiting moisture.
Façade Systems
Vapour barriers can be membranes or coatings applied over or behind the drywall, depending on local climate zones.
THE FUTURE OF EXTERIOR DRYWALL
The construction industry is embracing rapid innovation, and exterior drywall systems are no exception. Here’s what the future holds:
• Sustainability: More manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using recycled materials or reducing emissions in production. Boards and coatings are being developed with lower VOCs (volatile organic
compounds), contributing to healthier buildings.
• Smart Technology Integration: Future drywall systems may include embedded sensors that monitor structural integrity, humidity, temperature, or even seismic activity. These innovations could provide real-time data on building health and performance.
• Enhanced Insulation and Resilience: New research is focused on improving drywall’s ability to withstand extreme weather, such as hurricanes, high winds, or heat waves. Products are emerging with improved thermal insulation and impact resistance without
Case Study - 1
Oberoi Flight Kitchen Services
Sahar, Mumbai
The OFS building is a pre-engineered building with varying exterior wall heights. The steel structure joints between the masonry wall and Steel
members were a major concern for both architects and clients. Wall heights varying from 3m to 5m were another challenge for construction.
sacrificing weight or installation speed.
• Modular Construction Compatibility: Exterior drywall systems are well-suited for modular and prefabricated construction, where building parts are manufactured off-site and assembled rapidly onsite. This method promises speed, cost-efficiency, and reduced waste.
• Regulatory Evolution: As governments and industries adopt stricter building codes for energy efficiency, fire safety, and environmental impact, drywall systems will continue evolving to meet these standards.
Akash Impex provided a double board solution with specially imported exterior-grade PVC reveal beads to create an elegant-looking exterior drywall. By using TYVEK Vapour barrier walls were well protected against any seepage and leakage issues.
This is a 2-hour fire-rated exterior drywall project. The client wanted to build an exterior drywall for enveloping a fire chute, which was constructed using MS structures outside on a fire staircase. The fire chute starts from the 4th floor and extends upto the 29th floor. The detailing of drywall termination on
Case Study - 3
CTRLS Data Centre
Chennai
The client wanted to quickly pack up the transformer room openings on an exterior wall. A major part of the exterior wall had already been done in AAC blockwork, and for the transformer room openings, the client was looking for a fast
stair wall and termination on every floor I beam was carefully planned to make sure there is no water leakage/seepage. An additional layer of Vapour barrier was used just behind exterior cement boards to make sure there is no water/vapour ingress inside the drywall cavity.
Quick Facts:
• Project: Oberoi Maxima
• Location: JVLR, Mumbai
• Client: Oberoi Realty
• Architectural Hardware used: PPGI frames and USG cement boards
• Commencement Date: March 2023
• Completion Date: July 2023
VIJAYBHAN SINGH Partner, Akash Impex INC
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
installation. The exterior drywall solution was designed specially for 2.8 Kpa wind load and 4.8 m height for Chennai. After the final painting, it is very hard to find the difference in appearance between block work and drywall. The drywall seamlessly blends with blockwork to give a uniform look to the façade.
Quick Facts:
• Project: CTRLS Data Centre
• Location: Chennai
• Client: CTRLS
• Architect: URBNarc, Singapore
• Façade Consultants: INHABIT
• Architectural Hardware used: PPGI frames and Aquapanel cement boards
• Commencement Date: January 2024
• Completion Date: February 2024
Vijaybhan Singh is a seasoned professional in the construction industry with over two decades of experience in sales and marketing. A Production Engineering graduate, he has worked with leading organisations such as Wipro Lighting, Saint-Gobain Glass, and USG Boral, gaining deep insights into diverse markets across India. In 2019, Vijaybhan transitioned into entrepreneurship, taking on key leadership roles as a partner at Akash Impex and director of V Frames. His work focuses on delivering value-engineered solutions for façade and interior design projects, leveraging his extensive experience in collaborating with architects, designers, and developers. Known for his hands-on approach and deep understanding of both design and execution, Vijaybhan bridges the gap between aesthetic vision and practical implementation.
1 million+ homes
130+ cities
Installation Can Make or Break the Best System Aluminium Windows
Recently, I walked through a stunning high-end bungalow in its final stages of construction. The homeowner had selected one of the world’s most premium brands of system aluminium windows — a wise choice for durability, performance, and aesthetics.
But as I toured the home, disappointment set in.
• Frames were misaligned
• Sliding panels dragged and juddered
• Handles operated roughly or got stuck
Despite the system’s engineering excellence, poor installation had undermined the entire result. Worse, the non-technical client assumed the product itself was defective.
This is a recurring story across project sites today: the best system is only as good as its installation.
System aluminium windows are highprecision products that demand highprecision installation. Without it, even the finest window will fail, leading to client dissatisfaction, warranty issues, and longterm performance problems.
In this article, I’ll explore:
• Why installation quality is critical
• Correct installation practices
• Common mistakes to avoid
• How the industry must elevate installation awareness
WHY INSTALLATION QUALITY IS NONNEGOTIABLE
1. High precision = low tolerance for error
System aluminium windows are precisionengineered products. They feature:
• Tight clearances (under 2 mm tolerance)
• Complex multi-chamber thermal breaks
• Advanced drainage paths
• Carefully tuned hardware and gaskets
These features only work if the frame is:
• Perfectly square and level
• Properly anchored
• Installed with correct sealants and tolerances
Even small installation errors produce large performance failures:
• Air and water leakage
• Frame distortion
• Sash binding or poor operation
• Excessive wear and tear
• Warranty voidance
2. The client experience is everything Clients judge the result by:
• How easily windows slide
• Whether handles feel smooth and secure
• Whether there are visible gaps or leaks
• How the system looks and performs over time
Poor installation will ruin this experience, no matter how premium the product is. The damage to brand and builder
Professional installation at site
reputation is severe, especially in highend projects.
WARRANTIES ARE LINKED TO CORRECT INSTALLATION
Most system manufacturers provide performance warranties, but only when their installation protocols are followed exactly.
Deviating from these protocols (even unintentionally) often voids warranty coverage, leaving the client exposed to expensive future repairs.
CORRECT INSTALLATION ESSENTIALS
1. Frame Alignment: Plumb, Level, Square
Why it matters: Misaligned frames cause uneven stress, leaking seals, and operational problems.
Best practice: Use laser or spirit levels. Check diagonals for squareness at every stage.
2. Expansion Gaps
Why it matters: Aluminium expands/ contracts significantly with temperature changes. Without proper expansion gaps, frames can deform or bind.
Best practice: Maintain 10–15 mm perimeter expansion gaps, sealed with backer rods and system-approved sealants.
3. Anchoring
Why it matters: Incorrect anchoring can warp frames or create stress points.
Best practice: Use anchors at systemspecified points (typically every 600–700 mm). Use appropriate fasteners for the substrate.
4. Drainage Paths
Why it matters: Blocked drainage causes water ingress and frame damage.
Best practice: Keep drainage paths clear during and after installation. Never block weep holes with foam or sealant.
5. Hardware Installation
Why it matters: Incorrect torque damages handles and rollers.
Fenestration Feature
Best practice: Use torque-limited drivers. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly for spindle depth, screw torque, and hardware positioning.
6. Roller and Sash Alignment
Why it matters: Misaligned rollers cause rough, uneven sliding and excessive wear.
Best practice: Carefully adjust rollers for even contact and smooth operation. Test operation multiple times.
COMMON ON-SITE MISTAKES TO AVOID
• Using Low-Quality Sealants: Result: Cracking, peeling, water ingress, and long-term failure.
• Blocking Drainage Paths: Result: Water build-up, frame corrosion, leaking into interiors.
• Skipping Final Adjustments: Result: Rough operation, air leakage, dissatisfied client.
• Overpacking or Underpacking Shims: Result: Frame distortion, leading to leaks or sash misalignment.
Fenestration Feature
WHY DO THESE MISTAKES HAPPEN?
• Lack of Training: Many installers lack specific training in system aluminium window installation, especially with newer, more complex products.
• Schedule Pressure: Installation often gets rushed at the end of projects. Quality suffers.
• Lack of Awareness: Architects, project managers, and clients often assume that “any window installer” can handle a system aluminium window. This is not true - these systems require specialist knowledge and careful execution.
BEST PRACTICES FOR RAISING INSTALLATION QUALITY
• Educate Clients and Professionals: Architects, builders, and clients should understand that system windows are precision products, not commodity windows. They must demand correct installation and be willing to budget for it.
• Specify Installation Requirements: Architects and consultants should specify:
• Required installer qualifications
• Accepted installation methods
• Final inspection and testing standards
• Use Certified Installers: Work with installers who are trained and certified by system manufacturers.
MAHIMA CHAUDHARY
Designation
– Regional Head (Business Development), Grefet International
• Publications like this magazine can play a major role in raising awareness among architects, builders, and clients about the importance of correct installation.
CONCLUSION
System aluminium windows deliver unmatched aesthetics, durability, and performance - but only when installed correctly.
As industry professionals, we must:
• Insist on high-quality installation
• Educate all stakeholders
• Follow best practices rigorously
• Treat installation as a critical part of the system, not an afterthought
Let’s move beyond “good enough” and ensure that every premium window system delivers the full value it was designed to provide.
Right product. Right installation. Right results
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With ten years of experience, Mahima Chaudhary has mastered the technical intricacies of aluminium system solutions, complemented by exceptional business skills. Currently serving as the Regional Head at Grefet International, Mahima’s proficiency spans surface finish optimisation, precision production, seamless installation, and comprehensive post-installation services and quality assurance. She launched her aluminium systems journey as COO at Alfen Systems Pvt Ltd., where she spearheaded showroom openings, franchise development, organising technical exhibitions, and full operational leadership. Later, at Torfenster Systems India Pvt Ltd., she solidified her technical prowess. Her blend of engineering insight, digital strategy, and business acumen drives sustainable, high-performance aluminium system solutions that redefine modern built environments.
Some more mistakes
“Ozone Blu is Where Design Becomes an Experience”
What is Ozone Blu?
In recent years, customer expectations have evolved dramatically - from simply receiving a packaged product to engaging in a complete, experience-driven journey. Today’s customers seek more than just delivery; they expect a fully installed, readyto-use solution that reflects convenience, confidence, and care.
Ozone Blu embodies this transformation. It is an experience-led franchise format that brings Ozone’s extensive range of architectural solutions to life. Designed as an interactive space, Ozone Blu enables customers to engage with live installations, transforming browsing into a hands-on
experience. This immersive environment empowers customers to make informed decisions with greater ease and assurance, redefining the way architectural products are discovered and chosen.
How is it different from a traditional showroom?
Traditional showrooms often limit the experience to catalogues or shelf displays. At Ozone Blu, everything is touch-and-feel - partitions, doors, and innovative fittings, all installed in real-life settings. This practical, immersive experience helps customers truly visualise solutions in their own spaces.
What does the product portfolio look like?
Ozone Blu offers complete, end-to-end space solutions. From internal partitions, kitchen fittings, and shower enclosures to doors and windows, smart locks, and railing systems - it is all under one roof. The range is curated to be not just stylish, but functional and long-lasting, designed to meet both residential and commercial needs.
Why should entrepreneurs consider partnering with Ozone Blu?
It is a strong business opportunity backed by over 25 years of Ozone’s industry trust. As a franchise partner, you gain access to a future-ready product portfolio, a proven model, and comprehensive support across design, operations, and marketing. You are not just opening a store - you are becoming a destination for smart living.
What kind of support can dealers expect?
From day one, we walk alongside our partners, right from showroom set-up to team training and ongoing promotions. Our support includes branding assets, customer leads, product updates, and installation knowhow. We ensure our partners are always equipped to deliver a great experience.
And finally, what is your vision for Ozone Blu?
We envision a strong pan-India presence, where every Ozone Blu showroom becomes a go-to hub for thoughtful and dependable space solutions. It is about growing a network that makes design more accessible and everyday living more joyful, for customers and partners alike.
For more details on the product, contact:
Phone: +919310012300
MR. Y.P. SINGH Business Head, Doors & Windows
Shower Enclosures
Glass Railing
Alfen Systems: Shaping the Future of Fenestration
TULSI RAM MODI Founder Director, Alfen Systems Pvt. Ltd.
Alfen Systems Pvt. Ltd. has been a keen observer - and active contributor - to the evolving architectural landscape, where aluminium doors and windows are emerging as the preferred choice. Driven by a commitment to design clarity, sustainability, and smart functionality, the company continues to innovate across its product portfolio. Here’s a look at the key trends shaping the modern fenestration industry:
SLIM PROFILES & MINIMALIST AESTHETICS
Contemporary architecture is increasingly embracing narrow frames and expansive glazing to maximise openness and daylight. Alfen’s precision-engineered
aluminium systems deliver sleek, elegant profiles without compromising on structural performance - creating refined silhouettes for both residential and commercial applications.
DESIGNS THAT CELEBRATE NATURAL LIGHT
Expansive glass panels - particularly in sliding, folding, and hybrid formats - are gaining favour for their ability to create seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. These systems allow natural light to take centre stage, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and the overall wellbeing of occupants.
A DEEP COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability lies at the heart of Alfen’s design philosophy. The company integrates advanced thermal break technology, highperformance glazing, and energy-efficient systems across its offerings. The use of recyclable aluminium and low-impact manufacturing processes underscores its dedication to environmental responsibility.
CUSTOM COLOURS & FINISHES FOR DISTINCTIVE DESIGNS:
In today’s market, customisation is not a luxury - it is an expectation. Alfen meets this demand with an extensive palette of colours, textures, and finishes, including matte, glossy, and wood-grain effects. This
enables clients to achieve façades and fenestration solutions that align seamlessly with their architectural vision.
SMART TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
With the rise of smart homes, intelligent fenestration solutions are becoming essential. Alfen’s systems incorporate features such as automated sliding mechanisms, sensor-enabled locks, and remote-controlled shading - combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design to enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency.
ENHANCED SECURITY SOLUTIONS
Security remains a top priority in modern building design. Alfen addresses this with multi-point locking systems, laminated and impact-resistant glazing, and discreetly integrated hardware that offers robust protection without compromising aesthetic appeal.
ECO-FRIENDLY MANUFACTURING & MATERIAL CIRCULARITY
As aluminium is 100% recyclable, it perfectly complements Alfen’s vision of sustainable innovation. By adopting circular production methods and using recycled materials, the company supports green building goals while maintaining durability and style.
With a forward-thinking approach and an unwavering focus on quality, Alfen Systems continues to lead the way in next-generation fenestration - seamlessly blending timeless aesthetics with futureready performance.
For more details on the product, contact:
Email: sales@alfen.in
Contact: +91 99283 66665
Website: www.alfen.in
Openings That Matter ..
WINDOWS | DOORS | RAILING | PERGOLAS | ROOFS
Giesse, Schlegel, Reguitti, Era and Zoo Join Forces for a Stronger Future with Quanex
The names Giesse, Schlegel, Reguitti, Era and Zoo are wellestablished in the global fenestration industry, representing decades of excellence in the design, manufacture, and distribution of highquality hardware, sealing systems, and decorative solutions for windows and doors. These brands have long been synonymous with quality, innovation, and customer focus, building a strong presence across global markets. Now, they embark on a new journey under the ownership of Quanex, signalling both a continuation of their legacy and the start of an exciting new era of integration and growth.
in over 90 markets worldwide, offering a diverse portfolio that includes window components, PVC extrusions, wood panelling, specialised access systems, and even solar panels.
With this strategic acquisition, Quanex has expanded its global footprint and brand portfolio significantly, pushing its annual turnover to nearly $2 billion. By bringing together the strength of these iconic brands with its own established operations, Quanex is now even better positioned to lead through innovation, geographic reach, and customer-focused service.
Quanex Building Products Corporation, a global leader in high-performance fenestration components and other building solutions, acquired all legacy Tyman brands as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in the industry. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, and founded in 1927, Quanex operates across more than 60 sites globally and employs over 7,000 people. The company serves Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) Reguitti obliq
Central to this strategy is the investment in Centres of Excellence, which will drive future product development in both seals and hardware. From fully recyclable thermoplastic vulcanised (TPV) sealing systems to smart, concealed automation hardware, the emphasis is firmly on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fenestration. These technological advancements are designed not only to meet current market demands but to anticipate and lead them, with a firm commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing product performance.
For customers, the integration with Quanex means more than just continuity. It represents a strengthened partnership backed by expanded capabilities, a broader product range, and the financial and operational power of a global leader. While the Giesse, Schlegel, Reguitti, Era and Zoo brands will continue to deliver the trusted solutions they are known for, they will now do so with access to Quanex’s extensive R&D, manufacturing, and service infrastructure.
This transition marks the beginning of a bold new chapter. As part of Quanex, Giesse, Schlegel, Reguitti, Era and Zoo are now part of something bigger®, and they are set to play an even more influential role in shaping the future of the fenestration industry.
For more details on the product, contact:
Giesse CHIC tilt and turn
“From Germany to India - Same Compound, Same Standards, Every Single Time”
Ravi Balakrishnan is the Managing Director of aluplast India - one of the leading uPVC window and door profile manufacturing companies in the world. He holds a 1989 - 1993 B-Tech in Mechanical from National Institute of Technology.
In an insightful exchange with WFM Media, Ravi Balakrishnan reflected on the company’s evolving journey since taking charge in 2022. The interview sheds light on the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, exemplified by its state-ofthe-art Vadodara facility serving both domestic and international markets. The discussion also explored aluplast’s dual focus on the residential high-rise and retail segments, its readiness for smart home integration, and its technological innovations in acoustic insulation, automation, and security. With a clear vision of sustainable growth, increased localisation, and double-digit market expansion, aluplast India continues to shape the future of windows and doors with integrity, innovation, and enduring quality.
Ravi Balakrishnan Managing Director, aluplast India
The Expert’s Edge
• You took charge of aluplast India in 2022. What has the journey been like so far and how have you navigated the challenges of a fast-changing and competitive market?
Indeed, time flies. It has been a couple of years already, and to say the journey has been easy would be an understatement. It has, in fact, been quite challenging. The Indian market has undergone significant changes in customer preferences and choices during this period. We have seen several players exit while others entered, leading to an unstable market. In a more stable environment, operations tend to be easier, but this unpredictability required us to be agile and adaptive.
Despite these challenges, we have undertaken several strategic initiatives - some with immediate impact, but many aimed at long-term preparedness. Personally, having not come from uPVC background, I have learnt an incredible amount during this time. It has been a highly enriching experience.
• Launching the Vadodara facility under ‘Make in India’ was a bold move. What is the story behind it, and how has it redefined your local manufacturing strength?
Our Vadodara facility was launched in 2016. From the outset, aluplast as a company has always been ambitious, even when it was smaller. It has long harboured global aspirations. When we entered the Indian market, we avoided the typical “chickenand-egg” approach of waiting for demand to grow before investing in infrastructure. Instead, we took a bold decision aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative - to invest upfront and build a state-of-the-art facility in India.
This plant was never intended solely for the Indian market. It was designed to serve the entire Asia-Pacific region. Today, we supply products from Vadodara to the Middle East, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. The core belief was that without a solid manufacturing backbone, it would be extremely difficult to effectively capture and serve the Indian market - and the region at large.
• From high-rises to homes –aluplast is entering diverse segments. What is your roadmap to deepen aluplast’s presence across India’s residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors?
Our strategy is currently focused on two primary segments. First is the large residential sector, especially high-rise buildings. We are actively working with several developers, particularly in North and South India. These projects typically require large volumes of windows, and this is where we are investing our efforts.
The second area is the retail segmentvillas, bungalows, and smaller apartments. While this segment was once a stronghold for aluplast, we have seen a shift in preferences recently, with more people - particularly architects - leaning towards aluminium. This has led to a temporary dip in our share in that segment.
“We have been in the Indian market for over a decade, and the performance of our systems across varied climatic conditions speaks for itself - real-world proof that uPVC is reliable, robust, and built to last”
However, we remain confident about our standing in sectors like education and healthcare, where performance elements such as noise insulation are prioritised. In contrast, when it comes to pure commercial structures like malls, which predominantly use structural glazing and have limited window requirements, our presence is understandably limited.
• With smart homes becoming the norm, how is aluplast staying ahead of the curve? From acoustic insulation to automation – where does your product innovation meet new-age living?
Smart homes are a vast and evolving concept, with various users focusing on different aspects - comfort, automation, security, or convenience. At aluplast, we ensure our systems are compatible with a wide range of smart hardware.
For instance, today’s residences are increasingly adopting digital locks that operate via cards, fingerprints, or facial recognition. Our systems are fully compatible with such technologies, and we have already delivered several projects integrating these features.
Further, we are exploring motorised hardware to automate the operation of windows and doors. The possibilities are vast - automated systems can be integrated with voice assistants like Alexa, allowing users to open or close doors and windows via voice command. Our
aluplast’s doors and windows installed in variour projects
The Expert’s Edge
Delhi showroom demonstrates a fully automated lift-and-slide system.
Security is another critical component. Homeowners are understandably concerned about safety. Our systems support the installation of sensors that alert users when a window is open or closed, or even if an impact or breakage occurs - providing crucial real-time updates. These features can be integrated with broader home security systems, offering enhanced protection and peace of mind.
• uPVC is gaining traction, but myths still linger. How are you addressing consumer scepticism around quality and longevityand flipping the narrative? We believe in offering the right solution for the right context - not pushing uPVC simply because it is our core product. Every project has unique requirements - some prioritise aesthetics, others look at functionality, energy efficiency, or sustainability. For instance, if someone wants a carved wooden door, then uPVC is not the right fit, and that is completely acceptable.
However, for high-volume residential projects, uPVC is an extremely sustainable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution. We are actively educating developers and builders on the long-term benefits - particularly in terms of thermal efficiency and durability.
A common myth is that plastic-based uPVC profiles lack strength. This stems from a lack of understanding of the reinforcement materials used and the system’s ability to withstand high wind
loads. In reality, our systems can be customised and engineered to suit specific project needs based on climate, location, and structural requirements.
We have been in the Indian market for over a decade, and the performance of our systems - across varied climatic conditions - speaks for itself. Most installations have required only routine maintenance with no significant failures. These realworld examples are vital in convincing customers that uPVC is indeed reliable and robust for Indian conditions.
• Germany to India, same compound, same standards! How crucial is this consistency for building trust? Are there any region-specific adaptations you are exploring without compromising on quality? This is a crucial point - and also a challenge. In India, there is a widespread tendency to play with the chemical composition of the uPVC mix to reduce costs. Builders may think they have negotiated a great
deal, but they are often unaware of the compromises made in terms of performance and durability.
Low-grade profiles may fade, crack, or lose structural integrity over time. At aluplast, we have committed from day one not to treat India as a “third world” market. We use the same compound and maintain the same high quality - whether the profile is made in Germany, Mexico, USA, or India.
While this approach has made selling more challenging in price-sensitive segments, we are now seeing a shift. More and more people are recognising the long-term value of maintaining consistent quality standards.
Additionally, because we export a significant volume of profiles from India to regions such as the Middle East and Australia - where profiles from both Germany and India are used side by side - we cannot afford to have discrepancies. Imagine two windows in the same
Windows should not simply blow off when the wind picks up
aluplast uses the same compound and maintain the same high quality - whether the profile is made in Germany, Mexico, the USA, or India
The Expert’s Edge
building: one made in India, the other in Germany. They must perform identically.
That is our commitment. We do not cut corners. Whether made in India or abroad, every aluplast profile meets the same stringent standards. Indian customers can be rest assured they are getting a world-class product, every single time.
• Let’s talk performance – Indian summers, monsoons, dust storms. How do aluplast’s systems stand out in durability and design against these extremes? This is a very important point and one that is becoming increasingly relevant. For example, in Delhi last month, May was reportedly the hottest in 120 years. When people speak about climate change, they often assume global warming simply means everything is becoming hotter and drier - but that is not accurate. Climate change also brings erratic and extreme weather. Summers are hotter, winters are colder, and rainfall is heavier in shorter bursts. So how do we tackle these extremes?
From our perspective, delivering a robust solution is a combination of three or four essential factors. It is not sufficient to merely design or manufacture well. While our profiles are engineered to withstand extreme climates, and our manufacturing
For high-volume residential projects, uPVC is an extremely sustainable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution
processes and compositions support this, what is equally critical is the accuracy of design calculations. Windows should not simply blow off when the wind picks up.
The design must be precise with no compromise. The role of the fabricator is vital - they must follow norms and avoid cutting corners. Proper reinforcements should be installed as per the design,
including elements like hurricane bars that reduce deflection under high wind pressure.
We go beyond manufacturing. We train and carefully select our partners and also monitor installations on site. Only when all these components work together you get a reliable and longlasting solution. Otherwise, as seen during last month’s sudden dust storm, windows can be blown out, leaving residents exposed to the elementswet and unprotected.
• What opportunities do you see for the uPVC industry within India’s construction segment?
We are anticipating double-digit CAGR over the next four to five years, as many studies and market trends suggest - and we are witnessing it ourselves. There is a significant growth potential.
Leading builders, especially those who prioritise quality, now realise that it is not just about cost negotiations. Quality is critical, and their long-term reputation depends on it. We have made strong inroads into the Bengaluru market, with several active projects underway. For the first time, we are also seeing interest from builders in the North, particularly Delhipossibly due to the challenges they have faced, prompting them to seek higherquality solutions.
aluplast’s team
The Expert’s Edge
We are seeing good traction in the North and South. However, we have not yet made significant inroads into the Western and Eastern regions. While challenges remain, including a noticeable customer and architect shift towards aluminium in the retail market, we firmly believe both materials can coexist. Aluminium and uPVC serve different purposes, and one does not have to replace the other.
We are optimistic. The double-digit CAGR forecast is quite realistic, and we are committed to tapping into that growth.
• You have built teams in a highly technical, future-focused, and sustainability-driven industry. What leadership philosophy guides your approach to people and performance? It is certainly a challenging environment. There are many players in the market, and people frequently move from one uPVC company to another, leading to constant attrition. I have always emphasised what I call the “three E’s” - Energy, Enthusiasm, and Effort - over deep technical knowledge alone.
While knowledge is important, it is not always the most knowledgeable person who delivers results. The one with more
energy, more drive, and the willingness to put in real effort is often the one who succeeds. During recruitment, I look for these three E’s.
In India, effort matters significantly. It is not like the Western world where everything runs like clockwork. Here, you have to follow up, make repeated calls, push and pull to get things done. That is the reality we work within, and I want my team to be aligned with that mindset.
“You can’t build a future on shortcuts. At aluplast, quality isn’t optional - it is built into every decision, every design, every door and window”
aluplast’s manufacturing facility - inside view
aluplast’s manufacturing facility
• Where is aluplast India headed? What is the big vision for the next five years?
That is a tough question, given the global context. I have worked on longterm strategic plans for many years in this role and in my previous assignments. But more recently, I have begun using the term “VUCA” - Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous more and more to describe today’s world.
It’s incredibly difficult to plan long-term in such unpredictable conditions. Look at today’s global scenario - two real wars, ongoing trade tensions, and widespread volatility. That makes long-term planning very challenging.
However, India is relatively stable and protected. We have a robust domestic market. Within that context, our vision for the next four to five years is straightforward - we aim to double our market share.
• Are there any expansion plans currently in progress?
We have already made significant investments in infrastructure at our Vadodara facility, and we expect this to meet our operational needs for the next two to three years. Our focus now is not on expanding our physical infrastructure but on increasing localisation and tooling capacity.
Between 2023 and 2025, we have doubled our tooling capacity. That means we are manufacturing more systems locally, significantly reducing dependency on our parent company in Germany. Our goal is to strengthen our manufacturing footprint and resilience in India.
We are also committed to sustainable investments. For instance, we have installed a 300-kilowatt solar photovoltaic rooftop system to reduce our carbon footprint and make our operations greener. Additionally, we are working on a co-extrusion project aimed at integrating recycled material into our profiles. This helps reduce the reliance on virgin material.
The Expert’s Edge
This is a capital-intensive and technically complex initiative, but we are determined to head in that direction. So, while we are not expanding our factory footprint just now, we are investing in ways that align with our broader goals - sustainability, localisation, and longterm quality.
aluplast’s window system
• To conclude, would you like to share a message with our readersespecially regarding uPVC windows and doors and their long-term value?
Our message has always been consistent. In India, we face a somewhat unique scenario where the regulatory framework is relatively weak. There are not strict controls to keep substandard products or poorly designed systems out of the market.
Whenever a major incident occurs, we form committees to investigate and analyse what went wrong. We have all witnessed some tragic events in recent weekssome involving loss of life. The question is: why are we always reacting instead of proactively preventing such events?
India has ample technical know-how and the capability to avoid many of these disasters. But too often we prioritise shortterm cost savings over long-term durability and safety. Yes, there will always be someone offering a cheaper alternativebut at what cost?
At aluplast, we are not so expensive that people cannot afford us. A small price difference - perhaps 5% to 10%should not justify cutting corners. The true cost emerges later, when quality is compromised.
aluplast’s some of the projects
Fire Safety in Urban India: Building Safer and Smarter Buildings
In an era of rapid urbanisation and vertical growth, fire safety has emerged as a critical concern for the built environment in India. With increasingly complex building designs and material innovations, ensuring compliance with robust fire safety standards is not only essential for safeguarding property but also, more importantly, human life. Against this backdrop, our cover story delves deep into the current status of India’s fire safety norms in comparison with global standards, offering a comprehensive view of the gaps, progress, and potential reforms needed to bring Indian practices at par with international benchmarks.
To explore this vital issue, we interviewed several subject matter experts from across the façade and construction industry. Their insights present a well-rounded perspective on the efficacy of India’s regulatory framework, the challenges faced during implementation, and the proactive steps being taken by leading organisations to enhance fire safety in design, materials, installation, and ongoing maintenance. This cover story also highlights emerging trends, particularly in doors and windows, that align with a more fire-resilient architectural approach.
Beyond regulatory frameworks, our experts also delve into challenges arising from varying fire norms across Indian states, the role of innovation in fire-retardant materials, and the urgent need for technical training and certification in system installation and maintenance. Together, these informed voices reflect a growing industry consensus: India is progressing in the right direction, but stronger enforcement, education, and collaboration are key to ensuring fire-safe buildings for the future.
INDIA’S FIRE SAFETY NORMS IN COMPARISON WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
India has made commendable progress in defining fire safety standards, especially with increased awareness around façade safety in recent years. However, when compared to international benchmarks, there is still a noticeable gapparticularly in terms of enforcement, periodic updates, and third-party testing mechanisms. According to Nitin Jain,
Managing Director, Viva ACP, countries in Europe, the Middle East, and North America have adopted more stringent protocols that involve full-scale testing, independent certification bodies, and real-time compliance audits. In India, while the intent is strong, the implementation varies from state to state, and standardised adoption is still evolving. There is also a need to move beyond document-based compliance toward performance-based evaluations that assess how a material or system behaves in real fire scenarios. We’re progressing in the right direction, but more work is needed to match the rigour and consistency seen internationally.”
Neeraj Nayyar, National Head of Specifications, Siderise Group, observes that there is a reasonably solid framework in place with the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, but there are still lessons to be learnt from international standards in several areas - particularly around implementation, compliance and enforcement which remain key challenges. Nevertheless, fire safety norms and standards in India
are constantly evolving. “For example, in 2023, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced IS 18190: 2023 which assesses the fire resistance performance of perimeter fire barrier system assemblies. Its holistic, ‘system approach’ goes beyond both current standards here, and those developed elsewhere in the world, especially with the provision for testing air leakage rates. However, this is yet to be adopted as part of an updated building code”, says Nayyar.
Nikhil ParasuRaman, Managing Director of SE Controls India, opines that we can safely say that India’s fire safety norms are evolving and aligning with international standards and with the revision of NBC expected later this year, we can see much more advanced norms coming in for safer buildings, and as the BIS keep revisiting and revising the NBC it will only get more stringent, which is great. “Any standard is only truly followed when enforced and implemented properly with strict penalties for noncompliance. Having mandatory stop checks in between build phases will allow for the norms to be truly well enforced.”
There should also be a stronger emphasis on testing entire assemblies, not just individual materials
NITIN JAIN
Managing Director, Viva ACP
NEERAJ NAYYAR
National Head of Specifications, Siderise Group
NIKHIL PARASURAMAN
Managing Director, SE Controls India
Ranjeet Sharma, President & CEO, 3A Composites India Pvt Ltd, states that though India has made progress in establishing fire safety norms, incidents such as the frequent fire outbreaks in high-rise buildings across major cities like Mumbai reveal gaps in enforcement and compliance. “Globally, fire safety regulations like NFPA 285 and EN 13501-1 are considered benchmarks. To match international standards, Indian regulations must incorporate such globally recognised test methods and ensure stricter compliance”, adds Sharma.
Vishwajit Pandey, Senior Vice President, Winwall India opines that India has made commendable progress in developing its fire safety framework, particularly through the National Building Code (NBC 2016), IS 1642, IS 3809, IS 18190 and relevant fire and life safety guidelines. However, when benchmarked against global standards such as the NFPA (National
Fire Protection Association – USA), BS EN (British & European), or Australia’s NCC, India’s approach still tends to be more prescriptive than performancebased.
Our codes need further refinement to address the rapid evolution of façade materials and complex geometries now prevalent in modern architecture. Moreover, the implementation and enforcement of fire safety norms remain inconsistent across regions. There is an urgent need for centralised, standardised fire performance criteria for façades - especially concerning aspects like vertical fire spread, cavity barriers, and combustibility of cladding systems.
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS FOR INDIA’S FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS
Jain opines that the future of fire safety in India must be shaped by greater clarity, consistency, and real-world applicability. He emphasises the need for clearer categorisation of façade materialsparticularly for products like ACPs and HPLs - with well-defined testing standards and mandatory third-party certifications. According to him, the establishment of a national fire compliance registry would bring much-needed transparency by listing all approved fire-rated materials along with their test credentials.
He further advocates for performancebased testing protocols that replicate real building conditions instead of relying solely
on laboratory-scale results. Training and education, he says, should be a central focus - installers, contractors, and even endusers must understand the importance of selecting and correctly applying fire-safe materials. Additionally, he advises that fostering innovation in non-combustible material technologies - such as mineral core or all-aluminium panel systems - combined with skilled installation practices and consistent regulatory acceptance, will raise fire safety standards across India’s rapidly growing built environment.
ParasuRaman agrees that India’s building codes and fire norms are generally wellstructured with strong interlinkages among chapters. However, he observes that shortcomings persist in areas such as enforcement, post-occupancy thirdparty audits, and the adoption of modern approaches like performance-based design. He recommends the creation of codes that mandate periodic preventive maintenance (PPM) for all relevant systems. As an example, he refers to BS 7346-8:2013, which governs components for smoke control systems, covering planning, design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance. He suggests that enforcement could be undertaken by local authorities or thirdparty audit firms appointed by the municipality.
Sharma advises that India must integrate internationally recognised test methods like NFPA 285, which evaluates fire propagation in façade systems, and
RANJEET SHARMA
President & CEO,
3A Composites India Pvt Ltd
VISHWAJIT PANDEY
Senior Vice President, Winwall India
Viva is the first and only company in India to have an in house FR Class A2 core manufacturing facility, providing complete control over fire-resistant material formulation and quality assurance
EN 13501-1, which assesses individual product performance. He stresses the importance of mandating certified fireretardant materials - such as aluminium composite materials (ACMs) with at least a 70% non-combustible core - as a standard. In addition, he recommends that regulations should actively discourage the use of highly flammable materials and promote routine fire safety audits, particularly for public and high-rise buildings.
According to Pandey, To strengthen India’s fire safety regime, several important amendments should be considered. First, there is a pressing need to adopt a performance-based framework. This would require moving beyond prescriptive codes and embracing performancebased testing protocols such as BS 8414 or NFPA 285, which evaluate real-world fire scenarios on full façade assemblies.
Second, fire testing of façade cladding systems must be made mandatory. This includes introducing compulsory largescale fire testing and requiring third-party or BIS certification for all façade materials and systems. Alongside this, it is essential to provide relevant training to BIS personnel and fire service officers. Such training should focus on the various fire standards (IS) that have been published for fire safety products, ensuring uniform implementation across the country without any dilution.
Third, a national registry and standardisation mechanism should be established. This would involve setting up a centralised body or registry that certifies fire-rated products and maintains upto-date compliance records. In addition, periodic revisions of codes are necessary. Regular updates to the National Building Code (NBC) and IS codes should be undertaken to reflect global best practices and to address emerging risks posed by new materials and evolving design trends.
Finally, there is a need for façade-specific fire safety guidelines. A dedicated chapter
within the NBC should be created to address façade design, fire resistance, and installation protocols in detail.
A more harmonised and proactive approach will not only save lives but also enhance the credibility and inspire greater confidence in India’s built environment.
ENSURING COMPLIANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF PRODUCTS/ PROJECTS DURING FIRE EVENTS
Nitin Jain, speaking about Viva’s commitment to fire safety, says that fire safety is not an afterthought - it is a fundamental pillar of their design, engineering, and manufacturing processes. He explains, “Our state-ofthe-art in-house manufacturing facility, equipped with 14 advanced production lines, has a robust annual capacity of 15 million square metres. Every panel we produce is engineered to meet and exceed global fire safety standards, especially in terms of material composition, reaction to fire, and long-term performance.”
According to him, Viva is the first and only company in India to have an inhouse FR Class A2 core manufacturing facility, providing complete control over fire-resistant material formulation and quality assurance. He also emphasises their commitment to local sourcing, with
all raw materials procured within India, which promotes self-reliance and ensures tighter supply chain traceability.
Jain adds that Viva offers a comprehensive range of fire-retardant ACP panels, certified as per EN 135011 (Class B-s1, d0), a benchmark for low flame spread and minimal smoke emission. He elaborates on their specialised production lines:
• FR Class A2 Production Line, using a 90% mineral and 10% recycled polyethylene core, delivering high fire resistance without compromising on design flexibility.
• FR Class A2+ Production Line (also known as ACCP - Aluminium Core Corrugated Panel), which uses a 100% aluminium honeycomb structure with zero polyethylene content. This makes it a preferred solution for highrisk zones, eliminating the risk of fire propagation from the core itself.
He further opines that their products undergo rigorous in-house testing and are certified by globally recognised institutions like Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants. Additionally, Viva collaborates with architects, façade consultants, and contractors at early design stages to help specify the appropriate fire-retardant grade tailored to each project.
Nayyar notes that the Siderise has significantly invested in education and industry awareness. “We offer in-person seminars and online learning through our Siderise Academy portal, including webinars and on-demand modules. We also support the work of independent organisations such as the IFC and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP),” he says.
ParasuRaman affirms that their products are tested and certified to EN 12101/ IS 21927, a European standard covering smoke and heat control systems, including various types of ventilators and components. He adds, “We also conduct rigorous in-house testing to ensure reliability and endurance in emergency situations, with the highest safety standards followed during the manufacturing of our actuators and controls.”
Sharma opines that the use of certified Fire Retardant Aluminium Composite Materials (FR ACMs) is key to achieving effective fire performance. “We prioritise products like ALUCOBOND PLUS and ALUCOBOND A2, which have 70% and 90% non-combustible mineral cores respectively,” he says. These materials, he adds, are tested as per EN 13501-1 and can form part of systems evaluated by NFPA 285, ensuring effective performance in real-world fire scenarios. “Moreover, these materials emit negligible toxic gases and prevent flaming droplets, allowing safe evacuation and reducing risk to life and property,” he concludes.
Pandey notes that fire safety is not a checkbox—it is an integral design and delivery philosophy. He explains that their process begins by testing semicombustible or fire-retardant materials as per IS and international standards. All products, he adds, undergo thorough third-party testing for flame spread and structural integrity under fire conditions.
According to Pandey, Winwall is also accredited by NABL to conduct full-scale fire
mock-up tests in an ISMA chamber (Inter Storey Mock-up Assembly) to validate system performance under realistic conditions. He further states that their engineering team verifies the designs of façade assemblies with compartmentalisation, fire stops, and cavity barriers to prevent the spread of flames through concealed spaces.
Moreover, he highlights that they collaborate closely with fire consultants, architects, and local fire authorities from the conceptual stage to handoverensuring every façade cladding system fulfils statutory requirements and fire engineering logic.
CHALLENGES IN COMPLYING WITH DIVERSE FIRE SAFETY NORMS
ACROSS INDIAN STATES
Jain points out that one of the most significant challenges is the fragmentation of fire codes across different states. While some regions have adopted the National Building Code (NBC) in full, others continue to rely on older or custom guidelines, which leads to ambiguity. He further observes that there is a lack of awareness or technical understanding at the execution level, often resulting in the incorrect installation or substitution of materials. To address these issues, Jain says his team maintains a detailed compliance matrix for regional codes, partners with local consultants and authorities to ensure proper documentation and certification,
and conducts product briefings and knowledge sessions to bridge the technical gap among decision-makers and on-ground teams.
Highlighting the challenges, Nayyar observes, “Most states have their own fire safety norms, based on local byelaws that are often prioritised over the NBC. This leads to considerable variation across the 28 states.” He points out the inconsistent understanding among stakeholders and fire officers regarding compartmentation requirements. “People know the value of fire safety and the importance of compartmentation, but they do not necessarily understand the nuances of testing and performance for our products,” he says.
He explains further that a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by one state may cover different passive fire protection criteria compared to another. Often, there is insufficient detail, with no clear distinction made between a fire or smoke seal and a fire barrier system in a curtain wall - resulting in the compartment zone not achieving the required fire resistance performance.
ParasuRaman opines that there are multiple challenges stemming from the absence of a nationally enforced system, such as the Automatic Smoke Ventilation system on glass façades. He explains that although most states follow NBC Part 4, the enforcement
India must integrate internationally recognised test methods like NFPA 285, which evaluates fire propagation in façade systems
varies significantly. Municipalities in Tier-1 cities with higher population density and more high-rise buildings often have their own fire safety acts that supersede the NBC. According to him, this situation weakens the enforceability of NBC, reducing it to a set of recommendations. He strongly advocates for the enforcement of NBC 2025 across all states to establish a uniform National Fire Safety Act.
Sharma agrees that varying fire safety regulations across states lead to inconsistent expectations in material selection and approvals. He notes that some regions still permit the use of non-fire-retardant materials in cladding systems, which poses a serious safety concern. To overcome this, Sharma says his organisation consistently recommends globally certified materials across all projects. He also stresses the importance of educating stakeholders on the longterm advantages of using tested and certified fire-retardant systems, regardless of the regional discrepancies in fire safety norms.
According to Vishwaji Pandey, one of the most persistent challenges is the lack of uniformity in fire safety interpretation and enforcement across Indian states and urban local bodies. He notes that approvals, required documentation, and permitted materials can vary widely — causing delays and rework despite national codes being in place.
To navigate this, Pandey explains that they maintain a dedicated code compliance team that tracks local by-laws, liaises with authorities, and ensures early alignment of specifications with regional fire norms. This team plays a critical role in adapting to varying regulations and avoiding potential setbacks.
He further adds that the company works closely with local fire consultants and establishes open channels of communication with the respective fire departments during the design stage. This early engagement helps in aligning project plans with local expectations and minimising delays.
Pandey also states that internal knowledge transfer sessions are conducted regularly to ensure that their design, execution, and QA/QC teams remain in sync with state-specific variations. This approach promotes a cohesive understanding across departments and supports consistent compliance.
In addition, he mentions that they maintain a comprehensive compliance library to streamline approvals and documentation across multiple regions. This central repository of codes and guidelines helps in reducing ambiguity and accelerating the approval process.
Pandey concludes by emphasising that proactive engagement and technical
preparedness remain their strongest tools to deal with these regulatory disparities.
THE NEED FOR TRAINING AND SUPPORT IN INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING FIRE-SAFE FAÇADE PRODUCTS
Jain opines that the effectiveness of any fire-rated façade system depends not just on the quality of the product but equally on how it is installed and maintained. “Even the most advanced fire-safe panel can underperform if not handled or fitted correctly,” he warns. At Viva, they have developed a multitiered training and support ecosystem to address this issue. This includes on-ground training programmes for fabricators and installers, digital resources like manuals and instructional videos to standardise installation procedures, and workshops or CPD sessions for architects, façade consultants, and project engineers. These focus on material selection, design integration, and code compliance. He further shares that Viva participates in numerous conferences and knowledgesharing platforms with industry bodies and educational institutions to raise awareness about fire-retardant materials and façade safety. Looking ahead, he advocates for a nationally recognised installer certification programme, potentially led by organisations like BIS or CPWD, to ensure uniformity, accountability, and skill validation throughout the project lifecycle.
Nayyar agrees that effective passive fire protection requires installation strictly in line with manufacturer guidelines to accurately replicate tested systems. He states that Siderise’s dedicated Site Services team supports installers at every stage of the construction process, offering product installation training and conducting benchmark installations. This assistance complements independent industry-led training schemes that provide general best practice guidance for passive fire protection installations. According to him, the Siderise Inspection App further enables installers to self-audit
Fire safety should be made an integral part of the Smart Cities Mission and green building certifications (like GRIHA and IGBC)
and monitor installations effectively, with compliance ensured through inspection reports reviewed by Siderise Site Service Engineers.
ParasuRaman also emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to fire and life safety systems, stating that any such system must follow a cradleto-cradle approach. This means that design, implementation, and preventive maintenance should be interconnected. He advises that proper guidance should be given to facilities teams to ensure they take preventive and predictive maintenance (PPM) plans from OEMauthorised partners. He cautions that many systems are installed merely to meet occupancy requirements and are rarely maintained correctly, creating significant fire and life safety liabilities.
Sharma echoes the view that proper installation is critical in ensuring the performance of fire safety systems. He explains that even the best materials can fail if not installed correctly. According to him, technical training for installers and contractors on the handling and fixing of fire-retardant cladding materials is essential. He also advises conducting regular maintenance protocols and awareness workshops to ensure ongoing compliance with fire safety standards.
According to Vishwaji Pandey, installation is where fire-safe intent becomes realworld protection. He emphasises that even the most rigorously tested systems can fail if they are incorrectly installed or poorly maintained.
He notes that India urgently needs structured and certified training programmes for façade contractors, installers, site engineers, and maintenance personnel. These training programmes, he says, should focus on several critical areas. First, they must ensure the correct placement of fire stops, barriers, and sealants. Secondly, there should be proper training for the installation of
India’s architectural landscape is transforming rapidly - vertical growth, dense urbanisation, and complex building systems demand a robust, unified approach to fire safety
rated glazing systems and rainscreens. It is also essential to ensure compliance with tested assembly conditions. Finally, long-term inspection and maintenance routines must be incorporated into standard practice.
Pandey highlights that at Winwall, they offer on-site training sessions, detailed installation manuals, and mock installations to ensure that product integrity is upheld throughout the project lifecycle.
He strongly advocates for project specifications to include post-installation inspections and third-party audits, which help certify that systems remain compliant even after handover.
He concludes by stating that fire safety is a shared responsibility, and that empowering all stakeholders through knowledge is key to creating safer buildings.
CONCLUSION
The discourse around fire safety in India, particularly within the façades and fenestration segment, reflects a crucial turning point - one marked by an evolving regulatory framework, increasing awareness, and the urgency for
implementation that aligns with global standards. While India has undoubtedly made significant headway in defining fire safety norms, the collective insight of industry leaders highlights that much remains to be done - especially in achieving consistency, enforcement, and nationwide standardisation.
From the observations of Nitin Jain to the insights shared by Neeraj Nayyar, Nikhil ParasuRaman, and Ranjeet Sharma, a common thread emerges: the need for stronger enforcement, centralised fire codes, and performance-based design principles. Internationally recognised test methods such as NFPA 285 and EN 13501-1 must become integral to Indian regulations, not just as references but as mandatory benchmarks. Equally critical is the call for third-party certifications, periodic audits, and a national fire compliance registry that ensures transparency and real-time verification.
Moreover, fire safety does not begin and end with product manufacturing. As all experts unanimously emphasise, training, education, and correct installation practices form the backbone of a truly fire-resilient built environment. Whether it is through site services, certification programmes, or digital audits, the role of continuous learning and stakeholder awareness cannot be overstated.
India’s architectural landscape is transforming rapidly - vertical growth, dense urbanisation, and complex building systems demand a robust, unified approach to fire safety. By embracing innovation, adopting global best practices, and establishing a culture of accountability from design through to post-occupancy maintenance, India can bridge the existing gap and set new benchmarks of safety excellence. As the revision of NBC and BIS standards continues, it is imperative that all stakeholders work in tandem to ensure these efforts translate into safer, smarter buildings for generations to come.
Automated Fire Doors: A Smarter, Safer Future for Modern Buildings
Unlike traditional manual doors, automated fire doors do not rely on human intervention
Fire safety is a crucial aspect of modern architecture, and with today’s advancements in technology, automated doors have become a gamechanger. These smart systems do more than just open and close - they actively help protect people and property in the event of a fire.
QUICK RESPONSE AND FIRE CONTAINMENT
When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Automated fire-rated doors are designed to respond instantly, closing automatically when fire or smoke is detected. By containing the fire within a specific area, these doors help slow
DR. JOLLY BANERJI Managing Director, MMC Doortech Services Pvt. Ltd.
its spread, giving people more time to evacuate and reducing damage.
SAFE AND SMOOTH EVACUATION
In an emergency, panic and confusion can make escape difficult. Automated doors ensure a smooth evacuation process by opening effortlessly when needed and remaining accessible. Many systems also include fail-safe mechanisms and emergency breakaway features, making it easier for people to exit safely while allowing firefighters to enter without obstruction.
SMART INTEGRATION WITH BUILDING SYSTEMS
Today’s automated doors do not work in isolation. They are integrated into building management systems (BMS), allowing facility managers to monitor their status in real time. This connectivity ensures quick interventions if needed and helps buildings remain compliant with fire safety regulations.
RELIABLE & LOW-MAINTENANCE SAFETY
Unlike traditional manual doors, automated fire doors do not rely on human intervention. They function consistently, reducing the risk of someone forgetting to close a fire door in an emergency. Regular maintenance and testing keep them in top condition, ensuring they work when needed most.
A SMARTER APPROACH TO FIRE SAFETY
Modern buildings demand modern safety solutions. Automated doors are not just about convenience – they are an essential part of a comprehensive fire safety plan. By investing in these intelligent systems, we can create safer spaces where people can live and work with greater peace of mind.
Hardware
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Fire-Safe Façades: Designing for Protection, Performance and Compliance
The limited availability of fully tested and internationally certified façade systems that simultaneously satisfy aesthetic and performance requirements” is a pressing concern
As buildings grow taller and architectural forms more complex, fire safety has emerged as a defining concern in façade and fenestration design. The increasing use of composite materials, ventilated cladding systems, and expansive glazing has introduced new vulnerabilitiesparticularly in how fire can spread through cavities, joints, and poorly detailed interfaces. In this context, ensuring the fire performance of building envelopes is no longer just about selecting the right materials; it requires a layered, systembased approach rooted in collaboration, technical rigour, and code compliance.
Passive fire protection - through firestopping, compartmentalisation, cavity barriers, and fire-rated glazing - must now be integrated from the earliest design stage. When façade safety is treated as a technical
add-on rather than an architectural priority, it leads to costly retrofits and potential hazards. Early engagement with façade engineers, fire consultants, and product manufacturers is therefore critical to prevent these issues and ensure seamless integration of safety measures.
Compounding the challenge is the reality that fire-rated materials alone do not guarantee compliance. The entire façade assembly - including fixings, anchors, insulation, and sub-structures - must be tested and certified as a complete system. Mismatched or substituted components, often made on-site due to supply constraints or cost pressures, can compromise the integrity of even the most well-intentioned designs. Furthermore, balancing fire safety with other performance parameters such as water resistance, acoustic insulation, and energy efficiency requires thoughtful
detailing, performance modelling, and material compatibility checks.
Adding to the complexity is the evolving regulatory landscape - both globally and within India. With new risks emerging from battery storage, electric vehicles, and changing building typologies, staying updated with fire norms and aligning them with global standards is becoming increasingly important. The goal is no longer just code compliance, but future-proofing façades against risks that continue to evolve.
In this cover story, we have interviewed leading subject-matter experts in architecture, façade engineering, and real estate development. Their insights - rooted in real-world projects and field challenges - highlight the strategies, systems, and design philosophies shaping a safer future for façades and fenestration.
DESIGNING FOR SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE: EXPERTS SHARE THEIR APPROACHES TO FAÇADE DESIGN
Ar. Amit Singhal, Director, GPM Architects & Planners, observes, “Designing resilient façades goes beyond selecting compliant materials – it is about thinking systemically. Fire safety, especially in vertical developments, is achieved through a layered approach using fire barriers, non-combustible insulation, and cavity closures. These must be integrated from the beginning, not as post-design additions.” He further explains the importance of pressureequalised systems and drained cavities for water resistance, while acoustic isolation is achieved through laminated glazing, air gaps, and insulated mullions. “We treat façades as high-performing membranes that subtly perform complex work and invisibly shape the lived experience of every user,” he adds.
Ar. Auna Sando, Founder, Elements Energy, agrees that these concerns are fundamental. “For fire safety, I always prioritise compartmentalisation. Integrating fire-rated glazing and installing cavity barriers at every floor level is nonnegotiable to prevent vertical fire spread. Living in Chennai, where the monsoon can be unforgiving, has influenced my approach to water resistance-I lean toward pressureequalised rainscreen systems with layered
vapour barriers. Noise control, especially in urban settings, involves double or tripleglazed units with asymmetrical glass thicknesses and sound-absorbing materials within cavities,” she notes.
Ar. BK Malagi, COO, Experion Developers, states, “Our approach is founded on rigorous analysis and leverages design parameters determined through wind tunnel studies and informed engineering inputs. We ensure absolute compliance with local fire codes, particularly NBC 2016 standards. Water resistance is achieved through pressure-equalised rainscreen systems, while acoustic performance involves layered glazing systems and precision detailing tailored to specific project environments.”
Echoing the importance of integrated design, Ar. Shivani Satpathy Oberoi, Founder of Idea Lab Design Studio, explains, “For fire safety, we select noncombustible or limited-combustibility materials and follow appropriate norms for fire doors and façade detailing. Water resistance hinges on appropriate material selection and sealing post-installation. Noise control benefits from air insulation and cavity barriers, which also act as fire barriers.” She also emphasises planning norms like egress routes and refuge areas for high-rise buildings.
The building reflects the sky vividly, highlighting the seamless integration of performance-focused glazing. In the foreground, ongoing waterproofing and insulation work illustrates the meticulous attention to fire safety, water resistance, and acoustic control integral to modern façade design
AR. AMIT SINGHAL Director, GPM Architects & Planners
AR. AUNA SANDO Founder, Elements Energy
AR. BK MALAGI COO, Experion Developers
AR. SHIVANI SATPATHY OBEROI Founder, Idea Lab Design Studio
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Ar. Shreyanshi Dubey, Founder, Varenyam Architecture & Design, highlights the importance of embedding safety and performance from the conceptual stage. “We focus on non-combustible materials, firerated glazing, and zoning to prevent fire spread. For water resistance, pressureequalised rain screens, quality sealants, and effective drainage detailing are key. Noise is controlled through layered glazing, insulated profiles, and mock-
up testing for all critical interfaces,” she notes.
Ar. Arijit Ghosh, Principal Architect, Studio 4th Dimension, adds a detailed technical perspective. He points out that all buildings must adhere to statutory fire approvals and highlights crucial elements such as travel distances between staircases, smoke barriers, refuge areas, fire tender movement, sprinklers, and wet/dry riser systems. “Water resistance in façades is approached in two ways-against ground water and rain penetration-using waterproofing methods like sealants, drainage slopes, water bars, and membrane coatings. Acoustic control involves managing sound transmission and absorption through STC-rated partitions and NRCrated interior materials,” he explains.
BALANCING AESTHETICS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND FIRE RESISTANCE IN FAÇADE DESIGN
Ar. Singhal opines that the idea of a trade-off between aesthetics, safety, and sustainability is a misconception. “In practice, its about synergy. Aesthetic expression must grow from functional clarity,” he explains. By integrating fire-
The juxtaposition of curved and faceted surfaces highlights the technical sophistication required in sourcing materials that are not only visually striking but also meet evolving fire safety and regulatory standards
rated aluminium panels and highperformance glass early in the design process, his team ensures compliance and elegance coexist. “When façade strategy evolves in tandem with architecture, the outcome is effortless. A façade can be minimal, beautiful, and high-performing, all at once.”
Ar. Sando notes that, “Designing performance-driven façades is about
The use of fire-safe, low-maintenance materials like uPVC, alongside design strategies for natural ventilation and shading, reflects a thoughtful balance between aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and safety
AR. ARIJIT GHOSH Principal Architect, Studio 4th Dimension
letting function shape beauty.” She favours fire-rated glazing with ceramic frits that provide both compliance and texture, alongside dynamic shading systems that respond to sunlight. She adds, “With newer glazing technologies, I have found its now possible to maintain both transparency and high performance... the building does not just perform better - it feels more honest, more resolved.”
Bharat Bahl, Joint Managing Director, Krishna Buildestates Pvt Ltd (KBE) says his firm starts by locking in fire class benchmarks and energy goals upfront. “Because the palette is noncombustible from day one, the final expression can be as glassy or as solid as the architect wishes without risking late-stage fire-engineering surprises,” he explains. Rigorous selection and testing processes ensure that safety does not inhibit creativity.
Ar. Malagi agrees that performance and aesthetics must go hand in hand. “From the conceptual stage forward, we maintain close coordination with architects, energy consultants, and fire engineers,” he notes. This integrated
methodology allows his team to create façades that are “both visually compelling and technically robust.”
For Ar. Oberoi, form indeed follows function. “We try to address the practical aspects driving the exterior envelope first and then develop the aesthetic appeal,” she observes. By factoring in material choices, sun-path analyses, and project budgets, her team ensures that energy efficiency and safety are built into the façade’s concept from the outset.
Ar. Dubey believes that “beauty and performance go hand in hand.” Her process involves analysing site orientation, climate, and occupant usage. “Safety is of supreme importance-hence we select only non-combustible finishes and use tested insulation.” She insists that the best façade is one that “tells a story-while inherently protecting, insulating, and lasting.”
Ar. Ghosh highlights the importance of balancing U-values and fire ratings before bringing creativity into the aesthetic expression. “When both fire resistance and energy efficiency fall into place, aesthetics blends in with some creativity
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from architects and façade designers,” he asserts.
SOURCING COMPLIANT
AND FIRERATED FAÇADE SYSTEMS AMID EVOLVING GLOBAL
STANDARDS
Ar. Singhal observes that “the biggest challenge is not sourcing materials-its sourcing accountability.” While many façade materials are advertised as firerated, the accompanying hardware systems often lack certification, creating a misleading sense of compliance. He further adds, “A single EI rating means little unless the entire assembly-from anchors to insulation-is co-certified.”
The shortage of trained contractors and limited availability of quality local alternatives exacerbate the issue. “We prioritise early vendor engagement, thirdparty testing, and full system mock-ups,” he notes, reinforcing that lifecycle clarity and system integrity matter more than procurement alone.
Ar. Sando shares that while India’s manufacturing ecosystem is progressing, many internationally certified components still require importation, which drives up both cost and carbon emissions. “Aligning BIS norms with global green building certifications can be complex,” she says, pointing out that supply
Fire and emergency balconies serve a dual purpose - ensuring safe evacuation during emergencies while doubling as open leisure spaces for occupants in everyday use
Water resistance is achieved through pressure-equalised rainscreen systems, while acoustic performance involves layered glazing systems and precision detailing tailored to specific project environments
Cover Story
chain disruptions often lead to design compromises or necessitate early approvals for multiple alternatives. “Quality control is another concernespecially with newer or local vendors,” she adds, highlighting the need for rigorous third-party testing and longterm partnerships with innovative Indian suppliers.
Ar. Bahl opines that “the main hurdle is securing whole-assembly evidencepanel, sub-frame, insulation and sealsrather than ‘FR’ labels on individual parts.” He notes that comprehensive documentation, such as unexpired BS 8414 or NFPA 285 reports, must be demanded from vendors upfront to avoid costly mid-project surprises. He does, however, acknowledge a recent improvement: “Supply-chain risk eased in May 2025 when Viva opened India’s first A2-core ACP facility, trimming import lead times and currency exposure.”
Ar. Malagi notes that “the limited availability of fully tested and internationally certified façade systems that simultaneously satisfy aesthetic and performance requirements” is a
pressing concern. He adds, “Extended lead times for compliant systems create significant scheduling pressures,” making early supplier engagement and adaptive detailing strategies crucial to maintaining compliance.
Ar. Dubey agrees that availability remains one of the biggest hurdles, especially in tier II and III cities. “Certified materials are not as mature in such regions, and global products come with issues like longer timelines, higher costs, and climatic incompatibility,” she notes. Ar.
Dubey also points to the gap between lab-tested performance and fieldlevel execution, cautioning that “sitelevel substitutions, even with detailed specifications, can compromise safety.” Her strategy involves proactive supplier vetting, early procurement planning, and rigorous third-party audits.
Ar. Oberoi remarks that “global standards and country-specific codes vary and are ever-evolving as the risks are evolving.” She cites the example of new fire risks associated with the adoption of electric vehicles and battery storage, noting that the pace of technological change demands constant market study and material awareness. “Spreading awareness with stakeholders aids in better decisionmaking,” she adds.
DESIGNING AGAINST FIRE: MITIGATING SPREAD THROUGH FAÇADE CAVITIES AND JOINTS
Ar. Singhal observes, “Mitigating the risk of fire spread through cavities and joints starts with early detailing and the use of passive protection systems. We embed fire-stop sealants, smoke seals, and cavity barriers that are tested for a minimum of 120-minute FRL, particularly across slab edges and vertical joints.” He notes the importance of evaluating every junction-from façade-to-floor gap to
Fire spread mitigation is achieved through a strategic deployment of fire-stopping products and cavity barriers, combined with precise detailing that restricts both horizontal and vertical fire propagation
Defence Offices Complexes, Delhi Workspaces designed with fire-rated materials
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service penetrations-at the assembly level. “In high-rise curtain wall systems, horizontal fire-stopping between floors is critical to prevent vertical flame migration,” he adds. Technologies like 3D coordination and BIM further ensure alignment and early conflict detection.
Ar. Sando shares insights from her retrofit work at IIT Madras Research Park, explaining, “We installed horizontal cavity barriers at each floor level using intumescent materials that expand under heat, effectively sealing fire paths. These were backed with mineral wool and firerated sealants, which also contributed to better thermal insulation.” She emphasises that even complex junctions and structural glazing details were meticulously upgraded to maintain both fire resistance and aesthetic integrity.
Ar. Bahl opines, “The mantra is ‘continuous, inspectable barriers.’ Horizontal cavity barriers run at every slab edge; vertical barriers follow the spacings signposted in Draft NBC 2025 Part 4.” He adds that all façade-to-structure interfaces are modelled with the fire engineer before shop drawings are issued, and verified on-site with borescope photos. Slim intumescent closers are used to swell under heat and seal ventilation gaps, and joint sizes in ventilated façades are
Ar. Malagi notes, “Fire spread mitigation is achieved through a strategic deployment of fire-stopping products and cavity barriers, combined with precise detailing that restricts both horizontal and vertical fire propagation.” He also underlines the role of collaboration with fire safety vendors and advanced simulation modelling to validate real-world performance.
Ar. Oberoi reflects on industry learnings, referencing a LinkedIn article by Alessandro Massarotto. She elaborates,
“Sealing the gaps and cavities with fireresistant lining between false ceiling and glass, and having fire stops between floors is ideal.” She also draws attention to common risk areas, such as voids between curtain walls and slabs, that demand detailed treatment.
Ar. Dubey adds, “Curtain wall systems can be beautiful, but they come with hidden fire risks-especially through their cavities and joints. That is why we work with fire consultants from day one. We include horizontal and vertical fire barriers at each floor and carefully detail slab edges to prevent any ‘chimney effect’.” She stresses the importance of selecting firerated materials and ensuring proper installation sequencing to avoid compromises.
Ar. Ghosh underlines the critical role of smoke seals. “Mitigating the risk of fire spreading through cavities, joints, and other openings is taken care of by installing smoke seals-especially at interfaces like door frames, sub-frames, spandrels, vision panels, mullions, and false ceiling joints,” he explains. These components, often made of strips, gaskets, or intumescent materials, are essential in blocking airborne smoke and toxic gases.
carefully controlled to prevent chimney effects.
Defence Offices Complexes, Delhi Fire-Rated façade system
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY-STAGE COLLABORATION IN FIRE-SAFE FAÇADE DESIGN
Ar. Singhal observes that façade and fire safety performance are most effectively addressed when collaboration starts at the drawing board. “The earlier we bring in façade consultants and fire experts, the more coherent and conflict-free the final solution tends to be,” he notes. He advocates for the use of BIM and clash detection tools to visualise and resolve technical challenges early on. According to him, design charrettes, coordination meetings, and mock-up reviews are critical in ensuring decisions are made in real time, avoiding a reactive approach to fire safety.
Ar. Sando agrees wholeheartedly, stating, “Early-stage collaboration is not just helpful, it is absolutely critical, especially in complex retrofits where you are navigating constraints from both the past and the future.” She shares how early coordination meetings shaped smarter decisions on material selection and cavity design, enabling synergies between fire resistance and energy performance. She highlights the importance of shared BIM models
and weekly stakeholder meetings to maintain alignment and accountability, particularly in projects targeting netzero goals.
Ar. Bahl notes, “Early alignment is cheaper than late fixes.” At KBE, a façade–fire workshop is scheduled as soon as the building massing freezes. Bahl stresses the need for a shared IFC-based BIM model that flags missing cavity barriers and other critical elements before
complexity sets in. A common checklist is used to log decisions, ensuring fire-critical components are not lost during later revisions.
Ar. Malagi echoes this sentiment, stating that early-stage collaboration forms the foundation of successful and compliant façade design. “Our coordination enhancement strategies include joint design workshops, early-stage mockups, and structured review meetings,” he explains. These measures enable stakeholder alignment and early conflict resolution while upholding both visual and performance goals.
Ar. Oberoi emphasises the holistic benefit of early collaboration. “It ensures teams positively set goals, consider all risks, and derive solutions together, avoiding delays or cost inflation during project delivery,” she notes. Oberoi recommends implementing a Roles and Responsibilities Matrix, regular interdisciplinary meetings, and the use of collaborative software platforms to streamline project coordination.
Ar. Dubey asserts, “Early collaboration is the most essential part of design. A façade design that works visually but fails on safety or thermal performance cannot be
Netaji Nagar Redevelopment, Delhi Residential spaces designed with dire safety norms
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put into design.” She advocates for kickoff workshops, mutual checklists, and shared BIM models to ensure all disciplines are in sync from concept to completion. According to her, some of their most seamless and efficient projects have been the result of this proactive, collaborative model.
Ar. Ghosh emphasises the architect’s responsibility in leading this collaborative charge. “It is the architect who leads the project and should have thorough knowledge of fire safety norms,” he says. According to Ghosh, architects must define specific façade system requirements during the design development stage, with façade consultants and fire experts responding to these specifications.
CONCLUSION
As the built environment continues to evolve in scale and complexity, the imperative for fire-safe façade design has never been greater. The façade is no longer a decorative shell - it is a vital line of defence against fire hazards, demanding rigorous attention from concept to construction. Ensuring compliance with fire safety norms is not just a regulatory necessity but a moral responsibility, especially in high-rise and high-occupancy buildings.
Effective fire safety in façades is achieved through an integrated approach that combines non-combustible materials, fire-rated glazing, cavity barriers, and well-detailed interfaces. It requires a thorough understanding of how fire spreads - horizontally and verticallyand how vulnerable gaps, joints, and penetrations can become conduits if not properly addressed. Systems must be designed as a whole, tested as a complete assembly, and verified
through recognised standards to ensure their real-world performance under fire conditions.
Moreover, the availability and certification of materials, along with proper installation practices, play a critical role in upholding safety on site. Sourcing fire-rated components is not enough; compatibility, certification validity, and installation quality are equally essential. This highlights the importance of early-stage planning, coordination across disciplines, and continuous quality assurance throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Looking ahead, fire-safe façade design will depend not only on technological innovation and regulatory advancement but also on a culture of accountability and collaboration. From architects and engineers to contractors and manufacturers, every stakeholder must be aligned in their commitment to safeguarding lives and assets. Only then can façades truly serve their purposenot just as architectural expressions, but as resilient, protective envelopes that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
Mahagun Marina Walk, Greater Noida, Indoor Automatic sprinkler system
Retrofitted the IITMRP campus with high-performance double- glazed units to enhance both fire safety and thermal comfort
"We Don’t Just Make Doors - We Engineer Safety, Performance, and Longevity”
C. Shashidar Reddy is a founding member and the current Managing Director of Shakti Hörmann (P) Ltd. He holds a BA in Economics from Nizam College, Hyderabad (1982), and an LLB from the prestigious Campus Law Centre, Delhi University (1986). As Executive Director, he spearheaded all sales and marketing functions until 2012 and was instrumental in establishing hollow metal steel doors as the preferred choice for both fire and non-fire applications in India. Through years of focused marketing efforts, he has helped grow the market from 10,000 doors per annum in 1994 to over 1 million today, encouraging other new entrants to expand the market.
He has also introduced wood-finish steel doors for the residential segment - an innovative product line - saving precious timber and supporting the cause of afforestation.
In this exclusive interview with WFM Media, C. Shashidar Reddy takes us through the company’s remarkable journey from its early days as a pioneer in hollow metal steel doors to becoming a comprehensive door solutions provider in India. He shares insights into the challenges of market acceptance in the 1990s, the transformative role of sectors like pharmaceuticals and IT, their technical collaboration with Hörmann Germany and so on.
C. SHASHIDAR REDDY Managing Director, Shakti Hörmann (P) Ltd.
Plant in Jaipur
Shakti Hormann has established itself as a leader in door solutions in India. Could you share how the company has evolved since its inception and its journey to becoming a trusted name in this sector?
We started in 1994 through a collaboration with a British-based company, Martin Roberts Limited, located in Sittingbourne, Kent. This partnership was largely technical. At the time, we were manufacturing hollow metal steel doors with a primary focus on fire doors.
Back in the 1990s, although fire regulations existed, the concept of a steel door - especially a fire-rated one - took a while to gain acceptance in the Indian market. Steel products were traditionally associated with fabrication and lacked aesthetic appeal, often being considered unsightly.
When we introduced the product in 1994–95, market acceptance was slow. It took time for people to understand that these doors could enhance commercial and residential spaces aesthetically. The first six or seven years were particularly challenging in terms of gaining market acceptance.
However, two key sectors played a pivotal role in shifting this perception — the pharmaceutical industry in the late 1990s and the IT industry shortly after.
Could you elaborate on how the pharmaceutical industry contributed to your growth?
During the late 1990s, the pharmaceutical sector in India experienced rapid expansion. Many Indian pharmaceutical companies began to export to the US market, which required their facilities to obtain USFDA approval.
The first Indian company in this space to receive such an approval was a
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Hyderabad-based subsidiary of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories called Cheminor Drugs Ltd. The doors we manufactured for them were, in fact, India’s first cleanroom doors. Around 1997–98, Cheminor Drugs Ltd became the first Indian facility to receive USFDA approval.
Naturally, this set a benchmark. Other pharmaceutical companies started visiting Cheminor Drugs Ltd's facility to understand what contributed to its success. Since doors are among the most visible elements in any facility, they stood out, and Pharma visitors would often ask, “Who made these doors?” At that time, our company operated under the name
"Shakti Met-Dor Limited" – Met-Dor being short for metal doors - and we began to grow alongside the pharmaceutical industry.
What role did the IT sector play in your company’s trajectory?
In the early 2000s, the IT and ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) sector took off post-Y2K. Companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Cognizant, and Accenture began expanding rapidly. This led to massive infrastructure development, and the construction industry evolved to support the speed and scale required.
For example, in the early 1990s, a onemillion-square-foot facility usually took 3–4 years to complete. But by the early 2000s, such facilities were being completed, including interiors, within just 12 to 18 months. This speed demanded solutions that were factory-finished, high-quality, and quick to install - precisely what we offered.
We were fortunate to have the manufacturing capacity, the supply chain, and the installation capabilities to meet the IT sector's demand for fast deliveries. Being at the right place at the right time truly worked in our favour.
Glazed doors
Our doors don’t sag, peel, or suffer from termite damage
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In residential doors - whether wooden, engineered, or steel - we focus on long-term performance
Besides timely delivery and quality, what else sets your company apart?
One of our key contributions was educating the market about the importance of fire safety in buildings. The influx of global clients brought with it a demand for international safety standards. This, in turn, helped elevate the understanding among Indian architects, consultants, and project management companies.
To truly attract global tenants or partners, buildings needed not only aesthetic appeal but also robust safety and security features. Our focus on fire-rated steel doors aligned perfectly with this growing awareness. And this, I believe, was instrumental in our sustained growth, alongside the overall evolution of the Indian construction ecosystem.
As the awareness around safety standards grew, so did the demand, and naturally, this spurred the growth of several other players in the market. But as early adopters and educators, we had already laid the foundation for this transformation.
The door industry in India has evolved rapidly over the years. Can you talk us through your early entry into the market and its impact?
The Indian market was expanding rapidly, and naturally, it needed many players to
service the growing demand. We had the first-mover advantage and became one of the largest players early on. Our objective was always to improve fire standards in India, which became especially important as our buildings grew taller - 40, 50, and even 60-storeys. The risk of fire and threat to life in such vertical structures is significantly high.
We were also appointed to the IS committee to help revamp Indian Fire standards. The updated document was published in June 2021(IS 3614), and in my opinion, it matches or even exceeds
global fire safety standards. We are proud to have contributed to enhancing a document that has remained unchanged since 1966. Today, this new standard is being widely accepted by architects across India as the benchmark for fire safety compliance.
Can you tell us about the collaboration with the German company and how it transformed your offerings?
After 2012, a German family-owned company invested in our business and is now the majority partner. Technically, we are now a subsidiary of Hörmann Germany. This partnership introduced advanced technology, particularly in industrial doors and perimeter security segments that were not part of our initial product range.
Last year, ie,2024, we launched Engineered Wood doors from our Jaipur facility, which are made to European technical standards but designed to endure Indian conditions. A first of its kind in India!
Today, we offer comprehensive door solutions, covering industrial, commercial, and residential segments. We are no longer confined to one part
Our journey has never been just about doors – it is about setting new standards in safety, sustainability, and performance across the built environment
of the market, which gives us a much broader footprint.
What innovations have you introduced across your product categories that differentiate you from other brands?
From a user’s point of view, a door might just be something that opens and closes. But for us, the difference lies in engineering, compliance, and safety.
For example, in fire doors, we are probably the only company in India whose products are fully compliant with all fire standards and norms, be it Indian or international. That level of certification gives end users confidence that the door will perform in critical situations.
In the industrial segment, one thing that sets us apart is our unwavering focus on safety. Take high-speed doors - they operate at speeds of 3 meters per second. We integrate a light grill sensor in the side guides. If someone crosses while the door is descending, the sensor detects it and halts the movement, preventing accidents. Whether the customer asks for it or not, it’s a standard feature. This reflects our global quality benchmarks - what you get in Germany, you get in India.
In residential doors - whether wooden, engineered, or steel - we focus on longterm performance. Our doors don’t sag, peel, or suffer from termite damage. They are engineered to last decades, offering consistent performance and aesthetics.
You mentioned safety as a core principle. How do you ensure this across all product lines?
Safety is not just a feature – it is part of the DNA of our products. Whether in control systems, input materials, or design, we build for life safety and security. We believe that every door should serve more than just opening and closing - it should protect, secure, and last.
What about sustainability - how green are your manufacturing processes?
Sustainability is central to our operations. Both our facilities - in Hyderabad and Jaipur - have received IGBC Platinum ratings, making us the first door company in India to earn such distinction.
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We have installed solar panels that generate 70% of our power requirements. There’s zero pollution - we treat and reuse all our water through STPs. In Jaipur, we run entirely on solar power with a 1-MW plant.
So, from both an operational and environmental perspective, our manufacturing is genuinely green. We minimise waste and emissions at every level of production.
Everything we use is recycled and returned to the industry. Let me give you an example - our infill for some types of doors uses honeycomb paper. The scrap is given to ITC, who reuse it in their process to manufacture cardboard. In return, they provide us with notebooks, which we use internally, and also donate to local schools near our factory.
From a sustainability standpoint, we qualify on several fronts. The materials we use - like steel and engineered wood - are fully recyclable. Our products do not add to construction waste. Even in packaging, we are
Rail and Stile door
Fire doors
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moving towards using recycled paper or materials that are eco-friendly and reduce landfill contributions. It’s a continuous effort to avoid plastics and embrace biodegradable or reusable alternatives.
Could you please tell us about your Experience Centers? What was the idea behind that initiative?
One of the challenges we used to face was that customers couldn’t touch or feel our products unless they had seen them in another project. Catalogues, videos, and pictures look great, but a door is a technical product. You must experience it to appreciate its design, quality, and functionality.
That is why we opened four Experience Centers in Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. These allow customers - whether they are homeowners, architects, consultants, or developersto interact with the product physically. The response has been excellent. Leading architectural firms bring in their entire teams to explore and understand our solutions.
Seeing the door live - how it looks, operates, and performs - helps clients make informed decisions. It bridges the gap between marketing claims and experience.
How do you ensure your fire doors meet international quality and safety standards?
Whether we manufacture for India, the US, or Europe, all our fire doors are designed to comply with the respective standards. In India, for example, the requirement is for 120-minute fire resistance, with options for insulated and uninsulated doors.
Our philosophy is to design doors that not only pass testing in internationally reputed laboratories but also remain functional in everyday use. There’s no point in having a compliant door that weighs so much that it cannot be used. Our focus is on balancing functionality, safety, and ease of operation.
How do you see your company contributing to the evolving construction landscape in India?
Our core contribution is in providing engineered door solutions that cater to
modern construction needs. The industry is evolving rapidly, especially with the rise of high-rise buildings.
We have noticed that the market currently lacks tested and certified solutions for buildings above 60 or 70 floors in height. Our goal is to bridge that gap by developing products that are tested for wind load, water penetration, and other critical variables, that are becoming essential in tall structures.
The kind of doors used five years ago will no longer suffice. We aim to create and supply products that are future-ready, tested, and compliant with the needs of advanced construction.
What is your vision for the company’s growth and diversification?
Our present identity is rooted in being a total door solution provider. Looking ahead, our goal is to expand both our geographical footprint and our product portfolio.
We already have a unit in Jaipur, and the idea is to set up more manufacturing facilities closer to key markets. This reduces lead times - what used to take us six or seven days can now be delivered much faster in the northern region.
Beyond doors, we’ve already ventured into perimeter security products like Automatic bollards and tire stoppers, and killers. The aim is to offer comprehensive building protection - from the outer perimeter to the interiors - at optimal pricing and delivery timelines.
Shakti Hörmann's experience center
Architecture Should Endure
“We Focus on Creating Resilient Designs that Stand the Test of Time”
Brigade Twin Towers, Bengaluru
THOMAS Principal Architect, Thomas Associates
Tilak Thomas is the Principal Architect at Thomas Associates, Bengaluru. Thomas Associates was founded by his father Mr. TM Thomas, the legendary architect of Bengaluru. Tilak joined the firm as a junior architect in 1999. His early exposure to architecture & growing up around his father’s architectural practice sparked his passion for the field. He pursued formal training at the TVB School of Habitat Studies in New Delhi, focusing on city redevelopment, sustainability, and tropical architecture. Tilak further honed his skills with an internship at a London-based hospitality firm. Guided by his father, Mr. TM Thomas’s mentorship, Tilak embraced a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, always striving to uphold the firm’s legacy. His guiding philosophy, “We are only as good as our last project,” drives him to continuously learn, adapt, improve, and grow.
In an insightful conversation with WFM Media, Ar. Tilak Thomas, Principal Architect of Thomas Associates, delves into the remarkable journey of his firm that spans over five decades. From its origins in the late 1960s to its present stature as a leading architectural practice & a legacy of landmark projects, Thomas Associates has shaped the very skyline of Bengaluru, consistently blending innovation with sustainability. In this interview, Ar. Thomas reflects on the firm’s evolution, celebrates defining projects that have left a lasting mark on the urban fabric, and shares his expert perspective on sustainable façades, cutting-edge fenestration technologies, and the future of architectural design in a rapidly transforming world.
TILAK
Face to Face
Please tell us about the design firm Thomas Associates Architects. When was it established? Please throw some light on the design firm’s journey so far, its principles, and its approach to architecture and design. At Thomas Associates Architects, we don’t just design buildings; we create lasting connections between people, space, and the environment. Founded in the late 1960s by Mr TM Thomas as a partnership firm, Thomas Associates transitioned into its current form in the early 1990s. The firm has grown over five decades, evolving from a small, passionate team into a dynamic force with over 80 architects. Today, with more than 2,000 projects under our belt, we are proud of the impact we’ve made.
Our journey began with a simple but powerful belief: architecture should endure. We focus on creating resilient designs that stand the test of time, reflecting both the needs of our clients and the evolving demands of the world around us.
From iconic landmarks like The Leela Palace, UB City, and Prestige Kingfisher Towers to cutting-edge tech parks along the tech corridors such as RGA Tech Park, Pritech Park, and Bagmane Tech Park, our projects reflect our commitment to resilience, innovation, and excellence. We
focus on longevity, lasting partnerships, and delivering tailored solutions driven by seasoned leadership, high standards, and ethical practices.
Our ‘Life-Centred’ approach balances technology, ecology, society, and economy, creating spaces that positively impact both people and the environment. By integrating the latest technologies and continually pushing design boundaries, we deliver results that exceed expectations.
At the end of the day, what truly drives us is the fact that we’re creating spaces that impact lives. We’re passionate about what we do, and it’s that passion, combined with our expertise, that allows us to continue delivering projects that resonate with people, communities, and the environment.
What type of projects does the firm specialise in?
With over five decades of experience, we specialise in a diverse range of projects, including hospitality, residential, commercial, mixed-use developments, technology parks, educational institutions, healthcare, manufacturing, retail spaces, workplaces, experiential
interiors, and asset enhancement. Our expertise allows us to create innovative, functional, and aesthetic designs that cater to the unique needs of each sector.
Tell us about Thomas Associates’ major milestone projects.
As Thomas Associates, we have had the privilege of shaping the South Indian skyline with a diverse range of projects across various typologies. Some of our major milestone projects include UB City, Prestige Kingfisher Tower, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, the Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) at Terminal 2 of UB City, Bengaluru Airport, and Prestige Golfshire at Nandi Hills in Bangalore. We have also delivered remarkable hospitality and commercial projects such as Mulberry Shades – a Tribute Portfolio Resort in Nandi Hills, ITC Kohenur and Sattva Knowledge Capital in Hyderabad, Forum Rex Walk, Leela Palace Hotel, and Prestige Minsk Square in UB City, Bengaluru. Our portfolio further includes landmark developments like Conrad Bengaluru, Brigade Twin Tower, RGA Tech Park, Pritech Park, and corporate campuses for Intel and HP in UB City, Bengaluru. Iconic residential and mixeduse projects such as Prestige Acropolis, Brigade Metropolis, and Forum Mall, along with hospitality and institutional landmarks
UB City, Bengaluru
Prestige Saleh Ahmed, Bengaluru
like Chalukya Hotel, Manipal Centre, Barton Centre, Taj Vivanta, Verifone Campus, Jade Gardens, Club Cabana, and Raheja Towers in UB City, Bengaluru, also feature among our significant contributions to the built environment.
Each of these projects showcases our ability to adapt to evolving needs, deliver exceptional designs, and create spaces that make a lasting impact on communities.
What is your take on sustainable façade and fenestration designs?
At Thomas Associates Architects, we believe that façades are not only aesthetic features but also integral to a building’s performance. By thoughtfully selecting materials and optimising glazing, shading, and insulation, we can reduce energy consumption, enhance thermal comfort, and provide long-term cost savings.
Our approach focuses on designing façades that respond to the local climate, minimising heat gain, maximising natural light, and reducing the need for artificial lighting and HVAC systems. We aim to create designs that are both functional and visually striking, ensuring each project meets high-performance standards while maintaining aesthetics.
As the industry evolves – driven by factors such as labour availability and increased mechanisation – the need for highperformance, life-centred buildings has never been greater. Since the façade is
“Good design is timeless - it responds to context, serves its purpose, and evolves with the world around it”
the first point of contact with the outside world, it plays a vital role in this shift. By carefully balancing all these factors, we continue to push the boundaries of design.
How would you define your design and installation process for façades and fenestrations in your projects?
We begin by understanding the project’s context, such as climate, orientation, surroundings, and building codes, then collaborate with clients and other stakeholders to balance aesthetics, functionality, and performance. During the design phase, we select materials and technologies that optimise energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Installation is precise, ensuring seamless
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integration and quality control. Our goal is to deliver façades that are both functional and visually striking, ensuring long-term building performance.
With each new project, we encounter unique challenges that push our limits. These challenges vary, ranging from site context, construction complexities, and the transport of materials, to economic and ecological factors. We strive to reduce waste, source materials locally, and often begin by planning a model to test our ideas. One of the common hurdles we face is working with contractors who may be hesitant to embrace new, unconventional ideas. However, these challenges fuel our creativity and drive us to find innovative, tailored solutions that meet both performance goals and client needs.
Could you please brief me on the latest trends in façade and fenestration designs, materials, and technologies? Please talk about some of the most preferred façade materials. The latest trends in façade and fenestration designs emphasise sustainability, performance, and aesthetics. Advanced glazing technologies, such as double and triple glazing, enhance thermal performance, while dynamic façades with adjustable shading and smart glass optimise energy use by automatically adjusting to light, heat, and privacy needs. Each material is carefully selected based on the project’s specific needs, climate considerations, and desired visual impact. Sustainable materials such as
North Gate, Bengaluru
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recycled aluminium offer durability, low maintenance, and design flexibility, while terracotta is gaining popularity for its natural aesthetic and energy efficiency. Stone is valued for its timeless elegance and durability, and concrete remains a staple for its versatility in large-scale projects. Green façades, such as vertical gardens, are also rising in prominence, improving air quality and reducing heat. These trends reflect a shift towards creating buildings that are not only visually striking but also environmentally responsible and performance-driven.
Please brief on the things to consider while designing the most sustainable façades and fenestrations, and their designs.
When designing the most sustainable façades and fenestrations, one must consider climate and building orientation, neighbourhood context, building codes, aesthetics and functionality, building performance and advanced technology, material selection, energy efficiency and thermal comfort, construction and installation procedure, economic factor and ecological factor, debris reduction and management, optimising glazing, shading, and insulation, privacy needs, timeless elegance and durability, low maintenance, design flexibility, and water management.
What are the design tools used in designing effective and efficient façades for buildings?
Design tools commonly used include Building Information Modelling (BIM) software such as Autodesk Revit, along with simulation tools for solar analysis (sciography) and wind tunnel testing.
Tell us about some of your challenging projects, considering façade design and installation.
One of our most challenging projects in façade design and installation was the Intel Campus, where we employed top-down construction. In this innovative approach, each floor was built in a factory and then assembled on-site, with the entire floor, including its façade, lifted and locked into place. The challenge arose from the fact that the floor experienced flexing during the lifting process, which exerted additional force on the façade. This required careful handling to ensure that the façade remained intact and aligned. The successful execution of this project was only possible due to the seamless coordination between our teams and key partners, including Shapoorji Pallonji and Alufit, who worked closely together to ensure precision and safety throughout the process.
Please brief us on future façade technologies, designs, and materials that you wish to see in the next 20 years.
In the next 20 years, I wish to see façades become highly adaptive, integrating smart materials such as thermochromic glass that adjusts to light and temperature, and self-healing materials that repair minor damages. Transparent solar panels will turn façades into energygenerating surfaces, while 3D printing will enable custom, waste-reducing designs. Adaptive façades with sensors will optimise shading, ventilation, and insulation in real time. The use of carbonnegative and bio-based materials will drive sustainability, making façades more eco-friendly and performance-driven.
What is your advice to young and upcoming architects?
To young and aspiring architects, my advice is to embrace curiosity and never stop learning. Architecture is not just about creating buildings; it’s about shaping the way people experience space. Build a solid foundation in both design and technical skills, and always remain open to feedback, constantly striving to grow. While it’s important to be unconventional and push boundaries, it’s equally crucial to remain mindful and practical about the realities of the construction process.
Double Tree by Hilton, Bengaluru
Prestige Minsk Square, Bengaluru
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Forum Rex Walk Brigade Road, Bengaluru
Forum Rex Walk stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary design. Located on Brigade Road, one of Bengaluru’s most iconic streets, it seamlessly integrates a new architectural narrative with the existing legacy of the Rex Theatre, a popular cultural landmark that has been part of the city’s fabric for over seven decades.
The design concept revolves around creating a space that fosters diversity, inclusivity, and a sense of community by establishing pockets of happiness. The project features two new buildings while retaining the original structure of the iconic Nilgiris store. These structures are connected by bridges. The core design philosophy centres around an innovative street walk, which forms the spine of the development. This pathway cuts through the volume of the building, establishing an interactive connection between users and the built form. It is excluded from the enveloped extents, creating naturally ventilated and well-lit areas that save energy otherwise used for illumination and air-conditioning. The walkway, designed in a zigzag form, incorporates mirrors to guide pedestrians and create a sense of movement, drawing
them in from both Brigade Road and Resthouse Road. This pathway is further enhanced with alfresco seating, which extends the indoor environment into the open air, making the space feel larger and more fluid. The minimal and rustic design approach avoids the typical, often tacky, retail aesthetics.
The façade of Forum Rex Walk is a strategic fusion of materials and form, designed to ensure a cohesive visual identity that seamlessly integrates the new structures with the retained heritage structure of the Nilgiris store.
Key Materials Used in the Façade Include:
• StyroNext (EPS material): Lightweight, durable, and malleable, StyroNext was used for moulding and white brickwork. Its quick installation, ease of maintenance, and energy efficiency made it ideal for the project.
• Concrete Finish Paint: Durable and weather-resistant, this finish provides a robust surface while maintaining aesthetic cohesion.
• Granite Cladding: The use of granite enhances the building’s texture and
durability, grounding the modern design with a timeless material.
• Custom Bricks: The client’s preference for a unique brick design was fulfilled with a set of four bricks mounted on T-strips attached to vertical panels sourced from China.
• Top-Hung Jumbo Glass Panels: Imported from China, these large glass panels provide a seamless, transparent look, enhancing natural light flow.
Fenestration plays a key role in breaking the façade’s monotony and ensuring natural light and ventilation. The corridors have punched openings with chajjas for natural ventilation and protection from rain and sun. On the upper floors, the openings are glazed. The design prioritises the use of natural elements such as light and air, creating a comfortable environment for users while minimising reliance on artificial energy sources.
Forum Rex Walk is a prime example of how thoughtful architectural design can preserve the essence of a city’s history while simultaneously introducing modern and inclusive spaces. The façade, with its strategic use of materials and fenestration, enhances the building’s visual appeal and efficiency.
The façade of Forum Rex Walk is a strategicfusion of materials and form, designed to ensure a cohesive visual identity that seamlessly integrates the new structures
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Sattva Knowledge Capital
Nanakramguda, Hyderabad
Sattva Knowledge Capital, located in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad, stands as a testament to innovative architectural design and sustainable building practices. Developed by the Sattva Group, this commercial complex spans approximately 3.6 million square feet and is a significant component of the expansive Sattva Knowledge City, which covers 30 acres in Hyderabad’s Financial District. The complex comprises three mega towers and has achieved the prestigious IGBC Platinum certification, reflecting its commitment to green building standards.
A hallmark of Sattva Knowledge Capital is its advanced façade design, which integrates both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The buildings feature performance glass façades that allow only 20% of external heat to penetrate, thereby enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) roofing technology is employed at podium levels, effectively reducing ambient temperatures by up to 4°C.
The complex also incorporates Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) with elbow spreaders - a pioneering solution in India - to facilitate comprehensive façade maintenance. These BMUs are designed to navigate the building’s unique architectural niches, ensuring efficient upkeep without compromising design integrity.
Sustainability is a core principle in the design of Sattva Knowledge Capital. The complex utilises solar photovoltaic panels and solar hot water systems across its structures, significantly reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. A comprehensive rainwater harvesting system captures and treats 100% of runoff, which is then reused, contributing to groundwater recharge and conservation. Moreover, the implementation of organic waste converters (OWCs) ensures that wet waste is processed efficiently, aligning with zero-waste objectives.
Strategically situated amidst major multinational corporations such as Infosys, Microsoft, and Wipro, Sattva
Knowledge Capital offers a conducive environment for global enterprises. Notably, Google India is among its prominent occupants, underscoring the complex’s appeal to leading technology firms.
In summary, Sattva Knowledge Capital exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovative façade engineering, sustainable technologies, and strategic location, setting a benchmark for future commercial developments in India.
Quick Facts:
• Project: Sattva Knowledge Capital
• Location: Nanakramguda, Hyderabad
• Client: SATTVA GROUP
• Project Type: Commercial Office
• Architect: Thomas Associates
• Other Consultants: Designtree Service Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
• Commencement Date: 2015
• Completion Date: 2019
Sattva Knowledge Capital exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovative façade engineering, sustainable technologies, and strategic location, setting a benchmark for future commercial developments in India
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Prestige Kingfisher Tower, UB City
Kasturba Cross Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru
Prestige Kingfisher Towers, situated on Vittal Mallya Road in Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, epitomises ultra-luxury residential living. Developed by the Prestige Group, this iconic project spans approximately 4.5 acres and offers a built-up area of around 1.15 million square feet, comprising 81 opulent units along with an exclusive penthouse. Its prime location provides panoramic views of landmarks such as UB City, Cubbon Park, and the city’s vibrant central business district.
The architectural design of Kingfisher Towers showcases innovation and sophistication. The structure comprises three towers, each rising 34 storeys, with residential units beginning from the 6th floor. Each floor houses a single five bedroom apartment spanning approximately 8,321 square feet,
ensuring privacy and exclusivity. These residences feature private lift lobbies, service lift areas, and five dedicated car parking spaces per unit, emphasising convenience and luxury.
A standout feature is the cantilevered penthouse. This two-level mansion, perched atop the towers, spans about 40,000 square feet and includes amenities such as a helipad, infinity pool, and 360° city views. Constructing this penthouse posed significant engineering challenges due to its cantilevered design at such a height, showcasing the project’s architectural prowess.
The façade of Kingfisher Towers integrates powder-coated aluminium frames with glass and mosquito mesh shutters, complemented by stainless
steel and glass railings. This combination not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and functionality. The use of RCC-framed structures and concrete solid block masonry further reinforces the building’s structural integrity.
Residents have access to a plethora of amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pools, gymnasium, spa, mini theatre, and various sports facilities such as squash and badminton courts. The landscaped gardens, aqua decks, and pet parks provide serene outdoor spaces, while features such as bioswales and retention ponds underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability.
In essence, Prestige Kingfisher Towers stands as a beacon of luxury and architectural innovation in Bengaluru, seamlessly blending opulent living spaces with cutting-edge design and sustainable practices.
The architectural design of Kingfisher Towers showcases innovation and sophistication
through Transformed Architectural Spaces in Façades and Fenestration
4-7 2025 DEC SAVE THE DATE
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Barrier Free Mesh Door by Awesome Screens
In today’s contemporary homes and commercial spaces, convenience and functionality go hand in hand. The Barrier-Free Mesh Door exemplifies how smart design can integrate seamlessly into daily life. It provides an elegant solution for keeping interiors insect-free while ensuring smooth, unobstructed access - ideal for homes with children, elderly family members, or individuals with mobility challenges.
Unlike traditional mesh doors that feature raised thresholds, this barrierfree design eliminates such obstructions entirely. The result is a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing accessibility, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
Zero Bottom Track Obstruction: A defining feature of the barrier-free mesh door is the absence of a bottom track. This eliminates tripping hazards, prevents dust accumulation, and offers a completely flat entry - ideal for
wheelchair users, strollers, or simply walking barefoot.
• Uncompromised Ventilation: Experience uninterrupted airflow without the nuisance of insects. The fine mesh allows fresh air to circulate freely while effectively blocking flies, mosquitoes, and other pests.
• Sleek, Modern Aesthetic: The minimalist design complements contemporary interiors. The mesh door integrates effortlessly with existing doorways, making it a stylish and functional addition to balconies, patios, kitchens, and French doors.
• Durable and User-Friendly: Crafted from high-quality materials with precision-engineered components, the mesh glides smoothly and is built to last with minimal maintenance. Its retractable mechanism ensures ease of use across all age groups.
• Space-Saving Innovation: The mesh retracts sideways into a discreet cassette, avoiding interference with main doors or living areas. This makes it an excellent choice for compact layouts or high-traffic areas.
CONCLUSION
The Barrier-Free Mesh Door is more than a functional accessory - it is a thoughtful lifestyle upgrade. Whether you seek enhanced safety, greater accessibility, or a refined way to keep pests out, this smart, future-ready solution delivers on all fronts. In an age where modern living demands both elegance and practicality, the barrier-free mesh door truly rises to the occasion.
For more details on the product, contact: Aw eso m e
472, Street no. D-36, 100 Feet Rd, Chhatarpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110074
Email: superscreens@hotmail.com
Website: www.awesomescreens.in
Contact: + 91 91099 77302 , 78792 63999
The Barrier-Free Mesh Door exemplifies how smart design can integrate seamlessly into daily life
The Barrier-Free Mesh Door is more than a functional accessory - it is a thoughtful lifestyle upgrade
ALUCORE® Aluminium Honeycomb Panels Bring Architectural Precision to Max Towers, Noida
In the heart of Delhi NCR, Max Towers stands as a gleaming testament to design intent, material innovation and architectural excellence. Rising 21 storeys high in Sector 16B, this LEED Platinum-rated commercial high-rise has become a landmark on Noida’s skyline - demonstrating how engineering precision can meet aesthetic ambition. Central to its distinct identity is the use of ALUCORE® aluminium honeycomb panels by ALUCOBOND®, which played a pivotal role in delivering the seamless, high-performance façade envisioned by the project team.
Developed by Max Estates, the real estate arm of the $4 billion Max Group, Max Towers is a flagship development offering 600,000 square feet of Grade A office space. Designed by internationally renowned architecture firm Gensler, the tower enjoys a strategic location - just 400 metres from the Sector-16 metro station and 27 kilometres from the airport - making it one of the most accessible commercial addresses in the region.
For a project of this scale and stature, façade performance and aesthetics were paramount. The design team initially considered a range of metal cladding options, including solid aluminium sheets. However, the façade’s expansive surface area and the requirement for an
immaculately flat, seamless finish called for advanced material technology.
The solution was found in ALUCORE®, ALUCOBOND®’s flagship aluminium honeycomb panel. Engineered with a lightweight yet robust honeycomb core, ALUCORE® offers superior rigidity, dimensional stability and exceptional flatness - making it the ideal choice for Max Towers. Its surface, coated with high-performance PVDF coil coatings, ensures lasting resistance to UV exposure, weathering and pollution, maintaining colour vibrancy for years.
To further customise the building’s appearance, the panels were produced in a Champagne Gold 77117 finish - a warm, sophisticated shade that adds depth and elegance to the tower’s visual language.
Façade consultancy was led by Praveen Chaubey of Façade Design Factory, whose technical expertise translated the architectural vision into a functional envelope. Fabrication and installation were executed by Ashbee Metal Cladding W.L.L., known for precision engineering and execution finesse.
The result is a façade that communicates as much as it protects. Max Towers is not only a prominent commercial address but also a case study in how advanced cladding like ALUCORE® can elevate contemporary architecture. The use of ALUCORE® addressed specific design and performance goals - delivering the flatness, durability and aesthetic finesse required for a project of this magnitude.
In addition to Max Towers, ALUCORE® has been used in several iconic Indian projects, including Lulu Mall (Lucknow), Calicut Airport, Patna Airport and Visakhapatnam Airporteach reflecting a commitment to precision, performance and timeless design.
ABOUT 3A COMPOSITES
3A Composites, part of Schweiter Technologies (Switzerland), is a global leader in high-quality aluminium composite materials under the brand ALUCOBOND®. The company employs around 4,500 people worldwide. Supporting India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, 3A Composites established a stateof-the-art manufacturing facility near Pune in 2007, with an annual capacity exceeding 4 million square metres. The company is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified, with a strong pan-India presence through its Mumbai head office and nationwide sales teams.
For more details on the product, contact:
Website: www.alucobond.in
Contact No.: 022- 42564500
MAX Towers – Noida, India
Architect: Gensler I Fabricator: Ashbee Industries India Pvt. Ltd.
Beyond Aesthetics: Zinc, the Smart Material for Tomorrow’s Buildings
Today, choosing building materials that are beautiful, high-performing, and sustainable is essential. Zinc stands out as a visionary choice for modern architecture, leading a revolution in India through the powerful collaboration of NedZink and Aludecor.
UNRIVALLED DURABILITY MEETS TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Long revered in Europe, zinc’s remarkable ability to self-heal, resist corrosion, and age gracefully is now being embraced by Indian architects. Its benefits are clear: decades of durability, minimal maintenance, and an unmistakable elegance. Whether for roofing, cladding, or interiors, zinc offers a raw, refined character that improves with time.
A
CONSCIENTIOUS
CHOICE: BLENDING AESTHETICS WITH RESPONSIBILITY
More than just good looks, zinc is a material with a conscience. In an era of environmental scrutiny, zinc is a clear winner. It is 100% recyclable and endlessly reusable, championing circular design. Its production and installation demand less energy than traditional materials, leading to a significantly lower carbon footprint.
ENGINEERED FOR ENDURANCE AND SELF-HEALING
Beyond sustainability, zinc is built to last, with a lifespan often exceeding 80 years. This drastically reduces replacement and repair needs, cutting long-term costs and waste.
What truly sets zinc apart is its inherent intelligence. It develops a natural patina, a self-forming protective layer that shields it from corrosion and wear. This self-healing quality allows zinc to recover from minor blemishes, enhancing its beauty over time. This makes zinc ideal for India’s diverse climates, from humid
coasts to scorching interiors, where extreme weather resistance is crucial. Unlike coated metals that degrade, zinc gracefully matures, developing a richer, textured finish that embodies resilience.
NedZink AND ALUDECOR: A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE
NedZink, a global leader in titanium zinc with over 125 years of innovation, partners with Aludecor, India’s top metal façade brand. This collaboration makes world-class zinc technology readily available in India, combining a legacy of craftsmanship with cuttingedge design.
Tomorrow’s building materials must be both intelligent and stunning, and zinc delivers. With NedZink and Aludecor, the future of building not only functions better but looks better too.
For more details on the product, contact:
Whether for roofing, cladding, or interiors, zinc offers a raw, refined character that improves with time
Saugaat Inc.: Advancing Glass Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships
Saugaat Inc. has emerged as a key player in India’s advanced glass materials segment, recognised for delivering next-generation solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern architecture. With a strong emphasis on innovation, quality, and global collaboration, the company offers high-performance materials tailored for energy-efficient and sustainable building systems.
At the core of Saugaat Inc.’s offerings lie its strategic partnership with Edgetech Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of Quanex (USA) and a global leader in warm edge spacer technology. This association exemplifies Saugaat’s commitment to delivering reliable and future-ready glazing solutions. Edgetech’s flagship Super Spacer® range has become synonymous with thermal efficiency,
durability, and manufacturing precision in insulating glass units (IGUs).
The Super Spacer® systems are engineered to enhance energy performance in both
double- and triple-glazed façades. With the UK and other global markets moving towards stringent energy regulations and net-zero carbon targets by 2050, technologies like Super Spacer® are enabling architects and fabricators to stay ahead of the curve. These warm edge spacer solutions not only meet but exceed international thermal performance standards, offering reduced energy loss, improved comfort, and long-term cost savings.
Of particular note is the T-Spacer™, designed for high-glass-ratio structures such as commercial towers and highrises. Its ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without compromising structural integrity makes it ideal for diverse climatic conditions.
As the exclusive distributor of Edgetech’s warm edge spacer products in India, Saugaat Inc. plays a pivotal role in elevating glazing standards across the region. By integrating global innovations into local markets, the company enables fabricators, developers, and system providers to embrace sustainability without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.
Through such collaborations, Saugaat Inc. is not just supplying advanced materials – it is helping reshape the façade and fenestration industry with solutions that are smarter, greener, and built for the future.
Authorised Distributor of Edgtech & H.B. Fuller Kuraray For more details on the brand, contact:
The Maersk Tower, Denmark
The Super Spacer® systems are engineered to enhance energy performance in both double- and triple-glazed façades
Exterior Cladding: Taking Cladding to a Whole New Level Beyond the Traditional Options
When it comes to designing or renovating spaceswhether commercial or residential - the choice of wall cladding materials plays a vital role in achieving the desired look and functionality. Nowadays, cladding is about more than just aesthetics; it’s also about durability, insulation, ease of installation, and the level of maintenance required over time. Some of the most popular materials include glass, tiles, and HighPressure Laminate (HPL) cladding, each with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
Glass cladding is often linked to sleek, modern designs and the ability to bring in natural light. However, it does come with some drawbacks, such as being fragile and needing a bit more maintenance. Tempered glass might look sleek, but it’s not without its flawssmudges, scratches, and the occasional shatter are certainly on the list, and it
doesn’t do great in extreme weather either. While it’s great for letting light in, that can lead to excessive heat gain in warmer areas, causing your energy usage to spike.
When it comes to tiles, a staple for both indoor and outdoor areas, they generally outlast glass but still aren’t immune to their problems, like breaks, cracks, and degraded grout. Those grout lines can trap moisture, which can invite mold growth over time. On top of that, installing tiles can be quite a chore, demanding careful alignment and ongoing grout upkeep.
On the flip side, HPL exterior cladding is stepping into the spotlight as a modern and practical choice for homes and businesses alike. These panels are engineered to resist impacts, harsh weather, and pollution, making them incredibly tough against scratches and
cracks. Plus, their thermal insulation features help keep indoor temperatures stable, effectively cutting down on energy costs all year round.
From an installation perspective, HPL really excels with its lightweight design and ease of handling, which helps cut down on both labour and time. Its non-porous, anti-dust surface also means you won’t have to worry much about upkeep - just a quick clean with a damp cloth is all it takes. Additionally, due to features like fireretardancy and chemical-resistance, HPL is a safer choice for commercial projects which demand such compliances.
GREENLAM ADVANTAGE: CLADDING SOLUTIONS BUILT TO LAST
Greenlam Clads are leading the way with their exterior-grade compact laminates, merging beautiful design with strong performance. Their cladding solutions are crafted for durability, sustainability, and style, making them a great fit for contemporary façades. With low VOC emissions and a focus on eco-friendly production, Greenlam Clads is not only redefining what durability means but also championing sustainable building materials.
To sum it up, while glass and tiles have their roles, HPL cladding stands out as a more comprehensive, future-ready solution for modern design needs.
For more details on the product, contact: Greenlam Industries Limited
Email: info@greenlam.com
Website: www.greenlamclads.com
Contact: 1800 833 0004
Greenlam Clads are resilient against extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain
Balcony application with Greenlam Clads
Koemmerling’s Solutions for Today’s Fenestration Trends
As the architectural landscape in India evolves, the fenestration industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Emerging trends such as advanced thermal insulation, soundproofing, and sustainable materials are setting new standards. Today’s homeowners, architects, and builders are prioritising solutions that are not only visually appealing and high-performing but also eco-friendly. The focus is on interiors that remain comfortable yearround while keeping utility costs lowdriving demand for energy-efficient and sustainable windows and doors.
Koemmerling, a leading name in uPVC profiles, is at the forefront of this shift, setting benchmarks with its innovative solutions, eco-conscious materials, and diverse range of high-quality products.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY
A key trend in fenestration is the push for sustainable and energy-efficient designs. Koemmerling is a pioneer in this space. Its uPVC windows and doors offer excellent thermal insulation, reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Multi-chambered profiles and high-quality gaskets ensure minimal heat transfer, leading to energy
savings & reduced carbon footprints. Koemmerling products are fully recyclable, made from eco-friendly, 100% lead-free materials, supporting a circular economy and lowering environmental impact.
MINIMALIST AND MODERN AESTHETICS
Modern architecture leans towards sleek, minimalist designs. Koemmerling offers slim frames and large glass surfaces that enhance natural lighting while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. Its range includes sliding windows and doors, tilt-and-turn and French windows, and casement systems - combining beauty with functional versatility.
ENHANCED SAFETY AND SECURITY
With growing security concerns, consumers seek robust protection. Koemmerling provides multi-point locking systems and strong reinforcement
within the uPVC frames for added strength. Its Grill-Mesh Casement Windows feature built-in grill and mesh options for enhanced safety and insect protection, offering peace of mind and fresh air simultaneously.
SOUND INSULATION FOR URBAN LIVING
In urban environments, noise pollution is a growing concern. Koemmerling’s multi-chambered profiles and premium gaskets offer superior sound insulation, blocking out external disturbances and helping homeowners create serene indoor spaces.
CUSTOMISATION AND DESIGN VARIETY
Today’s consumers prefer personalised solutions. Koemmerling caters to this demand with a broad selection of styles — including sliding, casement, and tilt-andturn options — available in white, black, grey, and wood-grain laminations, allowing seamless integration with any décor.
WEATHER RESISTANCE AND DURABILITY
India’s diverse climate demands durable solutions. Koemmerling’s uPVC windows and doors withstand extreme weather, resist corrosion, and require minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional materials, they do not warp, rot, or fade.
KOEMMERLING: PIONEERING INNOVATION IN FENESTRATION
Koemmerling’s commitment to excellence is evident in its sustainable, secure, and stylish offerings, making it a trusted leader in India’s evolving fenestration landscape.
For more details, contact:
Website: www.koemmerling.co.in
Email: info.india@profine-group.com
CHOOSE THE BEST OVER REST
W i t h 1 2 7 ye a rs of r i c h G
Koemmerling does not just set the standard-we de�ne it. When you choose Koemmerling, you upgrade to the best in uPVC windows and doors. From unmatched durability to energy e�ciency, and aesthetic appeal, our cu�ing-edge solutions enhance your spaces while providing long-term performance you can trust. Choose the brand that stands at the forefront of design, technology, and sustainability.
ReynoArch Zinc Composite Panels: A Fusion of Aesthetics and Durability
ZINC COMPOSITE PANEL
Relegance of zinc with the practical benefits of composite construction. Manufactured by ReynoArch, a brand under Reynobond India, these panels prioritise quality, longevity, and visual sophistication.
Self-Healing Patina: Over time, zinc develops a protective zinc carbonate layer, or patina, which heals minor scratches and eliminates the need for frequent maintenance.
WHAT ARE ZINC COMPOSITE PANELS?
Like Aluminium Composite Panels (ACPs), ZCPs comprise a zinc top sheet (paired with a zinc or aluminium back sheet) bonded to a thermoplastic core, typically mineral-filled for enhanced fire resistance.
KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• Exceptional Durability: Zinc resists corrosion and rust, making it perfect for exterior cladding. ReynoArch ZCPs can reportedly last decades - even up to 100 years - while enduring UV exposure, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
• Timeless Aesthetics: Zinc’s natural, evolving matte tones bring a refined charm. ReynoArch offers finishes such as Charcoal Zinc, Ash Zinc, and Natural Zinc to suit diverse architectural palettes.
• Sustainable Material: Zinc is 100% recyclable, non-toxic, and leadfree. ReynoArch ZCPs contribute to reducing carbon footprints, making them ideal for green building practices.
• Lightweight and Flexible: Despite being robust, these panels are lightweight and easy to install. Their flexibility allows for creative shapes and architectural designs.
• Fire Resistance: Though zinc is not inherently fireproof, ReynoArch
provides panels with fire-retardant mineral cores (FR B1 grade), enhancing fire safety.
• Versatile Usage: Suitable for both interiors and exteriors, ReynoArch ZCPs are widely used across a range of applications.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
• Facades & Wall Cladding: Adds modern elegance and long-term protection
• Roofing & Soffits: For durability with minimal maintenance
• Canopies, Citadels, and Rain Defences: Utilise zinc’s corrosion resistance
• Interior Applications: Partitions, false ceilings, POS displays, and signage
• High-End Spaces: Airports, auditoriums, museums, and corporate offices.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Panel Thickness: 4mm
• Skin Thickness: Top zinc 0.5mm; bottom zinc/aluminium 0.5mm
• Core: Fire-retardant, mineral-filled (FR-B1)
• Standard Size: 1000mm x 2440mm (custom sizes available)
• Weight: Approx. 8.45 kg/m²
• Finishes: Natural Zinc, Charcoal Zinc, Ash Zinc, and more
ReynoArch ZCPs exemplify the balance of modern design, eco-conscious construction, and long-term performance.
BOSS 813+ Firestop PU Foam: Redefining Passive Fire Protection in Modern Construction
In today’s advanced construction practices, safety is paramount - and nowhere is this more evident than in the field of passive fire protection. With modern buildings becoming more complex and multi-functional, there is an increasing need for innovative solutions that not only enhance structural integrity but also actively contribute to fire safety. In this context, BOSS 813+ Firestop PU Foam has emerged as a gamechanging product for architects, façade consultants, fabricators, and installers alike.
WHY BOSS 813+ WAS DEVELOPED
Traditional PU foams, while excellent for general sealing and insulation, fall short when it comes to fire-rated applications. Their basic formulations cannot withstand the extreme temperatures encountered during a fire, and in many cases, they may even contribute to flame propagation. Recognising this critical
gap, BOSS developed 813+ Firestop PU Foam specifically for passive fire protection - an essential system designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through concealed penetrations, joints, and cavities in a building.
Unlike normal PU foams, which may degrade quickly under high heat, BOSS 813+ is formulated with fireretardant properties and is rigorously tested to comply with EN 1366-4
standards for fire-resistant jointing. It also carries classification per EN 135012 by Warrington Exova, ensuring that it delivers reliable fire performance in realworld applications.
APPLICATIONS ACROSS BUILDING FAÇADES, WINDOWS, AND DOORS
BOSS 813+ Firestop PU Foam is uniquely versatile - it can be used across a wide range of critical applications:
• Installation of fireproof doors and windows: Ideal for filling the gaps around frames where fire-rated integrity must be maintained.
• Sealing of fire-retardant joints in walls and ceilings: Especially useful in high-rise constructions, where horizontal and vertical compartments must resist fire penetration.
• Penetration seals and joints: The foam can be applied to seal service penetrations (such as pipes, cables,
BOSS developed 813+ Firestop PU Foam specifically for passive fire protection
BOSS 813+ Firestop PU Foam has emerged as a breakthrough product for architects, façade consultants, fabricators, and installers
or conduits) that pass through firerated walls and floors.
• Openings in roof constructions: BOSS 813+ is highly effective in closing roof penetrations, offering both fire resistance and weatherproofing.
• Acoustic baffles: Its excellent acoustic insulation value makes it suitable for sealing areas where both fire and sound attenuation are required.
KEY ADVANTAGES
What sets BOSS 813+ apart from conventional PU foams is not just its fire resistance, but also its superior application characteristics:
• Excellent adhesion: It bonds reliably to a variety of substrates, including concrete, drywall, masonry, and metals - ensuring long-term durability.
• Fast curing: The foam cures in less than 60 minutes, allowing for quicker project completion and minimal downtime on site.
• Ease of application: It is suitable for complex, difficult-to-reach areas and allows for single-sided installation - saving time and labour. No reinforcing mesh or fabric is required.
• Superior insulation: It offers high thermal and acoustic insulation - a key benefit in modern façades that demand energy efficiency and noise control.
• High filling capacity: Expands to fill large gaps, ensuring a secure and airtight seal.
WHO IS DRIVING THE DEMAND?
Demand for fire-rated PU foams like BOSS 813+ is rising rapidly, especially in segments such as:
• Façade and fenestration systems: Designers and contractors are increasingly required to ensure that all window-to-wall interfaces are sealed with tested firestop systems.
• High-rise residential and commercial buildings: In large-scale developments, fire compartmentation is a mandatory design feature - making BOSS 813+ an essential component.
• Hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure: These environments require stringent fire and acoustic performance.
• Specialised industries: The product is also finding uptake in data centres, airports, and transport hubs, where passive fire protection is a top priority.
BACKED BY CERTIFICATIONS
For specifiers and consultants, certification is key. BOSS 813+ has been tested to EN 1366-4 standards, providing up to EI 240 fire resistance in jointsmeaning it can resist both flames and hot gases for up to four hours under test conditions. Its classification report (EN 13501-2) from Warrington Exova ensures compliance with the strictest international building codes.
THE CONCLUSION: A SMARTER SOLUTION FOR SAFER BUILDINGS
With buildings becoming taller and more complex - and with greater awareness of the risks of fire and smoke migration - the market demand for intelligent, compliant firestop products has never been greater. BOSS 813+ Firestop PU Foam provides a vital answer to this need.
By offering a combination of superior fire resistance, ease of use, multimaterial compatibility, and insulation performance, BOSS 813+ stands apart from generic PU foams and sets a new standard for passive fire protection in window, door, and façade construction.
BOSS 813+ is certified for up to EI 240 fire resistance - resisting flames and gases for up to four hours
Transform Your Building’s Exterior with T-Brick Premium Façade Tiles
In the world of modern architecture, where every detail reflects quality and sophistication, T-Brick stands out as the ultimate premium façade solution. Far beyond conventional cladding, it is a luxury tile system designed for those who refuse to compromise - offering impeccable aesthetics, exceptional durability, and outstanding thermal performance. T-Brick is a statement - redefining how buildings breathe, perform, and impress.
ADVANCED DRY CLADDING TECHNOLOGY
Gone are the days of messy cement work and lengthy installations. T-Brick’s Advanced Dry Cladding Technology ensures a cleaner, faster, and more refined approach - without sacrificing strength or quality. This dry method delivers precise alignment, seamless finishes, and significantly shorter installation times, enhancing both the appearance and integrity of your façade. From high-end homes to luxury commercial towers, T-Brick transforms spaces with efficiency and elegance.
PRECISION ENGINEERING WITH M-BOARD
At the heart of T-Brick lies the M-Boarda robust, specially developed mounting base for dry cladding. It enables flawless tile alignment, long-term structural integrity, and quicker installation for both commercial and residential projects. This innovative feature ensures the strength and finish demanded in luxury architecture, making T-Brick the preferred choice of discerning architects and developers.
T-Brick is not just a façade tile - it is a high-performance, design-forward cladding system
VENTILATED FAÇADE FOR SMART LIVING
T-Brick’s Ventilated Façade System is not just smart - it is revolutionary. By allowing continuous airflow between the wall and tile surface, it provides a natural thermal buffer that improves insulation and regulates interior temperatures. The result is cool, comfortable interiors and a building envelope that resists moisture and humidity - essential for maintaining premium interiors in any climate.
UNLIMITED DESIGN FREEDOM
True luxury lies in choice. T-Brick offers an extensive palette of elegant colours, curated for individuality and sophistication. Whether your project calls for a sleek urban aesthetic or timeless charm, T-Brick empowers you to design façades that are both expressive and enduring.
EFFORTLESS UPKEEP, LASTING APPEAL
Built to resist fading, cracking, and weathering, T-Brick ensures your façade remains pristine with minimal maintenance - preserving both value and beauty over time.
ELEVATE YOUR VISION
T-Brick is not just a façade tile - it is a highperformance, design-forward cladding system that transforms buildings into icons. Choose T-Brick to experience elegance, innovation, and luxury that lasts.
T-Brick’s Advanced Dry Cladding Technology ensures a cleaner, faster, and more refined approach
Hafeez Contractor to Design New Bombay High Court Complex in Bandra
Renowned architect Hafeez Contractor has been appointed to design the new Bombay High Court complex, which is set to be developed in Bandra East. The decision comes as part of a major plan to relocate the court from its existing heritage building in south Mumbai to a modern facility that will cater to contemporary needs.
The Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) has confirmed that Hafeez
Contractor will lead the architectural vision for this significant project. The proposed complex will span approximately 30 acres of government-owned land near the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), an area that has rapidly developed into one of Mumbai’s major commercial and business hubs.
The new complex aims to address the growing requirements of the judiciary, including larger courtrooms, updated facilities, and improved accessibility. According to PWD officials, the objective is to create a state-of-the-art legal infrastructure that can accommodate the increasing number of cases and judicial staff. The project is expected to include designated chambers for judges, spacious court halls, conference facilities, and dedicated zones for legal practitioners and the public.
While the exact timelines for construction have not yet been announced, the
design stage will soon be underway under Mr. Contractor’s guidance. His firm has extensive experience in designing institutional, commercial, and urban infrastructure projects across India and abroad.
The existing High Court building in Fort, a 19th-century heritage structure, is likely to be preserved and repurposed, although official plans for its future use remain under consideration. The move to Bandra is part of a broader initiative by the state government to decongest south Mumbai and create decentralised judicial and administrative centres.
This development marks a significant milestone for Maharashtra’s judicial system, combining modern architecture with functional efficiency, and offering a vision for the future of public infrastructure in Mumbai.
Metalia Teams Up with All Home to Make Waves in Digital Façade Design
Metalia, a prominent player in façade design across India, has entered a strategic partnership with All Home - an emerging venture established by the founders of PharmEasy and supported by Bessemer Venture Partners. The collaboration signals a bold step towards widening Metalia’s digital and geographical reach, while reinforcing its reputation as a tech-driven, designfocused brand.
All Home’s mission is to bring cohesion to India’s once-fragmented interiors and architectural sphere, estimated at US $60 billion. It aims to harness the power of technology, streamline distribution, and apply incisive market intelligence to
support and scale design and construction labels. Utilising a mix of equity and debt funding, All Home seeks to create a unified ecosystem, spanning sectors from façades to furnishings.
For Metalia - renowned for its elegance in marrying architectural intent with engineering and artistic expression - a presence in over 30 Indian cities has been defined by bespoke façades that align with both vision and locale. The new alliance is set to amplify these principles through enhanced digital channels and entry into untapped markets.
Leadership under Kartikeya Batra remains firm, ensuring the brand’s core values
and design ethos are preserved. Batra comments that the tie-up reflects a belief that design and technology should evolve together, transforming not only construction techniques but the very foundations of the built environment.
Looking ahead, Metalia plans to extend its footprint into major metropolitan areas, Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, as well as the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The brand intends to roll out flagship experience centres, build franchise networks, and launch a digital interface tailored for architects, designers, and clients. Efforts will also focus on strengthening site coordination and postdesign services.
Massive Boost for Telangana’s Rail Infrastructure: Centre Allocates ₹42,219 Crore for Development Projects
The Central Government has committed ₹42,219 crore towards railway infrastructure development in Telangana, with ₹5,337 crore already disbursed for ongoing projects, according to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy. Speaking during the virtual inauguration of the upgraded Begumpet Railway Station, the minister highlighted the scope of transformation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to modernise 1,300 stations across India - 40 of which are in Telangana.
The Begumpet station, which will be operated entirely by women staff, was relaunched on the 300th birth anniversary of Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar. Kishan Reddy noted that by 2026, several stations in the state will reflect local architectural
heritage. A notable ₹720 crore has been allocated for the redevelopment of Secunderabad station, while Nampally station is receiving ₹100 crore as part of a larger ₹350 crore package. Both are expected to be operational by next year.
Additionally, the government has approved a new station at Komuravelli to accommodate pilgrims visiting during the Dussehra festivities. Although the MMTS Phase-II suburban rail project experienced delays of nearly six to seven years, fresh
momentum has been generated with central support of approximately ₹1,000 crore. An extension to Yadadri, worth ₹400 crore, is set to commence soon.
To enhance rail safety, the‘Kavach’anti-collision system is being trialled across 617 km of track in Telangana. Infrastructure improvements include the removal of 121 unmanned level crossings, and the construction of 203 underpasses, 43 overbridges, and 45 footbridges. High-speed Wi-Fi has been made available at 174 stations, alongside the addition of 88 new kiosks and retail outlets.
Kishan Reddy also mentioned that work has commenced on infrastructure upgrades at major stations such as Kacheguda, Khammam, and the Kazipet coach factory, which alone is receiving ₹580 crore.
BPTP Launches GAIA Residences: A Landmark GlassFaçade Development on Dwarka Expressway
Leading real estate developer BPTP has unveiled its newest residential venture – GAIA Residences, nestled within the expansive Amstoria township in Sector 102, Gurugram. Spanning over 12 acres within a 150-acre integrated development, GAIA marks a notable first for the region: it is the first fully glassfaçade residential project on the rapidly developing Dwarka Expressway.
The project features three premium highrise towers offering 531 meticulously planned 3-BHK apartments. One of the towers is currently held back from sales due to a pending underground hightension cable shift, underscoring BPTP’s commitment to safety and regulation. Homes at GAIA start at approximately ₹3.85 crore, catering to discerning buyers seeking
modern aesthetics, smart infrastructure, and long-term investment value.
GAIA Residences showcases doubleglazed glass façades, delivering both contemporary elegance and thermalacoustic efficiency. The towers are designed with sky gardens and decks at 200, 300, and 400 feet, creating elevated spaces for yoga, co-working, reading lounges, and relaxation.
A sprawling 1.75 lakh sq ft clubhouse brings world-class recreational amenities under one roof, including private cinemas, a sports bar, bowling alley, indoor sports arenas, wellness zones, spa services, and activity labs for children. Additionally, over 10,800 sq ft is devoted to fitness, with facilities like squash courts and pickleball areas.
The project brings together a team of renowned international consultants. Masterplanning and architectural design are led by DP Architects (Singapore), with interior design by Blink (Singapore), landscape by Grant Associates (UK), and structural engineering by Whitby Wood (UK). Each tower is equipped with seven high-speed lifts per core, ensuring maximum convenience.
Situated on the eight-lane Dwarka Expressway, GAIA Residences enjoys seamless connectivity to IGI Airport, Aerocity, Diplomatic Enclave, and essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and the Dwarka Golf Course. Future infrastructure upgrades, including the T3 tunnel & new access roads, are expected to further boost accessibility.
IGBC Green Kochi Conclave 2025: Merging Kerala’s Heritage with Sustainability
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), under the aegis of CII, hosted the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 at Hotel Holiday Inn recently. Centred around the theme “Tharavadu to Tomorrow: Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment,” the event brought together industry experts, architects, planners, and policy influencers to discuss Kerala’s urban future grounded in cultural heritage and climate resilience.
Kerala has become a prominent player in India’s green building movement, with over 460 IGBC-registered projects spanning 49 million square feet. Iconic platinum-rated projects include Kochi Metro, RBI Kochi, Kannur International Airport, and IOCL’s Calicut office. Additionally, Kerala boasts India’s first IGBC gold-rated home - Vismayam - and
Net Zero Water certification for Shoba City, Thrissur.
The conclave’s inaugural session featured dignitaries such as V Suresh, Chairman, Policy Advocacy & Govt. Relations, IGBC; Joseph Michael Kallivayalil, Vice Chairman, CII Kerala; and Ar B R Ajit, Past Chairman, IGBC Kochi Chapter. Discussions throughout the day spanned key topics including lowcarbon construction, renewable energy, ESG integration, urban mobility, and green certification frameworks.
V Suresh highlighted Kerala’s proactive policies offering incentives - such as reductions in building tax and stamp duty - for green-certified projects. Kallivayalil emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration in advancing sustainability.
Panel sessions included insights from R Harikumar, Director, Energy Management Centre, Kerala, and Mr M P Ramnavas from Kochi Metro Rail Ltd., who discussed climate-conscious infrastructure and energy-efficient transport. Manu G, Airport Director at Cochin International Airport (CIAL), spoke about CIAL’s pioneering status as the world’s first fully solar-powered airport.
The conclave concluded with a call to action from Ar Lalichan Zacharias, CoChair, IGBC Kochi Chapter, encouraging collaborative efforts for climate-resilient, culturally rooted development.
Supported by partners like CREDAI Kerala, Saint-Gobain, UltraTech, and Asian Paints, the event provided a dynamic platform for shaping Kerala’s green future.
Forest of Peace: Raasa Architects Craft a Tranquil Spiritual Haven in Rural Gujarat
Raasa Architects have completed Forest of Peace, a 16,380 ft² ashram in Nardipur, near Adalaj village in Gujarat, India, set within a 55,485 ft² tranquil wooded site. Inspired by its origins as a sacred location for ritual offerings by Guru Maharaj, the site gradually evolved into a spiritual retreat, and the design honours that legacy by blending tradition and contemporary architectural language.
Visitors enter through a naturally arched bougainvillea canopy, preserved to create a soothing threshold that opens into the prayer hall. The route is carefully composed, offering filtered views of the landscape— home to chikoo, orange, sitafal, and coconut trees, as well as local wildlife— and establishes a harmonious relationship between built form and nature. The prayer hall lies on a symmetrical nine-by-nine
grid aligned to the northeast. Its concrete arches, designed following Vastu-like principles, shape light and airflow: some are left open, others closed, and others serve as skylights or bird niches. The interplay of shadow and light across its creamy-hued walls reinforces a contemplative ambience.
A striking red-rendered structure houses the sacred fireplace, symbolising fire and anchoring the hall with elemental resonance. Nearby, a small water feature
subtly hints at water, while the arching forms evoke air, collectively embodying the five traditional elements. The ashram complex incorporates lodging, dining, a communal hall, and an open courtyard— all linked by archways that echo village pathways. A south-facing tower, influenced by vernacular bird-tower forms, serves as both a local landmark and a shade provider for the northeast courtyard.
Materials - brick, concrete, glass, and metal—are finished with an off-white render contrasted by the red of the fireplace, reflecting a commitment to simplicity, durability, and sustainability.
More than a building, the Forest of Peace functions as a “third place” for connection, volunteer- led hospitality, and communal spirit.
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