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Volume 11 | Issue 5
July–August 2025
CONTENTS
12
16
Skylight Construction: Designing and Building Durable Glass Roofs
Vipul Kumar Singh, Principal Consultant and Co-founder, Verolite Fenestral
Private Limited
Windows to the Street: Humanising Façades through Urban Design
Vidushi Singh, Co-founder, Ukiyo Habitat
20 The Influence of Façade and Fenestration on the Value of Real Estate
24
HumaShahnaz media@wfmmedia.com
+91 98701 44425
Amol Rane, Associate Director - Project Management, Colliers India
Designing with Climate: The Role of Façades and Fenestration in Building Responsiveness and Energy Resilience
Aditya Venkat, Principal Architect, HabitArt Studio, Bangalore
29 Safety and Resilience in Fenestration Systems: The Rising Importance of Impact-Resistant Fenestration in an Age of Extreme Weather
Chandrasekaran P, Country Head – Project Management Consultancy, Embassy
Services Private Limited
34 The Optimal Integration of BIPV on Building Façades and FenestrationsPrimary Challenges & Opportunities
Archana Khanna (Architect-Urban Designer), Founding Partner, FIRST PRINCIPLE
40 Safety Over Speed for Open State Cavity Barriers in Façades - Benefits of Positive Full Mechanical Retention Brackets Over ‘Push-To-Fit’ Brackets
Donel Dippi, Head of Technical and Compliance (MEIAP), Siderise Middle East, India, and Asia Pacific
52 Expert’s Edge
Interview with Sampath Kumar, Managing Director, Simta Astrix
58 Cover Story
Shaping the Future of Cladding
82 Industry Speaks
Interview with Anjan Kumar Putatunda, Vice President & Business Head, Eternia
88 Face to Face
Interview with Yogesh Jog, Principal and Office Practice Leader & Akhila Pillai, Senior Associate and Project Architect, CannonDesign
103 Project Watch
“Creating a Sense of Green Living - Baiyyappanahalli Train Station, Bengaluru” by Studio Symbiosis Architects
108 Project Watch
Shaping Mumbai’s New Commercial Icons - Chambers, Mumbai by Pentaspace
112 Project Watch
Façade and Fenestration Strategy for the NTH Building at Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, New Delhi by R&G Architects International
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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India is a land of extremes—scorching summers, heavy monsoons, biting winters, and everything in between. In such a climate, the way we design our buildings cannot be separated from the way we design their envelopes—the façades, windows, and doors. These elements don’t just shape how a building looks; they determine how it feels to live and work inside, how much energy it consumes, and how well it withstands the forces of time and nature.
Architecture has always been more than walls and roofs. It is a physical expression of our values and aspirations. Among its many components, the façade stands out as the “face” of a building—the skin that protects, communicates, and inspires. In today’s context, when climate change and environmental pressures are undeniable, façades and fenestration must go beyond aesthetics. They need to perform—keeping interiors comfortable, bringing in light without glare, ensuring ventilation, and above all, enhancing resilience.
The recent cloudbursts and torrential rains in northern India are stark reminders of why resilience and adaptability must be central to building design. This makes discussions around advanced materials and technologies all the more relevant. High-performance glazing, impact-resistant systems, fire-safe compartmentation, and cavity barriers may sound highly technical, but they directly influence how safe, sustainable, and futureready our buildings are. While Indian regulations are still evolving, forward-thinking design cannot afford to overlook these essentials.
In this edition, architects and industry experts share their perspectives on façades, cladding, and fenestration. I found the article by Mr. Vipul Kumar Singh on skylights particularly insightful—it highlights how glass elevates spaces not just by drawing in daylight but also by shaping comfort and aesthetics. Our “Experts’ Edge” presents a candid conversation with Mr. Sampath Kumar, Managing Director of Simta Astrix, while Mr. Anjan Kumar Putatunda from Eternia discusses cutting-edge technologies that are redefining fenestration.
We also showcase three inspiring architectural projects, each demonstrating how thoughtful design and innovative materials can transform the built environment.
As we approach 13 years as a knowledge-sharing platform, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our contributors, advertisers, readers, and well-wishers. Your constant support has inspired us to raise the bar with every edition. Together, we have built a community rooted in innovation and best practices, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and growth.
Skylight Construction: Designing and Building Durable Glass Roofs
Glass roof construction, commonly known as skylight installation, has gained immense popularity in modern architecture. Skylights enhance natural lighting, create a spacious feel, and add aesthetic value to structures. Whether used in residential, commercial, or institutional buildings, they offer numerous benefits while presenting unique challenges. A well-designed glass roof improves energy efficiency, reduces reliance on artificial lighting, and contributes to sustainable building practices.
Drawing from my nine years of experience and hundreds of skylight construction projects, this article explores the key aspects of glass roof design and construction. It covers essential elements such as planning, materials, types, benefits, challenges, and installation methods to ensure durability and effectiveness.
TYPES OF SKYLIGHT SHAPES
Skylights come in various shapes to accommodate different architectural and functional needs. Common types include:
• Dome Skylights: Curved glass or acrylic structures that enhance light diffusion and offer self-cleaning properties due to their shape.
• Pyramid Skylights: A threedimensional structure that maximises light penetration and adds an artistic touch to the design.
• Ridge Skylights: Installed along the peak of a roof to provide uniform light distribution throughout the space.
• Flat Skylights: Simple, sleek, and modern designs that seamlessly integrate with contemporary architecture.
• Barrel Vault Skylights: Semi-cylindrical structures that allow extensive natural light and are ideal for larger spaces.
• Custom Skylights: Tailored designs that meet specific architectural requirements and aesthetic preferences.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS & PLANNING
Before installing a skylight, various factors must be considered to optimise performance and durability.
1. Natural Light Requirements
Industry standards recommend a 1:20 ratio, meaning one square foot of skylight surface area for every twenty square feet of floor space. For rooms with ample natural light, the skylight area should be within 5% of the total floor space, while for dimly lit rooms, it should be 10-15% of the total floor space.
2. Sun Pathway Considerations
The movement of the sun across seasons determines the amount and intensity of light entering through a skylight. In regions like India:
• South-facing skylights experience the harshest sunlight.
• North-facing skylights receive the most favourable, diffused light.
3. Slope (Roof Pitch)
The angle of a skylight affects water drainage, self-cleaning efficiency, and light distribution:
• Steeper slopes facilitate quicker runoff, reducing water accumulation and leakage risks.
• Flatter slopes may cause pooling and potential leakage issues.
• The slope’s direction and angle also influence the quality of indoor lighting.
4. Structural Integrity
A robust support system is essential to withstand weather conditions and loadbearing requirements:
Skylight shapes
• Structural calculations – Ensuring the framework can support the glass load and wind forces.
• Glass deflection checks – Ensuring minimal deformation under load.
• Fastener calculations – Secure fixation of frames and glass panels.
• Strong framing – Prevents structural failure due to wind loads or temperature variations.
MATERIALS USED IN SKYLIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Skylight construction involves various materials to ensure durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Below are the key materials used:
1. Frame Materials
• Aluminum – Lightweight, corrosionresistant, and strong. Ideal for modern designs with slim profiles.
• Wood (Timber) – Offers a natural aesthetic and excellent insulation but requires more maintenance.
• Steel – Provides superior strength for large skylight structures but may require additional weatherproofing.
2. Glazing Materials
• Tempered Glass – Heat-treated for strength and safety; shatters into small, blunt pieces if broken.
• Laminated Glass – Contains an interlayer that holds broken pieces together, providing additional safety and sound insulation.
• Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass – Coated to improve thermal
efficiency by reflecting heat while allowing light in.
4. Sealing & Insulation Materials
• Silicone Sealants – Ensure airtight and waterproof sealing around the skylight edges. High-Performance Non-Staining Weather Sealant.
• EPDM Gaskets & Weather Stripping – Prevent water and air leakage, improving insulation.
• Insulated Glazing Units (IGUs) –Double or triple glazing with gasfilled layers for enhanced thermal performance.
Selection of Tested Skylight Systems:
Select the right tested system and ask certificate from the supplier.
To ensure durability and efficiency, skylights must meet the following performance criteria:
• Water Tightness: Recommended water tightness for skylight is 1000 pa and above but must not be less than 600 pa.
• Wind Load Resistance: Capable of withstanding region-specific wind forces.
• Weather Barrier: At least a two-barrier system to prevent leaks.
• Drainage System: A 2 to 3-level drainage mechanism for effective water management.
• U-Value: Adequate thermal insulation for energy efficiency.
• Air Permeability: Recommended Air permeability is 600 pa but must not be less than 300 pa to minimise air leakage.
GLASS SELECTION CRITERIA
Selecting the right type of glass is essential for safety, durability, and performance. Recommended glass for Indian climate is DGU glass with both side lamination and not less than DGU glass with inside lamination.
• Tempered glass provides high impact resistance and enhanced safety.
• Laminated glass prevents shattering and provides UV protection.
Check the required light, and check the slope and orientation. Use insulating glass, high-performance or low-E glass, and install blinds or shades if required.
Improve ventilation, choose the right insulation of glass- double-glazed or triple-glazed.
Aluminium-glass skylight with roof openable on timber structure
Skylights
INSTALLATION PROCESS
Proper installation is crucial for longlasting performance and efficiency. The key steps include:
• Shop drawing preparation for construction and Roof Preparation: Prepare a shop drawing for construction which includes all the details and get it approved by all stakeholders like architects, consultants, clients & system suppliers, etc. Prepare the roof accordingly for construction and reinforce the existing roof structure.
• Base Frame Construction: Installing a durable and well-aligned frame within defined tolerances.
• Gasket System Installation: Ensuring airtight and watertight sealing with EPDM gaskets. All joints of the gasket must be sealed with compatible adhesive which forms a durable monolithic bond with EPDM gaskets.
• Glass Installation: Carefully place and secure the glass panels in the right position and orientation. Glass should not be in contact
with metal and should have space in the surroundings for thermal adjustment.
• Flashing Installation: Adding waterproof flashing to prevent leaks. Minimum 2 barriers at the junctions and civil interfaces.
• Finishing: Sealing gaps and ensuring proper insulation.
• Field Water Test: Conducting a leak test to ensure water resistance as per AAMA recommendations.
• Handover: Final quality checks and user instructions for maintenance.
CONCLUSION
Glass roof construction enhances architectural aesthetics while improving indoor comfort and natural lighting. Proper planning, high-quality materials, and precise installation techniques are essential for ensuring the long-term durability and efficiency of skylights. By addressing challenges such as leakage, overheating, and condensation, well-designed skylights can provide sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for modern buildings.
VIPUL KUMAR SINGH
Principal Consultant and Co-founder, Verolite Fenestral Private Limited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vipul Kumar Singh is a seasoned professional in the façade and fenestration industry, and currently serves as Principal Consultant and Co-founder at Verolite Fenestral Private Limited. Prior to embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, he spent more than a decade in the building envelope sector, holding key positions including Regional Manager – Technical Services at Schueco India. During his seven years with Schueco, he led technical service operations across North India, East India, and Nepal. He has successfully overseen the delivery of more than 100 skylight installations for premium residential and commercial projects. His expertise spans façades, doors, windows, sliders, skylights, and conservatories, as well as project management for high-rise residential towers, commercial complexes, private homes, farmhouses, and villas. In addition, he brings extensive experience in fabrication and installation, system integration, on-site execution, performance mock-ups (PMUs), and product testing.
Condensation on glass
Windows to the Street: Humanising Façades through Urban Design
WHERE THE CITY MEETS THE BUILDING
As an urban designer, I often find myself paying attention to things that are inbetween - not quite public, not quite private. The space between a street and a building. The threshold you pause at before entering a home. The bench outside a shop. A small window where someone leans out to speak to a neighbour.
These edges - these small overlaps between buildings and city life - are where so much of our social world happens. And yet, in modern design conversations, we rarely speak about them as important. Façades are treated like skins or visual identities. Windows are often measured only in terms of light and ventilation. But I believe these elements are far more than that.
They are our connection points. They frame how people interact with a space, with the city, and with each other.
NOT JUST A SURFACE
When we walk down a street, it is not just the road or the trees that define the experience. It is the building edges. The walls we walk beside. The windows we glance into. The thresholds we sit on when tired. The small awnings that offer shade.
In Indian cities, especially, this interaction between building and street has always been layered and rich. The small verandah in front of a house, the window grill full of plants, the shaded shopfront with an owner seated at the entrance - these are all parts of daily life. They are part of how we feel at home in our surroundings.
So, when we design a façade, we are not just deciding how something looks. We are deciding how people will relate to it - whether they’ll feel welcome or distant, curious or cautious.
THE WINDOW AS A SOCIAL ELEMENT
I often ask my students: What does a window mean in an urban street? They
say things like “for light” or “for air.” But then I ask them to walk outside, sit near a street, and observe. What they come back with is beautiful.
They notice that a window allows eye contact between someone inside and someone passing by. That a small open window on the first floor becomes a listening point for local gossip. That when you walk past a market lane, open shutters allow smells to travel out. That windows create both separation and connection - a frame that allows people to see each other, hear each other, be part of each other’s world even without speaking.
In this way, a window is not just an opening in a wall - it is an opening between lives.
Bazaar façades where windows, thresholds, and daily life intersect
Traditional South Indian façade with tiled roof, shaded steps, and carved openings - an architectural threshold that mediates between the street and the home
HOW FAÇADES SHAPE BELONGING
A lot of modern building façades today are smooth, glossy, and flat. They are beautiful in photos. But often, they offer little to the person walking beside them. There’s no variation, no texture, no pause. No edge to lean on, no place to sit, no sense of what happens inside.
Compare that to an old neighbourhood in Lucknow, or Ahmedabad, or Pondicherry. The building edge is full of small surprises. A grill shaped by hand. A broken stone that works as a seat. A shaded opening where someone sells flowers. These kinds of façades invite people in. They build relationships between the building and the street.
For me, this is the heart of urban design. To design not just the building or the
them.
Façade Design
DESIGNING WITH CARE
So how can we create façades and windows that feel more human?
We start by observing people. Watching how they move, where they pause, what draws them in. We design for slowness, not just movement. A window at eye level makes someone feel seen. A narrow threshold between inside and outside allows people to step in and out with ease. A window with a deep sill becomes a place to sit. A shaded façade becomes an extension of the public space.
In a recent student workshop, we redesigned a local primary school. The only thing we changed in the façade was the placement of the windows - lowering them to child height, giving them a wider sill, and adding small ledges outside. A year later, the teachers’ said children were sitting near them during breaks, drawing pictures, waving at people outside. The building felt “more alive.”
That is the power of a thoughtful window.
PEOPLE FIRST, ALWAYS
Urban design is not about grand gestures. It’s about paying attention. It’s about caring for the small interactions that shape our sense of place. When we put people first, façades stop being just surfaces. They become tools for connection.
road - but the conversation between
Windows and balconies as everyday thresholds between home and street
A thinnai (platform) outside a South Indian home - shaded, inviting, and social - a simple yet meaningful threshold where people rest, converse, and connect with the street.
Façade Design
A façade-rich streetscape where people naturally gravitate toward the building edge - sitting, resting, and engaging within the architectural threshold. The design invites human interaction and gently emphasises the role of façades and fenestration
In dense cities like ours, where we live so close together, these edges matter even more. They can be places of joy, of comfort, of routine. A well-designed window can bring in air, yes - but it can also bring in a moment of light, a sound from the street, a wave from a friend.
TEACHING THE EDGES
I often tell my students - if you really want to understand urban design, don’t look at the skyline. Look at the edge of the street. Look at how a child interacts with a shopfront, or how two people pause at a corner to talk. Look at the window a grandmother leans out from every evening.
These are the scenes that shape the life of a city.
So, when you design a façade or a window, don’t start with the shape or material. Start with a question: What do you want people to feel when they walk past this?
BRINGING THIS INTO PRACTICE
For designers working on façades and fenestration, these small human details can shape bigger design decisions. Thinking about how a window might frame a view from the street, or how a
shaded ledge could become a sitting space, adds meaning to what might otherwise be just a visual surface. Even simple choices - like the height of a sill, the depth of a window, or the texture of a wall - can make a space feel more connected to the people who pass by or live nearby.
Designing for community doesn’t always need bold moves - it often begins with noticing how people already use the edges, and quietly supporting that life through design.
CONCLUSION: A MORE CARING CITY
In the end, cities are not made of concrete and glass. They are made of people. And people relate to buildings not as objects, but as presences in their daily life. The façade is the handshake, the smile, the gesture of welcome. The window is the glance, the conversation, the in-between.
If we can design these with more empathy - with more attention to how people live, move, speak, and rest - then our cities will become not only more beautiful, but more caring.
And is not that the kind of future we want to build?
AR. VIDUSHI SINGH
Co-founder, Ukiyo Habitat
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vidushi Singh is an architect, urban designer, and educator with over five years of experience across professional practice and academia. She is the Co-founder of Ukiyo Habitat, a design studio working at the intersection of architecture, interior design, urban resilience, and visual storytelling. Her work focuses on climate-responsive design, adaptive reuse, and child-friendly public spaces. She has contributed to various residential, commercial, institutional, and government projects, including design work for the Indian Navy in New Delhi. Vidushi currently teaches at Vastu Kala Academy and NSUT, Delhi. Her design approach blends spatial empathy with contextual thinking - aiming to create inclusive, grounded, and sustainable environments for people and communities.
The Influence of Façade and Fenestration on the Value of Real Estate
The adage “never judge a book by its cover” holds merit in many contexts; however, in real estate, the ‘cover’ - or the building’s façade - plays a pivotal role and is one of the most powerful tools in defining how a structure is perceived, marketed, and ultimately valued. Moreover, the façade is far more than just a superficial layer. The exterior envelope of a building is a strategic asset that directly influences market perception, occupiers’ interest, and long-term value. Based on contemporary market trends, it is evident that from design aesthetics to material resilience and energy efficiency, the façade and fenestration systems of a building play a multifaceted role in influencing real estate value.
For architects and developers, understanding these dynamics is no longer optional but an essential parameter to ensure that the asset is future-ready, high-performing, and appealing to stakeholders. In real estate, perception
is value. A thoughtfully designed façade increases a building’s kerb appeal, makes it memorable, and can often command a price premium. Whether it is a luxury residence, retail hub, or office complex, aesthetic excellence in the façade can drive faster sales, higher lease rates, and greater investor interest.
The building envelope, particularly its façade, serves as its visual signatureoften the first point of engagement. It is the primary interaction a potential buyer, tenant, or investor has with the property. As such, it functions as both a branding mechanism and a market differentiator. In today’s competitive real estate landscape, a well-designed façade is more than an architectural feature; it is a strategic asset that can significantly influence a property’s performance and long-term value. Furthermore, iconic or memorable façades can generate organic marketing through visual appeal and word-ofmouth, amplifying a project’s visibility and desirability.
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION: AESTHETICS MEET SUSTAINABILITY
Architects, façade consultants, and developers increasingly leverage advanced materials, innovative technologies, and sustainable design principles to create façades that are visually striking, functional, and environmentally responsible. A distinctive and aesthetically compelling exterior enhances project value and attracts discerning buyers willing to pay a premium. This translates directly into stronger returns on investment (ROI) and faster sales or leasing cycles.
Sustainability is also playing an integral role in façade design. Fenestration - often considered a subset of façade design, encompassing the arrangement of windows, doors, curtain walls, and skylights - is equally critical. Beyond its visual contribution, fenestration directly impacts indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, and daylight penetration. Energy-efficient fenestration and building
Advanced glazing systems, thermally broken frames, and low-emissivity coatings now allow buildings to maintain visual openness without sacrificing thermal performance
envelopes reduce operational costs, appeal to environmentally conscious tenants and buyers, and comply with evolving regulatory standards.
Advanced glazing systems, thermally broken frames, and low-emissivity coatings now allow buildings to maintain visual openness without sacrificing thermal performance. In tropical or arid climates, solar control glazing helps reduce heat gain, lowering cooling loads and energy costs. In colder regions, double or triple-glazed systems preserve internal temperatures while allowing natural light and views. Smart fenestration design supports occupant well-being, improves building efficiency, enhances acoustics, and contributes to overall sustainability in the long run - all of which add tangible and intangible value to a property.
THE RIGHT FAÇADE DRIVES SUSTAINABILITY
Energy-efficient buildings are more likely to comply with local regulations as well as green building certification norms, which further enhance their marketable value.
Façade and Fenestration
Sustainability certifications such as LEED, IGBC, BREEAM, and GRIHA are gaining prominence, while sustainable and durable façade materials contribute to environmental performance benchmarks by reducing resource consumption and waste generation over a building’s lifespan. This further strengthens a building’s appeal to institutional investors, corporate tenants, and environmentally conscious stakeholders.
As the real estate industry moves toward greener practices, façades and fenestration systems are key contributors to environmental performance. Buildings with energyefficient façades consume less power, generate fewer emissions, and often qualify for internationally recognised sustainability ratings.
Sustainable façade design includes:
• Optimised orientation and shading to reduce heat gain
• High-performance glazing to lower HVAC demand
• Recyclable or locally sourced materials to reduce embodied carbon
• Dynamic façades (e.g., operable louvres, smart glass) to adapt to climate conditions
Green-certified buildings are more attractive to institutional investors and ESG-focused funds, while endusers - especially in commercial real estate - are increasingly prioritising sustainability in their leasing decisions. As regulations tighten and climateconscious construction becomes the
norm, having an efficient façade is not just advantageous - it is expected.
PIONEERING TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE WIN
Integrating smart technologies such as building automation systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into façade design enables real-time environmental monitoring and adaptive features, including automated shading and ventilation. As technology advances, intelligent façades not only support sustainability goals but also increase asset value by appealing to eco-conscious investors. Beyond function, they represent a blend of innovation, identity, and design excellence in the urban fabric.
BEYOND THE FAÇADE
While aesthetics and performance receive immediate attention, durability is the silent value generator behind long-term investment returns. In the realm of real estate development, durability is not just a technical specification - it is a critical factor influencing investment appeal and asset performance. The choice of façade materials and construction techniques plays a pivotal role in determining the lifecycle cost of a building, directly affecting maintenance needs, operational efficiency, and market attractiveness.
A façade system’s materiality and construction methods dictate how well a building ages and how much it will cost to maintain over time. Durable façade materials such as high-performance glass, fibre cement, aluminium composite panels, natural stone, or treated timber are engineered to withstand the impacts of time, climate, and environmental stressors. These materials are often chosen for their resistance to weathering, UV radiation, moisture intrusion, corrosion, and physical wear and tear. When properly integrated into the building envelope, they form a robust first line of defence against degradation, ensuring the structure retains its aesthetic and functional integrity for decades.
Advanced construction techniques further reinforce this durability. Systems such as rainscreen cladding, ventilated
Durable façades like glass, fibre cement, ACP, stone, and treated timber withstand time and climate
By investing in durable façades upfront, developers benefit from reduced maintenance costs, fewer renovation cycles, and a more predictable operational budget
Façade and Fenestration
façades, and thermally broken assemblies not only improve thermal and moisture performance but also allow for easier inspection and maintenance. This results in lower repair costs, reduced downtime for refurbishment, and fewer disruptions to tenants or operations - all of which enhance ROI.
By investing in durable façades upfront, developers benefit from reduced maintenance costs, fewer renovation cycles, and a more predictable operational budget. For property owners and investors, this translates to a lower total cost of ownership (TCO), improved ROI, and enhanced asset longevity. Moreover, durability signals quality and reliability to prospective buyers or tenants, positively influencing leasing rates, occupancy levels, and resale value.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION WITH INTELLIGENT FAÇADE AND FENESTRATION
Beyond individual asset value, façade and fenestration design contribute to placemaking and urban branding. A distinctive façade can turn a building into a neighbourhood landmark, raising the profile not just of the project but
also of the surrounding area. When integrated with urban planning goals, façade design enhances walkability, improves microclimates, and contributes to the architectural cohesion of a district. These effects are particularly important in mixed-use developments and revitalisation projects, where visual and experiential continuity across buildings can dramatically improve investor confidence and community support.
In today’s competitive market, investing in intelligent façade design is integral to delivering value-driven, future-ready developments. In essence, the façade is a multifaceted investment - melding aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and market strategy to maximise real estate value and impact. In an era where success hinges on differentiation, resilience, and responsibility, façade and fenestration systems emerge as powerful levers. They blend form with function, aesthetics with performance, and shortterm attraction with long-term value. For architects, developers, and investors, embracing advanced façade strategies goes beyond designing better-looking buildings towards delivering smarter, sustainable, and valuable real estate.
AR. AMOL RANE
Associate Director - Project Management, Colliers India
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amol Rane, a post-graduate in architecture, has over 16 years’ experience in design, master planning, and project coordination. Renowned for his excellent presentation and communication skills, he ensures seamless collaboration between clients, consultants, and execution teams. He specialises in managing projects from concept to completion, delivering optimal outcomes through efficient coordination and strategic planning. His professional approach fosters clarity and alignment among all stakeholders, making him a valuable asset in complex architectural and planning projects.
Beyond individual asset value, façade and fenestration design contribute to placemaking and urban branding
Façade & Fenestration
Designing with Climate: The Role of Façades and Fenestration in Building Responsiveness and Energy Resilience
In a country as climatically diverse as India, the discussion about energy-efficient buildings cannot be separated from the design of their envelopes. The façade - often seen as the skin of a building - does much more than just define aesthetics; it influences how a building breathes, absorbs, reflects, and resists its environment. When designed thoughtfully, façades and fenestrations become crucial in lowering dependence on mechanical cooling systems, aiding not only in energy savings but also in enhancing occupant comfort and supporting environmental sustainability.
UNDERSTANDING THE CLIMATE CONTEXT
India spans several climatic zonesfrom humid coastal regions and hot
arid interiors to temperate hills and composite cities. Each of these zones demands a different response. For example, a building in Jaipur would benefit from thick, high-thermal-mass walls and small, shaded openings to reduce heat gain, while a home in coastal Kerala may rely on cross ventilation and breathable materials to counter humidity.
This is where the climate-responsive approach begins. Designing façades and fenestration systems that respond to regional conditions ensures that the building envelope works with the environment, not against it. The integration of passive design principles such as orientation, shading, insulation, and materiality is fundamental.
SPOTLIGHT: NSB EXTENSION BUILDING BY HABITART STUDIO
At the NSB Extension Building, designed by HabitArt Studio, climate responsiveness was embedded into the very skin of the architecture. In response to Bangalore’s moderate climate which sees around two months of harsh summers spanning March to May, the building features a dual-layered brick façade that acts as a thermal buffer, reducing heat gain while allowing the structure to breathe. Large shaded fenestrations, roof overhangs with porous clerestory windows and internal courtyards are strategically placed to harness natural light and promote cross ventilation, minimising the need for artificial cooling. The structure also features prefabricated steel framing, allowing for faster construction with
NSB Extension Building, designed by HabitArt Studio, climate responsiveness was embedded into the very skin of the architecture
Façade & Fenestration
NSB Campus post-adaptive expansion in 2024. Note the dynamic change in façade articulation and architectural character, yet preserving the principles of the design originally envisioned
reduced material waste. This hybrid approach of traditional materiality with contemporary construction methods highlights how passive design can be integrated seamlessly into functional academic spaces. The project stands as a testament to the studio’s vision of context-sensitive, energy-conscious design.
FAÇADES BEYOND AESTHETICS: A PERFORMANCE LAYER
Traditionally, façades were primarily about appearance - the architectural expression of a building. However, today’s performance-driven architecture views façades as multi-functional elements. A well-designed façade regulates light, controls solar heat gain, promotes ventilation, buffers noise, and even generates energy when integrated with renewable technologies.
Materials are a key consideration. Highperformance cladding systems today include ventilated façades, double-skin systems, and dynamic shading devices. These help to create a thermal buffer zone between the building’s interior and the harsh external environment. Materials like terracotta, GRC, recycled metal panels, and stabilised earth blocks and rammed earth are making a comeback for their low embodied energy and climate responsiveness, earth being a major factor in effective thermal insulation.
Furthermore, incorporating vertical green walls or bio-façades is an emerging trend that not only adds a cooling layer to the building but also contributes to improved air quality and biodiversity, adding a dynamic layer of breathability to a building’s façade.
STRATEGIC FENESTRATION: WINDOWS AS CLIMATE MODERATORS
Fenestrations - windows, ventilators, skylights, and other openings - are often underestimated in their role in passive environmental control. Properly designed and placed, fenestrations can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting and cooling.
Cross ventilation is one of the most effective passive cooling strategies, especially in India’s composite and coastal climates. Strategic window placement, in alignment with prevailing wind directions, allows hot indoor air to be flushed out and cooler outdoor air to enter. Louvered windows, ventilators near ceiling levels, and operable clerestory windows support this movement of air.
In terms of glazing, advances in coated glass technologies have opened up new possibilities. Low-E (low emissivity) glass, spectrally selective coatings, and double or triple glazing help in cutting down infrared and UV transmission, thereby
with mud mortar joinery and mud plastering of certain wall surfaces. the site, with mud mortar joinery and mud plastering of certain wall surfaces
The Boulder House – Shoolagiri, by HabitArt Studio. The Façade opens eastward, with deep roof overhangs to control sunlight and heat in the extreme hot and dry summers of Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. The farmhouse is completely made out of mud locks at the site,
Façade & Fenestration
maintaining indoor thermal comfort without sacrificing daylight. However, choice of glazing should also consider location; what works in New Delhi may not be ideal in Kochi.
REDUCING RELIANCE ON ARTIFICIAL COOLING
One of the primary drivers for climateresponsive façades and fenestrations is the urgent need to reduce dependence on artificial cooling systems. With rising urban temperatures and increasing energy demands, HVAC systems are becoming unsustainable from both environmental and economic standpoints.
Passive design strategies embedded in the façade and fenestration planning stage can offset this reliance considerably. Overhangs, brise-soleil, movable louvers, jaalis, and recessed openings are all traditional devices being reimagined with modern materials and methods to block direct sunlight and reduce heat gain.
Insulation, too, plays a vital role. While it may not be visibly part of the façade, proper thermal insulation ensures that internal temperatures remain stable, reducing load on cooling systems. Insulated panels, cavity walls, and treated surfaces can significantly boost envelope performance.
INTEGRATING RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES
Modern façades are no longer just passive barriers; they can be active energygenerating surfaces. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are now being
embedded into curtain wall systems, sunshades, and spandrel panels. Semitransparent solar glass allows daylighting while generating energy, making it a powerful tool for high-performance buildings, although this may work out to be an expensive proposition with a higher upfront Capex.
Even in fenestration, solar control films and photovoltaic glazing are beginning to see adoption, especially in institutional and commercial buildings aiming for green certifications.
Beyond PV, smart shading systems that adjust dynamically with the sun’s movement and sensor-based operable louvers are being experimented with to maximise daylight while preventing overheating.
THE ROLE OF LOCAL MATERIALS AND CRAFT
Climate-responsive design also finds value in returning to local, time-tested materials. At HabitArt Architecture Studio, for instance, we often integrate exposed brick, laterite stone, lime plaster, and even rammed earth as part of the façade palette - materials that not only perform thermally but also celebrate regional identity.
Locally sourced materials reduce transportation emissions, and when crafted by local artisans, they support both cultural continuity and sustainable economies. Combining these with modern performance standards results in buildings that are both rooted and resilient.
The Boulder House – Shoolagiri, by HabitArt Studio, illustrates the importance of placement and layout planning in façade design. Oriented toward the plantation views, the house features a restrained use of openings on the southern façade, allowing for greater wall surfaces that reduce heat ingress and enhance internal thermal comfort
NSB Bangalore - Solar Panel clad PUF Insulation panels help in reducing the heat ingress via the roof and at the same time allow for the campus to be completely powered using the 80Kw On-Grid solar setup on the NSB Bangalore campus. The sloping roofs also collect rainwater into multiple chambers, facilitating for water storage and usage for landscape maintenance and other miscellaneous activities
INDIA’S FIRST
Façade & Fenestration
Case Study
Ishavas Farmhouse
Denkanikotai, Tamil Nadu
The north-facing façade of the Ishavas Farmhouse, in Denkanikotai, Tamil Nadu as captured in the image, reflects a carefully curated balance between climate responsiveness and contextual materiality. North-facing orientations in India are advantageous as they receive consistent, diffused daylight throughout the day with minimal solar heat gain - ideal for creating naturally lit yet thermally comfortable interior spaces. This orientation has been capitalised upon by opening up the façade with well-shaded fenestrations, allowing for extended visual connectivity with the outdoors while ensuring indoor comfort without over-reliance on artificial cooling.
ADITYA VENKAT
Principal Architect, HabitArt Studio, Bangalore
The upper volume of the structure, composed of exposed laterite masonry, lends the building a grounded, earthy presence. Laterite, being a highly porous and thermally insulating material, is a regionally relevant choice that helps moderate interior temperatures, particularly in warm climates. Its deep, rust-toned texture complements the surrounding landscape, while also offering high durability and low embodied energy - hallmarks of sustainable material usage.
In contrast, the ground level features brick walls finished with lime plaster. This pairing is not only rooted in vernacular traditions but also enhances the building’s breathability and thermal performance. Lime plaster allows moisture to escape, preventing trapped dampness while also adding to the building’s thermal mass. The combination of laterite
CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD
Despite the evident benefits, climateresponsive façade and fenestration design still faces challenges in mainstream adoption. Cost perceptions, lack of skilled labour, and insufficient awareness among developers often limit its execution. There is also a gap in performance testing and postoccupancy evaluations, which are essential to quantify the real impact of these systems.
However, with increasing focus on Net Zero buildings and green rating systems like GRIHA and IGBC, the industry is gradually evolving. Cities are beginning to mandate energy codes, and clients are becoming more
receptive to long-term gains over upfront costs.
CONCLUSION: TOWARD A LIVING FAÇADE
The future of façade and fenestration design lies in integration, intelligence, and intuition. Integration with climate data, intelligence through technology and material science, and intuition drawn from local context and human experience.
When designed with purpose, the building envelope becomes a living interface between human comfort and environmental responsibility. It shades, cools, breathes, filters, and in some cases, even powers the building. As architects and designers, embracing this potential is not just a design choice - it is an ecological imperative.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Venkat is an architect with a decade of experience and the Principal of HabitArt Studio, an award-winning practice celebrated for its context-driven, sustainable, and experiential design ethos. He believes architecture profoundly shapes daily habits and human interaction with the environment, leading projects that harmonise form, function, and materiality with environmental sensitivity. Under his leadership, HabitArt Studio has delivered acclaimed works such as The Boulder Farmhouse in Shoolagiri and Ishavas in the reserved forests of Denkanikotai. His climate-responsive planning and use of natural materials create spaces that are both timeless and relevant. The studio’s work has earned prestigious recognition, including the iGen 50 Under 40 Awards in 2024 and 2025, and the FOAID Silver Award for NSB Bangalore, a B-School that is pro-sustainability in its vision, positioning HabitArt Studio among India’s foremost young design practices. Featured in leading publications and invited to industry forums, Aditya continues to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture while crafting spaces that deeply resonate with their context and users.
Safety and Resilience in Fenestration Systems: The Rising Importance of Impact-Resistant Fenestration in an Age of Extreme Weather
As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events escalate across the globe, the resilience of the built environment has become a critical concern. From hurricanes battering coastal cities to inland hailstorms and tornadoes, structures are increasingly tested by nature’s fury. In response to this evolving climate reality, impact resistant fenestration—specialised windows, doors, and skylights engineered to withstand windborne debris and highpressure conditions - has emerged as a key pillar of resilient design.
What was once considered a niche luxury or a code-mandated feature in hurricaneprone regions is now recognised as an essential requirement for both new construction and renovation projects.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IMPACT RESISTANCE
Impact resistant fenestration combines advanced materials and engineering
techniques to deliver exceptional durability. At the heart of these systems is laminated safety glass, which consists of two or more panes bonded with a strong interlayer. This interlayer, usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), holds the glass fragments together upon impact, preventing hazardous splinters and preserving the building’s protective barrier.
The strength of the surrounding frame is equally important. High performance frames made of reinforced aluminum, steel, or composite materials are designed to absorb impact energy, resist warping, and remain securely attached to the building structure during severe weather events. Proper anchoring, high quality gaskets, and effective water barriers play vital roles in maintaining the system’s integrity.
WEATHERING THE STORM
The effectiveness of impact-resistant fenestration is not hypothetical; it has
been repeatedly proven in real-world disasters. During Hurricane Ian in 2022, for example, buildings equipped with code-compliant impact-rated systems experienced significantly less damage and faster recovery than those with standard fenestration. When windows and doors hold under pressure, they prevent internal pressurisation, which can otherwise lead to catastrophic roof failures or structural collapse.
These systems are tested using standardised protocols such as ASTM E1996 and E1886, or the rigorous Florida Building Code’s TAS 201, 202, and 203. Tests simulate wind speeds exceeding 150 mph and projectile impacts using 9-pound lumber fired at speeds up to 50 feet per second.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Many believe that increased safety comes at the cost of sustainability, but that is not
Manufacturers provide a wide variety of frame finishes, tints, and profiles to suit diverse design preferences
Fenestration Feature
the case with impact resistant fenestration. These systems contribute meaningfully to green building goals. Laminated glass units can include low emissivity coatings and argon filled insulated glazing, improving thermal performance and helping buildings comply with energy standards such as the International Energy Conservation Code or meet LEED certification benchmarks.
They also reduce solar heat gain, limit ultraviolet radiation that fades interior finishes, and provide excellent acoustic insulation. Their long lifespan further supports sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising waste.
SMART SYSTEMS AND FUTURE INNOVATIONS
Technology is rapidly reshaping the fenestration industry. Smart glass solutions now integrate impact resistance with dynamic tinting features that adapt to light conditions, improving comfort and energy efficiency. Some systems include built-in sensors that detect impact stress, identify air or water leakage, and connect with building automation systems to support quick response and maintenance.
New materials such as ionoplast interlayers offer higher strength and better optical clarity compared to traditional options. At the same time, innovations like three-dimensional printing are beginning to revolutionise
the production of components, enabling bespoke designs that blend performance with visual appeal.
INSURANCE AND COST EFFECTIVENESS
While the initial investment in impact resistant fenestration is typically 30 to 50 percent higher than standard glazing, the long-term benefits are clear. Many insurance providers offer premium discounts for buildings with certified systems, especially in high-risk zones. Government incentives, resilience grants, and energy efficiency rebates can also help offset the cost.
Beyond financial savings, these systems offer critical protection against property damage, business disruptions, and safety risks.
DESIGN WITHOUT COMPROMISE
A common misconception is that incorporating impact resistance restricts architectural creativity. In reality, today’s products allow for expansive glass walls, curved surfaces, and custom glazing solutions that meet even the most stringent safety requirements. Modern certified systems include curtain walls, operable windows, and even frameless glass installations.
Manufacturers provide a wide variety of frame finishes, tints, and profiles to suit
diverse design preferences, allowing architects to create bold and beautiful structures that are also resilient.
RETROFIT POTENTIAL
For existing buildings, upgrading to impact-resistant fenestration can be transformative. Retrofitting solutions include:
• Inserting laminated glass into existing frames (if structurally sound).
• Replacing entire units with precertified impact-rated assemblies.
• Installing storm panels or exterior shutters as supplementary protection.
• Programs such as FEMA’s PreDisaster Mitigation (PDM) and HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding can support retrofit efforts, especially in vulnerable communities.
With the growing threat of climate change, the importance of resilient building practices has never been more evident. Impact resistant fenestration is no longer an optional upgrade - it is a strategic investment that enhances safety, sustainability, and long term value. Whether for new developments or retrofit projects, adopting these systems ensures that buildings are equipped to meet today’s challenges and those of the future.
Site warehouse
Mullion installation
Fenestration Feature
Innovative Façade Design
BLOCK F2, Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru
The BLOCK F2 building at Manyata Embassy Business Park exemplifies innovation and efficiency through its cuttingedge façade and fenestration design. Conceptualised to provide both aesthetic sophistication and high performance, this project integrates advanced technologies and materials to meet global standards in acoustics, safety, sustainability, and durability.
DESIGN CONCEPT AND FAÇADE FEATURES
The architectural vision for BLOCK F2 emphasises a sleek, modern look achieved through unitised curtain wall glazing systems, Lamium cladding, and ACP panelling. The façade is structured with horizontally striped and continuous structurally glazed unitised panels, tailored for both function and form. It accommodates tenant-specific layouts while maintaining visual harmony.
MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY
At the core of this façade is a unitised structurally glazed curtain wall system, capable of withstanding wind loads up to 1.3 kPa. The system uses Double Glazed Units (DGU) with highperformance heat-strengthened glass from St. Gobain, featuring selective coatings for enhanced thermal control and UV resistance. Rock wool insulation panels (128 kg/m³ density) provide excellent thermal and acoustic barriers behind spandrel panels and in smoke seals.
The porcelain stoneware panels used in cladding are backed with fibre mesh for structural strength and are mounted on powder-coated aluminium frameworks, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance. 4mm thick ACP panels (Alucobond Plus FR Grade) deliver both fire resistance and visual appeal.
ACOUSTICS, SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE
The façade system addresses acoustic comfort through DGU glazing that reduces external noise - a crucial feature for commercial environments. Safety is embedded through a combination of fire safing measures, including rock wool fire barriers, smoke seals, and fire-stop sprays conforming to UL standards. All weather seals use high-performance silicone sealants (Dowsil 991 and 789), ensuring watertightness and durability.
Furthermore, the project incorporates openable panels with multi-point locking systems for ventilation and emergency access. Structural support is provided through a network of hotdip galvanised MS brackets and Hilti SS anchors, guaranteeing resilience against wind, seismic loads, and long-term operational stress.
Façade glazing elevation
Fenestration Feature
TESTING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
A rigorous testing protocol is implemented, including AAMA 501.2 water tests on 10% of the façade area. If any area fails, retests on additional sections are mandated, escalating to 100% coverage if failures persist. PMU (Performance Mock-Up) testing is also conducted to validate assembly integrity, water tightness, and thermal performance. Every element, from fasteners (SS316/SS304) to fire safe components, is tested and certified before installation.
MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The system is designed for ease of maintenance, with anodised and PPCcoated surfaces that resist corrosion and dirt accumulation. A 25-year warranty covers the aluminum finish, with firerated materials and cladding elements ensuring compliance with IGBC Green Building norms and MOEF standards.
Maintenance charts, O&M manuals, and as-built drawings are submitted during handover. Housekeeping obligations, including façade cleaning, are included in the contractor’s scope to ensure long-term aesthetic integrity.
RESULT
The BLOCK F2 façade project at Manyata Embassy Business Park stands as a benchmark in modern envelope design, where form meets function through high-performance materials, intelligent engineering, and strict quality standards. With its combination of structurally glazed curtain walls, energy-efficient glazing, durable cladding systems, and comprehensive fire and acoustic safety features, the project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the campus but also ensures long-term operational efficiency and occupant comfort.
Quick Facts:
• Project Name: Façade Glazing & Cladding Work at Embassy Manyata Business Park Block F2, Bangalore
• Location: Embassy Manyata Business Park, Nagavara, Hebbal Outer Ring Road, Bangalore, Karnataka
Country Head – Project Management Consultancy, Embassy Services Private Limited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chandrasekaran leads Project Management Consultancy (PMC) Operations PAN India At ESPL, ensuring seamless execution and uncompromising quality in every project. His client-first approach is rooted in over 20 years of deep industry experience, making him a trusted leader in delivering highimpact, future-ready solutions. He spent over 17 years with CBRE, where he led national operations for the Project Management vertical and played a pivotal role in scaling complex projects across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. His expertise spans project lifecycle management, stakeholder alignment, cost optimisation, risk mitigation, and sustainability-driven design. In his previous role as Head of Principal Services and the Industrial Vertical, Chandrasekaran was instrumental in spearheading large-scale developments, driving operational efficiencies, and building highperforming teams that delivered measurable outcomes.
Façade mock-up
doesn’t just give windows a frame with our profiles, we’re genuinely trend-setting in uPVC window systems. And on top of that, we develop innovative solutions that offer all our
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We form the framework for the world of windows.
We form the framework for the world of windows.
Mahogany
Rustic Oak Walnut
Sustainable Architecture
The Optimal Integration of BIPV on Building Façades and FenestrationsPrimary Challenges & Opportunities
The advancement of new and cutting-edge technology in the sectors of both architectural design and construction is responsible for the upgradation of urban areas, significantly transforming urban lifestyles while contributing to avant-garde architecture and a distinct urban morphology. They contribute to the creation of symbolism and an image of glamour, reinforcing the position of the city in the international competition and lending it a particular global character. They are indispensable to sustainable urban design and planning and herald new business opportunities, making a statement on innovative architectural and engineering design.
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, solar power emerges as a leading contender. At the heart of this are two pivotal technologies: conventional rooftop solar panels and opaque Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Each presents distinct advantages and challenges, making the understanding of their energy capabilities vital for
those considering solar options for their structures.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) is a technology that integrates photovoltaic cells into the building façade system as building elements, replacing the original building components and making them an integral part of the building’s energy system, thus having both power generation functions and structural functionality. Unlike conventional photovoltaic systems that are retrofitted onto existing structures, BIPV solutions
are seamlessly integrated into building envelopes. This reduces the need for additional materials, lowering the environmental impact of buildings while enhancing their aesthetics.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics have enormous potential within the context of the built environment: on roofs, façades, as transparent and semi-transparent elements in complementary structures or transport and technical infrastructure, representing a progressive step in solar energy utilisation.
BIPV cladding is particularly advantageous in urban settings where space is at a premium. These claddings incorporate cutting-edge materials capable of capturing a wider range of the solar spectrum, proving effective even in lower light conditions. BIPV’s expansive coverage and multidirectional light absorption can yield higher energy outputs. BIPV not only aligns with corporate sustainability goals by reducing electricity costs and adding green certification opportunities but also enhances property values.
Keeping in mind their impact on urban public spaces, and the character and identity of cities and their buildings thereof, the potential and promotion of urban-scale BIPV need to be assessed and evaluated with utmost caution, to ensure the changes do not disrupt existing architectural harmony or create unforeseen challenges.
Upscaling requires mass penetration. The mass dissemination of any new technology should aim at its application in the construction of subsidised mass housing and open public spaces, as an intervention that seeks to create an
A solar façade on a municipal building located in Madrid, Spain
Convention centre in Lausanne Switzerland using BIPV as the façade material
Sustainable Architecture
quality living and working environment, without excluding any social group.
Although solar BIPV has been used in World Expo venues and in demonstration projects, the photovoltaic building has not yet entered the homes of common people as pieces of the technology used in residential communities, and in the creation of clusters of new economies and new entrepreneurial epicentres in inner-city areas.
PMAY-U by the Government of India aims to provide all-weather pucca houses to all eligible beneficiaries from poor and middle-class families in urban areas. The PMAY-U 2.0 – Housing for All Scheme, launched in September 2024, aims to construct one crore houses for urban poor and middle-class families over the next five years.
Implementing photovoltaics in such urban environments faces challenges that originate from the dense and diverse city fabric (orientation, form, massing, layout, height of surrounding buildings, total space available), social aspects (acceptance of new material with specific aesthetic qualities) and cultural aspects (use of photovoltaic systems in city conservation areas, i.e. zones of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which
of the urban environment.
Not only the technical requirements of photovoltaics, such as the influence of orientation, albedo and overshadowing, ventilation possibilities, dirt accumulation, etc., but also its characteristic aspects (dependent on the particular technology used), such as colour effects, transparency, reflection
or flexibility, have to be taken into account.
And, most importantly, architectural quality should not be sacrificed to promote solar spread. Close and remote visibility of city surfaces and sensitivity of the urban context become critical factors in the application of BIPV. With more sensitive contexts and high visibility of the photovoltaic (and other solar) systems, a higher quality of design integration is needed.
Urban areas have many variations and offer a broad scope of possibilities for various approaches to BIPV in relation to sustainable architecture and the urban environment, focusing on explaining the necessity to provide architects with a methodology of working with advanced photovoltaic systems in architectural design, and introducing the departure points for this intention.
When designing with BIPV, architects have a number of opportunities regarding how to integrate the currently existing photovoltaic solutions into the building design, including shading systems, rain screen (cladding) systems,
A deterrent example of photovoltaics use (high remote visibility in a very sensitive context) roof - mounted PV installations on residential block in the urban conservation area of Mikulov, Czech Republic
upgraded
should be protected and preserved)
Close visibility of city surfaces: 1. High visibility, 2. Medium visibility, 3. Low visibility. Illustration adapted after Munari Probst et Roecker, 2015
Remote visibility of city surfaces: A. Low visibility, B. High visibility. Illustration adapted after Munari Probst et Roecker, 2015
Sustainable Architecture
curtain walls, double-skin façades, application on atria and canopies, as well as progressive glazing solutions. Advanced photovoltaics can be an integral part of more traditional building elements, such as roof tiles and claddings. The basic levels of integration can range from merely added technical elements (suitable mainly for lowvisibility and low-sensitivity contexts) to fully optimised architectural forms (suitable for specific new-build cases).
But although there is an increasingly diverse range of BIPV products available in the market, there is no suitable classification method for adoption at an urban scale. A robust classification is essential to disseminate the potential of BIPV in the urban environment, which further facilitates decision-making in urban planning.
BIPV units need perfect integration with conventional or age-old building materials and elements, especially those such as jallis, that are traditionally in use in the particular climatic region.
These materials are generally used with traditional and atypical jointing systems, those that have been practised more like a craft, and hence do not possess the convenience of standardised fixing systems. Creating jointing with these,
especially to ensure water-tight façades and to reduce heat/cooling loss, are challenges faced by BIPV.
On the other hand, a different set of challenges lies in integration with new and emerging technologies of building construction, such as modular precast or 3D volumetric modular precast, which in themselves are ready for integration as modular pod units.
BIPV demands thoughtful integration during the design phase of a building, during new construction or extensive renovations, where such integration can be seamlessly planned.
The potential for BIPV deployment in urban building environments identifies five key characteristics that contribute to the coherent integration of BIPV into buildings, namely collector size and position, visible material, surface textures, colours, and module shapes.
Building type dictates the choice of building elements, and building-related standards like load-bearing, seismic, and fire safety are crucial in practical BIPV applications.
The colours of BIPV variants with varying levels of visibility need to be tailored to match the building surface in order
to ensure better integration with the building’s exterior.
Insufficient understanding of BIPV technologies, lack of comprehensive design guidelines, limited exposure to integration techniques, and absence of standardised implementation resources pose challenges.
Apart from introducing architects to the available technologies, their limits, challenges, and drawbacks, and providing the necessary theoretical background on BIPV, there is a need to provide specific case study solutions and recommended design approaches, illustrated by examples of good practice.
In the urban environment, the interaction between BIPV systems and urban morphology is a significant area of focus. Urban morphology can influence the placement and orientation of BIPV systems, which in turn affects their efficiency. The arrangement of buildings, their height, and spacing can impact the amount of solar irradiation reaching the BIPV installations.
One major obstacle in complex urban inner-city environments is the presence of shadow and shading as a result of dense urban forms such as building projections and cantilevers, surrounding buildings, and vegetation, which have dramatic effects on BIPV façades, affecting BIPV performance by altering the available reflective irradiation.
Openable window panels are necessitated by the need for natural ventilation in most parts of India — the need for which was further emphasised post-pandemic — and to reduce energy costs. Once opened at a tilt different from the designed angle of the façade, it may result in reduced efficiency of the BIPV systems on the façade.
The large-scale integration of BIPV within urban landscapes presents inherent challenges and direct implications on city heat dynamics and urban microclimates. On the one hand, extreme high temperatures, especially in North India, can reduce the efficiency of PV cells, as increased temperatures at lower levels
PV integrated in façade cladding - Active apartment house in Frankfurt (Germany), architect HHS Planer + Architekten
IMAGE CREDITBOŠNJAKOVIĆ, MLADEN & KATINIĆ, M. & CIKIC, ANTE & MUHIC, SIMON. (2023).
Sustainable Architecture
AR.
ARCHANA KHANNA (architect-urban designer)
Founding Partner, FIRST PRINCIPLE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
are known to negatively affect their performance.
On the other hand, BIPV can also participate in and intensify the Urban Heat Island Effect due to its intrinsic capacity to produce heat during the electricity conversion process.
In the urban environment, the glare issue associated with the surface material of glass-based BIPV, especially the orientation and tilt angle, deserves consideration, for it can impact visual comfort and safety in urban public spaces, especially in India where glare levels are already high.
BIPV requires a higher initial investment. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations may be essential to determine the benefits of BIPV systems, such as payback time as opposed to the initial investment. BIPV systems can have a payback time of 12 to as much as 41 years.
The optimal integration of BIPV in urban environments thus faces two primary challenges: understanding the complex interactions between BIPV systems and the urban environment, and the meticulous evaluation of BIPV’s suitability in dense urban settings.
Future research needs to deploy advanced analytical tools and comprehensive datasets to better characterise urban environments and their dynamics. With a specific focus on architectural integration in urban areas, there is a need for BIPV to consolidate with key architectural features and urban landscapes.
Architects, therefore, need to grasp and implement all aspects of BIPV design, including its cutting-edge potential, in a holistic and integral fashion as part of the design process – an essential for the creation of quality, sustainable architecture.
Ar. Archana Khanna, Founding Partner of the Delhi-based awardwinning practice First Principle, is also a visiting faculty member at SPA, New Delhi. She is the Urban Design expert on the HCC at MoHUA, Government of India, India representative and Member Taskforce - ARCASIA Committee for Social Responsibility, Office Bearer and Convener, Sustainability Committee - the Indian Institute of Architects, Northern Chapter and a GRIHA certified professional, while championing several other causes and commitments.
She has been honoured with the National Award for her contribution to Innovation in green buildings and sustainability as a Women Entrepreneurial Leader by NAREDCOMAHI, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, and the Honours Award from Smart Homes, among several other awards.
Copenhagen International School Nordhavn (Denmark), architect C.F. Møller.
The façade is covered in 12,000 PV each individual panels, suitably angled to give the eYect. The panels supply over 50% of the school´s annual electricity consumption
Precision-Engineered Aluminium System Windows for Modern Architecture
Modern architecture demands solutions that seamlessly integrate aesthetics with performance, and windows play a crucial role in shaping both design and functionality. GREFET, a leading name in aluminium system windows, has established itself as a trusted partner for architects and builders by delivering products that combine engineering precision, durability, and design flexibility. With precision-engineered systems and European-standard hardware, the company has become a pioneer in bringing Belgianengineered aluminium window systems to a market long dependent on fragmented, site-fabricated solutions.
GREFET aluminium systems are engineered with high-strength T6-6063 alloys that ensure structural stability even across large spans. Their slim yet robust profiles enable expansive glass areas, maximising natural light and uninterrupted views without compromising safety. With advanced thermal insulation, GREFET windows achieve excellent U-values, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing HVAC loads — a critical factor for both residential and commercial projects.
Acoustic performance is another defining feature. The systems are designed to accommodate double and triple-glazed units,
offering superior sound insulation to create comfortable indoor environments even in high-noise urban zones. The integration of multi-point locking mechanisms not only enhances security but also ensures airtightness, preventing leakage and improving overall energy performance.
Weather resistance is achieved through precision-engineered gaskets, drainage channels, and EPDM sealing, making the systems suitable for extreme climatic conditions. Rigorous testing standards ensure compliance with international benchmarks for wind load resistance, water tightness, and air permeability.
KEY TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF GREFET ALUMINIUM SYSTEM WINDOWS
• Thermal Insulation: U-values as low as 1.1 W/m²K (with triple glazing)
• Acoustic Insulation: Up to 45 dB sound reduction with laminated double glazing
• Air Permeability: Class 4 (EN 12207)
• Water Tightness: Class E1200 (EN 12208)
• Wind Load Resistance: Up to 3000 Pa (EN 12210)
• Glazing Options: Single, double, or triple glazing up to 52 mm thickness
• Security: Multi-point locking systems with RC2/RC3 compliance
• Durability: 25+ years’ performance
Beyond performance, GREFET’s modular designs provide architects with flexibility in application — from sliding and casement systems to bespoke solutions. Each system is developed with ease of installation in mind, ensuring consistency, reliability, and reduced on-site time. Systems are tested as per AS and BS standards.
Sustainability remains central to GREFET’s philosophy. Aluminium, being 100% recyclable, positions the brand as an eco-conscious choice, while advanced coating options ensure long-lasting finishes with minimal maintenance.
For the building industry, GREFET is more than a window manufacturer - it is a solutions provider. By integrating engineering innovation, strict quality control, and aesthetic refinement, GREFET delivers systems that meet the expectations of architects, enhance the efficiency of builders, and elevate the lifestyle of end users.
With GREFET aluminium system windows, every project gains an edge: precision in performance, reliability in execution, and elegance in design.
Safety Over Speed for Open State Cavity Barriers in Façades
Brackets
Horizontal open state cavity barriers (OSCBs) are vital to ensuring the passive fire safety and effective moisture management of ventilated building façade systems with a cavity. In general use (sometimes referred to as the ‘cold state’), they allow any moisture that penetrates the ventilation cavity between the inner wall and external cladding to drain away or evaporate, which is important in zones with high relative humidity or relentless monsoons. However, in the event of fire, the intumescent layer on the exposed edge of the barrier activates at approximately 266°F/130°C causing it to ‘exfoliate’ and close the concealed cavity, creating a robust fire and smoke seal.
To ensure they can provide this performance for the designed life of the
building, OSCBs must be securely and appropriately fixed to the internal substrate with a retention method that prevents barrier displacement. Façade designers, engineers, consultants, specifiers and installers need to understand the different types of fixing methods, the risks posed by insecure fixings and inadequate retention, and the requirements for ensuring their projects adhere to best practice.
HOW CAN THE FIXING METHOD IMPACT THE PERFORMANCE OF OPEN STATE CAVITY BARRIERS?
Buildings and their façades are constantly subjected to forces that can cause them to move, such as wind loads, settlement and temperature changes. In a fire, heat-induced air pressure and thermal expansion place further stress on brackets and fixings. If
these lack sufficient tensile strength or retention capability, these factors can all potentially cause them to fail and the OSCBs to completely or partially detach from the internal construction.
In addition to the possibility of thermal and moisture management issues resulting from fallen cavity barriers obstructing ventilation and drainage flow in the cavity, which can lead to damp related problems such as condensation, corrosion and mould growth, barrier displacement can severely compromise the building’s compartmentation. Any gaps that form between the substrate and the rear of the barrier can allow fire and smoke to spread vertically through the unseen cavity – the ‘chimney effect’. Meanwhile, severe misalignment of the OSCB can lead to its intumescent layer
Figure 1- illustration of how open state cavity barriers allow for daily ventilation and form a robust fire and smoke seal in the event of a fire
not exfoliating within the limits of its stated air gap range, thus failing to form a complete seal against the opposing surface by not fully closing the width of the void.
To mitigate these risks, OSCBs must be selected with support brackets and fixings that are designed to keep them securely in position even when subjected to differential movement or fire-induced stresses, and that allow for the intumescent to fully exfoliate when exposed to the heat of a fire.
FIXING APPROACHES FOR OPEN STATE CAVITY BARRIERS
There are several common approaches to mechanically fixing cavity barriers:
• Direct through-fix to substrate using non-combustible fixings (small voids) Usually stainless-steel countersunk
head screws with a washer that sits flush with the intumescent face and that is screwed at a sufficient depth into substrate.
• Mechanically fixed partial penetration brackets (large voids): Usually stainless-steel spikes that penetrate the width of the barrier by typically 50-75% and are fixed to the backing wall using non-combustible stainless-steel fixings, sometimes with pigtail screws piercing through the intumescent into the barrier.
• Mechanically fixed full penetration brackets with bent tails (large voids): As above without pigtail screws but with ‘tails’ piercing through the intumescent on the leading edge of the barrier that faces the open airspace of the cavity. These are bent flat, or ‘counter folded’, to the outer face to positively retain the barrier and the intumescent.
Advice from the industry-led Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) based in the UK reinforces the need for barriers to be tightly fitted to a rigid construction and mechanically fixed in position so that their performance is not rendered ineffective by failure of the barrier fixings during a fire, building and
external envelope movement, or the collapse of penetrating services or failure of abutting construction.
It advocates more specifically for open state cavity barriers used within ventilated façades to be fixed with brackets that penetrate the full thickness of the barrier with tails bent over to positively retain the barrier in position.
For instance, Section 6.6.3.2.3. of Guidance on Built-up Walls1 that focuses on cavity barriers in rainscreen constructions states:
“To be effective, these should be securely fixed to the face of the back wall or preferably, for cavity barriers on the line of compartment floors, the concrete slab edge. This will require a break in the thermal insulation in the rainscreen cavity... Steel spikes are used to fix the barriers, and these should penetrate the full thickness of the barrier with the tails turned over to positively hold the barrier in position. Failure to do this may allow the barrier to fall down the cavity making it ineffective as a fire barrier and possibly blocking drainage.”
In section 4.24 of the guidance, it cites instances where this issue has been encountered, demonstrating that this is a very real potential problem: “Cavity barriers should be positively fixed in position to ensure their effectiveness. Cases of barriers sliding off spikes and collecting at the foot of the cavity have been reported.”
Furthermore, CWCT places specific emphasis on the difference in effectiveness between full penetration and partial penetration brackets in its Technical Note 98: “Spikes which penetrate the full width of the fire barrier with tails that can be bent over are likely to be more effective than spikes that only penetrate part way through the barrier but without support from the envelope.”
1CWCT (2017) Guidance on Built-up Walls: https://www. cwct.co.uk/products/built-up-walls
Figure 2: For small voids, open state fire barriers tend to be fitted using a direct through fix to the substrate
Figure 3: Side by side comparison of mechanically fixed full penetration brackets with bent tails (top) and a mechanically fixed partial penetration bracket (bottom) in large voids (for illustration purposes only)
Fire Safety
POSITIVE FULL PENETRATION MECHANICAL RETENTION BRACKETS VS PARTIAL PENETRATION ‘PUSHTO-FIT’ BRACKETS
Using OSCBs with full penetration brackets that have retaining bent tails can support effective compartmentation and firestopping in several ways. They firstly enable the cavity fire barrier to be firmly secured to the substrate, preventing it from moving laterally during its service life. This enables it to maintain contact with the backing wall to provide an effective cavity barrier.
Full penetration brackets can also help to support the structural strength of the cavity barrier by allowing the weight of the barrier to be supported by the inner leaf, instead of relying on the tensile strength of the bracket alone. Additionally, an equilibrium is created between the barrier’s outer face and the bent tails when the bracket is fixed to the substrate above the OSCB, which can increase the structural strength of the OSCB to prevent sagging.
These types of brackets also offer benefits during the installation stage. Whilst bending the bracket is a small step to accommodate build tolerances such as deviations in the cavity’s dimensions, these types of brackets are often supplied with pre-engineered features that not only save time but also help to ensure an accurate installation and that the product is fit for purpose. For example, they are typically available in a range of lengths to suit different void sizes and with fixed length tails, eliminating the need to cut them to
size onsite. They also often feature predrilled fixing holes, as well as a notch feature to make them easy to bend to the right shape, and the use of bracketbending tools help expediate the bending process.
Additionally, as they do not rely on the external wall covering for retention, they can be fitted at an earlier stage of the construction process, reducing scheduling stresses. They are also much less likely to be dislodged or disrupted during the installation of the external envelope. Some types of open state barriers, on the other hand, require hand-screwed pigtail screws to be wound out until they touch the inside face of the cladding - after the cladding has been installed.
ENSURING INSTALLATION QUALITY OF POSITIVE FULL PENETRATION
MECHANICAL RETENTION BRACKETS ONSITE
The CIOB-RIBA Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction2 stresses the importance of inspecting cavity barriers as safety-critical elements, stating that: “[F]or all Elements that contribute towards fire and smoke compartmentation of a building - The compartmentation must be assumed to be part of a considered design, so there could be a significant risk of a serious injury or fatality if it was compromised by incorrect installation and there was a fire. Therefore, the compartmentation in its totality is a Safety-Critical Element.”
Cavity barriers whose retention is reliant on the external façade being installed
can present a challenge when it comes to inspection - requiring a section of the wall covering to be deconstructed to check how they have been fitted. Meanwhile, full penetration brackets with bent tails can simplify this process as their visible tails eliminate the need for destructive inspections in build ups where the thermal insulation abuts the OSCB from both above and below.
It is worth noting that some manufacturers of OSCBs offer both in-person and remote inspections via specifically developed inspection apps. Suitable for standard systems, the apps allow users to capture images as each area/ element is installed and update the data input fields using their smartphone or tablet. These can then be reviewed offsite by the manufacturer’s technical team to ensure the installation meets recommendations and quickly identify any potential issues with the fixing methods. Where a manufacturer inspection has taken place, either by app or in-person, the final report can be included in the handover information, providing a clear record of exactly what passive fire protection measures are in the building and how it was installed. This helps to maintain a thread of product information and can be a useful reference point for any future modifications to the project that may affect the building envelope.
TESTING AND CERTIFICATION TO CONSIDER
As the fixing method is so integral to the performance of OSCBs, it is important to look out for products that have been subjected to testing with their fixing methods. This includes identifying products with a measured and defined design life, and that have been put through tests that replicate their intended application - demonstrating that they maintain integrity in real-world thermal and mechanical conditions.
2CIOB-RIBA (2023) Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction: https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/ resources-landing-page/a-riba-guide-to-managing-safetycritical-elements?srsltid=AfmBOopjXgmQMHs3DDUkZWj3 cjcHjYwdqmWiPcCLIu4bRT2Cg91YMLB9
Figure 4: Diagram of how cavity barriers can slip off partial penetration ’push-to-fit’ brackets, leaving a gap between the barrier and the internal substrate (for illustration purposes only)
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) Technical Guidance Document TGD 193 and the recently published European standard EN 1364-6: 2025 standard both outline the test configurations and failure criteria for the testing of OSCBs.
Whilst these tests can determine standalone cavity barrier performance, and therefore general suitability for the purpose it is marketed for, it is only through largescale testing that we can fully understand how complete assemblies might perform in a real-life fire scenario. Such testing examines all the system components together, providing data on how the different products interact, along with the impact of details such as fixings, joints, gaps, and penetrations on the overall fire performance. Therefore, data from large scale systems tests such as NFPA 285 and BS 8414-1 & 2 that evaluate the performance of a complete external wall assembly can be invaluable when considering any type of cavity fire barrier.
It is important to note that, even with the inclusion of positively retained cavity barriers, systems can fail if the exterior wall
covering allows the fire to spread up the outside of the building causing the panels to move, break down or detach and fall. Any malfunction with the cladding would likely leave a path for the flames to spread up and over the cavity barrier and up the cavity. Therefore, it is vital to always refer to the latest specialist advice for façade design and specification, and to ensure high quality workmanship at every stage.
POSITIVE PROCESS, POSITIVE RESULTS
People know the value of fire safety and the importance of compartmentation and whilst the use of cavity barriers within India’s buildings that have cavities behind external cladding systems is not yet mandated, it is increasingly becoming standard practice and with that needs to be a widespread understanding of not only what they do but also how they must be used to achieve the appropriate compartmentation. Properly designed OSCBs, that use mechanically fixed, full penetration brackets with bent tails that can withstand the rigours of environmental changes, serviceability movement and thermal stress, are key to upholding industry best practices and standards - ensuring buildings remain protected throughout their lifecycle.
For further information please contact Siderise’s Fire Safety Technical Support team via direct email smetech@siderise. com
3Association for Specialist Fire Protection (2017) Technical Guidance Document TGD 19: https://asfp.site-ym.com/ store/viewproduct.aspx?id=19779888
Fire Safety
DONEL DIPPI
Head of Technical and Compliance (MEIAP), Siderise Middle East, India, and Asia Pacific
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Donel Dippi, Head of Technical for Siderise Middle East, India, and Asia Pacific, is an experienced stakeholder focused Technical Engineer who specialises in passive fire protection and acoustic solutions for the façades of buildings.
With a deep understanding of testing, certification, compliance, and regulatory codes, he helps architects, façade consultants, contractors, developers, and fire and rescue services navigate the complexities of fire safety in both the new construction and retrofitting of buildings, whilst giving guidance on where there is scope for improving performance levels.
For more details, contact: Siderise India Pvt. Ltd Mobile: +91 998 700 4611
Figure 5: Installation of OSCB with positive retention bracket, demonstrating the visibility of the bent ends
Figure 6: Siderise RH Horizontal Open State Cavity Barriers are tested and certified based on the use of fully penetrating brackets with retaining bent ends
Sudhakar Profiles: Pioneering Excellence in uPVC and Aluminium Solutions
Sudhakar Profiles, a distinguished division of the Sudhakar Group, is recognised as one of India’s leading manufacturers of high-quality uPVC and aluminium profiles for windows and doors. Established in 2014 with a dedicated focus on fabrication, the division achieved a significant milestone in 2017 with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art extrusion plant in Andhra Pradesh. Since then, Sudhakar Profiles has evolved into a trusted brand within the construction and infrastructure industry, catering to the ever-changing demands of modern architecture and urban development.
Building upon over five decades of the Sudhakar Group’s expertise in PVC extrusion, the company has become synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation. Its products are engineered to perform exceptionally well under India’s diverse and challenging climatic conditions. By combining advanced technology with stringent quality standards, Sudhakar Profiles delivers solutions that embody energy efficiency, superior aesthetics, and long-term reliability.
The company’s extensive product portfolio includes cutting-edge sliding and casement systems, meticulously
designed with UV-stabilised formulations and premium finishes. These solutions are crafted to ensure exceptional longevity, minimal maintenance, and enhanced functionality, making them the preferred choice for architects, builders, and homeowners seeking sustainable and efficient designs.
Expanding its innovation beyond uPVC, Sudhakar Profiles has successfully ventured into premium aluminium windows and doors. These systems offer a robust yet elegant blend of strength, versatility, and sophistication, perfectly suited for both residential and commercial spaces. With their sleek designs and superior performance, these aluminium solutions provide the ideal balance between style, functionality, and enduring value.
Driven by its unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, Sudhakar Profiles continues to set new benchmarks in the extrusion industry. With a growing nationwide presence and a reputation built on trust and excellence, the company stands as a reliable partner in shaping future-ready infrastructure and redefining modern living spaces.
Through its progressive vision and dedication to superior craftsmanship, Sudhakar Profiles is not just meeting today’s architectural needs but also anticipating the demands of tomorrow, ensuring a legacy of sustainable, innovative, and high-performance solutions.
Sudhakar Profiles has evolved into a trusted brand within the construction and infrastructure industry
Sudhakar’s products are engineered to perform exceptionally well under India’s diverse and challenging climatic conditions
Expanding its innovation beyond uPVC, Sudhakar Profiles has successfully ventured into premium aluminium windows and doors
As India’s most trusted name in fenestration, Fenesta has long stood at the intersection of design, durability, and innovation. Now, building on this legacy, Fenesta has expanded its footprint into the architectural façade segment, bringing with it the same unwavering commitment to quality and performance that has defined its journey in the fenestration space.
FROM FENESTRATION LEADERS TO FAÇADE SPECIALISTS
Fenesta’s strategic entry into the façade domain marks a significant evolution in its growth story. Armed with deeprooted expertise in fenestration systems, Fenesta is uniquely positioned to redefine façade solutions for the Indian market. This expertise is critical in ensuring that modern building envelopes are not only visually compelling but also functionally advanced — delivering on performance, precision, and longevity.
To support this new vertical, Fenesta has established two dedicated façade manufacturing units — in Hyderabad and Bhiwadi. These facilities are equipped with cutting-edge European machinery and advanced production capabilities to cater to complex project requirements across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO FAÇADE DELIVERY
What sets Fenesta apart is its end-to-end, integrated model — spanning design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and post-completion service. This seamless delivery mechanism minimises project risk, shortens timelines, and ensures complete alignment with client expectations.
In a move that strengthens its technical backbone, Fenesta has partnered with Inventure Metal Products Industries
LLC, a UAE-based specialist in high-rise façade systems with nearly two decades of global experience. This collaboration enriches Fenesta’s design and execution capabilities, especially for projects with complex geometries and stringent performance specifications.
PROVEN CAPABILITY WITH SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS
Since launching its façade vertical in 2023, Fenesta Façades has successfully executed multiple landmark projects across India. These projects showcase Fenesta’s ability to translate architectural vision into high-performance building envelopes — delivering value through engineering excellence, quality assurance, and consistent project management.
NEXT-GEN FAÇADES BACKED BY FENESTRATION EXPERTISE
Fenesta’s deep domain knowledge in fenestration systems — developed over decades — plays a critical role in driving innovation in façade engineering. The brand’s understanding of thermal performance, acoustic insulation, airwater tightness, and long-term durability seamlessly extends into its façade solutions, creating offerings that are aesthetic, robust, and future-ready.
With a strong nationwide presence and a growing façade portfolio, Fenesta is positioned to be the partner of choice for architects, consultants, and developers seeking reliable, design-forward façade systems tailored to evolving building standards.
For more details on the product, contact:
Email: response@fenesta.com
Contact: 1800 102 9880
Website: www.fenesta.com
STAC: Pioneering Technical Solutions for Architectural Enclosures
Sistemas Técnicos del Accesorio y Componentes (STAC) is a leading Spanish company in the design, development, and manufacture of technical solutions for architectural enclosures. With more than 500 professionals and a consolidated presence in over 80 countries, the company combines innovation, quality, and sustainability across all its processes.
Production centres are located in Padrón and Catoira (Spain), with more than 72,000 m² of facilities where all phases of design and production are carried out. These plants manufacture hardware and accessories, polyamide and PVC insulating profiles, EPDM gaskets, and a wide range of thermoplastics.
By bringing together these product ranges, STAC has become one of the few companies in Spain capable of acting as a comprehensive supplier for any systems integrator. The company also operates its own lacquering facilities and has an internal department
specialising in moulds and machinery, enabling complete control over the entire manufacturing chain and ensuring maximum quality at every stage.
STAC uses a wide variety of technical materials in the design and manufacture of its solutions. In the field of insulating profiles, it primarily uses polyamide
(PA66) reinforced with 25% fibreglass, as well as recycled versions of this material (PA66-25GF RE), which significantly reduce environmental impact. For sealing gaskets, STAC employs EPDM with high resistance to weather, ozone, and deformation, along with other thermoplastics tailored to specific applications. Hardware and accessories are manufactured from materials such as zamak, aluminium, technical polymers, and stainless steel, ensuring strength and durability.
With more than 20 years of experience, the company offers comprehensive technical services, supporting architects, engineers, and builders through every
STAC uses a wide variety of technical materials in the design and manufacture of its solutions
For sealing gaskets, STAC employs EPDM with high resistance to weather, ozone, and deformation, along with other thermoplastics tailored to specific applications
stage of a project - from defining tailormade solutions to on-site advice, material optimisation, specialist training, and aftersales support.
Its innovative spirit is reflected in the development of products that combine high technical performancestrength, durability, insulation, and low maintenance - with a flexible aesthetic approach, offering a wide range of finishes and customisation options.
In terms of sustainability, STAC promotes circular economy and carbon footprint reduction initiatives through the use of recycled materials, efficient industrial waste management systems, and environmental certifications that ensure minimal environmental impact. These certifications, validated by independent organisations such as Bureau Veritas, demonstrate the company’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and environmental responsibility:
• ISO 9001:2015 – Guarantees a quality management model focused on continuous improvement, process control, internal audits, and customer satisfaction.
• ISO 14001:2015 – Ensures efficient environmental management committed to protecting the environment.
• ISO 14021:2016 – Confirms that the RE and RE+ range products contain
a minimum percentage of recycled material, verified by Bureau Veritas.
• Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) – Available for HITEP and PA66 thermal break profiles with 25% fibreglass. These EPDs, Type III according to ISO 14025, assess the entire life cycle of the product and are registered in The International EPD System.
• Cradle to Cradle – Certifies that products are safe, circular, and responsibly designed across all stages of their life cycle.
• EcoVadis (Committed Label) –Recognises strong sustainability management based on
environmental, social, and ethical criteria.
Headquartered in Padrón, Spain, STAC has always maintained a global vision. It operates subsidiaries and offices in Portugal, Morocco, Poland, Türkiye, Mexico, and the United States, thereby strengthening its international distribution and service network.
The company also actively participates in major international trade fairs, showcasing its full potential at events such as The Big 5 (Saudi Arabia), Fensterbau (Germany), Batimat (France), Eurasia Window Fair (Turkey), and BAU (Germany).
STAC’s extensive experience and technical expertise have enabled it to contribute to landmark architectural projects worldwide, reinforcing its position as a trusted strategic partner in delivering solutions for modern architecture.
For
Website: www.doctorwindow.com
Email: support@doctorwindow.com
Phone: +91 75054 44444
Hardware and accessories are manufactured from materials such as zamak, aluminium, technical polymers, and stainless steel, ensuring strength and durability
Headquartered in Padrón, Spain, STAC has always maintained a global vision
Building Trust, Ensuring Quality and Shaping Life-The Simta Astrix Way
What began four decades ago as a single step in manufacturing has today become a defining success story. At its heart is Mr. Sampath Kumar, whose grit and innovation built a legacy of excellence.
He founded Simta Manufacturing Company in 1991 and went on to establish Simta Astrix in 2013 as a leading uPVC windows and doors manufacturer. Turning industry gaps into opportunities, he has since expanded into ABS and steel doors, aluminium systems, and modular interiors, transforming Simta Astrix into a pioneer of integrated fenestration and interior solutions.
Today, his vision is to make world-class fenestration accessible guided by quality, trust, and consistency. He envisions Simta Astrix reaching every Indian city while opening doors to Asia and the Middle East.
In this conversation with WFM Media, Mr. Sampath reflects on his journey, shares insights into sustainability, technology-driven manufacturing, and overcoming industry challenges, and reveals his vision to position Simta Astrix as India’s most trusted fenestration brand.
SAMPATH KUMAR Managing Director, Simta Astrix
• Simta Astrix has made a name for itself with energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions. Was sustainability always a core focus, or did it evolve over time?
Having originated in the far south-west of India, specifically Sulur - a serene suburb of Coimbatore - we have been deeply influenced by the natural environment that surrounds us. Sulur is renowned for its clean air and consistently low Air Quality Index (AQI) throughout the year, making it a place where nature plays an integral role in daily life.
For the founder of Simta Astrix, sustainability has always been an inherent value rather than a mere business strategy. Right from inception, the company’s vision was shaped by a commitment to sustainable growth, not as an afterthought but as a guiding principle. This outlook was not born out of market pressure or evolving trends, but from a personal belief that environmental stewardship and business growth can and should go hand in hand.
This ethos continues to inform every decision we make, from selecting raw materials to developing manufacturing processes that reduce waste, conserve energy, and deliver long-lasting, environmentally responsible products.
• How would you describe the current landscape of the fenestration industry in India? Are there any trends or shifts that particularly stand out to you right now?
The fenestration industry in India has been undergoing a steady transformation. There is now a growing awareness of the window’s role not just as a building element but as an essential link between the indoor and outdoor environment. People are beginning to understand that windows influence energy efficiency, comfort, aesthetics, and overall building performance.
Historically, India moved from traditional steel windows to smaller aluminium sections, often sourced from roadside fabricators with limited precision and
subpar workmanship. The industry has since evolved to adopt more advanced solutions that go beyond simply “fitting a window” - solutions that integrate engineering, aesthetics, and performance.
Today, uPVC and system aluminium windows play a pivotal role in shaping the fenestration market. However, the perception of uPVC has suffered to some extent in recent years due to certain strategic missteps by some players in the segment. As a result, there is currently a
“Sustainability has always been an inherent value at Simta Astrix - not a market-driven trend, but a guiding principle that shapes every decision we make”
slight upward trend favouring system aluminium solutions. Nonetheless, both materials have their place, and the challenge for the industry is to address misconceptions while educating customers on the long-term benefits of quality installations.
• Simta Astrix is known for its strong manufacturing backbone. Can you tell us more about your production setup and what gives your products a competitive edge? Extruding uPVC profiles is no simple task; it demands a combination of experience, precision, and a robust process. At Simta Astrix, we have built a highly skilled production team with over two decades of experience in the plastics industry.
Our competitive edge begins with meticulous selection, from the machines and moulds we invest in, to the raw materials we source, and the process automation we implement. Each stage is designed to maintain a healthy and reliable production cycle. The extrusion process itself requires careful calibration to ensure dimensional accuracy, surface quality and long-term durability.
We also believe that the strength of our manufacturing lies in the consistency
Art of Manufacturing Facility- Plant 1
The Expert’s Edge
of our output. This is why we maintain rigorous in-house testing and quality checks, ensuring that every batch of profiles meets our internal benchmarks as well as international standards.
• You’ve launched several new products into the market over the years. What do you look for before deciding it’s the right time to introduce something new?
Our guiding principle can be summed up as “Ride the Tide.” We closely observe the prevailing market scenario and identify trends that are gaining momentum. If we see a direction that aligns with our expertise and the needs of the customer, we move towards it decisively.
Adding new product verticals is not simply about keeping pace with competition; it is a strategic decision to multiply growth potential and address untapped opportunities. We focus on introducing products that have the potential to become widely adopted in the market, aiming for solutions that not only meet
existing demand but also help shape new consumer expectations.
• Every industry has its set of challenges. What are some of the key hurdles you’ve faced in fenestration, and how has Simta Astrix responded to them?
One of the most pressing challenges in our sector is ensuring that uPVC windows are fabricated using highquality hardware and installed correctly. The quality of the end product depends not only on the profile but also on the competence of the fabricator. To address this, we identify qualityoriented fabricators and conduct regular inspections of their manufacturing processes. We have also introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that ensures professional fabrication and installation standards for uPVC windows.
Another significant hurdle is the influx of inferior-quality profiles from overseas, particularly China. According to import data, approximately 55% of India’s uPVC profile consumption is met through Chinese imports. This poses a considerable threat to domestic manufacturers who invest heavily in quality and compliance.
In response, we have collaborated with other reputed profile manufacturers
ABS Doors Manufacturing Facility
Team of Simta
Our Product Display
The Expert’s Edge
to lobby the government for stricter regulations, including making the BIS certification mandatory for all profiles sold in India. This not only helps protect the domestic industry but also safeguards customers from substandard products.
• Today’s customers are not just looking for durability - design and aesthetics matter more than ever. How does Simta Astrix balance form and function in its offerings? We believe that “seeing is believing.”
Aesthetics are an integral part of our product development process because a window is not just a functional element; it is also a design statement.
For our uPVC profiles, we have developed surfaces that are smooth, pristine white, and visually appealing. The texture and finish are designed to be soothing to the eye while maintaining durability. For laminated finishes, we offer eight different options to cater to architects’ and clients’ specific preferences.
Technically, we avoid over-specifying our products, as this can create unnecessary
confusion for customers. Instead, our engineering approach is tailored to the requirements of the Indian market, with careful consideration of factors such as wind load. At the same time, we remain open to designing products for specific markets abroad. For instance, we recently developed a customised product range for Europe and Gulf markets.
• As someone who’s led teams for many years, what’s your approach to leadership and building a strong, motivated workforce at Simta Astrix?
Our leadership philosophy revolves around avoiding procrastination and fostering a culture of confidence and accountability. We aim to equip our team
New Extrusion Facility – Plant 2
uPVC Profile Extrusions Lines
The Expert’s Edge
“Our vision is to be the most preferred and trusted brand, setting industry benchmarks in both quality and sustainability”
members with the skills, direction, and passion necessary to handle assignments independently.
At Simta Astrix, we actively encourage our employees to become leaders rather than just managers. Leadership, in our view, is about taking ownership, solving problems proactively, and inspiring others by example. This culture of empowerment has helped us build a motivated workforce that is committed to excellence.
• With changing customer expectations, how do you ensure your products and services remain aligned with what the market demands?
Feedback is the cornerstone of our market alignment strategy. We treat market feedback as an ongoing process rather than an occasional exercise. Our team is trained to gather insights from customers, dealers, fabricators and architects, and these insights are reviewed to identify both opportunities and pain points.
Once feedback is collected, we focus on implementing long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. This ensures that our products and services evolve in a way that keeps pace with customer expectations and changing market dynamics.
• How has technology played a role in shaping Simta Astrix’s manufacturing and product development processes over the years?
Technology has been a critical enabler for us, right from the initial concept stage to the final product. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing, we have developed an automated production process that uses a SCADA (Supervisory
Control And Data Acquisition) system to monitor and control operations.
Regular maintenance of our machines and moulds ensures consistent profile
quality and optimal production efficiency. In addition, we conduct periodic inhouse testing of our profiles in line with BIS 17953 and EN 12608 standards. This commitment to technology and quality control allows us to deliver products that are not only compliant but also reliable over the long term.
• What is your vision for Simta Astrix going forward?
Our vision is to remain true to our core values while striving to become the most preferred and trusted brand in the eyes of our customers. We aspire to be a trendsetter in the industry, setting benchmarks in both quality and sustainability.
By living these values every day and by leading through example - we hope to inspire not just our peers but the entire fenestration industry to adopt practices that are both customer-centric and environmentally responsible.
Experience Centre - Chennai
Experience Centre - Bangalore
Beyond the Surface: The Transformative Power of Cladding
Floor-to-ceiling transparent glass with elegantly curved edges creates a breathtaking spectacle, dissolving boundaries between indoors and outdoors, and infusing the space with a sense of fluidity and grandeur
Architecture has always been a dialogue between material, climate, and culture - but in recent years, cladding and fenestration systems have transformed that dialogue into something far more complex and dynamic. Once treated primarily as protective skins or surface embellishments, façades today have evolved into high-performance building envelopes that mediate energy, daylight, ventilation, and urban identity. This transformation is not merely aesthetic; it reflects a profound shift towards sustainability, precision engineering, and occupant well-being.
Advancements in materials and digital technologies have expanded the architect’s toolkit, allowing buildings to breathe, filter, and respond to their environment in ways that were unimaginable a generation ago. From ventilated façades that reduce heat gain in dense urban settings to high-performance glazing that balances thermal comfort with transparency, innovation is steering the built environment towards resilience and adaptability. Yet, amidst these technological leaps, traditional approaches rooted in craft, context, and cultural continuity continue to hold relevance, offering a counterpoint to the sleek minimalism of globalised design trends.
The Indian context, with its diverse climates and rapid urbanisation, makes this evolution even more urgent and nuanced. Here, cladding and fenestration must not only address performance challenges but also negotiate affordability, cultural expression, and local craftsmanship. As façades become intelligent, integrated systems - sometimes kinetic, sometimes biophilic - the questions facing architects are no longer about choosing between tradition and modernity, but about how best to weave them together.
This cover story explores how architects across India are responding to these shifts. Their insights reveal a profession in transition: balancing material honesty with technological sophistication, client aspirations with environmental imperatives, and visual identity with long-term resilience. Together, their perspectives offer a roadmap for façades that are not only functionally robust but also emotionally resonantdesigns that stand as much for performance as they do for place.
IMAGE
CREDITSURESH
BABU & PARTNERS
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THE INFLUENCE OF EVOLVING CLADDING AND FENESTRATION SYSTEMS ON MODERN ARCHITECTURE
The rapid development of cladding and fenestration systems is transforming architectural practice. By combining improved energy efficiency, durability and aesthetic flexibility, these innovations allow architects to design buildings that are both visually striking and environmentally responsible, while also enhancing comfort and performance for those who use them.
Ar. Aditya Venkat, Principal Architect at HabitArt Architecture Studio , says that his practice continues to prioritise traditional artisanal techniquesparticularly in masonry-over standardised dry cladding systems. “While cladding options today are vast and highly engineered, we reinterpret this layer as an expressive craft,” he notes. “We integrate regionally sourced stone, brick, or lime plaster applied through skilled hands. This not only enhances the tactile and visual quality of our buildings but also roots them in local material culture.” Venkat further explains that fenestration, for him, is far more than an aesthetic elementit acts as a passive performance tool. “By strategically positioning openings to harness natural light, enable cross ventilation, and regulate internal temperatures, we create buildings that respond intelligently to site orientation and prevailing winds,” he adds.
Echoing a similar sensitivity towards contextual design, Ar. Ameeta Sharma Menon, Principal Architect and Co-Founder of Mu Design (Pune), highlights that fenestration significantly impacts a building’s day-to-day energy
performance. “It plays a huge role in creating the best possible living conditions, especially today, when climate responsiveness is more essential than ever before,” she observes. Ameeta explains that materiality forms an integral part of her design aesthetic. “I have always ensured that the orientation and surroundings of the building dictate how we treat fenestration and cladding,” she says, emphasising that every design decision must be rooted in context.
For Ar. Daksh Goel, Founder and Principal Architect, OSA Studio cladding and fenestration are no longer treated as mere surface treatments but as integral components shaping spatial experiences. Referring to the Furnish & Shade project in New Delhi, he notes, “The rusted copper façade combined with a traditional Rajasthani jali system wasn’t just an aesthetic choice-it filtered harsh southern light while casting animated shadows across the interiors throughout the day.” Goel stresses that façades have evolved into “environmental devices that mediate light, temperature, and connection with the street,” with materiality and detailing considered early in the design process, not as an afterthought.
AR. ADITYA VENKAT Principal Architect, HabitArt Architecture Studio
AR. AMEETA SHARMA MENON Principal Architect and Co-Founder, Mu Design (Pune)
AR. DAKSH GOEL Founder and Principal Architect, OSA Studio
Inside-outise connection
Meanwhile, Ar. Suresh Babu, Founder & Principal Architect, Suresh Babu And Partners, draws an evocative analogy between cladding and human skin, stating that “just as skin protects and defines identity, cladding systems are vital to a building.” He explains that his design approach is highly project-specific, adapting to unique geographies and challenges. “While our vernacular and rural projects focus on local heritage, modern urban
commercial buildings leverage the latest fenestration technologies to drive efficiency, sustainability, and responsiveness,” he says. However, he acknowledges that convincing clients about the benefits of innovative façade solutions can sometimes be challenging. Looking ahead, he expects the façade industry to deliver “better integration with structural systems, enhanced climate responsiveness, performance optimisation, and greater design flexibility,” which, he opines, will “elevate both functionality and client experience.
Ar. Pankaj Nande, Principal Architect & Founder, TDC, observes that the evolution in cladding and fenestration systems has significantly reshaped architectural approaches, steering practice towards a deeper integration of aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. He notes that contemporary cladding materials now offer flexibility in terms of form, texture, and functionality, which enables architects to explore bold designs once
deemed unattainable. Innovations such as dynamic façades, responsive shading elements, and advanced glazing technologies, he says, allow buildings to interact more harmoniously with their environment, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Ar. Manish Kumar, Director - Principal Façade Consultant, TDS Coetus Pvt. Ltd. adds that evolving systems have expanded the creative and technical toolkit of architects, transforming façades from being mere aesthetic layers into dynamic, multi-functional systems. He explains that today’s façades contribute actively to energy efficiency, daylighting, acoustics, and occupant comfort. “In high-density urban areas,” he says, “we now use fenestration to balance views, privacy, and solar control.” Kumar further notes that innovations in highperformance glass, ventilated cladding, and hybrid shading systems have made façade design a far more collaborative process, requiring early engagement with material experts, engineers, and fabricators.
AR. SURESH BABU Founder & Principal Architect, Suresh Babu And Partners
AR. PANKAJ NANDE Principal Architect & Founder, TDC
AR. MANISH KUMAR Director - Principal Façade Consultant, TDS Coetus Pvt. Ltd.
The sleek white glass façade, accentuated by stainless steel fins, imbues this Pune building with a sophisticated and modern elegance, creating a striking visual identity
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Echoing these views, Ar. Ankit Agrawal, Associate - Design Cell, STELLAR design studio, opines that the rapid evolution of cladding and fenestration systems is redefining the very way building envelopes are designed. Advanced materials and high-performance glazing, he explains, now make it possible to achieve superior thermal comfort, daylight optimisation, and acoustic control without compromising aesthetics. He highlights how ventilated façades, parametric curtain walls, and kinetic façades are enabling designs that are both visually expressive and performance driven. “Façades,” he stresses, “are no longer passive skins-they are intelligent, resilient systems shaping
energy efficiency, user comfort, and urban character.” Speaking of fenestrations in particular, he notes that modern solutions now offer sleek, minimalist profiles and large-format openings with slim frames, elevating both the architectural language and the sense of luxury in contemporary design.
SUCCESSFUL FAÇADE DESIGN - CLADDING AND WINDOW SYSTEMS
A successful façade goes beyond appearance; it balances aesthetics with performance. Cladding and window systems play a crucial role in shaping character while ensuring durability, efficiency, and comfort. Thoughtful design unites visual appeal with function, making façades both striking and practical for long-term use.
For Ar. Venkat, a successful façade is one that achieves equilibrium between functional performance and aesthetic intent. He notes, “Cladding systems must go beyond mere surface treatments; they should respond to climate, durability, and maintenance needs while enriching the building’s visual narrative. Similarly, window systems are most effective when they facilitate ventilation strategies,
enhance thermal comfort, and ensure acoustic control. At HabitArt, we see façades as a living skin - crafted, not applied - where every joint, reveal, or recess is intentional.”
Ar. Menon echoes a similar sentiment but highlights the integrated nature of façade design within the architectural concept. She says, “Façade design is intrinsically part of the building shell. At our firm, we never treat it as an add-on or afterthought. Even when we use cladding, such as Laterite stone dry cladding at our projects in Mahabaleshwar, it serves an essential functional purpose rather than being purely aesthetic. The local stone not only integrates with the surrounding ecosystem but also protects the interiors from the ever-changing hill station climate. Combined with robust window systems, it creates a protective envelope that endures.”
Ar. Goel explains, “A façade becomes successful when it works both waysenriching the street while transforming the interiors. At Furnish & Shade, the rusted copper finish not only enhances visual depth but also adds thermal resistance. The Rajasthani jali filters daylight and maintains privacy without disconnecting the interiors from the street. Strategic window placements draw light into triple-height volumes, enhancing spatial fluidity while preventing glare. For us, façade design succeeds when it balances environmental performance with a crafted material palette, creating spaces that are both functional and memorable.”
Ar. Babu offers a more structured perspective, focusing on clear parameters that define façade success. He opines, “Functionally, façades must ensure energy efficiency through optimised glazing and insulation, durability against environmental stresses, and comfort for occupants via adequate lighting, ventilation, and thermal control. Aesthetically, materials and window systems should achieve visual
AR. ANKIT AGRAWAL
Associate - Design Cell, STELLAR design studio
Façades succeed when they achieve both performance and design clarity
harmony, innovative expression, and balanced proportions. The integration of sustainability and smart technologies further enhances both form and function, elevating the building’s value, occupant experience, and urban presence.”
Ar. Nande opines that a successful façade design is the one which harmonises performance with visual impact. “Aesthetically, it should express the building’s identity within its context,” he explains, emphasising that true success lies in achieving this balance without compromising either. He notes that material, proportion, and detailing contribute significantly to visual quality, while engineering, durability, and environmental performance ensure functional excellence. Nande adds that adaptability is equally important, especially when a façade can respond intelligently to light, air, or user interaction.
Ar. Kumar says that the most successful façades integrate both form and function through precision and material honesty. “Functionally, façades must deliver thermal insulation, acoustic comfort, structural integrity, and ease of maintenance,” he states. At the same time, they should reflect a building’s identity while resonating with its urban or natural surroundings. Kumar notes that cladding material palettes, fenestration proportions, and shadow play are critical in shaping the visual rhythm. He further adds that durability over time is just as important: “We always consider how a façade will age under site-specific conditions.”
Ar. Agrawal explains that façades succeed when they achieve both performance and design clarity. “From a functional standpoint, cladding and window systems must ensure structural integrity, fire safety, weather resistance, thermal comfort, and acoustic control,” he says. On the aesthetic front, Agrawal highlights the importance of material choice, proportion, and colour in defining a building’s identity and its
contribution to the urban fabric. He adds that integrated façade lighting and shading enhance both day and night presence, making buildings distinctive yet efficient.
ALIGNING MATERIAL CHOICES FOR CLADDING AND FENESTRATION WITH LOCAL CLIMATE AND SITE CONDITIONS
Selecting appropriate materials for cladding and fenestration is not just an aesthetic decision but a practical one. Local climate patterns, site orientation, and environmental conditions all play a crucial role in ensuring durability, energy efficiency, and overall building performance.
Ar. Venkat explains that material selection is deeply rooted in context and environmental responsiveness. “We prioritise materials that are readily available near the site to reduce the transportation footprint and support regional economies,” he notes. “For example, exposed brick masonry-often used in composite forms-is sourced
from nearby brick kilns, while natural stone is procured based on proximity and geological availability. We also adopt earth-based systems like stabilised mud blocks or rammed earth, typically manufactured on-site, which allows us to engage directly with the terrain.”
Speaking about fenestration, Ar. Venkat adds, “We prefer responsibly sourced and seasoned wood from Forest Department-approved regions in the Western Ghats when a natural finish is desired. Alternatively, aluminium serves as a reliable option for its fire resistance and recyclability. High-performance glazing with UV coatings is also specified to enhance thermal insulation and reduce heat gain-making the building envelope expressive yet environmentally efficient.”
Ar. Menon opines that the essence of good architecture lies in logical building science. “This begins with responding to the orientation of built and landscaped spaces while respecting cardinal directions,” she says. “We rely heavily on natural materials-be it stone, wood, or metal-custom-created to act as shields against external influences. Whether it’s cladding or fenestration, each element is thoughtfully integrated to enhance performance and sustainability.”
Ar. Daksh Goel shares that their approach intertwines performance with cultural continuity. “Delhi’s harsh climate dictated our material palette for the Furnish & Shade store,” he explains. “The rusted copper façade helps resist heat gain while ageing beautifully in the city’s pollution-heavy air. A traditional Rajasthani jali filters sunlight without blocking airflow or cutting off the connection with the exterior. Similarly, the placement of windows responds to solar orientation, ensuring that openings admit filtered light rather than direct glare. In The Green Office, insulating PUFF panels and vegetation were employed to reduce terrace heat loads and improve passive cooling. By blending traditional strategies like jalis with modern materials, we
IMAGE CREDITSURESH BABU & PARTNERS
The completed project in Ghatkopar exemplify the harmonious fusion of diverse materials, creating a symphony of textures, colors, and forms that elevate the built environment
Adding a broader perspective, Ar. Babu underscores the importance of tailoring material choices to diverse climatic zones across India. “Understanding the environment you are building in is fundamental,” he notes. “For hot and dry climates, materials such as fibre cement cladding, aluminium panels, and reflective roofing are ideal to enhance insulation and reduce energy consumption. In colder regions, we prioritise weatherresistant solutions like wood, vinyl cladding, and PVC to minimise heat loss and avoid moisture damage. Humid and coastal zones require corrosion-resistant materials, such as treated wood, fibre cement siding, and stainless steel or aluminium.”
He further adds, “In tropical regions, we focus on moisture-resistant materials, shading techniques, and natural ventilation to ensure comfort and longevity. Indigenous design responses-like the sloping roofs and stone walls of Kashmir, the open verandas and Nalukettu houses of Kerala, and the chajjas and jalis of Rajasthan-offer timetested strategies that continue to inspire our contemporary façade solutions.”
Ar. Nande notes that material selection is always approached with climate responsiveness at its core. “Thermal performance, moisture management, and solar control are key parameters,” he explains, adding that appropriate glazing solutions, reflective coatings, and dynamic shading devices are essential in hot climates. He further remarks that materials must withstand site-specific conditions such as wind pressures, seismic loads, and structural stresses. Beyond performance, he opines that using locally available materials not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures adaptability and contextual harmony.
Similarly, Ar. Kumar adds that material selection begins with an in-depth study
of microclimate, solar exposure, wind loads, and even pollution levels. He says, “In hot and humid regions, we prioritise ventilated façades, solar-shading devices, and low-emissivity glass, while coastal zones demand corrosion-resistant finishes and hardware.” For northern or high-altitude regions, he points out the importance of high-performance glazing with better U-values and insulation strategies. Sustainability, he emphasises, is equally critical, advocating the use of locally sourced or recycled materials to balance environmental and contextual relevance.
Ar. Agrawal echoes this climate- and context-led approach. He explains that site orientation and location play a decisive role in material choices, with hot and humid regions calling for ventilated façades and high-performance glazing, while coastal areas require materials resistant to salt and moisture. He notes that seismic zones or cyclone-prone regions demand lightweight yet robust cladding systems that ensure resilience and safety. By integrating local availability with performance requirements, he adds, façades become not only durable but also
contextually responsive, striking a balance between environmental conditions and architectural vision.
Together, their perspectives underline a unified principle: material choices for cladding and fenestration cannot be divorced from climate, geography, and sustainability. Instead, as these architects suggest, they must be carefully tuned to enhance resilience, efficiency, and contextual harmony.
DIGITAL TOOLS RESHAPING FAÇADE DESIGN: INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
The role of digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and environmental simulations in façade design has evolved significantly, becoming central to achieving precision, performance, and sustainability.
Ar. Venkat notes that while these tools are invaluable, the process begins much earlier. “Our approach starts by observing natural site conditions - the sun path, prevailing winds, topography, and vegetation - long before engaging any
The Art Deco façade lends a majestic, sophisticated charm to this ultra-luxurious project, perfectly Complemented By Its Serene Natural Surroundings
software. These factors guide decisions on orientation, shading, materials, and fenestration placement. BIM helps us translate this understanding into coordinated, buildable details, enhancing precision without dictating design. Environmental simulations validate our site-based assumptions, allowing us to fine-tune thermal performance and daylight ingress,” he explains.
For Ar. Menon, environmental simulations take precedence during the conceptual stages. She says, “For us, simulations at the planning stage are crucial to achieving the best spatial and environmental outcomes. These tools enable us to optimise natural light, ventilation, and thermal comfort before the design is finalised. BIM, on the other hand, becomes invaluable post-design, helping us communicate details seamlessly to multiple consultants and the execution team. It simplifies coordination and ensures our design intent is carried through with precision.”
Ar. Goel observes, “For projects like Furnish & Shade, BIM was instrumental in resolving the complexity of folded staircases and controlling spatial connections across triple-height volumes. It allowed us to visualise how spaces interacted in section and refine daylight penetration. Environmental simulations guided the placement of jali screens and evaluated the performance of rusted copper cladding across Delhi’s extreme seasons. These insights helped us embed environmental performance as a key input during the early design stages rather than treating it as a post-design check.”
Ar. Babu also highlights the transformative role of digital integration. He opines, “Digital tools like BIM and environmental simulations are indispensable in modern façade design. BIM enables detailed analysis of energy performance, thermal properties, and daylighting effects while aiding material selection based on environmental impact. It also fosters collaboration between architects, engineers, and consultants. Environmental
simulation software takes this further, modelling façade performance under varying sunlight, wind, and temperature conditions. Together, these tools allow us to create façades that are visually compelling, highly sustainable, and energy efficient.”
Across these perspectives, a common narrative emerges: digital tools are no longer peripheral aids but central catalysts in designing façades that harmonise aesthetics, environmental responsiveness, and performance. While intuitive, climate-responsive design still forms the foundation, technology now bridges the gap between creative vision and buildable precision, enabling façades that perform as beautifully as they appear.
Ar. Nande notes that digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and environmental simulation software play a pivotal role in contemporary façade design, fundamentally transforming the way architects approach design, evaluation, and execution. He explains that BIM enables seamless integration and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, allowing real-time updates and coordination while reducing conflicts. “Environmental simulation tools,” he
Façades are no longer passive skins-they are intelligent, resilient systems shaping energy efficiency, user comfort, and urban character
Jalis of Rajasthan-offer time-tested strategies that continue to inspire our contemporary façade solutions
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adds, “allow detailed analysis of thermal performance, daylighting, solar gain, airflow, and acoustics early in the process, thereby informing strategic decisions that enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort.” According to him, these technologies not only foster design exploration but also ensure sustainability, compliance, and risk reduction, ultimately empowering architects to deliver façades that are both aesthetically compelling and functionally robust
Ar. Kumar agrees, emphasising that digital tools are essential to modern façade design. He observes that BIM allows architects to integrate structural, mechanical, and fabrication considerations into a single model, which reduces coordination errors and streamlines the design-to-construction process. “We use parametric tools to explore cladding patterns, shading devices, and optimisations based on orientation and performance goals,” he says. Environmental simulations, he further notes, enable informed decisions about daylight penetration, glare control, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. By simulating solar paths, wind flow,
and heat maps, architects can finetune fenestration sizes, shading depths, and material reflectance. These tools, he opines, not only enhance precision but also strengthen collaboration with consultants and fabricators, ensuring façades remain responsive, efficient, and visually coherent
Ar. Agrawal opines that digital tools have transformed façade design into a data-driven and collaborative process. He points out that BIM enables seamless integration between architects, façade consultants, and structural consultants, reducing errors and improving detailing accuracy. “Environmental simulations empower us to optimise glazing ratios, shading devices, and material choices based on climate and energy goals,” he explains. In his view, these technologies shorten the design cycle while ensuring façades are smarter, safer, and more sustainable. He concludes that digital tools have allowed architects to move from intuition-driven design to evidence-based outcomes, ensuring every façade achieves the highest standards of performance as well as visual impact.
KEY TRENDS AND PERFORMANCE CHALLENGES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CLADDING AND FENESTRATION IN INDIA
The cladding and fenestration industry in India is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in technology, rising sustainability demands, and evolving architectural preferences. While growth prospects remain strong, the sector also faces pressing challenges related to performance, durability, energy efficiency, and compliance with global standards.
Ar. Venkat observes that the future of cladding and fenestration in India is being driven by an increasing push towards energy efficiency, sustainability, and performance-integrated aesthetics. He notes that there is a growing adoption of high-performance glazing systemsincluding UV-coated, low-E, and doubleglazed units-largely due to rising concerns over heat gain and energy consumption
Safety and smart technology will define the next generation of façades
Façades have evolved into “environmental devices that mediate light, temperature, and connection with the street
in urban environments. Composite cladding panels, ventilated façades, and recycled materials are also becoming increasingly popular because of their durability and reduced environmental impact, he adds. However, Venkat cautions that performance challenges remain, particularly with the lack of standardised installation practices, which can lead to issues like thermal bridging and compromised façade integrity.
Echoing similar sentiments, Ar. Menon opines that weather-responsive performance products will dominate future façades. She stresses that climate change-manifesting as prolonged monsoons and drought conditionsdemands that architects prepare the built environment to withstand increased climatic volatility. Ameeta emphasises the need to rely on time-tested materials that come with data-driven performance metrics, ensuring resilience and longterm efficiency. She also highlights the importance of developing India-specific standards, noting that blindly adopting Western benchmarks often fails to address local environmental needs.
According to Ar. Goel, the future lies in façades that actively moderate the environment while maintaining aesthetic relevance. He explains that India’s rising temperatures, dense urban air, and high solar exposure are driving architects towards material and system innovations that filter, shade, insulate, and even selfcool. Goel notes that traditional strategies like jalis are being reinterpreted for modern applications, blending cultural continuity with environmental responsiveness. He adds that the adoption of breathable metals, ventilated façades, and advanced insulation panels is rapidly becoming mainstream in response to urban climatic challenges.
Meanwhile, Ar. Babu highlights a broader set of emerging trends and technological integrations shaping the industry. He points out that the shift towards eco-
friendly materials and low-carbon design solutions is accelerating, complemented by the rising popularity of IoT-enabled smart façades, automated shading systems, and parametric modelling for optimised performance. He further notes the emergence of biophilic façadeswhich incorporate natural elements into architectural skins-and dynamic façades that can adapt mechanically or kinetically over time. Babu predicts that responsive façades-still in developmentwill become a game-changer, enabling building envelopes to react in real time to temperature fluctuations, sunlight, and wind using smart materials and sensors.
However, he also underlines several performance challenges that need to be addressed. These include ensuring optimal thermal insulation and energy efficiency, maintaining fire safety and cyclone resilience, and navigating complex building regulations. He stresses that
educating developers and stakeholders about the benefits of advanced cladding and fenestration systems is essential to overcoming awareness gaps and achieving industry-wide transformation.
Collectively, these insights indicate that the future of India’s cladding and fenestration sector will be defined by a delicate balance between technology and tradition, sustainability and performance, and aesthetics and adaptability.
Ar. Nande notes that rapid urbanisation and climate extremes are fuelling innovation in the sector. He explains that prefabricated panels, dynamic façades, and high-performance glazing are emerging as major trends to address energy efficiency and occupant comfort. He adds that sustainability is becoming central, with systems increasingly aligning with ECBC and IGBC standards. However, he cautions that challenges remain,
Kapadia Residence Mahabaleshwar
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particularly in balancing affordability with thermal and acoustic performance in mass housing. According to him, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, industry fragmentation, and lack of skilled labour also impede progress. He opines that the future lies in smart, adaptable systems capable of responding to India’s diverse climatic conditions while meeting sustainability goals.
Ar. Kumar observes that India’s façade landscape is being reshaped by climate pressures, energy demands, and evolving codes. He points out that both passive and active strategies-such as ventilated façades, double-skin systems, dynamic glazing, and integrated photovoltaics-are gaining prominence as green building standards tighten. He says that prefabrication and modularity are equally vital trends, enabling faster construction and quality assurance. Kumar further notes that durability and low-maintenance requirements across varied climates are driving material and coating innovations. He adds that aesthetics are also diversifying, with
clients now exploring stone, metal, terracotta, and composites beyond conventional glass façades. However, he stresses that the key challenge lies in delivering façades that balance high performance with cost-efficiency and contextual sensitivity.
Ar. Ankit Agrawal stresses that safety and smart technology will define the next generation of façades. He remarks that fire safety is now a primary consideration, prompting the adoption of non-combustible materials and robust attachment systems. He says that high-performance glazing, ventilated façades, and shading devices are increasingly being deployed to reduce heat ingress and energy demand. He also highlights the growing integration of sensor-enabled fenestrations into home automation systems, which he believes will soon become a norm. At the same time, Agrawal points out the rising importance of locally sourced and recyclable materials. Yet, he cautions that balancing advanced technologies with cost, skilled execution, and long-
term maintenance remains a persistent challenge. He concludes that façades of the future must deliver resilience, efficiency, and aesthetic value while reinforcing urban identity.
CONCLUSION
The conversation around cladding and fenestration makes one thing clear: façades are no longer just the outer skin of a building. They have become intelligent systems-shaping light, temperature, airflow, and even the way we connect with our surroundings. This evolution challenges architects to think beyond aesthetics, demanding a balance between performance, sustainability, and expression.
What stands out from the architects’ perspectives is the importance of integration. Façade design today isn’t about choosing between traditional craftsmanship or high-tech solutions - it’s about weaving them together. Locally sourced stone can coexist with highperformance glazing; a hand-crafted jali can sit comfortably alongside dynamic shading systems. Each approach, when grounded in context, strengthens both the building and its relationship with place.
As cities grow denser and climates become more unpredictable, façades will need to do even more. They must adapt to heat, humidity, and pollution, while staying true to design intent and cultural relevance. At the same time, the rise of digital tools, prefabrication, and smart technologies is pushing the envelope of what’s possible.
The path ahead lies in creating façades that are not only efficient and durable but also meaningful-designs that protect and perform while leaving a lasting impression. In that sense, cladding and fenestration are no longer finishing touches; they are central to how architecture defines identity and resilience in the built environment.
The importance of material choice, proportion, and colour in defining a building’s identity and its contribution to the urban fabric
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The Changing Landscape of Cladding in Architecture
In today’s rapidly evolving built environment, the fenestration and cladding industry is experiencing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and the shifting demands of contemporary architecture. No longer limited to enhancing aesthetics, façades, windows, doors, and cladding systems now play a pivotal role in energy efficiency, structural performance, occupant comfort, and environmental responsibility. Against this backdrop, our cover story explores how innovation is shaping the future of fenestration and cladding, offering a comprehensive look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities redefining the sector.
To gain deeper insights, we spoke with leading industry experts who shared their perspectives on how technology is revolutionising every stage of the process — from design and manufacturing to installation. Automation, AI-driven tools, and advanced fabrication techniques are
enabling greater precision, speed, and performance, paving the way for smarter, more efficient solutions.
Sustainability has become a defining force, compelling manufacturers to develop eco-friendly materials, recyclable solutions, and energy-efficient designs. With growing regulatory pressures and heightened environmental awareness, the industry is aligning with global green-building goals while setting new benchmarks for innovation and differentiation.
Our contributors also examine how the sector is adapting to the aesthetic and functional expectations of modern architecture. As façades evolve to become dynamic, interactive, and intelligent, research and development are driving performance-driven solutions capable of withstanding varied climatic conditions, enhancing energy efficiency, and elevating user experiences.
Looking ahead, the future of fenestration and cladding presents both opportunities and challenges. From managing rising material costs and regulatory complexities to embracing digitalisation and sustainable practices, the industry is navigating an era of rapid change.
Through expert insights and forward-looking perspectives, this cover story captures the pulse of an industry in transitionrevealing how fenestration and cladding professionals are shaping smarter, greener, and more resilient buildings for the future.
HOW TECHNOLOGY IS REDEFINING FENESTRATION AND CLADDING
Technology is reshaping the world of fenestration and cladding, bringing smarter, more sustainable, and aesthetically striking solutions to modern architecture. From energy-efficient façades to intelligent, automated systems, innovation is transforming the way buildings look, feel, and perform, creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring.
C-Lite Engineering College, Karnataka
Parul Mittal, Director, Greenlam Industries Ltd., notes that the industry is undergoing a significant transformation from the initial design stage to final construction. “In design, advanced 3D modelling and parametric tools empower architects to visualise façades in exquisite detail, test material feasibility, and collaborate seamlessly with engineers and fabricators,” she explains. “Automation, CNC machinery, robotics are driving precision in manufacturing, while prefabricated panels, laser-accurate site measurements, and drone-based monitoring are revolutionising installation.”
Rajesh Shah, Managing Director, Euro Panel Products Ltd., says technology has fundamentally reshaped how façades are designed and built. “At Eurobond, formability in ACP has opened up endless possibilities for customised façades, whether intricate patterns, textures, or even 3D effects. Advances in coating technology now allow us to deliver scratchresistant, UV-stable, and weatherproof panels,” he explains. “With continuous coil-coating, automated manufacturing, and lightweight yet durable materials, installation has become faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Technology isn’t just supporting us anymore – it is driving creativity and efficiency at every stage.”
Vishal Dokania, Managing Director, Durian Laminates, opines that technology is the backbone of modern fenestration and cladding solutions. “BIM enables seamless planning, clash detection, and lifecycle assessment, while 3D simulation facilitates wind-load, thermal, and moisture resistance testing,” He says. “AR, VR, and AI tools help visualise real-world finishes, and automated production lines with CNC routers ensure unmatched precision. Digital printing offers customised textures and finishes, while dry cladding systems, prefabricated panels, and laserguided installation backed by drones are revolutionising site execution.”
Akash Srivastava, Vice President –Sales and Strategy at Schueco India, agrees that cutting-edge technologies are setting new benchmarks in the industry. “At Schueco India, we combine German engineering precision with Indian ingenuity to deliver world-class building envelopes,” he explains. “Our experts work closely with architects and consultants to transform ambitious visions into reality. CNC machining, supported by rigorous German-quality control systems, ensures unmatched accuracy, performance, and durability. This synergy allows us to execute even the most complex façade projects faster, cleaner, and with flawless precision.”
SUSTAINABILITY IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND SYSTEM INNOVATION
Sustainability in product development and system innovation is no longer a choice but a responsibility. Today’s industries are reimagining materials, processes, and technologies to create solutions that minimise environmental impact while maximising efficiency, durability, and value - paving the way for a smarter, greener, and more sustainable future.
Mittal notes that Sustainability is no longer optional but it is the foundation for innovation in this sector. Product development increasingly centres on eco-friendly, high-performance materials like HPL that offer long service life and
minimise the need for replacement. Builtin durability features such as UV resistance and fire retardancy ensure façades retain both their aesthetics and performance over decades.
On the efficiency front, thermal insulation and ventilated façade systems are helping to significantly lower a building’s energy footprint. Even manufacturing practices are evolving with low-emission production, zero-liquid-discharge systems, and robust water and waste management processes becoming standard. With green building benchmarks such as IGBC, GRIHA and LEED shaping market demand, every innovation is designed to meet or exceed these standards.
Shah says that sustainability is truly at the heart of how we approach product development. He believes that the future of the industry depends on how responsibly we use resources, and that principle guides every innovation they undertake. The ACPs they produce are fully recyclable, and they have taken conscious steps in manufacturingrecycling aluminium scrap, reusing core scrap, reducing waste, and investing in solar power for our plants. They introduced 100% recyclable panels like Eurocore and Eurocomb, and developed fire-retardant, mineral-filled cores that meet global safety standards while supporting green building norms.
Sha adds, beyond materials, solutions like ventilated façade systems improve thermal insulation, reduce reliance on HVAC, and lower energy consumption. As certifications like LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA become mainstream, the industry is being pushed to deliver products with longer lifespans, higher performance, and lower ecological footprints. Now, sustainability is no longer a marketing claim - it is a core business goal and responsibility.
Dokania opines that the low-emission materials are used, such as low-VOC resins and recycled paper. Green compliance is ensured by meeting IGBC, LEED, and GRIHA standards. Energy Efficiency is achieved as cladding helps reduce HVAC loads, while thermal breaks in windows improve insulation. Recyclability focuses on end-of-life recovery of materials. Solar Integration is also considered, with cladding systems being adapted for photovoltaic panels.
Srivastava agrees that sustainability is the starting point, not a checkbox. Each of their systems is designed for energy efficiency during use and recyclability at the end of its life. From thermal break technology to low-carbon manufacturing, it is their aim to help India’s buildings achieve global green standards while reducing operational costs for decades.
Balcony application of (3D)
ADAPTING TO EVOLVING AESTHETIC AND PERFORMANCE DEMANDS
As architecture and design continue to evolve, the demand for solutions that balance striking aesthetics with exceptional performance has never been greater. From innovative materials to advanced technologies, the industry is constantly adapting to meet changing expectations while creating spaces that inspire, endure, and redefine modern living.
Mittal notes that architects today seek materials that convey distinct identities and creative vision without sacrificing performance, and the industry is keeping pace. The material palette now spans HPL, fibre cement, ACP, and hybrid solutions, offering a broad spectrum of colours, textures and designs. Advanced digital surface printing and highly realistic imitations of natural materials like stone, marble, or timber deliver design freedom with the resilience of engineered surfaces. Integrated performance features such as
UV resistance, weather protection, and thermal insulation are built in from the outset. Modular and parametric design systems are enabling intricate geometries, and close collaboration between manufacturers and design teams ensures that every solution balances aesthetics, functionality, buildability, and cost efficiency.
Shah says he sees architects today demanding façades that are both bold and functional, and the industry is evolving fast to keep pace. They offer more than 300 designs across 20 product ranges, whether it is wood, marble, metallics, or subtle pastel tones. With their in-house coating line and backward integration, they also provide endless customisation of colours and designs, giving architects the freedom to achieve exactly what they envision. This wide palette ensures that designers never have to compromise between vision and practicality. At the same time, performance advantages such as
weather resistance, thermal efficiency, and advanced fire-retardant options are built in. He personally loves seeing how their ACPs help architects translate ideas into reality, creating façades that are expressive yet resilient, aesthetic yet enduring. He believes it is this blend of beauty and performance that defines modern architecture, and they are proud to enable it.
Dokania opines that aesthetic trends include natural finishes such as stone, woodgrain, and metal textures. Large format panels are being used for sleek, joint-less designs, while bespoke designs are achieved through custom printing and branding on cladding panels. Performance enhancements include weatherproofing and UV stability for high resistance to climate conditions. Fire retardancy is certified to EN 438 and ASTM E84 standards, and special coatings such as anti-graffiti and anti-bacterial finishes are used for specialised environments.
Rexroth, Bangalore
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Srivastava agrees that contemporary architecture demands elegance without compromise. He explains that they engineer ultra-slim frames, larger glass spans, unitised façades, and custom finishes that perform in India’s toughest climates, ensuring designs remain timeless while meeting demanding performance criteria.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN DRIVING INNOVATION
Research and development play a pivotal role in shaping innovation, enabling industries to create smarter solutions and stay ahead in an ever-evolving world. By fostering creativity, exploring new possibilities, and refining existing
technologies, R&D drives progress and transforms ideas into impactful realities.
Mittal explains that research and development has been the engine room for innovation. When it comes to materials, the company is driving the development of high-performance surfaces with recycled content, advanced coatings, and specialised features such as fire resistance or antibacterial protection. In system engineering, research and development underpins the design of cladding systems that pass rigorous wind load, seismic, and rain-screen tests. Enhancements in thermal breaks, sealants, and anchoring systems improve energy efficiency and extend service life. Sustainability is embedded into
the process, ensuring products meet or exceed global green building standards. From a competitive perspective, continuous research and development enables faster go-to-market cycles, sharper customisation, and valueengineered solutions that secure success in large-scale, design-led projects.
Shah says that for him, research and development is the backbone of innovation. Their R&D efforts have helped them develop fire-retardant mineral cores, enhance coating durability, and experiment with surface finishes that give architects more creative freedom. These investments ensure their panels are not only visually appealing but also compliant with global safety and quality benchmarks. He adds that research and development keep the company agile, allowing them to adapt quickly to new regulations, customer expectations, and sustainability norms. In such a competitive space, he believes continuous innovation is the only way to stay relevant, and the companies that invest in R&D today will be the ones shaping the industry tomorrow.
Façade application in Bangalore commercial project
Façade and recessed window application for commercial project in Kolkata Dokania opines that material innovation has resulted in thinner, stronger, and smarter ECGL panels. Region-specific designs provide tailored products for varied Indian climates, while advanced testing covers wind, fire, UV, and water resistance. Development is feedbackdriven, involving inputs from architects and engineers. He highlights that AI and data are also being used for predictive modelling to enhance performance and maintenance.
Srivastava explains that their Innovation Hub is where global engineering meets India’s unique needs. They focus on solving challenges related to extreme climates, evolving energy codes, and future building trends. By addressing these issues, they are able to deliver some of the most complex building designs and bring the visions of architects and consultants to reality.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FENESTRATION AND CLADDING
The future of fenestration and cladding is being reshaped by rapid technological advancements, evolving design trends, and rising sustainability demands. While these developments create exciting
opportunities for innovation and efficiency, they also bring challenges in material performance, energy compliance, and adapting to everchanging architectural needs.
Mittal explains that the fenestration and cladding industry stands at a point where opportunity and challenge go hand in hand. The global push for green buildings, supported by rapid urbanisation and large-scale infrastructure development, is creating strong and sustained demand. At the same time, advances in manufacturing, from robotics and CNC machining to 3D printing and off-site prefabrication, are making it possible to deliver complex, customised designs at scale with exceptional precision. However, she observes that these gains come with hurdles. The higher upfront cost of sustainable materials can slow adoption in price-sensitive markets, while stricter regulations on fire safety, heat performance, and environmental impact require continued investment. Adding to this are challenges such as
raw material price volatility, climate change risks, skilled labour shortages, and the presence of substandard materials. She stresses that the need for strict quality control becomes clear, and believes that the future leaders will be those who can navigate these pressures with speed, responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to quality.
Shah believes that the opportunities for the industry are immense. The demand for façades that are sustainable, customisable, and energy-efficient is only growing, and ACPs are perfectly positioned to meet this need. With their digital customisation, unique finishes, and recyclable material base, he sees huge scope for growth in both domestic and international markets. On the other hand, he acknowledges that challenges remain. Raw material volatility and supply chain disruptions are persistent concerns. For him, the biggest challenge - and the greatest responsibility - is to strike the right balance between aesthetics, performance, safety, and cost. He emphasises that this balance will
Marine Magic, Mumbai
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define the future leaders of the industry. Dokania observes that opportunities lie in areas such as smart façades with solar and IoT-integrated systems, expansion into Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets due to growing infrastructure needs, export growth for high-quality Indian products in global markets, retrofitting to enable energy upgrades for older buildings, and the adoption of digital sales tools such as virtual showrooms and configurators. At the same time, he highlights several challenges. Raw material costs are rising due to volatility in resin and aluminium prices. Fire safety compliance is becoming more demanding with stricter international norms. Labour shortages are driving the need for highly skilled installers and engineers, while regulatory changes linked to evolving green certification requirements create additional complexities. Furthermore, he points out that there is an increasing demand for true sustainability with measurable green metrics, which the industry must strive to achieve.
Srivastava agrees that the changing face of building design is opening exciting opportunities for the industry. Bolder aesthetics, larger spans, and more transparent façades are driving demand for advanced systems that combine beauty with performance. At the same time, he explains that climate change and increasingly harsh weather conditions are demanding solutions capable of withstanding extremes of heat, rain, wind, and seismic activity while remaining energy-efficient. Urbanisation and the rise of green infrastructure will continue to fuel growth, but he acknowledges that the challenge lies in delivering these ambitious designs at speed, with sustainability, skill, and cost-efficiency.
CONCLUSION
The Indian fenestration and cladding industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, reshaping not just how
our buildings look but how they perform, protect, and endure. What was once primarily about enhancing aesthetics has now evolved into a multifaceted pursuitblending technology, sustainability, safety, and creativity to meet the demands of modern architecture.
Technology has become the silent driver behind this change. From advanced 3D modelling and BIM simulations to CNC machining, robotics, and drone-assisted installation, the entire process - from design to execution - is becoming faster, smarter, and more precise. Architects and manufacturers now have the tools to bring ambitious visions to life while maintaining quality and efficiency.
Sustainability too has shifted from being an optional extra to becoming the foundation on which innovation rests. Eco-friendly materials, recyclable solutions, ventilated façades, and energyefficient designs are shaping the future of our buildings. Manufacturers are rethinking processes, investing in solarpowered plants, adopting low-emission production methods, and designing products that meet global benchmarks such as IGBC, GRIHA, and LEED.
At the same time, architectural expression is thriving. Today’s façades are bold yet functional, sleek yet resilient, offering limitless possibilities in colours, textures, and finishes. With integrated performance features like UV resistance, fire safety, thermal insulation, and weather protection, the industry is successfully balancing creativity with practicality.
However, this journey isn’t without its challenges. Rising raw material costs, stricter fire and environmental regulations, labour shortages, and quality concerns are constant hurdles. Yet, these pressures are also encouraging collaboration, innovation, and higher standards across the industry.
As India builds smarter cities and greener infrastructure, the role of façades and cladding becomes even more significant. The future lies in combining technology with sustainability, aesthetics with safety, and vision with responsibility.
This is more than an industry in transition - it is a collective effort to shape safer, smarter, and more sustainable buildings that reflect the aspirations of a rapidly evolving nation.
Olympia, Chennai
Industry Speaks
“With Eternia, it is Not Just a Window – It is Peace of Mind”
Anjan Kumar Putatunda is the Vice President and Business Head at Eternia, the premium windows brand from Hindalco Industries. With over three decades of experience in aluminium and building solutions, he has been instrumental in shaping Eternia’s vision of creating highperformance, future-ready window systems for Indian homes. Anjan is an engineer and management graduate, with advanced executive education from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. He is passionate about building businesses that combine sustainability, customer-centric design, and technical excellence. At Eternia, he leads cross-functional teams spanning R&D, manufacturing, sales,
and marketing, driving growth through innovation and a deep understanding of the Indian consumer.
In this exclusive interview with WFM Media, Anjan Kumar Putatunda, Vice President and Business Head at Eternia, shares how the brand is redefining aluminium windows for Indian homes. Backed by the Aditya Birla Group and powered by Hindalco’s material innovation, Eternia is built on the patented alloy Duranium™, engineered for strength, design, and all-weather performance. Anjan discusses the brand’s expansion into façades, its focus on certified systems, and how Eternia is driving a new standard in sustainable, high-performance windows.
ANJAN KUMAR PUTATUNDA Vice President & Business Head, Eternia
Duranium is what gives Eternia windows their unique edge - combining refined aesthetics with performance
What inspired the creation of Eternia, and how does the brand reflect the broader vision of the Aditya Birla Group?
Eternia was born from a simple yet powerful idea: Indian homes deserve better windows - not just for aesthetics, but for durability, performance, and changing climate conditions. We identified a clear gap in the market for high-quality window systems that deliver both design and reliability.
The Aditya Birla Group has a strong presence across the building materials sector, including key categories such as cement and paints. This gives us a deep understanding of how modern homes are evolving. Hindalco, the Group’s flagship metals company, brings worldclass expertise in aluminium and material innovation. It was this combination of materials leadership and a broader vision for building solutions that led to the creation of Eternia.
Eternia reflects the Group’s commitment to creating future-ready, sustainable solutions that improve everyday living. It is a window into a better way of building - and a better way of living.
We keep hearing about Duranium™. What exactly is this patented alloy, and how does it improve window performance compared to standard aluminium?
Duranium is a breakthrough aluminium alloy, developed by Hindalco exclusively for Eternia. It represents a significant leap in material innovation and is backed by a patent. Tested and validated by IIT Delhi, Duranium has 40% higher yield strength than standard aluminium used in regular windows.
This strength allows us to design windows with much slimmer profiles while ensuring superior structural stability. It also offers enhanced durability and resistance to extreme wind pressures, enabling our windows
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to withstand harsh weather and cyclonic environments.
Duranium is what gives Eternia windows their unique edge - combining refined aesthetics with performance that meets the realities of Indian conditions. The same strength that powers our windows also enables our façade systems to deliver large spans, slender profiles, and uncompromising performance.
Your windows come with WiWA certification. What does that really mean for homeowners - especially in areas prone to storms, dust, and noise?
WiWA stands for Wind, Water, and Air - the three critical parameters that determine how a window performs in real-world conditions.
• Wind resistance ensures the window remains stable and safe during highspeed storms or cyclones.
• Water tightness protects homes from leaks during heavy rains.
• Air tightness helps keep out dust, pollution, and outside noise.
At Eternia, we developed the WiWA system to simplify what is typically a complex certification process. Rather than using technical jargon, each window is tested and assigned a clear score for wind, water, and air performance, helping
homeowners make informed choices based on their specific geography and needs.
All our windows are tested and certified by independent third-party laboratories. WiWA Certified Protection brings this rigour to life in a format that’s easy to understand, offering clarity and confidence in every purchase.
Indian weather conditions can be quite extreme - from coastal humidity to Himalayan chill. How does Eternia ensure its windows perform reliably across such diverse climates?
At Eternia, we design our window systems to meet the toughest environmental demands so that homeowners feel safe and comfortable in every part of the country. Whether it’s heavy monsoon rains, high humidity, strong coastal winds, or sub-zero mountain temperatures, our systems are built to endure.
Take our Duraslim Slider range, for instance. It is certified to withstand wind loads of up to 3kPa, which translates to protection from wind speeds exceeding 280 km/h - well beyond the threshold of most cyclonic conditions in India. This level of performance is rare in residential windows.
The windows are WiWA certified, ensuring tested performance against wind, water, and air infiltration
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In our façade systems too, this performance-first approach ensures structures can handle extreme pressures and site challenges. We test every system for structural strength, water tightness, and air insulation to ensure long-term reliability. Combined with the strength of Duranium and high-grade surface finishes, Eternia windows offer dependable protection across changing seasons - from humid coastlines to Himalayan winters.
Eternia recently entered the façades space. What differentiates your approach, and how has the response been so far?
Eternia Façades bring the same engineering excellence and reliability we’re known for in windows into the world of façades. What sets us apart is the strength of our backward integration, powered by Hindalco, which allows us end-to-end control over quality and timelines - from die design to extrusion and coating.
We also bring material innovation to the forefront. Our patented alloy, Duranium™, with 40% higher yield strength, enables slimmer sections and longer spansideal for today’s high-stress architectural needs. Validated by IIT Delhi, it empowers façade consultants to design with greater confidence and creativity.
“Eternia was born from a simple yet powerful idea: Indian homes deserve better windows - not just for aesthetics, but for durability, performance, and changing climate conditions”
In a short time, we’ve secured marquee projects such as the L&T Innovation Campus in Mumbai, Prestige Tech Hub in Bengaluru, L&T Mindtree Campus in Kolkata, and Capgemini Campus in Chennai. Each project benefits from detailed design support, responsive coordination, and a commitment to getting it right - from concept to delivery. We don’t just offer façade systems - we help architects and consultants bring ambitious visions to life. With in-house design support, system customisation, and our patented Duranium™ alloy, Eternia
Façades delivers precision-engineered solutions that both perform and inspire.
How does Eternia incorporate ecofriendly practices - from material sourcing to manufacturing and aftersales?
Sustainability is a core focus at Eternia. Our windows are made from aluminium, which is infinitely recyclable. By using Duranium, we not only deliver stronger, longer-lasting windows but also reduce the frequency of replacements, thus lowering overall environmental impact.
We source aluminium from Hindalco, one of the world’s most sustainable aluminium producers, with a strong emphasis on recycling and waste minimisation.
Even post-sale, our windows require minimal maintenance and have a long-life span - consuming fewer resources over time. Choosing Eternia is not just about opting for better windows - it’s about contributing to a more responsible way of building.
How does Eternia strike the right balance between design aesthetics and technical performance?
At Eternia, we believe performance and aesthetics should go hand in hand. Our systems are designed to elevate the look of any space while ensuring protection, comfort, and durability.
Thanks to Duranium™, we’re able to offer ultra-slim profiles that bring in more light, open up wider views, and create a sleek, modern finish. At the same time, the structural strength ensures excellent wind resistance and long-term stability.
Even the hardware is carefully curatedvisually minimal and elegant, yet tested for over one lakh cycles to guarantee smooth, trouble-free operation for years. Every component of an Eternia window is built to offer lasting beauty - in both form and function.
Could you share some prestigious projects where Eternia products have been used?
Eternia has been chosen by some of the most respected names in Indian real estate and construction - across largescale developments and bespoke luxury residences. Our clientele includes leading developers such as Rustomjee, L&T Realty, Piramal Realty, Runwal Group, Tata Realty, and Godrej Properties.
In addition to marquee developments, Eternia is also a preferred choice for premium residences and luxury homes across the country - where aesthetics, long-term durability, and peace of mind are paramount.
The projects include:
• Rustomjee Yazdani, Mumbai: Ultraluxury development featuring Eternia windows with wide views and noise insulation.
• L&T Seawoods, Navi Mumbai: Township-scale project with Eternia systems across residential and commercial buildings.
• Merlin Group, Kolkata – Large residential project with façades tailored to local climate demands.
With so many players now in the aluminium windows space, what sets Eternia apart - not just in product, but in customer experience?
What sets Eternia apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering not just products, but complete peace of mind -
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What is your vision for Eternia over the next 5 to 10 years?
We are the only brand in India offering windows made from Duranium™, a patented aluminium alloy significantly stronger than standard options. This enables us to deliver sleeker frames, larger spans, and superior wind resistance - without compromising on safety or aesthetics. Every window is WiWA certified, ensuring tested performance against wind, water, and air infiltration - an uncommon level of transparency in the industry.
Our customer experience is equally premium. From guided consultations to post-installation care, we’re involved every step of the way. Our systems are not just sold - they are custom designed, fabricated, installed, and serviced by trained professionals.
With full backward integration through Hindalco, we ensure tighter control over quality and timelines. This means customers never have to worry about inconsistent supply chains or compromised quality.
In short, Eternia offers a high-end, tailored experience - engineered for Indian conditions, built to last, and designed to delight.
Our vision is to establish Eternia as the most trusted name in premium system aluminium windows - a brand that sets the benchmark for performance, design, and transparency.
Over the next decade, we aim to shift perceptions around windowsencouraging consumers to see them not merely as functional elements, but as key to safety, comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
We will continue to innovate through advanced materials like Duranium™ and unlock greater value from our integration with Hindalco - delivering stronger, more seamless solutions. Our façades vertical will also evolve, contributing to India’s most iconic architectural projects.
Simultaneously, we are building a robust network of trained partners to elevate fabrication, installation, and service standards across the industry.
Our goal is simple: to lead India’s transition to certified, high-performance aluminium window systems - and to help people imagine better homes, one window at a time.
backed by the strength of the Aditya Birla Group.
We design our window systems to meet the toughest environmental demands so that homeowners feel safe and comfortable
Crafting Façades
A Detail-Oriented, Multidisciplinary and Sustainable Approach
CJ Blossom Park, Suwon, South Korea
Principal and Office Practice Leader,
and
Yogesh Jog is the Principal and Office Practice Leader of CannonDesign’s Mumbai Office, bringing over 25 years of multifaceted industry experience to the table. Throughout his career, he has successfully delivered projects across diverse sectors, including residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, and aviation, working with both local and international firms. His expertise is enriched by his ability to work on both client and consultant sides, giving him a distinctive perspective on the nuances of project delivery and management. In his current role at CannonDesign, Yogesh has built a team of over 65 talented professionals who deliver exceptional projects in both international and local markets. Under his leadership, the Mumbai office thrives as a hub of innovation and excellence. His dedication to empowering his team and driving organisational success makes him an invaluable leader in the field of architectural design and project delivery.
Akhila Pillai is a Senior Associate and Project Architect at CannonDesign Mumbai, with 13+ years of experience delivering high-performance projects across hospitality, healthcare, and institutional sectors in India, North America, and Africa. She specialises in enclosure design and detailing, with a keen focus on integrating active and passive sustainability measures to reduce the ecological impact of buildings. A technology enthusiast, Akhila also serves as the Women in BIM Regional Lead for Mumbai.
YOGESH JOG
CannonDesign
AKHILA PILLAI
Senior Associate
Project Architect, CannonDesign
through Transformed Architectural Spaces in Façades and Fenestration
4-7 2025 DEC SAVE THE DATE
BOMBAY EXHIBITION CENTRE (NESCO)
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• Could you tell us about the architectural firm Cannon Design and its establishment in India?
Yogesh Jog (YJ): CannonDesign is a globally recognised, forward-thinking architecture firm celebrated for its innovative and integrated design solutions. With 18 offices in major cities such as Chicago, New York, Mumbai, and Boston, CannonDesign offers comprehensive services—including architecture, engineering, interior design and sustainability consulting.
In 2024, CannonDesign was ranked among the top firms worldwide in the World Architecture 100 report, earning distinction across key sectors such as healthcare, education, sports, and science & technology design. At the heart of our practice is Living-Centered Design— our own novel approach to tackling the most pressing challenges of our time. This philosophy empowers us to create solutions that go beyond meeting human needs, thoughtfully addressing the increasingly complex interdependencies across all forms of life. Many of our projects are celebrated for their exceptional quality and enduring impact, embodying our commitment to environments where both people and communities can truly thrive.
CannonDesign began working in India over fifteen years ago and now has a
65-member team in Mumbai. Our local architects and engineers work alongside colleagues from around the world, aiming to bring together global expertise with what’s needed locally.
• Could you please brief me on the journey and projects of Cannon Design in India, also about the projects you are currently working on? What type of projects do you do more of?
YJ: Our presence in India began with a defining project - the Tata Medical Center in Kolkata, which established a new
standard for cancer care in eastern India. From there, we built on that foundation with expansive campuses for Tata Consultancy Services in Bhubaneswar and Rajarhat—together totaling more than 3 million square feet. Each project reflects our commitment to energy efficiency and seamlessly blends our global expertise with local insight.
With every opportunity, we strive to craft spaces that are not only highly functional but also fundamentally people-centric. Our core strengths lie in Healthcare, Education, and Science & Technology, and these typologies continue to shape our portfolio. Among recent achievements, the Rivea Vascular Institute in Hyderabad has emerged as a leading healthcare
Tata Consultancy Services, Software Development Campus, Kolkata
Tata Medical Center Cancer Hospital, Kolkata
Architects and engineers work alongside colleagues from around the world, aiming to bring together global expertise with what is needed locally
facility, significantly enhancing the patient experience in India. Collaborations with Holy Family Hospital and Jupiter Hospital in Mumbai further reflect our commitment to local partnership and our dedication to delivering thoughtful, effective design solutions.
• Tell us about some turning points in your design firm. Please throw some light on a few of your milestone projects and some of your challenging projects.
YJ: A significant development in our operations has been the integration of the Mumbai studio into CannonDesign’s global workflow through Single Firm Multi Office (SFMO) projects. These collaborations enable team members to work with colleagues from various offices across North America and other regions. The process involves sharing ideas, methods, and responsibilities between locations, which provides exposure to different design approaches. This experience has contributed to improved quality and technical prowess in projects in India and enhanced planning, coordination, and delivery of work. It has also supported our capability to address complex challenges while following the principles of Living-Centered Design.
In recent years, our team has contributed to collaborative international projects including the Mayo Clinic’s “Bold. Forward. Unbound.” in Rochester, Minnesota, USA; the Kenneth C. Griffin Pavilion at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, USA; and Northwell Health’s Petrocelli Surgical Pavilion at North Shore University Hospital in New York, USA, just to name a few. Engagement in these projects has informed and refined approaches applied to work in India. Locally, milestone projects including Tata Medical Center, Kolkata Phase I and II, Tata Consultancy Services campuses in Bhubaneswar, Rajarhat and Mumbai have provided opportunities to implement these learnings and better understand the local market.
• What is your take on sustainable practice in architecture today?
Akhila Pillai (AP): As an industry, we are getting better, but there is still much work to be done.
Sustainability has been a topic of discussion in the field for some time. Initially, only a small number of architects were actively involved in sustainability efforts. Many firms saw sustainability
as something to pay lip service to, but without fundamental changes to the approach of architecture, viewing it as the responsibility of the engineering consultants to deliver on.
Over time, awareness of the urgent impact of buildings on the environment and human health has grown. New dimensions of sustainability such as carbon, material health and embodied impacts have emerged. The impact of the façade on building performance and new energy code requirements for the envelope performance has increased the architect’s need to engage with sustainability from the earliest design phases and continue through the detailing.
Thankfully, we have many new digital tools for evaluating multiple aspects of building performance from the earliest design phases, allowing us to shape our designs with sustainability in mind. At CannonDesign, we have been encouraging our teams to think not only of a design concept for the building, but a performance concept as well, and make sure they are compatible, if not one and the same. This is a cultural shift that architecture needs to take for us to transform into a regenerative design practice.
Tata Medical Center Cancer Hospital, Kolkata
Rivea Vascular Institute, Hyderabad
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a fabric sunshade system, which references Northwell Health’s logo of dancing colourful triangles
• How would you define your design and installation process for façades and fenestrations in your projects?
AP: Our façade and fenestration design and installation process are rooted in a performance-driven, collaborative philosophy aimed at achieving efficiency, durability, and design integrity.
It begins with a clear understanding of the site and its climatic condition. From there, we attempt to integrate the essential control layers early on - air, moisture, thermal, and vapor barriers - each of them playing a distinct role in protecting the building envelope, ensuring environmental separation, and significantly boosting energy efficiency.
The process thrives on collaborative project delivery models such as DesignBuild, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Design Assist, where fabricators, contractors and design teams codevelop solutions using Building Information Modeling prioritise By using BIM and digital twin technologies, we ensure seamless coordination and early clash resolution. We prioritise early engagement with façade consultants, structural engineers, and manufacturers during the schematic design phase,
enabling us to align technical detailing and system integration while minimising risks.
Altogether, our approach embodies a sustainable multidisciplinary method that fuses architectural aspiration with constructability and longevity.
• Please talk about some most preferred façade materials in India and globally.
AP: Globally, the façade landscape is shifting toward materials that balance performance, aesthetics, and low embodied carbon. Mass timber systemssuch as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam - are increasingly celebrated for their renewability and biogenic carbon storage, often paired with engineered wood-composite rainscreens or thermally broken metal Prioritising durability.
Prioritising embodied carbon as a key design principle reflects our commitment to the responsible sourcing and construction of materials, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable, ecoconscious built environment.
Mass timber manufacturing produces significantly lower carbon emissions compared to the energy-intensive
processes used for concrete and steel, while also being a renewable resource. We are currently working on various mass timber projects across the United States, where the design and construction phases demand enhanced creativity, determination, and problem-solving compared to traditional path.
The Washington State University Vancouver Life Sciences Building in Washington, USA, showcases one of the first full-building envelopes made from mass plywood panels (MPP), replacing conventional metal framing and drywall with a sustainable, prefabricated system. This reduced embodied carbon, improved thermal performance, and enabled enclosure in just four days— well ahead of schedule. The exposed wood interior adds warmth and wellness benefits, while meeting LEED Gold standards and demonstrating how innovative materials can enhance both construction efficiency and environmental impact.
Our commitment to Sustainability, Material Impact Initiative and Design Excellence in India is equally strong. Many of our projects already integrate lowcarbon, locally sourced materials - such as sandstone for Tata Medical and granite
The west-facing window is infilled with
WSU Vancouver, Life Sciences Building; Originally planned for 20 days, the 156-panel MPP envelope installation was completed in just over four — greatly benefiting both schedule and budget
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in dry cladding systems - leveraging India’s expanding domestic production capabilities to reduce transportation emissions and support a more resilient, regional supply chain.
• Could you please brief me on the latest trends in façade and fenestration designs, materials and technologies?
AP: We have been experimenting more with environmentally responsive façade designs, including exterior shading optimised been optimised by solar angles, producing unique façade expressions. These façade elements have been designed to shave peak loads, reduce glare, and provide better energy performance. In a recent competition, we were using faceted façade with building integrated photovoltaic panels aimed towards the sun to generate energy, while aiming the glazing away from the sun to allow in soft indirect daylight while reducing solar loads.
High-performance glazing - triple panes with low-e coatings and integrated shading devices, while aluminum composite panels with high recycled content and fiber-reinforced polymers find favor where lightweight, corrosion-resistant envelopes are required. Across all these applications, life-cycle assessments guide material selection, pushing designers to
weigh transport distances, manufacturing impacts, and end-of-life disassembly potential.
Vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) is an intriguing new technology that a lot of glass manufacturers are making investments to develop product lines of. Consisting of a thin IGU with an evacuated cavity, the VIG units can offer better U-Values than triple pane unit in a thinner and lighter panel. Though VIG is a more expensive and more specialised product than triple glazing at present, as it becomes more mainstream it could really upend our current way of thinking about the façade and the limitations of window to wall ratio.
Leveraging unitised façades, prefabricated components, and mega wall systems allows us to accelerate construction schedules, reduce on-site labor, and deliver higher quality with fewer joints and penetrations.
• What kind of software and tools do you use while designing efficient and effective façades and fenestrations?
AP: We employ computation tools such as Grasshopper for Rhino to perform iterative building performance analysis. We connect the parametric Grasshopper models to validated simulation engines for energy and daylight through plugins such as Climate Studio and Ladybug tools.
Using this workflow, we can parameterise the physical, thermal, and optical properties of the façade. As we explore different design iterations architecturally, we track the performance of each iteration for a range of environmental performance metrics including energy, peak loads, daylight, thermal and visual comfort. Looking at the façade designs in an integrated way allows us the opportunity to identify design pathways that address multiple performance concerns simultaneously.
For example, we can make sure we design the façade with right amount of glazing to provide good daylight and views but not have an excessive amount that will penalise energy performance, introduce glare, or provide asymmetrical surface temperatures that will cause thermal discomfort. We can look at operational and embodied carbon of the façade design together, so we don’t end up adding more embodied impact in insulation than we will save in carbon emissions through energy use.
Even though we are initially looking at a large design space, the tools give us the ability to both keep track of all the highlevel data on all iterations yet also really drill down into the details. We can extract surface temperatures of the glass, look at hourly results, and perform 2-D thermal transfer using THERM. We are expanding our use of AI to enhance the work we do. Instead of simulating all possible combinations in a larger design space during the initial iterations, we simulate fewer options and then use machine learning to make predictions about the others.
West Virginia Consolidated State Laboratory Facilities
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Additionally, as we work on complex projects with intricate geometries, we’re increasingly recognising the need for three-dimensional multi-step details to effectively convey our design intent, show construction sequence, and gather early feedback (Image).
• What are the key safety and security aspects you look upon while designing a largescale project/ high-rise building?
AP: When designing a high-rise or largescale building, fire and life safety is one of the most critical considerations. Stopping a fire before it spreads and effectively managing smoke movement can make the difference between a manageable incident and a catastrophe. Following several tragic fires worldwide, it has become clear that insulation and façade materials must be thoroughly tested for fire propagation. NFPA 285 plays a crucial role in this process, verifying that the entire exterior wall systemfrom insulation and cladding to air and vapor barriers - works cohesively to limit fire spread and protect occupants.
Resilience is another essential factor. It ensures that the building maintains structural integrity and operational continuity under extreme events such as flooding, seismic activity, high winds, and wildfires. In critical facilities like hospitals or laboratories, resilience is treated as a fundamental design requirement, with all systems - structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing - engineered to perform reliably under these conditions. Material
selection is a key minimise this strategy: e.g. assemblies and finishes are carefully chosen to minimise fire propagation, particularly in high-risk areas or regions prone to wildfires.
Façades are also designed and tested for impact, weather, and structural resistance. They need to withstand wind loads, seismic forces, and potential debris impacts while maintaining integrity. This ensures the building envelope protects occupants and prevents hazards such as glass breakage, water infiltration, or structural failure.
• Please brief on future façade technologies, designs, and materials that you wish to see in the next 20 years.
YJ: We at CannonDesign have been lucky to have subject matter experts like Regal Leftwich - who is an architect, educator, and author of six books on AI/ML - and who has long explored the link between science, technology, and the built environment. He often shares AI’s future impact and how innovative design can harness its potential.
If I imagine façades twenty years from now, I see them transformed from mere barriers into intelligent, interactive layers - almost like living companions for our cities. These future envelopes will feature surfaces that breathe, harvesting sunlight through seamlessly integrated photovoltaics, and purifying the air using bio-reactive coatings or embedded plant systems. Materials may be grown rather
than manufactured - mycelium, algae composites, and other regenerative substances that not only reduce carbon but restore ecological balance. Façade panels will be kinetic, smart glass will automatically adapt to changes in light, heat, and weather, and surfaces will employ AI-driven self-healing technologies, repairing micro-cracks before they’re ever visible.
Through the power of generative design and 3D-printed precision, these façades will balance expressiveness and performance - blurring the boundaries between architecture, nature, and technology. Much like a digital assistant, the façade itself will respond to individual needs, creating personalised environments for each occupant while contributing to a harmonious, sustainable whole. And perhaps most remarkably, façades will sense the presence and mood of occupants - subtly shifting their colour, transparency, or texture to calm or energise us, making our buildings truly responsive to the rhythms of human life.
• What is your advice to young and upcoming architects?
YJ: I’d say start by asking yourself why you’re drawn to architecture in the first place. It’s a question I still come back to, even after all these years. Our field moves fast, and it helps to have a sense of purpose - something that keeps you grounded when days get complicated, or projects don’t go as planned. Architecture isn’t just about buildings; it’s really about the
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people who use them, the communities we help shape, and the lives we touch.
If you are just beginning, don’t hesitate to explore different areas - healthcare, education, public spaces, you name it. Try out various roles too, whether that’s design, research, or talking with clients.
Case Study - 1
Each experience teaches you something new about what you’re good at, what drives you, and the kind of impact you hope to make.
And honestly, staying open to new ideas and technologies matters more than ever. Digital tools, especially things like AI
Resnick Sustainability Center
California, USA
Designed by our Yazdani Studio, the Resnick Sustainability Center is a makerspace for climate science that stands out for its inspiring design, use of mass-timber, creative prototyping and innovative design. The project’s signature double-height atrium, visible behind a sweeping glass curtainwall, is designed as the heart of the building: a light-filled nexus for social and collaborative activity that embodies our commitment to openness and interdisciplinary exchange.
Central to our design approach was the integration of a mass timber gridshell, crafted from glued-laminated timber (glulam) with precise steel connections.
and advanced visualisation, are changing the way we work. Even though these can feel overwhelming at first, they’re helping us solve problems in smarter ways and design spaces that truly respond to people’s needs. The learning never really stops in this field, and I think that’s what makes it so rewarding.
This expressive structural element not only supports the building’s dynamic glass façade but also celebrates sustainable materiality and the elegant articulation of unseen engineering. The juxtaposition of timber, steel, and glass is intended to balance warmth and transparency, creating both an inviting atmosphere and a high-performance envelope.
Case Study - 2
The façade itself explores the possibilities of cold-warped glass, realised through cassette-style panels that respond intuitively to the building’s complex geometry. Diagonal exterior fins provide both visual interest and enhanced environmental performance, aligning with our philosophy that form, and function must advance in tandem.
From the earliest phases, we adopted a collaborative process - partnering with engineers, fabricators, and specialty consultants to test ideas, refine details, and ensure constructability without compromising our vision. Building this form required precision - each joint custom-mitred and dry-fit.
The Resnick Sustainability Center, with its transformative façade and richly detailed atrium, stands not only as a testament to architectural ingenuity but as a living platform for sustainability, collaboration, and
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discovery at Caltech. The project exemplifies CannonDesign’s belief that architecture can both inspire and perform - advancing institutional goals and environmental stewardship in equal measure.
• Materials used: Glass scrim with fritted low-e glazing and integral shading fins, Mass timberglulam and CLT
Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)
Quebec, Canada
The Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) stands as one of North America’s largest healthcare construction projects, occupying over 3 million square feet across a full city block in downtown Montreal. Designed to respond sensitively to its urban
context, CHUM’s massing is articulated through a “three towers” concept, each housing distinct functions - patient beds, ambulatory care, and medical offices - while maintaining a cohesive architectural language. The buildings closest to the street scale down to relate
to the surrounding mid-rise fabric, and the central courtyard serves as a civic anchor, offering public space and visual relief within the dense urban grid.
Prior to the construction of the new complex, the site was home to an abandoned church and the Garth House, a modest structure that once housed the church custodian. In a gesture of architectural continuity and cultural preservation, the church steeple was retained and now defines a prominent corner of the site. Additionally, two façades of the Garth House were carefully integrated into the main interior hall, visible through CHUM’s transparent curtain wall - creating a meaningful dialogue between past and present.
Copper plays a defining role in CHUM’s architectural identity, cladding signature elements such as the 500-seat Pierre-
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Péladeau auditorium and the sculptural pedestrian bridge known as the Passerelle. These copper interventions echo the materiality of Montreal’s historic institutional buildings and contribute to the project’s LEED® Silver sustainability goals. The Passerelle, which connects the main hospital to a neighbouring logistics building across Sanguinet Street, was conceived as a “floating lantern” - a perforated copper volume that filters daylight by day and glows from within at night, enriching both the pedestrian and urban experience.
Technically, the Passerelle presented a series of challenges that demanded innovative façade solutions. The bridge spans between two independent structures, requiring a pivot connection on one end and a sliding connection on the other to accommodate differential movement. Its sloped floor had to be reconciled with a level decorative shroud, and the underbelly - highly visible from the street - was designed to appear visually light while integrating concealed lighting and managing snow and rain runoff. Lightweight stainless steel supports and hidden fastening systems preserved the purity of the copper form, while addressing long-term maintenance and copper runoff concerns. A 3D printed model was instrumental in refining these details and coordinating construction within a limited street closure window.
Elsewhere on the CHUM campus, envelope strategies were tailored to building function and performance requirements. The main clinical building employed a
unitised curtain wall system for efficient installation and a sleek, opaque aesthetic using metal and glass spandrel panels. In contrast, the adjacent A’ building utilised a cold-formed metal framing (CFMF) system, requiring meticulous detailing to align vision glass with adjacent metal panels
and maintain a flush façade. Achieving this alignment while meeting stringent thermal and condensation control standards involved a 4.25” offset between insulation and window centerlines, structural support beyond the framing, and allowances for building movement. Thermal modeling with THERM guided the integration of high-performance materials, including aerogel-based insulation blankets, to meet energy performance goals.
On the south elevation, a series of projected vertical aluminum fins adds a dynamic layer of pattern and shadow, animating the façade and reinforcing CHUM’s commitment to architectural richness and technical excellence. Together, these elements demonstrate how thoughtful façade design - rooted in both conceptual clarity and technical rigour - can elevate the experience of healthcare architecture in the heart of the city.
Quick Facts:
• Client: Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal
• Location: Quebec, Canada
• Size: 3.6 million sq. ft.
• Status: Completed
• Architect: CannonDesign + NEUF architect(e)s
• Consultants: Pasquin St-Jean, HH Angus, Groupe SM, SDK et associés, FNX-INNOV, Pageau Morel et associés, NIPpaysage.
• Material used: Trespa, Lexan, Multiver, Sabic
Special thanks to our colleagues at CannonDesign — Elliot Glassman, Building Performance Leader; Michael Nagle, Quality Leader – Building Enclosure; Snehal Daliya, Project Architect; and Michael McManus, Firmwide Communications Leader — for sharing their valuable insights.
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Creating a Sense of Green Living Baiyyappanahalli Train Station, Bengaluru
BACKGROUND AND DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Baiyappanahalli train station and masterplan has been designed as a vibrant and contemporary piece of architecture, keeping in spirit with the city of Bengaluru. Better known as the ‘Garden City of India’, Bengaluru’s essence lies in its greenery. However, this green cover is fast depleting owing to the rapid urbanisation of the city. The project aims to instigate the revival of the Garden City of India by making this the central design philosophy and creating an icon that symbolises what was once the identity of the city.
The station has been envisaged as a green landscape floating above the train platforms. The terrace of the station is landscaped, also acting as a
breakout space for visitors and users. This “urban green roof” becomes a landmark building with a strong urban presence.
GREEN CORRIDORS – BREATHING LUNGS OF THE CITY
At the masterplan level, the garden city concept has been implemented. A green
Overview of the station design
The roof landscape is segregated into different programmatic zones
Project Watch
buffer has been provided between the site boundary and the city, and between the built zone and the train tracks. These green belts are proposed for pedestrianfriendly movement along with bicycle tracks to ensure no overlap with vehicular traffic.
It was critical to ensure the grafting of the proposed streets with the existing streets of the city. An 18-metre-wide road is proposed as the main artery of movement within the site that does not interfere with city traffic.
SKYLINE AND STATION COMPLEX
The skyline responds to the station building and dips down to create a visual cue, marking the directionality of the station.
The station building itself sits partially above the tracks, along with two elliptical office buildings nested above it, exploiting the FSI of the air rights. Next to the station is a bus terminal and, on the other side, a shopping mall, creating a balance of movement and activity.
CONFLICT-FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND TRAFFIC
In plan, the building morphs from a straight line to three defined zones at the entrance, creating segregated arrival and departure entrances, as well as access from the bus terminal and from offices/shopping. These spaces are delineated by the curve that creates three seamlessly defined yet connected zones.
A multi-modal transport hub ensures ease of connectivity with the network. A bus depot is located adjacent to the station building with a segregated approach for buses. An underground subway connection to the metro
is proposed, with an alternative overground shuttle service to connect the station building with the metro station.
VISUAL POROSITY
The station building design creates visual porosity and abundant light conditions, ensuring maximum use of daylight and promoting wind flow in the platform area. The open green courtyards provide natural ventilation and enjoyable green gardens.
GREEN COURTYARDS AND CONCOURSE
When passengers enter the station, the internal green garden welcome them, aligning with the Garden City ideology.
The concourse plaza is fully glazed, offering views for easy circulation, wayfinding, and maximum natural lighting. While the upper concourse is introvert, with
The concourse plaza is fully glazed, offering views for easy circulation, wayfinding, and maximum natural lighting
At the masterplan level, the garden city concept has been implemented
Staircase entrance
Project Watch
surrounding shops, restaurants, and lounges opening to the circulation areas. The courtyards become the main focal point, with escalators and lifts nested within them, creating an integrated formand-function relationship.
URBAN LANDSCAPE TERRACE
A gym, spa, and retail spaces help passengers make use of the long layovers and waiting periods, or they can simply sit in one of the landscaped gardens or courtyards. The station administration is parted in two ways; one, on the concourse level plus one, while the other part is in the tower adjacent to the station, connected by an indoor bridge. The roof landscape is segregated into different programmatic zones.
LANDSCAPE
Green corridors in the design creates a sense of green living while modulating the boundary condition, separating pedestrian and bicycle movement from vehicles. The station building incorporates a green roof and courtyards, with foliage visible from the entrance, concourse, and platform levels.
A combination of sprinklers and drip irrigation is used to avoid excessive watering, with treated water from the STP used for irrigation.
SUSTAINABILITY
Designed as a sustainable building, natural ventilation, abundant light, green spaces, active slabs, and renewable energy are
integrated to create a building geared towards the future.
An optimum ratio of opaque to solid surfaces provides sufficient daylight in the station while avoiding excessive heat absorption. The courtyard typology allows natural light deep inside the concourse and upper
Design evolution
The station building design creates visual porosity and abundant light conditions, ensuring maximum use of daylight and promoting wind flow on the platform area
Project Watch
concourse and promotes air movement through the building.
Platform level is fully shaded below the concourse, with green walls and hanging planters. Skylights are designed to allow natural light onto the platforms, complemented by green creepers.
Solar photovoltaic panels and solar hot water systems are proposed for the roofs of neighbouring station maintenance buildings. Separate collection points for organic waste, paper, plastic, and metal waste are planned.
BUILDING SYSTEMS AND ENERGY SAVING
Energy saving is achieved through maximising daylight, using LED light fittings, applying passive cooling in non-airconditioned areas, efficient air-conditioning in air-conditioned zones, heat recovery, and a Building Management System to optimise air-conditioning and lighting. Solar photovoltaic panels and solar hot water systems are installed on neighbouring maintenance buildings and unused areas between the tracks. In selected areas, floor tiles that generate electricity from foot movement will be installed.
QUICK FACTS:
• Project: Baiyyappanahalli Train Station
• Location: Bengaluru
• Client: Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC)
• Architects: Studio Symbiosis Architects (www.studiosymbiosis.com)
• Studio Symbiosis Design: Amit Gupta and Britta Knobel Gupta
• Scope of Work: Architecture / Masterplanning / Interior Design: Studio Symbiosis
• Site Area: 132 Acres
• Station Area: 24,111 sqm
• Built-up Area overall: 9,16,969 sqm
• Status: Tender Stage (Winner of International Design Competition / Design Commission)
AMIT GUPTA & BRITTA KNOBEL GUPTA Founding Partners, Studio Symbiosis Architects
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Co-founded by Britta Knobel Gupta & Amit Gupta, Studio Symbiosis is an architecture & design studio based out of Stuttgart, Delhi and Mumbai involved in projects of various scales and sectors. The design philosophy of the studio is to create performance-driven architecture and designs. The Founding Partners of the studio are postgraduates from the prestigious AA school of architecture, London and have a combined professional experience of over 35 years. Post AA the founding partners worked at Zaha Hadid Architects London for a duration of around 5 years each. Studio Symbiosis has diverse experience in designing and executing projects of varying scales. Digital tools and techniques are embedded in the design philosophy to create an integrated approach from design to execution.
The platform’s skylights are designed to allow natural light onto the platforms, complemented by green creepers
Project Watch
Case Study - 1
Shaping Mumbai’s New Commercial Icons
Chambers, Mumbai
The striking Chambers building in Andheri’s bustling Chakala commercial area is termed the diamond of the suburban business district, owing to its unique form and corresponding functionality. Once an old building with retail establishments, and then a storehouse for construction materials for the Mumbai metro project, Chambers is now an iconic commercial premises that has matured with its context.
The project was first conceived in 2008, at a time when conversations around the Mumbai metro were taking shape,
and we were taking root as a young and independent design studio. The building form today embodies the story behind
the evolution of not only the site and its context but also the ambitious goals of our studio.
The striking Chambers building in Andheri’s bustling Chakala commercial area is termed the diamond of the suburban business district
The building’s highlight is its iconic diamond-shaped façade framing a grand double-height driveway, allowing smooth traffic flow within the limited plot
Chambers was completed in 2022 after 13 years of planning and execution, during which the design unfolded through the challenges of the metro construction along the adjoining road, modifications in municipal and construction rules, as well as tight site and height restrictions.
The site is an odd-shaped, curvilinear plot, positioned in the face of the Western Express Highway metro station. Owing to the latter, the frontage of the building was compromised, only to be salvaged by a unique design proposition that has now come to define the building as the jewel of the area. The building elevation was turned diagonally north-west at a 45-degree angle, to open it up to the busy highway and the surrounding cityscape.
The composite structure uses glass (high-performance and DGU), concrete and steel in varying proportions to achieve its one-of-a-kind design. The building’s crowning glory is the
Case Study - 2
iconic diamond-shaped façade that encapsulates a grand double-height driveway that enables free circulation of traffic within the limited plot, and a breezy pyramidal atrium at the bottom.
Zee Shaan – ZEE Corporate Park
Mumbai
The ‘ZeeShaan’ Project is an endeavour to recreate a landmark in the western suburbs of Mumbai. It is a mixed-use commercial building with retail, offices, a theatre, restaurants, lounges, outdoor sports facilities, food courts, and more.
The site is flanked by roads on three sides, making the elevation and structure visible from all angles. Shaan Theatre was part of history in the black-and-white era of cinema, so to recreate a modern landmark, we have adopted a vibrant VIBGYOR colour palette to represent the lights, camera, and action of the movies. The colours symbolise the progression from the black-and-white era. Movable aluminium fins, connected to the Building
From here, extending angularly towards the sky is a 12-metre cantilever that forms the top half of the diamond. Differently sized floor plates averaging 5,000 sq ft support this configuration on the inside, increasing bit by bit into the freestanding triangular edge as one moves towards the higher floors.
• Architectural Hardware used: Glass, Steel, Post Tension Beams
• Commencement Date: August 2008
• Completion Date: April 2022
Floor plates averaging 5,000 sq ft expand gradually into the freestanding triangular edge towards the upper floors
The fins also represent the technological advancements in cinema since the black-and-white era
Project Watch
Management System, are used to create an ever-changing effect on the elevation, producing a play of colour. These fins also represent the technological advancements in cinema since the blackand-white era. They adjust according to the sun’s direction to provide ambient lighting quality in the interior spaces.
This fusion of movement and colour creates an ever-changing, bold, and dynamic elevation.
The building is designed so that 85% of the offices face the external view and receive natural light. A central courtyard brings additional daylight into the offices. Movable aluminium fins are also used in the
The building features a double-skin façade. The first skin is high-performance floor-to-floor glass, while the second skin comprises movable aluminium fins, positioned three feet away from the glazing to increase insulation, reduce heat gain, and enhance the quality of natural light in the indoor spaces.
QUICK FACTS:
• Project Name: Zee Corporate Park (Under Construction)
• Construction Area: 3,00,000 Sq. Ft.
• Location: Vile Parle East
• Client: Zee Infra Projects Pvt Ltd
• Lighting Designer: Mak Mep Consultants
• Architect: Pentaspace Design Studio
• Other Consultants: StructuralP.K. Sura
• Architectural Hardware Used: Glass and Aluminium Fins
• Commencement Date: January 2021
AR. GAURAV SANGHAVI
Co-Founder & Principal Architect, Pentaspace Design Studio
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ar. Gaurav Sanghavi, an innovator and motivator, spearheads conceptualisation and project planning at Pentaspace. Renowned for his forward-thinking approach, he excels in spatial planning, infusing each project with a signature sense of timelessness. His keen vision and deep understanding of exterior and interior design have earned him accolades for architectural excellence, including national awards presented by eminent architects such as Ar. Charles Correa, Ar. Hafeez Contractor, and Ar. B.V. Joshi. His tenure with Ar. Hafeez Contractor enriched his expertise in large-scale project management, client engagement, and service delivery. A graduate of the Academy of Architecture, Mumbai, with a Business Management degree from NMIMS, he combines creative mastery with sharp managerial acumen.
The building is designed so that 85% of the offices face the external view and receive natural light
Visible from all sides, the site’s vibrant VIBGYOR façade pays tribute to Shaan Theatre’s cinematic legacy
courtyard to create a soft ambience with diffused lighting in the interior spaces.
Hardware
Head Office cum Application Centre: 28/01/8, Site IV, Sahibabad Industrial Area, Ghaziabad (UP) - 201005
Delhi Office: 4899 Hauz Qazi, Delhi-110006
Coimbatore Office: 2/227 D Erangathu Thottam, Rasipalayam Sulur, Coimbatore-641402
Website: www.pego.in
For Sales: West: 8929070625/9311600436
North: 8929070621/9999697732
East: 9319623434
Karnataka: 9999697660
Tamil Nadu & Kerela: 8929070623
Andhra & Secunderabad: 8929070624
Customer Care: 8929701016
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Façade and Fenestration Strategy for the NTH Building at Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, New Delhi
The fenestration strategy is designed to ensure that each window opening contributes to daylighting, ventilation, and occupant comfort, rather than simply offering views
In the evolving architectural landscape of New Delhi, the NTH (The National Trust for The Handicapped) Building at Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, designed by R & G Architects International, stands out as a contemporary exemplar of how façade and fenestration strategies can embody both aesthetic distinction and environmental responsibility. As India grapples with the twin demands of rapid urbanisation and sustainable development, this building represents a vital convergence of design intelligence, material innovation, and climatic responsiveness.
Recognised as a certified green building with LEED Gold rating, the NTH Building
illustrates how an environmentally responsive envelope can drive both energy performance and occupant comfort, without compromising on architectural expression. The façade system plays a pivotal role in defining the building’s sustainable identity, regulating thermal comfort, maximising daylight, and enhancing user well-being.
CONTEXT AND DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Situated in Delhi’s extreme composite climate - where summer temperatures can exceed 45°C and winters drop below 5°C - the NTH Building required a façade strategy deeply rooted in passive design principles. R & G
Architects approached the project with a bioclimatic sensibility, blending innovative technology and materiality to ensure thermal stability and spatial comfort across all seasons.
The design strategy was founded on three principles:
• Performance-led architecture –prioritising envelope efficiency in heat gain control and natural lighting.
• Material expressiveness – using stone, GRC panels, and insulated glazing to create a layered and dynamic aesthetic.
• Environmental accountability –deploying strategies that reduce
The façade integrates IGUs as a core performance element
operational energy, support occupant health, and contribute to Green Building certification.
DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADE: A STRATEGIC INNOVATION
At the heart of the building’s sustainability strategy is its double skin façade system, which functions as a climate-responsive envelope enhancing both aesthetics and performance.
The outer skin, composed of GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete) panels, forms a patterned screen that filters solar radiation while enabling daylight penetration. The design allows air to flow through ventilated cavities, promoting natural stack ventilation. This minimises the building’s reliance on mechanical cooling, especially during the shoulder seasons.
The inner skin, a continuous layer of high-performance insulated glazing,
provides the primary thermal and weather barrier. This glazing system incorporates low-emissivity coatings, further reducing unwanted heat gain while maintaining visual connection with the exterior.
This layered approach not only reduces the cooling loads and glare inside but also helps maintain consistent thermal comfort, which is a critical requirement in securing LEED credits for energy optimisation and indoor environmental quality.
MATERIAL PALETTE AND ITS ARCHITECTURAL ROLE
Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): The façade integrates IGUs as a core performance element. With their air or inert gas-filled interlayers, these glass panels drastically reduce heat transfer, optimise daylight ingress, and limit the use of artificial lighting - all contributing to lower energy consumption.
Project Watch
The use of IGUs supports:
• Energy efficiency by reducing thermal transmittance.
• Visual comfort through glare control and natural light optimisation.
• Acoustic insulation, enhancing the work environment.
In the LEED framework, these benefits directly contribute to credits under Energy and Atmosphere, and Indoor Environmental Quality.
GRC PANELS FOR THE OUTER SKIN
Selected for their lightweight strength, design flexibility, and eco-friendly properties, GRC panels are used extensively on the outer skin. Their perforated design offers a dual benefit: solar shading and visual identity.
Key features:
• High durability with low maintenance.
• Reduced embodied carbon relative to precast concrete or metal panels.
• Design adaptability to create custom screen patterns that enhance the building’s visual rhythm.
The use of GRC panels, especially in a ventilated double skin system, supports LEED goals in Materials & Resources, particularly those addressing environmentally preferred construction materials.
NATURAL STONE CLADDING
The building’s base uses locally sourced natural stone, anchoring it in the regional context and providing thermal mass. This helps modulate internal temperatures by storing heat during the day and releasing it at night.
Aesthetic and performance benefits include:
• Textural contrast with smoother modern materials like glass and GRC.
• Long-term weather resistance and material aging with dignity.
• Contribution to regional materials credits under LEED.
Project Watch
The outer skin, composed of GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete) panels, forms a patterned screen that filters solar radiation while enabling daylight penetration
By using natural stone and GRC in tandem, the design strikes a meaningful balance between heritage and innovation.
FENESTRATION STRATEGY: PERFORMANCE WITH POISE
The fenestration strategy is designed to ensure that each window opening contributes to daylighting, ventilation, and occupant comfort, rather than simply offering views.
Strategies adopted:
• Orientation-sensitive fenestration: North-facing glazing to maximise soft daylight, while minimising heat gain on east and west sides.
• Operable sections for natural ventilation during moderate seasons.
• External shading systems integrated with GRC panels to reduce glare and overheating.
These strategies helped secure LEED points in areas such as:
• Daylight and Views
• Thermal Comfort
• Natural Ventilation and IAQ
The result is an interior environment that remains consistently bright, thermally stable, and visually connected to its urban surroundings - key factors in improving occupant productivity and well-being.
CONCLUSION: SETTING A BENCHMARK FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN ARCHITECTURE
The NTH Building at Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, designed by R & G Architects International, is an example of how architectural design and sustainability can work in tandem. Through the smart integration of a double-skin façade, high-performance glazing, GRC outer screens, and natural stone, the project has redefined how buildings in urban India can perform, age, and inspire.
Its LEED Gold certification a reflection of thoughtful design decisions, rigorous material selection, and a holistic vision for environmental stewardship.
As cities face increasing pressure to build sustainably and responsibly, the NTH Building offers a blueprint for the future: one where form follows performance, and architecture becomes a vehicle for climatic resilience and urban excellence.
QUICK FACTS:
• Project Name: Proposed complex and training Institute for NTH (National Trust for the Handicapped)
• Materials used for facade: GRC Panels, Structural Glazing semi unitised system (Jindal)
• Commencement Date: 2013
• Completion Date: 2016
PANKAJ RAWAT
Managing Partner, R&G Architects International
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pankaj Rawat, a registered architect with over 30 years of experience, is the Managing Partner at R&G Architects International. With extensive expertise in architecture, construction, and project management, he has successfully delivered numerous high-profile projects across a range of sectors. Known for his hands-on approach, Rawat remains actively involved at every stage - from concept through to completion - ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. His commitment to quality, sustainability, and client satisfaction has earned him a distinguished professional reputation. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is an avid reader and enjoys trekking in the outdoors.
Ozone Strengthens Product Portfolio with Launch of End-to-End Hardware Solutions
Ozone, India’s leading architectural hardware brand, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of its new O Wala Door Hardware range, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a full-spectrum architectural solutions provider. Designed for both residential and commercial spaces, the collection reflects Ozone’s commitment to delivering hardware that combines durability, design versatility, premium finishes, and ease of installation.
The new range includes main door locks in dual tones, furniture locks, mortise handles, lock bodies and cylinders, butt hinges, tower bolts, padlocks, door closers, floor springs, and sliding door handles.
The official launch was celebrated through a series of exclusive events hosted at Ozone’s Flagship Experience Centres in New Delhi and Bengaluru.
The events brought together architects, dealers, distributors, and trade associates, offering live product demonstrations, partner onboarding sessions, exclusive
offers, and the unveiling of Ozone’s updated MRP catalogue. Curated walkthroughs and celebratory cakecuttings added a personal and festive touch.
The New Delhi launch event was graced by Architect Manishi Aggarwal, Co-Founder at Design Cosmos, as Guest of Honour. She spoke about the growing demand for hardware that blends performance with aesthetics, and how well-designed door fittings can enhance usability and user experience, especially in modern residential and commercial environments.
At the Bengaluru event, Ar. Milind Mulkar, Managing Director, and Ar. Kunal Mulkar, Chief Director from Centre for Design and Excellence, were the esteemed Guests of Honour.
Commenting on the launch, Alok Aggarwal, Managing Director at Ozone, said “With this complete door hardware range, we’re reaffirming our commitment to deliver quality, reliability, and convenient solutions across homes, workspaces, and commercial projects. At Ozone, our mission is to offer wellengineered solutions that make everyday space innovative, aesthetic, and effortlessly functional.”
Speaking on the segment’s potential, Sanjay Ganesh Pillay, Vice President – Door Hardware, Ozone said: “The expansion of our door hardware portfolio is aimed at covering a wider range of spaces - catering more effectively to the needs of our target audience. Our goal is to bring together thoughtful functionality and everyday utility - creating a range that empowers our channel partners and brings long-term value to the end user.”
With over 25 years of expertise and strong in-house manufacturing capabilities, Ozone continues to deliver performance-driven, designled hardware solutions that combine form and function, elevating modern residences, workspaces, hotels, and commercial complexes.
The official launch was celebrated through a series of exclusive events hosted at Ozone’s Flagship Experience Centres
Ozone launches new O Wala Door Hardware range
Window Wisdom: Helping Homeowners Choose the Right Aluminium System
Windows and doors are more than just architectural necessities - they are the soul of a home, shaping its character, comfort, and connection to the outside world. For homeowners looking to upgrade or build a new, choosing the right aluminium system can be a game-changer. With its sleek aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency, aluminium has become the material of choice for modern living spaces.
Aluminium systems offer a unique blend of strength and style. Unlike wood, which requires regular upkeep, or uPVC, which may lack design flexibility, aluminium stands out for its longevity and low maintenance. Its resistance to rust, warping, and corrosion makes it ideal for all climates, while its slim profiles allow for expansive glass panels that flood interiors with natural light. Whether you are drawn to minimalist designs or bold architectural statements, aluminium adapts effortlessly.
When selecting windows and doors, it is important to match style with function. Sliding systems are perfect for patios and balconies, offering seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Casement windows provide excellent ventilation and unobstructed views, while fixed panels are ideal for feature walls that showcase the outdoors. French doors, with their timeless elegance, add charm to garden entrances and living rooms alike.
Security and performance are equally vital. Today’s aluminium systems come equipped with multi-point locking mechanisms, impact-resistant glass, and weather-sealed frames that protect against dust, water, and noise. Homeowners should consider double or triple glazing options and certified thermal break technology to ensure superior insulation and energy savings.
Customisation is another key advantage. Alfen Systems offer a wide range of powder-coated finishes - from classic whites to bold charcoals - along with matte, glossy, and woodgrain textures. Handles, hinges, and accessories can be tailored to suit your interior palette and personal taste, making each installation truly unique.
Ultimately, investing in a high-quality aluminium system is about more than aesthetics - it is about long-term value. Homeowners should consider warranties, installation expertise, and energy ratings when making their choice. A well-installed system not only enhances comfort and security but also contributes to lower utility bills and increased property value.
In the end, your windows and doors are reflections of your lifestyle and aspirations. With the right aluminium system, you can create a home that is beautiful, secure, and built to last. Whether you are renovating or starting afresh, let trusted experts like Alfen Systems guide you towards a brighter, smarter future. When selecting windows and
For more details on the product,
Email: sales@alfen.in Contact: +91 99283 66665
Sliding systems are perfect for patios and balconies, offering seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces
doors, it is important to match style with function
WINDOWS | DOORS | RAILING | PERGOLAS
ALUCOBOND® Elevates Candor TechSpace Noida with a Golden Architectural Landmark
Noida, India – Candor TechSpace, located in Noida’s bustling business district, stands as a testament to modern corporate architecture and thoughtful urban planning. Developed by Brookfield Properties, this expansive campus offers premium office spaces within a vibrant, campus-style environment. Designed by the acclaimed RSP Design Consultants (India) Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with internationally renowned architect Ricardo Bofill Taller De Arquitectura (RBTA), the project seamlessly combines functionality, aesthetics, and a strong sense of place. Conveniently located with excellent access to key transport routes, the campus captivates visitors with its striking lobbies and thoughtfully designed communal areas, enhancing the overall workplace experience.
A project of this scale required a façade solution capable of capturing the architectural vision while ensuring longterm performance. ALUCOBOND®, with its global reputation for excellence, was the natural choice. The selection of the Gold Metallic 601 shade introduced a rich, lustrous vibrancy to the exterior, perfectly complementing the grandeur of the development. Symbolising prosperity
and pride, the golden hue enhances the design’s resonance, lending the structure an air of prestige and timeless elegance.
“At ALUCOBOND®, we believe every project should tell a story through its design. For Candor TechSpace, the golden façade does more than enhance visual appeal - it embodies the values of progress, pride, and world-class quality that we stand for. Seeing such an iconic project brought to life with our material reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence in every detail,” says Ranjeet Sharma, President & CEO – 3A Composites India Pvt. Ltd.
Achieving this striking finish, however, was not without challenges. The architects envisioned seamless, large-scale façade panels with a flawless metallic
sheen, requiring absolute precision in manufacturing and installation. Maintaining colour consistency across multiple batches was critical due to the expansive surface area and reflective finish. The façade’s complex geometries and junctions also demanded meticulous fabrication to preserve both aesthetics and structural integrity.
ALUCOBOND® rose to the occasion by leveraging its advanced PVDF coil coating, applied in line with AAMA 2605 performance specifications, ensuring exceptional UV resistance and long-term colour retention. Close coordination with KSV Infra and Ahluwalia Contracts Ltd. ensured every panel met exact specifications. Rigorous quality checks at every stage—from production to on-site installation—delivered the uniform, gleaming gold finish the design demanded. Manufactured in India, the façade solution reflects the Make in India vision, showcasing the nation’s ability to deliver world-class quality through indigenous expertise.
Today, Candor TechSpace stands as an architectural landmark, where ALUCOBOND®’s premium façade solution ensures unmatched durability while elevating the project’s visual identity. The golden façade reflects modern corporate ambition and national pride, making it a striking emblem of India’s evolving skylines.
President & CEO, 3A Composites India Private Limited
EXPAND YOUR WORLD
KINGSTON PU6021: Elevating Structural Integrity in Window and Door Fabrication
In the dynamic world of fenestration, the demand for adhesives that deliver exceptional strength, precision, and reliability continues to grow. Addressing this need is KINGSTON PU6021, a high-performance, two-component polyurethane adhesive engineered specifically for corner joining in window and door frames made from aluminium alloy, steel-plastic co-extrusion, woodaluminium composite, and aluminiumplastic composite materials.
Its innovative formulation enables it to bond corner brackets securely to the profile’s cavity wall, substantially enhancing structural integrity. This effectively mitigates common assembly challenges such as cracking, misalignment, warping, and leakage, resulting in a more robust and durable frame system that excels in both functionality and visual appeal.
Distinguished by its advanced injection technology, KINGSTON PU6021 ensures a smooth and uniform application, minimising potential installation errors. Its thixotropic, non-drip consistency allows for pinpoint accuracy, delivering clean, professional-quality joints every time.
A standout feature is the adhesive’s rapid curing capability, facilitated by a selfcontained curing agent. This streamlines the workflow, reduces the need for supplementary materials, and positions PU6021 as both highly efficient and exceptionally user-friendly. With multiple
open-time options, it adapts seamlessly to diverse production schedules and project specifications.
Beyond window and door applications, PU6021 demonstrates remarkable versatility, offering strong adhesion across various substrates including metal, glass, and stone. It serves as an indispensable solution for manufacturers seeking a single adhesive that does not compromise on strength or longevity across multiple applications.
KEY ADVANTAGES OF KINGSTON PU6021
• Optimised for aluminium window and door corner joints
• Delivers superior strength and structural support
• Offers excellent adhesion on multiple materials
• Ensures quick curing with consistent results
• Non-drip, thixotropic texture for precision application
In a sector where lasting performance is paramount, KINGSTON PU6021 achieves the perfect balance between innovation, usability, and structural reliability. For fabricators and manufacturers, it is not merely an adhesive - it is a trusted partner in crafting resilient, long-lasting frames designed to endure.
For more details on the product, contact:
Kingston Multi Products India Pvt Ltd
E mail: info@kingstonindia.in
Website: www.kingstonindia.in
Contact: 011-47047914, 011-27357978/79
Frame separation from loosened connectors, creating gaps for air, noise, and water infiltration
A high-performance, two-component polyurethane adhesive engineered specifically for corner joining
PU6021 ensures quick curing with consistent results
Pushing Structural Glass Boundaries: Saugaat
Inc. & Kuraray’s Trosifol® ExtraStiff Pro
Saugaat Inc. stands at the forefront of delivering high-performance solutions that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge innovations in the glass industry. Breakthroughs in interlayer technology have redefined the role of glass as a structural element, unlocking new architectural possibilities. These advancements, particularly in interlayer formulations, significantly enhance the strength and load-bearing capacity of laminated glass, enabling thinner, lighter panels without compromising durability.
However, for highly demanding applications, such as overhead installations where stiffness and postbreakage performance are critical, available solutions remain limited.
Kuraray has set a new industry benchmark with Trosifol® ExtraStiff Pro, a nextgeneration PVB interlayer designed to deliver unmatched structural integrity and durability. With advanced performance attributes, it surpasses conventional structural PVB interlayers, offering exceptional load-bearing capabilities tailored for high-demand architectural applications.
In these tests, a line load of 1.5 kN/m was applied to the top edge of a cantilevered glass balustrade (1.1 × 1.5 m). Laminated glass specimens made with Trosifol® ExtraStiff Pro demonstrated significantly lower deflection compared to competitive products, validating its superior stiffness and structural reliability under demanding conditions.
SAUGAAT INC.: COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION
Through strategic collaborations with global leaders such as Kuraray (Japan), H.B. Fuller | Kömmerling (USA), and Edgetech Europe GmbH (Germany), Saugaat Inc. continues to set new standards in the glass industry. These partnerships enable them to deliver cutting-edge solutions, uncompromising quality, and sustainable innovations that shape the future of architectural design.
• Test Standard: EN 16613 Human Line Load Case / No Crowd Load
• Panel Dimensions: 1500 mm (W) × 1100 mm (H)
• Configuration: Bottom-edge supported, cantilevered, vertical position (90°)
• Laminate Composition: 2 × 8 mm fully tempered glass + 1.52 mm interlayer
• Applied Load: 1.50 KN/m at 30°C for 30 seconds
With a relentless focus on research, technology, and innovation, Saugaat Inc. is committed to empowering architects, engineers, and developers with world-class solutions that push the boundaries of what structural glass can achieve.
Authorised Distributor of Edgtech, H.B. Fuller & Kuraray For more details on the brand, contact:
Saugaat INC.
Email: saugaatinc@gmail.com
Tel: +91 253 2597864
Mob: +91 9664561331,+91 7057888158
Stadthalle Troisdorf, Germany
Watch the post-breakage balustrade load test
Product Watch
Aludecor Unveils Alubreeze - India’s First
Home-grown Metal Sun-Louver System
In a decisive step towards climateresponsive architecture, Aludecor, India’s pioneer in metal façade materials, has launched Alubreeze, the country’s first indigenously designed and manufactured metal sun-louver system. Engineered in aluminium and finished on India’s advanced rollercoating lines, Alubreeze comes with factory-set angles of 30°, 45° and 90° –enabling architects to regulate daylight, cut solar heat gain, and enhance the design language of glass façades in one integrated solution.
India’s built environment is under unprecedented energy stress. Buildings account for one-third of the nation’s electricity use – about 500 TWh of the 1,543 TWh consumed in FY 2023-24. Commercial real estate alone consumed 125 TWh, with cooling loads responsible for nearly two-thirds. Against this backdrop, passive shading has become imperative. Studies cited by the U.S. Whole
Building Design Guide show that welldesigned external louvers can cut cooling energy demand by 5–15% annually, while improving daylight penetration and visual comfort.
The business potential is also strong. According to IMARC, India’s façade industry is valued at US $3.06 billion in 2024, with a forecast CAGR of 6.9% through 2033. The green building materials segment, valued at US $13.86 billion today, is projected to triple to US $39 billion by 2033 at 11.3% CAGR. Positioned within this context, Alubreeze places Aludecor at the intersection of sustainability and performance-driven façade design, a space with immense growth prospects as Indian developers embrace ESG goals and net-zero roadmaps.
Alubreeze stands out through its combination of design intelligence, material science, and execution efficiency.
Fabricated from 100% recyclable aluminium with 30% post-consumer content, the system supports architects and developers in securing LEED and GRIHA credits.
Ease of installation has been central to its design. The modular system allows rapid installation, reducing timelines and site disruption. Lightweight profiles make it suitable for both new builds and retrofits, enabling older commercial and institutional buildings to adopt energyefficient façades without structural overhauls.
The product also ensures a virtually maintenance-free lifecycle. Profiles are coated in PVDF and super-durable polyester (SDP) for colour fastness, UV stability, and corrosion resistance, even in harsh coastal or desert climates. Its aerodynamic geometry creates a self-shedding effect, reducing dirt accumulation and lowering cleaning costs. Internal R&D simulations confirm significant reductions in solar heat gain on south- and west-facing façades, translating to measurable HVAC savings.
“Alubreeze transforms façades from a passive cost centre into an active contributor to energy savings,” said Ashok Kumar Bhaiya, Founder and CMD, Aludecor. “With easy installation, maintenance-free performance, and retrofit-ready design, it offers a truly future-proof solution for India’s evolving urban skylines.”
For more details on the product, contact:
1800 1020407
Alubreeze is fabricated from 100% recyclable aluminium with 30% post-consumer content, the system supports architects and developers in securing LEED and GRIHA credits
Alubreeze transforms façades from a passive cost centre into an active contributor to energy savings
CNC Machines: Game-Changers in the Fenestration Industry
In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for precision, speed, and efficiency in window, door, and façade manufacturing has never been higher. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are pivotal in delivering these advantages and revolutionising the fenestration industry.
Having partnered with some of the finest global brands, primarily from Europe, LGF Sysmac (India) Pvt. Ltd. has been at the forefront of delivering state-ofthe-art CNC machines and architectural
hardware solutions to the fenestration industry since its inception in 2000. The company’s expertise extends to providing tailor-made façade automation systems and, more recently, innovative façade lighting solutions, making it a key enabler of advanced manufacturing practices in India.
ADVANTAGES OF CNC MACHINES
• Precision & Consistency: CNC machines deliver consistently accurate cuts, virtually eliminating human error and ensuring every profile meets tight specification requirements. This precision is essential for seamless fabrication and high-quality assemblies.
• Productivity Boost & Cost Savings: Automation boosts output drastically. For example, machines equipped with CNC programming can increase production by 50–60%, reduce labour needs, and eliminate repeat manpower training, which is a significant concern in a market like India where attrition is quite high. These machines are particularly useful when producing customised products. They also tend to reduce
wastage (or at least bring the real story to your table) by about 7–10%.
• Efficiency & Waste Reduction: CNC machines enable upscaling – two operators can manage a single machine that can work on 900 to 1,200 profiles per shift, maximising efficiency and minimising wastage through precise material nesting.
• Customisation & Flexibility: From bespoke designs to intricate cuts, CNC machines offer unmatched flexibility. Tailored products are easily achieved without disrupting production flow.
• Sustainability Through Smart Manufacturing: CNC technology promotes sustainable practices by significantly reducing material waste and supporting eco-efficient manufacturing.
For more details, contact:
www.lgfsysmac.com
info@lgfsysmac.com Phone: +91 11 47348888
DEEPAK CHUGH
Managing Director, LGF Sysmac
Keeping the Rain Out: Innovative Window Solutions for the Monsoon
When it comes to building exteriors, most homeowners focus on cladding, paint, or other visible elements to enhance aesthetics and weather resistance. However, one crucial area is often ignored - the window sill. This small detail plays a significant role, especially during the harsh and unpredictable monsoon experienced in India.
We should not consider the window sill/ trim merely as an architectural element, but as a home’s first line of defence against rainwater intrusion. In most buildings, the window sits slightly recessed into the wall, leaving a horizontal surface of 2 to 4 inches where water and dust can easily accumulate. Without a proper outward slope, this can lead to water stagnation, seepage, and damp patches inside the home - problems that become especially prominent during the rainy season.
Lingel’s specially designed Aluminium Window Sills solve this problem with
precision engineering. These sills feature a 5-to-8-degree slope and extend beyond the wall, ensuring rainwater flows away from the building. They deliver flawless water tightness, preventing both structural damage and stains that discolour the walls. The window sill also adds a modern, sophisticated edge to the façade, blending functionality with style.
To further perfect the window design, Lingel offers its exclusive Architrave System, ideal for both uPVC and aluminium windows. This system is a game-changer for those who value detail and durability:
• No more bottom stone cladding: Trims eliminate the need for stone cladding, whether it be expensive marble or granite. The architrave ensures a cleaner, more uniform finish.
• No visible silicone gaps: Thanks to Architrave, the unsightly silicone joints between window and wall are now a thing of the past.
• Complete four-side coverage: Architrave frames the window beautifully from both inside and outside, enhancing the overall appearance.
• Customisable and colour-matched: These architraves are available in various hues that perfectly match the window design.
• Long-lasting and weatherproof: Made from premium aluminium, these trims withstand harsh weather, ensuring beauty and performance for years to come.
Monsoon weatherproofing should not only provide superior protection but also enhance architectural elegance. Monsoon weatherproofing should not only provide superior protection but also enhance architectural elegance.
For more details on the product, contact: Lingel Windows and Door
Technologies Private Limited Kapriwas, Sec-14 Rewari, Haryana, 123106 India
Website: www.lingelwindows.com
Email: mario@lingel.in
Phone: +91 9870273743
Lingel Windows Sill Project in Yercadu
Lingel’s specially designed Aluminium Window Sills feature a 5-to-8-degree slope and extend beyond the wall, ensuring rainwater flows away from the building
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