Buro Happold launches the world’s first invisible building facade

After years of designing and engineering some of the world’s most complex and beautiful facades, our specialist in-house Facade Innovation Team (FIT) have developed InvisiFacade™, the world’s first patented product to use advanced refractive cloaking technology.

Our revolutionary facade technology has already been used to create a new hotel on the grounds of Stonehenge, with the first paying guests due to be accepted by the end of the year. This is just one example of how the application of InvisiFacade™ will enable developments in historic areas, with no impact to the surrounding views: something that is of particular importance in cities such as Bath and London.

Commenting on the official launch of InvisiFacade™, head of facade innovation, Susan Davies said: “Our patented InvisiFacade™ technology represents one of the biggest shifts in facade design for 20 years, enabling us to offer clients the ultimate in structural cloaking. Interest has been strong from those wanting privacy, or those that have previously struggled to gain planning permission for large structures in conservation areas. The performance of our advanced facade is such that I actually walked straight past our most recent installation, then proceeded to spend ten minutes trying to find it.”

Interest has been strong from those wanting privacy or have previously struggled to gain planning permission for large structures in conservation areas.

Head of Facade Innovation, Susan Davies

One of the more challenging aspects of the process is construction. Complete alignment of the facade panels is critical to the overall effect, as any gaps or fixings that are not covered spoil the overall design. To overcome this issue, we designed special goggles that reverse the technology to allow building contractors to see the InvisiFacade™ panels during installation.

To prevent people from accidentally walking into them, the buildings emit a very subtle noise. This noise also has a calming effect on passers-by, making our cities a more relaxing environment for everyone.

Some say it is just smoke and mirrors, but you have to see it for yourself to understand the difference this facade design makes. We’re really making the invisible viable for our clients!

Facade Design Engineer, Peter Fergusson

Buro Happold has already received interest from around the world, with data centre and power companies keen to use the facade panels to minimise the impact of their developments on the surrounding landscapes.

To find out more about our innovative facade engineering solutions, please visit our facade engineering specialism page.