Facade engineering
Design Process
Our facade design process provides a tailored service to every client, from concept inception through to operational use. Independent, technical advice and robust engineered solutions are delivered to provide clarity to architectural designs, and therefore confidence in project costs.
Concept Design
At the concept stage, key performance criteria for the building envelope are identified. We, together with the architects, develop the facade concepts, taking into consideration target performances, safety and buildability.
The major challenges on the specific system are put into context and an integrated strategy is developed: this is fundamental in making the architect’s and client’s vision viable.
Key to this process is applying existing knowledge and further research into materials, facade systems and manufacturing techniques to suit the client’s expectations while complimenting the architect’s vision.
Developed Design
During this stage, the Concept Design is further developed and the design work is progressed until the architect’s spatial coordination exercises have been completed.
The performance requirements are further defined and coordinated across the various engineering disciplines, in preparation for the planning submission and building regulation compliance. This is critical to set the building envelope’s thermal performance, fire performance, accessibility and security. The key facade interface details are developed further and ll performance criteria are defined.
Technical Design
The design is now further refined to provide a technical definition of the project. Typically characterized by frozen architectural information, this stage permits the finalising of drawing details and the performance specification
Depending on whether a PSCA is arranged with a specialist facade contractor, this phase of design will interface with the tender evaluation period. During this period, we advise the client on the selection for the specialist contractor for the facade works, with a special focus on technical capability and understanding of requirements.
Construction
Following the tender period, we support the contractor’s design by participating in workshops and reviewing their technical submittals, which includes technical information (drawings, calculations, certificates), as well as factory visits, attendance of visual mock-ups and off/on-site facade testing (weather performance, impact testing, acoustic testing, etc.)
After facade construction, we remain involved in the compliance monitoring on site, with periodic site visits and reporting to the Client team or to the main contractor.
Handover and In-Use
As we inform the client on the residual risks and outstanding information prior to handover and close out, we assist the design team and the contractor in identifying the residual information to enable practical completion of the project.
We are also able to offer services including monitoring of existing facades and investigative work. We work closely with client to investigate the causes of performance levels that are not meeting expectations and propose remedial solutions to restore or improve these during the design life of the building.
For more information, please see our Diagnostic, Inspection and Remediation (DIR) page.
