Three significant push factors are synergistically driving the global façade market – technology, climate change and government initiatives. Increasing international pressure to address the issue of climate change has led to big shifts in public economics such as pollution permits and taxation. At the national level across the board, governments are implementing initiatives and improving legislations to build greener.
The ripple effect has seen the architectural façade industry slowly but surely jump onto the bandwagon, evolving to accommodate climate change and performance requirements. Green build incentives from the government combined with rising awareness and demand for more cost-efficient energy consumption has further encouraged developers towards energy efficiency. This has in turn stirred up demand for eco-conscious, façade systems and therefore, the growing focus on the development of sustainable, advanced materials with capabilities offering safety, building efficiency and reduced energy consumption which the larger built environment is experiencing.
Today, the building envelope carries the attributes of both appearance and superior performance in a mode unlike any other building system. This also provides architects with a unique platform through which they define the aesthetic character of the building while complying with set performance criteria and achieving green mark goals.
A DIFFERENT BALL GAME
Currently, basic façade criteria (i.e. water tightness, air tightness, structural integrity, thermal performance, acoustic performance, movement capacity, wind loading, fire safety, maintenance, buildability, blast security) remains largely unchanged and are prerequisites in achieving a well-designed façade. However, DP Façade has observed new design criteria and considerations that must be taken into account as they directly affect how a façade is delivered for each project:
- COMPLEX 3D GEOMETRY
Demand for more organic and articulated façade forms, especially in retail projects where an iconic outset generates marketing advantage and better revenue.
- LARGER MODULES AND SPANS
From glazing heights and panel spans, new project developments are pushing the boundary of norms of material dimensions, so as to set a unique benchmark for their project.
- SPECIAL MATERIALS & FINISHES WITH NEW LIMITS AND CONSTRAINTS
With increasing client demand for design differentiation and eco-conscious material options, consultants must be knowledgeable of these new products in order to provide clear recommendations to developers and architects.
- LIGHTING & MEDIA SCREEN INTEGRATION
As a dynamic design feature, lighting and media screens are increasingly popular for their marketing function in commercial developments.
- SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS (GREEN PRODUCTS)
With most government initiatives promoting greener construction methods and performance, several key aspects of sustainable methods and approaches are being developed uniquely for each project.
- FAÇADE BUILDING MAINTENANCE
One of the major challenges with complex façades is maintenance where conventional methods may not apply. Our experience and approach focus on providing project-specific approaches that combine multiple systems available in the market along with bespoke designs. DPF has developed a close relationship with global manufacturers and suppliers to address the unique challenges of each project.
The complexity and demands of new architectural façade designs push us to think out-of-the-box, challenging norms while delivering facades that are technically viable. To do so, DPF has had to adapt to changes and adopt new technologies not common in this field.
Today, our extensive experience, combined with the use of latest software, places us ahead of our competition. An example is our advance 3D capability with Parametric Integration. It allows us to accommodate complex design requirements while sharing the same platforms for engineering and detail design. This seamless integration greatly improves our efficiency in providing solutions and other deliverables.
