fensterbau/frontale india TAB VIII

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Issue VIII | February 2015

Facade and Fenestration News for India

Window of Opportunities: Fenestration Innovations

Fenestration!

Henri Fanthome, HFOA

N端rnbergMesse India Pvt. Ltd.

Back into the future Amit Sharma, Axiom India

German House, 2, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India Tel.: +91-11-47168888 / Fax: +91-11-26118664 / Website: www.nm-india.com Contact : Ms. Rucheeka Chhugani / E-mail: rucheeka.chhugani@nm-india.com

Article by

J端rgen Benitz-Wildenburg, ift Rosenheim

Window of Opportunities: Fenestration Innovations Prof. Dinesh Bhardwaj

Page 2 | February 2015 | Issue VIII

fensterbau/frontale india Tab

Message Façade: the face of a building The façade of a structure needs to fulfil functional as well as aesthetic obligations. It is that part of the edifice, where an architect can express a school of thought, very directly.

Façade is the outward aspect of a building and many a times, it has been judged superficially as creators have exploited it for self-expression quite radically, where the “form” becomes synonymous with the façade hinting at the ignorance and neglect of the function altogether.

Fundamentally, a building needs protection from weather conditions, it can choose to fit or stand out in its context. Facades are the first attribute that a person takes note of.

It is the surface that normally distinguishes one entity from another – from the inside to the outside. This makes facades an important part of architecture and even more, of its expression – communication to the world at large.

Buildings have always been utility driven in India and thus facades and fenestrations are even more basic and functional in their aesthetic. In the recent times, when the country is in a state of flux and is rising to the fact that architecture and infrastructure needs to mean more - its fundamental function has to include aesthetics as a vital part.

With this spirit, Archohm looks forward to the perceptive fensterbau/frontale india 2015 exhibition in Bangalore, which will celebrate this neglected yet essential aspect of architecture.

Saurabh Gupta, Archohm Consults Private Limited

Visit us at fensterbau/frontale india 2015

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Issue VIII | February 2015 | Page 3

Fenestration!

M

- Henri Fanthome, HFOA

y earliest memories of windows, go back to primary school, in a village in Bhutan, where we sat on the floor, and the windows were knee high and boarded up when they needed to be closed. Wind, and sometimes spray from rain would stream in through them, even seated on the floor, you got a nice view across the village and further to the old monastery across the valley.

It has been a long time since a saw a window as simplistic as that.

While designing the Ardee School we went another way altogether, choosing to express the primary functions of a) framing the view, b) letting in light and c) sun control, separately as 3 distinct components of a façade system – the actual window that is inset and almost unseen, a rigid concrete lattice that frames the view form the inside and provides the build form its identity forms the visible part of the elevation of the building, and within it are screens, in steel and bamboo, (that are to be replaced As an architect to me the fenestrations – door, window, opening, et-al, are apertures. overtime by screens made by students during craft workshops) that are function as Apertures of communication, of dialogue between what lies within and what lies sun control devices. outside. And so our attempt has always been to design from the inside to out, from a user - into the spaces they use and populate - and then move outside, through doors, windows, openings, from within through the building skin to the outside. The then fenestrations determine the nature of that connection.

The tradition of design has always looked at fenestrations from the outside – the face, the façade, the elevation. To me that seems inconsequential. A building must look ordered, thought out, and properly articulated, but I prefer designing fenestration from the side they will be used, for the user that will use and experience them and for how they respond and contribute the space they belong to.

Fenestrations of course serve a number of varying purposes, but I enjoy keeping them simple and direct, where they become one more experience in the overall expression and articulation of space.

On a recent trip to the villages in Sunderbans I took this picture of a window. The directness of purpose, material and aesthetic experience of fenestrations, the simples of materials and uncomplicated function sometimes can yield startlingly beautiful fenestration. A fenestration can be a window or a door, or it can be much more!

Mud, and bamboo construction with mud plaster applied by hand, and a Most often the Fenestration is used as device to create façade, and order and put up grill of slender bamboo stalks, create a the mandated windows. We have always found the a tad bit tedious and boring. When we design we look at fenestrations as opportunities for extending connections and window of unparalleled rustic beauty. creating more meaningful relationships between the building and its environment..

Of course in an urban setting it becomes more complex, but a sensitive and direct Inside out is so much more experiential, and usage centric. Space literally opens up! approach yields fascinating results. In Khel Gaon for instance, where we renovated a rather dark and gloomy Duplex, a simple strategy to knock out walls, Open up About the Author facades and make a series of connections, from Kitchen to living room to front yard, Henri Fanthome Office for Architecture, was started to public garden outside, as a series of openings, that could be varyingly controlled in 2009, more to take part in the SPA New Campus markedly changed the lived experience of the house. From the outside of course, the Masterplan Competition than anything else. And façade now looks all the more inviting, open and contemporary, but the decision was since has stuck to its agenda for Architectural Design. taken inside out - including knocking out the front wall of the yard, and replacing 5 years on we are working in Delhi, Uttarakhand, that blockage with just a light grill. The window itself is simple, four single sheets, Haryana, UP and still doing a lot of competitions, framed in wood. Of course it is double layer, laminated and toughed safety glass, from exhibition design to furniture and architecture which makes it almost bulletproof, but the simplicity of the design almost makes for and everything in-between. it to go unnoticed.

We are a small firm, that believes in design research, discipline and pragmatic thinking. We vision architecture that reflects and celebrates the balance between humanity and the planet we inhabit, both in the built and unbuilt environment.

Space, to us, can be smelt, heard, felt, and absorbed just as much as it can be seen.

Spaces we believe are meant to be lived in, walked through, played in, and enjoyed.

We believe each project is a challenge and a unique opportunity for discovery and new thinking, and enabling possibility. At every scale, there is an opportunity to design, and add new value to life. And as architects we continually look for avenues that that bring such challenge to us. No project is too large and no budget too small!

Out of our studio that overlooks the Mehrauli Archaeological Park we create and deliver architecture that reflects good design, innovative problem solving, and economy of both means and materials, with an underlying environmental responsibility.

At HFOA sustainability is exciting, it is the future, and the way we have always designed.

Elsewhere of course the strategies are different, as in the case of the ISBT Jaipur proposal (with Shaily Gupta) where the Fenestration were designed to mask the scale of the building, and flooding the inner spaces with morning light but blocking off the harsh afternoon sun in a desert climate. The façade is a surface of wedges that cover the outer face of the building, some punctured to let light in and others left solid to play up a contrast. This compliments the fluid yet structural expression of the large tensile canopies and bridges that connect to the platform area.

Henri Fanthome, Principal, had his early education in Bhutan, where he spent his formative years, moving back to India at the age of 17. Later he attended the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, where he earned an Undergraduate Degree in Architecture in 2004.

He teaches at the Dept. of Architecture, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi and School of Design, Ambedkar University, New Delhi. He is an avid cyclist, and a motor-cyclist.

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Page 4 | February 2015 | Issue VIII

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Back into the Future T

stronger, thinner and lighter than ever. They have also become more fluid in nature, transcending the three dimensions and enhancing the overall form the structure/ building. More than ever, now they are being used for defining the overall concept of the built form.

- Amit Sharma, Axiom India

he word ‘Fenestration’ is derived from the Latin word ‘fenestra’ which means an opening in the wall. Over a period of time it extended to the ceiling as well, making it a seamless intervention in the built form going from one plane to another, transforming the experience of the space. It could now be a beautiful window, door, louver, vent, sky light or even a jaali.

The ‘JAALI’ simply defined as the perforated screen is perhaps one of the most recognizable elements of Indian Architecture as far as fenestrations are concerned.

Originated during the early period and developed during the medieval period, they have adorned a variety of buildings from Palaces to Mausoleums.

Most of the patterns have been either calligraphic or geometric. Sometimes they went beyond mere patterns and became tools for narratives in buildings. Some of the best examples of these are in the Fatehpur Sikri complex.

Talking about the future trends in jaalis, there are possibilities of creating jaalis that can change colours and even illuminate, thus giving a completely new meaning and character to the term fenestrations and enhancing the fusion between interior space and the surrounding context.

The new concept could embed the LED technology in the Jaali, allowing it to change colours, making it more dynamic than ever.

About the Author Grown over the last decade under the guidance of Amit Sharma (Architect and Product Designer from SPA, Delhi), Axiom India focuses on diverse and innovative design solutions enhancing the experience of detail.

Based in South Delhi, the firm has executed more than two hundred projects of various scales from urban design, housing, public infrastructure, houses, offices, factories to product design. The team of architects, product designers, engineers and interior designers work together to produce contextually relevant designs. The influence of vernacular architecture and the new advances in building technology are brought together to produce sustainable solutions. The process becomes more than the product.

Light and Shadow pattern created by Jaali Traditionally, the jaali served a greater purpose of allowing privacy in a space with restricted visual access and at the same time allowing air and light to pass through.

It reduces the solar glare inside the building creating a cool and steady internal environment. It acts as a thermal buffer between the building and the surroundings but allows the diffused light to enter the building creating an interesting play of light and shadows.

The clients, the contractors and the design team work together, drawing from the knowledge, experience and skills of each other to execute a successful design solution.

A project at Axiom India is personally handled from the beginning to the end by a core team. This ensures consistency and continuity.

It was also a great way of dividing spaces internally without altering the flow of the air and sound. Traditionally they also revealed a lot about the inhabitant of the space, i.e. jalis in rooms for women had more ornate designs and those in the men’s spaces had more geometric patterns.

The appropriate use of jaalis can create a macro climate for a space, increasing the level in terms of physical and psychological comfort. It can be a great tool to keep the unwanted direct sunlight out while allowing the ambient light to filter in. Reflected, light is often preferred as it reduces the glare and enhances the even lighting of a space.

The advent of lazer cutting and computer numerical control (CNC) tooling has seen a great revolution in the design of jaalis. It is now possible to do the most intricate design in a variety of materials like metals, woods, plastic, stone, glass and even fabrics. Jaalis today are www.frontale-india.com

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Issue VIII | February 2015 | Page 5

Understanding Quality as the Main Benefit C

- ift Rosenheim

are identical or similar depending on the field of application. This explains why products that differ largely in design principle, accessories and hardware or fittings are grouped into one single product standard. A product standard should provide the framework for the scope of requirements of construction components, which the client/contracting authorities have to define jointly with the designer. Ideally, the information should be prepared in such a way that the customer understands the performance potential of the respective product and can invite tenders correctly.

Therefore, this quality chain is focused not only on the manufacturer, but also on the entire value added chain; from architects and specialist suppliers to manufacturers, But what exactly is quality? One simple explanation would be: “When the customer is installers and end customers. satisfied.” In other words, when the customer gets what he expected to get. However, successful companies do not settle for this. Instead they want to wake the enthusiasm Clear recommendations for invitations to tender and fields of of their customers and get these to recommend their products to other customers. application However, this high standard of quality is only obtainable through a deep knowledge and consistent implementation of effective quality strategies and quality assurance The frequently occurring “phenomenon” of warped doors and windows is a typical systems. But how can quality be defined, monitored and assured without costs getting example of what is known as “wrong user behaviour.” In actual fact, however, the out of hand? The entire cycle, from the harmonized product standard to the end phenomenon is due to a lack of knowledge regarding the area of application. To user, must certainly be understood as a quality chain linking manufacturer, specialist define the appropriate product, the user behaviour has to be clarified in the design suppliers to the construction trade, and installers. Furthermore, this cycle must also phase and in the invitation to tender. be mastered as such.

Product standards are a clear improvement, as they are performance oriented and no describe structural characteristics. The criteria the construction components have to meet are oriented to the area of application; for example, the installation height, wind and climatic load zones, site categories, location in the property, use, security etc.

Exact knowledge of the intended use is necessary for the effective definition of the product quality – the first condition for ensuring the quality of the product. urrent market-research and consumer studies clearly show that many consumers do not base their purchase decision solely on price but also on quality features and safety aspects; the longer the life of a product the more important these factors become, especially for buildings which should last 30 years or more. To produce a proper quality is reasonable for many reasons, such as save the investment, improve comfort and safety, secure the investment, avoid maintenance cost and protect the environment by saving resources.

The requirements for fulfilling this condition are more exacting for designers in their capacity as representatives of the client, for the specialist suppliers as well as for the manufacturer. The selection of the product characteristics could be supported with application notes of the product standards or the application recommendations such as ift Rosenheim guidelines. And it is here in particular that the product manufacturers have to supply information to architects, designers and specialist suppliers.

Figure 1. Window production has to be a quality chain - The analyse has to focus all relevant aspects of the production process including also the installation of building elements

Product standards – a first begin The basic principle underlying product standards in the window, facade, pedestrian and industrial door industry is the uniform description of the performance characteristics and the classification of various performance levels, which each client can select according his personal demand or climatic and cultural requirements.

The product standards are not design standards for specific construction components, but form the basis for the definition of customer requirements and the framework for the quality chain of manufacturers and specialist suppliers. Since these rules are organized according to the “Performance Principle”, the characteristics of the products will become more transparent. The customer has the option of comparing the performance characteristics of the products directly with each other. The evaluation principles are uniform. As a result, characteristics based on different standards no longer lead to an unequal treatment and wrong assessment of the products.

Figure 2. Characteristics of the European window standard

Figure 3. Windows has to fulfil several requirements and each part has a special meaning It is often the case that not even the actual product is defined clearly in the invitation to tender. For example, PVC windows are often ordered by the buyer from specialist suppliers as “White doors with insulated glass in various dimensions. What does the customer actually want? What does the specialist supplier understand this to mean?

Which product window manufacturer delivers to the specialist supplier? Sure, the window in question is a white window in various dimensions. However, the term “white PVC door” is very wide and can cover anything from a window without steel enforcement to a window with special hardware, acoustic glass etc. It is unclear what design the frame should have and whether the glass is a simple one or the hardware is a safety kit – disputes are bound to arise in such circumstances.

Customer requirements that go beyond standards

However, the question often is not only about what the customer wants, but what the customer will accept. In this respect the directives and standards describe only minimum requirements for the quality and workmanship of a product. With windows, the window gap often gives rise to complaints, caused by poor acoustic or comfort performance. Owing to the current requirements for windows there shouldn´t any gap. Within the quality chain, the designer, architect or party advising on the project have to come up with the “correct quality” for the respective customer.

The requirements and In clarifying what it is that the customer desires and requires, manufacturers and performance characteristics specialist suppliers can elaborate additional benefits and value added, which can be of windows, glass or doors used to motivate the customer to invest more than planned. www.frontale-india.com

Page 6 | February 2015 | Issue VIII

fensterbau/frontale india Tab • Avoidance of multiple tests and consideration of evidence provided by suppliers to reduce the costs for the initial type test.

• Evidence that is recognised and covered by construction law and that is widely accepted by designers, architects and building authorities • The frequently required substitution of components – gaskets or fittings, for example – is technically assessed by a neutral body and confirmed according to building law • The products of the manufacturer that are certified by ift are made centrally available to designers, architects and other construction related parties on the ift Web site • The industry- and product competence of the ift auditors enables feasible solutions and an efficient combination of product and company audits

Figure 4. Burj Al Arab in Dubai is a worldwide known symbol for high customer demands

Test and certification bodies with reliable quality marks With the introduction of product or certification standards, the responsibility for supplying evidence of performance of products and characteristics often lies solely with the manufacturer. Depending on the requirements placed on the construction products, tests, evidence of performance and audits of the factory production control have to be conducted by an experienced and competent testing and inspection body.

Most product standards require that at least the initial type test be conducted by a notified test body.

Many manufacturers do not restrict themselves to their own manufacturer declaration alone, but also have the characteristics confirmed and verified by a neutral and competent test body. ift Rosenheim determines all characteristics of windows, facades, doors and gates since 50 years and summarizes these clearly in an ift product passport. This also includes regular monitoring within the scope of the product certification, which ift Rosenheim has developed for the different construction components. The certification by ift Rosenheim is highly esteemed and worldwide accepted by consumers, technicians and specialist suppliers. In instances where third-party control is no longer required, an ift certification is therefore regarded as a recognised evidence of compliance with standards and assured quality. Voluntary quality assurance by ift Rosenheim offers manufacturers, designers and clients the following benefits:

Figure 5. ift Rosenheim could do all test for windows, curtain walls, glass and building materials and has 50 years competence in analysing quality and performance of building products About the Author

• Authorised characteristics of a neutral and internationally recognised test body and confirmation through an ift conformity certificate or ift product passport

Jürgen Benitz-Wildenburg is the Head of PR & Communication at ift Rosenheim. He has been active in various capacities as a carpenter, timber construction engineer and marketing expert in the wood and windows industry for many years. He shares his experience with others as a lecturer, speaker and author.

Your Alulux Specialist: Falcon Contracts Pvt. Ltd. sales@falconcontracts.com +91-9810000714 www.alulux.com www.falconcontracts.com

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Page 8 | February 2015 | Issue VIII

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Archohm Studio

C

- Archohm Consults Private Limited

- 28C, is the design studio Archohm’s Head office in India. Often labeled as a design fort, the design of the studio reflects the ‘mad and fun’ design philosophy of Archomites. The site is located in an extremely dense suburban area within the vicinity of the NCR With a built up area of 4,000 sq meters. Amidst the urban city conditions, the triangulated plot is flanked by, the ‘Jama mosque’ on one side, industrial factories on the other and a large slum development on the third.

Standing tall at a height of 10m, Archohm’s Corten steel entrance door creates an intimidating first impression. Its revolving nature and access through a ramp, gives the building its character and symbolizing the continuity of the outer street into this ‘square’, the atrium for visitors. A moat augments the medieval modern dialogue with a revolving bridge that connects the main studio to the front garden. Red Sandstone clads the boundary wall, with etchings that depict the focus areas of the firm.

The main building is divided into five components, each of which are defined and exaggerated by the use of distinct materials; concrete, glass, brick, stone and metal.

Each component has been designed keeping in mind climatic, contextual and functional requirements.

The main studio space takes the north face, and is an economical r.c.c. framed structure wrapped in glass. The glazed façade brings in diffused light, to create optimum working conditions. To distinguish a sense of identity within the various sectors of the studio, each department is assigned a particular color in the building section and elevation. Architecture is brown, Interiors is orange, Electrical is yellow, a dynamic visual collage of materials and colours that is able to represent life at Plumbing’s in blue and Finance is red. The external façade is transparent and houses Archohm, inside out! Large circular cutouts connect the floors vertically. Staggered every department’s files, documents, physical models and material samples, creating in location, these openings visually connect across three levels. To add vitality, each www.frontale-india.com

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Issue VIII | February 2015 | Page 9

cutout is equipped with its own highlight. From poles to slides, the features are varied, creativity amongst Archohmites. Being used as a live canvas, the exhibit of materials, add energy and are quite well-used! colours , textures, exposed surfaces and play of form, make the studio a 3-dimensional library! Not only does this help clients visualize designs but also, helps designers keep design alive! Through small initiatives, creative expressions and a sheer mad and fun working ambience, Archohmites have made their office a thought provoking gesture, representing their journey, exposure and experience over time. At the centre of the entrance atrium stands a metal sculpture, christened ‘the hand’. Crafted out of scrap material from the studio’s backyard, this abstract art piece, radically transforms, on being subject to light. Seen in its shadow, is the exact reflection of Le Corbusier’s ‘Hand’. Made to welcome and introduce visitors to Archohm’s philosophy of mad, fun but meaningful design. This sculpture traps the soul of Archohm.

Placed near the entrance, a robust, circular ‘rotunda’ of brick accommodates all services. Dominating the central hollow core, hangs a yellow felt manuscript, with laser cut, inspiring excerpts from the ‘Fountain Head’. The apt placement of the rotunda ensures efficient division of traffic, as visitors reach directly to the meeting rooms. At every half floor height, washrooms are placed with designed wooden benches for waiting. This service core houses the electrical substation at the base and water works on top. All services are concentrated into this block and all lines run exposed for economy and maintenance.

The roof top of this rotunda, transfers into a perfectly circular amphitheater that can accommodate upto a hundred people. Lined with white china mosaic, it helps to reflect unwanted heat and provides an excellent space to conduct formal/informal office gatherings.

PROJECT INFORMATION SHEET Typology

Office

Name of Project

Studio Archohm

Location

Noida

Name of Client

Self

Name of Client’s Firm

Archohm consults

Contact Person

Anindya Ghosh

Address

C- 28C, Sector 8, Noida (Uttar Pradesh), India

Tel.

+91-120-4640300

Email

mail@archohm.com

URL

www.archohm.com

Principal Architect

Mr. Sourabh Gupta

Design Team

Anindya Ghosh, Girdhar Singh Rautella, Shivdutt Sharma, Tanushree, S.P Gupta

Site Area

2400 sq mtrs

Built-Up Area

4000 Sq. Mtrs.

Start Date

2009

Completion Date

December 2011

Last but not least, is the triangle of concrete that gets its shape by virtue of the plot.

Its basement, houses fully equipped boutique studio guest rooms with their own open air theatre. On the first floor, sits the orange board room adorned at the centre with a triangular concrete table. Considered as one of Archohm’s highlights, this table was shunned by structural engineers due to its central support and extreme cantilevered design. However, true to Archohm spirit, the design was well detailed and finally implemented, leaving many amazed! At the terrace, the concrete triangle converges into a skylight and swimming pool which, is covered by a cooling white canopy. Beyond the pool, lies an open garden that overlooks the office cafeteria. A large triangular volume, double height and top light lit is one of the most spectacular design studio spaces of the office. The bare concrete walls, glass roof and terracotta floors make this contemporary space fairly earthy. The space is punctuated by art and design, designer lights and furniture pieces. This brings the entire archohm philosophy together in its chief designer’s personal domain.

Photographer

Humayun Khan and Andre J. Fanthome

Façade

Archohm

The entire office space is conceived as a vibrant and active space, interspersed with distinctive mediations, unique, out-of-the box ideas that demonstrate and inspire

Engineering

Archohm

The southern face is obstructed with a three-meter thick stone wall. This wall is hollowed at various levels to house playful glass, transparent meeting rooms that create an incredible internal visual dialogue. Looking onto the entrance atrium and facing the main studio, these meeting rooms add a sense of transparency to the office layout. In all, there are four such meeting rooms, each with its own colour, texture and style.

The metal roof of the atrium rises three floors high, extending itself into a metal box, as it scales into a badminton court for the studio, behind the stone wall. The vastness of the court helps it double up as an exhibition and a lecture space as and when required.

CONSULTANTS Structural

Roark

Mechanical

Archohm

Electrical

Archohm

Civil

Archohm

Landscape

Archohm

HVAC

Abid Husain

Plumbing

Techno

PMC

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Issue VIII | February 2015 | Page 11

26th - 28th February, 2015 / BIEC, Bengaluru

Presenting for the first time

“Centre of Excellence” fensterbau/frontale india in cooperation with ift Rosenheim presents Seeing is Believing: Centre of Excellence Live presentation of factors which influence the product quality of windows such as construction, frames, glass, sealing, hardware etc.

HIGHLIGHTS Suitable test equipment for quality management systems.

Brief seminars related to construction, materials, lnstallatlon, surveillance and quality guidelines Experts from ift will demonstrate how small glitches affect the overall product quality of the whole window.

A PEEP INTO THE FUTURE OF FACADE & FENESTRATION INDUSTRY

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Our window systems come with a 10 year guarantee and internationally highly-regarded European test certificates.

Choose the aluplast lifestyle. Meet our German-trained window experts today. www.aluplastindia.com

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Issue VIII | February 2015 | Page 13

Window of Opportunities: Fenestration Innovations

A

- Prof. Dinesh Bhardwaj

rchitecture has always been known to create an aesthetic impression more than a functional one in the eyes of a lay man. It is natural for an architect to understand the functionality or planning of a building and then look for elements enhancing its aesthetic value.

For functional use, buildings are always provided with windows and doors which support the statement - ‘Form follows Functions’. With growing demands and trends, clients ask for more than functions, an element of attraction is required to make a building truly iconic. This is where innovative fenestrations are required. Simply, laying a window where it is required will only create something ordinary. Though, the idea of minimalism still stands true, but trend now and ahead is looking for a balance between minimalism and going overboard.

Fenestrations, basically refer to the presence of openings in a building. These opening can be anything ranging from windows, door, louvers, vents, wall panels, skylights, storefronts, curtain walls and slope glazed systems. The basic idea is to use these elements in the most innovative way to create a building differently. Fenestration is not only a fancy name for a window but it also explains how most importantly, the windows are composed along the skin of the building and picking up a logical pattern to their placement or picking apart how illogically the openings are distributed.

One of the most important decisions taken by an architect during the designing of the facade is the fenestrations. Fenestrations are not only for an aesthetic purpose but is designed keeping in mind its functional use too. It is designed by the demands for energy efficiency as defined by building codes, green design standards, or even the building owner.

ESGE Ecole Secondary School in Switzerland is one of the most interesting examples showcasing fenestrations. The modular fenestration of this school building in western Switzerland was inspired by shapes from 1980s computer game Tetris. The most prominent and interesting feature of the building is that it is situated in the forest and these fenestrations create a harmony between the interior spaces and its Image Credits: surroundings.

Tetris School, Switzerland: http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/ files/2012/03/ESGE-Ecole-Secondaire-de-Genolier-by-ipas-6.jpg University of Saint Joseph, Beirut https://islamicprojects.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/usj-campus-beirut-20.jpg Efficient Fenestration Ratio: http://www.wbdg.org/images/daylighting_6.gif

The simplicity of design and pattern of the fenestration makes it unique and appealing.

The main purpose of fenestrations is not only required to make the building facade artistically appealing but also to strike the cord of harmony between what lies inside and around the building. University of Saint Joseph in Beirut is a huge combination of buildings knitted together as a university. The fenestration pattern is haphazard and at the same time very interesting. The only purpose of these windows is not only to mask the façade but these windows are strategically planned pumping enough natural sunlight in the building. The irregular pattern of the university building is also reflecting and inspired from a building damaged in the Lebanese civil war.

The windows designed on a facade are determined by the Effective Fenestration Ratio (EFR). The Effective Fenestration Ratio provides a global evaluation of the exposure of the building to solar radiations. This factor takes into consideration the orientation of windows and skylight, the shading coefficient of the glazing as well as architectural shading. As an architect it is a challenge to keep the factors effecting the placement of windows and aesthetic design for the same in synchronization to create an iconic building. The only purpose of fenestrations is not only iconicity but also comfort for the inhabitants, to keep in consideration the basic requirements of sunlight and fresh air.

Fenestrations are opportunities for designers to create buildings emphasising on the energy efficiency and innovative aesthetics. www.frontale-india.com

Page 14 | February 2015 | Issue VIII

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Futuristic

Fenestration - Divya BT, Archemist Architects

T

he design and placement of windows in a building is called fenestration. Windows are one of the most important features in a building; the primary functions being that of light and ventilation. They also play a key role in enhancing the beauty and aesthetics of external facades and also largely influence the quality of the internal atmosphere. It is indeed one of the elements in architecture one simply cannot do without in a building.

As we can see windows not only serve as features for light and ventilation, but are equipped to do a lot more! Technology has taken over and with windows offering so much, it definitely is a feature one should not neglect. Do not hesitate to invest in it, as it pays back in providing a better quality of life in a building.

About the Author

The fenestration industry is therefore a thriving one; and where there is competition, there is innovation. With every building element constantly evolving to meet with the future needs, changing demands have dramatically changed how builders look at windows and skylights. The fenestration product industry is also breaking out of its old moulds and adopting a wide array of new design and technologies.

Safety Windows: Gone are the days where security grills ruined the panoramas from a large window. Toughened and laminated glass in the windows is being used to provide additional safety. Toughened safety glass has undergone a heat treatment to increase its overall strength. Generally it is 5 times stronger than normal glass.

Laminated glass is a glass sandwich with a single plastic film in between, so even if the Divya BT, Co-founder & Principal Architect at Archemist Architects. Archemist glass breaks into pieces, they remain adhered to the film avoiding potential cuts and Architects was started as a collaborative architecture practice by an architect couple injuries as a result of broken glass.

Divya and Yogesh. They share a common love for architecture and innovation in construction. The architects bring in their expertise in sustainable design methodolSound Proof Windows: Now isn’t it a boon in the noisy city to come home to ogies in combination with construction management which is very essential in any some peace and quiet. Sound Proof windows are engineered with features that sub- building design. The mantra they follow is, ’Architecture should be innovative, easy stantially-reduce the ingress of outside noise levels. The windows are double sealed on the conscious and easy on the pocket.’ with EDPM gaskets, steel reinforced with a multi chambered and fusion welded www.archemistarchitects.com frame ensuring no gaps remain anywhere. Special silicon sealants are filled in the gaps between the windows and the walls. Multipoint locking system ensure tight shutting Image source: http://robin-safuddin.deviantart.com/art/eset-robot-logon-267769672 of shutters and with an addition of double or triple glazing, super insulation from up to 45decibels can be achieved!

Weather Proof Windows: Heavy lashing rain, torrential winds and rising levels

of pollutants and dust can really pose a problem. Thus some leading UPVC window manufacturers have stepped up to offer a solution to the Indian weather conditions.

Their special UV resistant UPVC blend with titanium dioxide, offer stable colour all through intense UV exposure for years and do not require paint or polish. Steel reinforced to frames and sashes provide a tough exterior to handle heavy winds.

Special rain track mechanisms make the windows monsoon resistant by keeping the rain water out along with dust and pollutants.

Self-cleaning Windows: Now did we read that right? Well self-cleaning glass

does not need to be cleaned as frequently as normal glass. However it is not 100% maintenance free. A transparent coating on the outside of the glass harnesses the power of both sun and rain to efficiently remove dirt and grime. Exposure to the UV rays present in daylight triggers the decomposition of organic dirt and prevents mineral dirt from adhering to the surface of the glass. It also turns it “hydrophilic” meaning that when it rains the water sheets across the glass, without forming droplets, rinsing away the broken down dirty residues. A perfect solution for not so easy to reach windows and skylights.

Solar Control Windows: Heat gain and glare have always been a problem

through large windows. Solar control glass used in the windows can drastically reduce the heat build-up in sunny weather without the need for costly air conditioning or blinds. This glass has a microscopically thin coating on one side that reflects up to 2/3 heat from the sun to the outside filtering uncomfortable glare from the sun, keeps interiors cooler whilst letting in lots of natural light.

Photovoltaic Window: New energy technologies are developing the first-of-its

kind Photovoltaic transparent glass for windows, the BIPV (Building-integrated photovoltaic) panels. These are transparent solar panels with tin oxide coating on the inner surface of the glass panes to conduct current out of the cell. The cell contains titanium oxide that is coated with a photoelectric dye. They are increasingly being incorporated into the construction of new buildings as well as retrofitted into old structures as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power. Large fixed windows and skylights are ideal places to for this glass. www.frontale-india.com

When you aim

high, you should trust in quality.

QUALITY. SAFETY. RELIABILITY. For over 40 years now the name VEKA stands for premium profile quality. 3,700 employees on three continents work every day to make our pledge to excellence reality, and turn it into a lasting success lever for VEKA partners – with groundbreaking innovations and detailed solutions that make VEKA quality the first choice in window technology.

For the last ten years our local subsidiary, VEKA India, has successfully grown an all India network of certified dealers and fabricators. Come and see us in the German Pavilion at booth B 101.2 and find out what we have to offer to your business.

www.veka.com

www.veka.in The Quality Profile

VEKA AG · Dieselstrasse 8 · D-48324 Sendenhorst · Tel.: +49 2526 29-0 · Fax +49 2526 29-3710 · www.veka.com VEKA India Pvt. Ltd. · A-324, Mahape MIDC · Navi Mumbai-400607 · Phone +91 22 2778 7400 · Fax +91 22 2778 2260 · www.veka.in

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