Window and Facade Magazine Middle East (Jan-Feb 2022)

Volume 4 | Issue 1 January-February 2022

FACE TO FACE Interview with Simone Micheli, Founder, Simone Micheli Architectural Hero

FUTURE FAÇADES: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & PERFORMANCE WITH THE ADOPTION OF COMPUTERAIDED TECHNOLOGY Experts’ thoughts on the future façade, materials, and technologies.

INDUSTRY SPEAKS Interview with Rajaikepin Rajamoni, Business Head, Sobha Façades Ind LLC

PREFACE Innovating Façades for the Future Cities A building façade is the physical interaction between the interior and outside environments of a structure. The building envelopes shape both the external and internal environments, acting as a physical barrier to ensure that lighting, ventilation, solar heat gain management, thermal load comfort, noise control, design quality, and a pleasing appearance are all achieved.

Façades are an important component of the exterior building composition, thus it is only sensible that this area be used efficiently to assist sustainable building design, energy savings, financial independence, decreased pollution, and carbon footprint. The kind of mechanism, materials, design, and proper façade installation are all important factors in determining the building’s performance.

There are many more types of façades, and each façade has different features that are designed according to the site aspects, each façade has their own unique characteristics that depend on many factors, such as building orientation, climatic aspect material properties, active cooling, and so on. Be the change as more innovative pro façades enter the market that are considerably more efficient and eco-friendly to our precious environment.

There are several types of building skins systems available today, and the goal is to find the optimum solution by combining them. Without the innovation of new façade materials, improvements in performance, lower development costs, simplicity and speed of application, and more demonstrating the potential to make intriguing new uses of existing building façades and space, the desire to accomplish great things for sustainability loses value.

There are many more building façade materials and technologies that we still have to think about seriously and consider in the coming years.

Enjoy reading the magazine! You can send your feedback and suggestions to editorial@wfmmedia. com. You can also suggest some article topics topic cs that you would like to read, we will try to bring the articles on those topics for you.

- Team WFM

1W WFM FM | Ja FM January anua uary - Febr February b ua br u ry 2 2022 0 2 02

CONTENTS Façades & Acoustics Dimitrios Doutsios, Lead Acoustical Consultant, Eumada

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Ways to Reduce Fire Risks in the Buildings Andy Dean, Head of Façades, WSP Middle East

Façades of Today Evolve for the Next Generation: Advancements in Digital Technology & Materials Maha AL-Gebaly, Façade Engineer, CSCEC Middle East

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Experts’ thoughts on the future façade, materials, and technologies

Façades Ind LLC

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Face to Face Interview with Simone Micheli, Founder, Simone Micheli Architectural Hero

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Case Study: Lyfe Care - Homes & Clinics, UAE

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Future Façades: Sustainable Design & Performance with the Adoption of Computer-Aided Technology

Industry Speaks Interview with Rajaikepin Rajamoni, Business Head, Sobha

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4

Buzz

Front Cover Courtesy: Future Architectural Glass, LLC Published by: F and F Middle East FZ-LLC

Founder: Amit Malhotra Editorial: Renu Rajaram renu@wfmmedia.com

Sales & Operations: Kapil Girotra kapil@wfmmedia.com

Subscription & Circulation: Devagya Behl support@wfmmedia.com Design & Concept by: Reema Thakur

Shefali Bisht editorial@wfmmedia.com

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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ACOUSTICS

Façades & Acoustics

Dimitrios Doutsios Lead Acoustical Consultant, Eumada

About the Author: Dimitrios Doutsios is an experienced acoustical consultant with degrees in the fields of acoustics and environmental science. He has 18 years of international cross functional experience combining acoustics and vibration expertise gained in challenging projects within various industries. He is a member of institute of acoustics (IOA) and a member of Middle East acoustic society (MEAS). He possesses a solid engineering and scientific background combined with instrumentation skills gained through experience as well as effective leadership and relationship management skills. His work portfolio includes complex and diverse projects in development categories such as residential, hospitality, educational, commercial, healthcare, courts, entertainment and other. He has worked for award winning projects and for a variety of clients including developers, building/business owners, architects, governmental organisations and contractors.

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Arabian Ranches III, UAE

Noise and noise pollution are typically affecting city populations. They rank among the most important environmental risks to health and continue to be a growing concern among policy - makers and the public. As cited in World Health Organisation’s (WHO) environmental noise guidelines in 2018, traffic noise affects at least 100 million people in the European Union (EU), while in western Europe alone at least 1.6 million healthy years of life are lost as a result of road traffic noise (EU Environmental Noise Directive). In the Emirate of Dubai, there were filed more than 2,500 noise complaints in 2019, mainly due to construction works in residential areas.

Large - scale surveys show that road traffic noise is the most important source of annoyance. This is followed closely by neighbour noise. Aircraft noise can also be a significant source of annoyance.

Railway noise and industrial noise are mentioned less frequently. The European Commission (EC) estimates that the social cost of noise and air pollution is up to €1 trillion every year (EC, 2016a).

Considering the above, it is obvious that noise pollution does have a negative effect on humans.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) noise effects to humans can have either critical health outcomes or important health outcomes. These can be linked to cardiovascular disease, hearing impairment, cognitive impairment, adverse birth outcomes and metabolic outcomes.

Façade Design Contribution to Acoustic Comfort A building envelope typically comprises different type of building elements that offer varying

noise reduction. Façade glazing offers lesser sound reduction when compared to more robust constructions such as masonry. A good façade acoustic design can identify and address the acoustical problems, form a paradigm for similar type of design scenarios within the building and for other buildings, meet the acoustic noise intrusion criteria for the building interior, offer a comfortable and productive indoor acoustic climate that leads to increased revenue, quiet conditions for concentration and studying, appropriate climate for teaching, better collaboration and good reputation, and demonstrate compliance of the project key performance indices.

Main Acoustic Performance Parameters to be Addressed in Façade Design It is important to establish and clearly define the indoor noise targets that need to be achieved as per code / legislation, operator specifications or project stakeholders. Moreover, define if the acoustic insulation descriptors are relating to field or laboratory values. The external noise needs to be controlled by the façade glazing so as there is compliance achieved, and therefore a suitable acoustic comfort within the building interior. The correct glazing configuration is highly important: single or multiple layers of glazing, the right order of glass panes – from outside to inside, appropriate air gap between glass panes, laminated glazing etc.

When selecting the glass performance it is likely that strictly the laboratory value sound insulation rating will not suffice i.e. Rw or STC. Therefore, careful consideration needs to be given to the

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St Regis Residences, UAE

characteristic / frequency of the generating outdoor noise source e.g. low frequency from a neighbouring HVAC rooftop plant. As such the Rw+Ctr or the OITC acoustic descriptors are recommended to be crosschecked. These acoustic descriptors are typically lower in value when compared to equivalent laboratory values. Resonance in the glazing configuration is also a critical factor when selecting the correct glass build – up. The façade framing is a weak point, and therefore needs to be accounted in the design. Architectural / structural details such as mullions / transoms and other junctions, are very critical in terms of their acoustical design.

Their importance relates to enhancing flanking transmission control, meeting field performance and maintaining proprietary installation. In addition, careful consideration for any operable openings, their closing and sealing mechanism, selection of suitable building materials, consideration of sound absorbing façade surfaces, consideration of wind induced aerodynamic noise during the design, consideration of façade shape in terms of noise during the design, location and treatments of ventilation openings and cladding typologies are additional factors that require attention.

All of the aforementioned factors would need to be in line with other multidisciplinary design disciplines such as structures, fire and life safety, thermal comfort etc. And of course the final solution would need to align with the client’s requirements, expectations and needs.

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Main Acoustic Issues Found in Buildings and Their Preventions It is observed in many cases that acoustic design has not been considered during the building façade design, even when developments are located close to major noise sources such as highways, stadiums, airports, entertainment amenities etc. Examples of poor design that results in offending sounds and consequently in unwanted indoor acoustic conditions are referenced below: • • • • • • •

Unsuitable glazing selection Unsuitable frame selection and installation Poor quality of materials and façade workmanship Inappropriate structural and architectural details such as transom configurations Untreated ventilation openings Inappropriate junction details to the building interior Rigid connections between the building’s interior that don’t account for expansion and contraction e.g. a floating floor or a suspended ceiling rigidly connected to the façade

Retrofitting acoustic works to an existing façade can be a very challenging and complex solution that will have financial implications for the client. The optimal approach would be to engage a qualified acoustical consultant at the project outset, who is able to carry out an appropriate assessment.

This involves examining the category for the development’s location in terms of noise exposure,

and relates to the planning authorities.

Following that, once the project design will start, a baseline environmental noise survey and / or predictive tools can be used to quantify the incident sound energy on the building location and its massing.

The assessment outcome can be used to inform other project stakeholders about the plot of land, building orientation, positioning of noise - sensitive spaces within the development, glazing and frame build – up, and elements that assist in blocking or reducing the incident noise on the façade.

Regulations to Follow to Establish the Acoustic Performance of Façades When designing a façade in Dubai there are a number of regulations that an acoustical consultant needs to follow. Since December 2021, the new Dubai Building Code (DBC) is in place, replacing the previous Green Building Regulations and Specifications (GBR&S). It aims to unify building design across Dubai, and to create a building code that is easy to use. It applies to all new buildings and changes to existing buildings are described in Table A.1 (Figure 1), ppA9 of the document.

Figure 2: Dubai Building Code excerpt on the occupancies and use types

Descriptive reference / performance statement is made to the acoustical performance of the building envelope. Reference is made to the site planning requirements, to the necessary guidance of an acoustic consultant for the project design and involvement, and references additional standards in terms of the already used standards - Table H.17 (Figure 3), pp H85.

Figure 3: Dubai Building Code excerpt on the design standards per occupancy

Figure 1: Dubai Building Code excerpt on the existing building and application of the DBC

Moreover, it applies to the following occupancies, as referenced in Table A.2 (Figure 2), ppA9.

The new inclusions complement the acoustic design of each type of building and introduce the facility guidelines institute for healthcare buildings Dubai Health Authority Health facility guidelines.

Reference is made to building services noise as per American Standards. The façade design aim is to meet the H.17 Table (Figure 3) or better. The reference for noise intrusion relates to British Standards. These can relate to BS8233, Health Technical Memorandum 08 – 01, Building Bulletin 93 and British Council for Office, Guide to Specification.

Finally, there can be hospitality or hospital operator specifications that need to be followed during the design and execution of a project. When such cases arise, it is important at first to offer compliance against the codes.

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FIRE SAFETY

Ways to Reduce Fire Risks in the Buildings

Andy Dean, Head of Façades, WSP Middle East

About the Author: Andy Dean is an experienced façade consultant with over 30 years in construction, ranging from structural testing within the nuclear industry to fire testing. Having established the Dubai Façade Technology Centre and Laboratory in 1997, and operated it for 10 years, he has particular knowledge of the design and weather tightness testing of facades, and business life in the Middle East. Having also established and managed a Middle East branch office of an international fire testing and certification body, he overlays his knowledge of fire performance on façades. Andy is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building, and a Fellow of the Society of Façade Engineers (CIBSE); holding or having held senior committee positions in the local chapters of these organisations.

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Common Causes of Fires in Buildings The potential reasons for fire to start are numerous.

However, fire needs three elements to start, and a chain reaction to keep it going – heat, oxygen and fuel. In WSP we tend to focus on the aspects of heat and fuel, because oxygen is usually ubiquitous. Heat, in many respects, is synonymous with ignition, and fuel is a function of the quantity and availability of combustible material. So, armed with that information it’s easy to conceptualise the common causes, and they follow naturally.

There are sources of fire that we humans intend to create – cooking, heating and smoking are obvious. There are others that, although necessary, we don’t necessarily intend to create – electrical sparking resulting from flicking a switch being the most common, but also, when it goes wrong, the heat, sparking and flames that result from a failing electrical unit.

It should come as no surprise then, that globally one of the most common sources of fire is from

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Façade fire

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that they become readily ignitable. Add a carelessly discarded cigarette or untended barbeque, and the results become both very apparent very quickly.

Ways to Reduce Fire Risks Risk can be expressed as a function of probability and consequence, and in fire terms these aspects can be generally aligned with ignition and fuel respectively. So, a methodical approach is to reduce either or both, and this is the main way that we in WSP demonstrably evaluate the current risk, and also the resultant effect of particular risk reduction measures – usually for existing building reviews.

However, from another perspective, risk can be reduced by good design, installation and maintenance. Other factors are the quality or appropriate application of products.

One of the least expensive risk reduction opportunities is ‘use’. How we use our buildings, how we behave in them, and our knowledge of how to use them properly are tremendously important, and often don’t cost very much. Using the buildings or items in them for their intended purpose, not overstressing them or being careless with them, and training occupants to use them properly are key. Running electrical motors at their Fire resistance test

faulty electrical devices. These can fail either with time, or from poor design or installation, or misuse / damage. The insidious danger lies in the fact that often electrical components are almost always concealed – in ceilings or within walls – but also usually within polymer housings – your computer, television, ceiling fan, coffee machine.

The polymer, which is usually designed to be tightly packed around the electrical components, prevents access, and is a great insulator, but it provides a ready source of fuel immediately available to any build-up of heat. Cooking is another common source of fire, for more obvious reasons.

In the Middle East we are no different in this regard. However, like some other areas with similar climates, we have the additional aspect of ambient heat – which can dry out materials like waste, plants, and even potting compost to the extent

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Forster Thermfix Vario series

Reaction to fire test

design speed, not smoking inconsiderately, and conducting regular fire drills would be examples of easy, and virtually cost-free wins.

Mostly, not cutting corners, behaving sensibly and being practical are the basics for risk reduction.

Role of Design Systems in Fire-Safe Buildings Fire safety, in the context of the façade, starts at the design stage. This must be a collaborative and coordinated process, along with the other technical disciplines and architect to ensure that the design aesthetic intent is met, with the technical performance required. That conversation should start as early as possible, whilst opportunities remain broad. As the design is refined in the transition from concept to construction, those opportunities become narrower to nil; so giving the correct design direction early is essential.

This is the case for new designs on new buildings – existing buildings are a different matter of course.

Role of Fenestration Design in Fire-Safe Buildings The purpose of the façade is to both separate the inside from the outside, and also to give us controlled access to it.

We need to protect ourselves from the external environment, in its varying forms, but also we need to let in light, provide a view (in both directions) and provide openings so that we can get in and out and ventilate our internal spaces where appropriate.

All of that needs to be done safely. In ignition and fuel terms, we need to limit both. The ignition aspects are usually not part of the façade design, so generally the most we can do is protect ourselves from them by ensuring that electrical elements are properly separated, conduited and earthed, and that our façade is itself properly earthed.

However, we have more control over the fuel aspect.

Providing a ‘non-combustible façade’ is an unlikely proposition - we unavoidably need polymers in

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most façades for seals, and coatings. However, the selection of materials for panels and insulation is critical. These are the big-ticket items – the large volume, large surface area components that result in large fires and rapid flame spread if not selected knowledgeably.

The other key aspect is compartmentation – breaking up cavities so that they are discontinuous.

We do this using perimeter firestopping and cavity barriers, but a good façade design will do that naturally as well.

Passive & Active Fire-Safe Protection Methods Put simply, passive systems are where there are no mechanical moving parts, or fluid reservoirs or the like that become active in a fire. They might include doors, walls, floors, ceilings, perimeter firestopping or cavity barriers. They would also typically relate to the nature of materials themselves, in the context of their ignitability, propensity to burn or spread flame and create smoke, or block the products of a fire.

Conversely, active systems include arrangements such as sprinklers or other suppression systems, detection systems and alarms or other reactive control arrangements.

Clarifying those general categories, doors have to be opened and closed, and intumescent materials will ‘activate’ when heated – expanding to fill a seal or void – but these are effectively still passive systems because their function is primarily associated with their performance in their static state.

Whilst there are some active systems for façades, the primary performance should aim to be passive.

Using a flammable material for a façade, which needs an additional active system to extinguish it in the case of a fire is costly and adds risk – what if the active system doesn’t work?

Façade fires will often overcome sprinkler systems if they extend over and break into multiple floors

Spandrel firestop

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Reaction to Fire & Fire Resistance: Classification of Materials in the Event of a Fire Just like any other part of the building, façade fire performance falls into the well-established categories of Reaction to Fire (RTF) and Fire Resistance (FR). Understanding what these are and how they affect a façade is critical. In brief, RTF is how and if materials burn. FR is the compartmentation of a fire. I can’t think of a scenario where the consideration of both categories isn’t required in all buildings to some extent.

These categories themselves are fundamentally passive processes; as opposed to active processes.

Scenarios that Can Cause an Internal Building Fire to Spread to the External Façade For most parts of most buildings, façades are not fire-resistance rated. One of the most common fire break-out scenarios is through glazing. All fires are different, and there are many factors that will affect when the glass breaks and what happens afterwards.

Glass can typically break anywhere between 200 and 400 °C, and may or may not immediately fall out, depending on the type. However, distortion in the frame may break glass beforehand, or retain the glass until the frame itself melts (at circa 660°C in the case of aluminium). However, this all happens within minutes in a fully developing fire and it would be reasonable to expect some level of fire breakout after 10 minutes.

the main measure employed to prevent significant spread. Other options are introducing fire breaks – sections of the wall that will not allow flame spread, or the introduction of horizontal projections to block the vertical path of the fire.

A second form of spread is within cavities in the façade. If hot gasses are allowed to travel through spaces within the façade, these can cause fires in any location that the gas can get to. A good design will include cavity barriers, that literally block the flow of gasses – typically at least at each floor level vertically, and between dwelling units horizontally.

A third significant form of spread is at the interface where the horizontal floor slabs meet the vertical façade. This is actually internal-to-internal spread.

We use perimeter firestopping – a specialised linear joint seal – to prevent this passage. See below.

It’s worth noting that NFPA 285, a common fire test that simulates a fully developed fire breaking out from a façade or window opening, introduces an external burner at 5 minutes into the test.

The Importance of ‘Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems’ in the Prevention of Fire Spread The main fire stop in façade terms is the perimeter fire stop – that being the special linear seal that closes the gap between the slab edge and the adjacent façade. The intention is to stop smoke and hot gasses moving vertically from one compartment to another. This is usually formed from a compressed insulating mineral fibre mass that either itself creates a seal against both adjacent surfaces, or is combined with an additional sealant to do so. It is important to make sure that the portion of the façade adjacent to the firestop (usually the spandrel zone), plus the bracket holding it all on, doesn’t significantly deteriorate during a fire.

Otherwise the stability and even existence of the perimeter firestop is somewhat moot.

Once there is external impingement of flame, the level to which fire spreads will depend on two principal factors: the extent to which the external façade material supports combustion and flame spread, and whether the fire breaks back into the façade through at the next level, igniting materials in the next room above (leapfrog effect). This progression could occur as a result of the materials on the outside of the façade, but also materials within the façade, such as insulation, if they are combustible too. Limiting the combustibility and flame spread characteristics of such materials is

A similar, but not the same, firestop is the cavity barrier. This aims to break up large cavities between a façade and the adjacent structure into small compartments to prevent wide intra-cavity spread of smoke and hot gasses. Examples of such scenarios might be a cladding wall built over a core or shear wall, or a GFRC fin that runs up a column.

Best practice is to add a horizontal cavity barrier at each equivalent floor level, and vertically at the perimeter of the area. There are several aspects to consider here, including that some cavities must be ventilated in general service. In such cases, a

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mineral fibre cavity barrier with an intumescent strip that expands in a fire to close the ventilation gap could be used.

The Choice of Materials Considering Fire Safety Expanding on the RTF and FR performance categories, and taking RTF (reaction to fire) first, we need to make sure that the façade materials are not easily ignitable – an irresponsibly discarded cigarette for example shouldn’t be able to start a façade fire.

Surface spread of flame would be our next concern – if a façade is next to a fire maybe it will be burned but the materials that the façade is built from shouldn’t then spread that flame outside the zone of the original fire.

these aspects work together to collectively create a system that is low-risk.

Façade Openings, Ventilators, and Other Façade Designs to Prevent Fire and its Spread As we all know, heat rises. In a fire, this is also the case, and as the hot gasses ascend, they will gather at whatever ceiling they reach above them.

The gases themselves then form a large volume radiating heat, especially if the ceiling materials are combustible and are ignited. That hot layer of gas grows and deepens, and radiates more heat.

At a certain point the radiation will be sufficient to ignite other elements – perhaps furniture and carpets. The hot layer is also likely to increasingly reduce the opportunity for escape beneath it, as it swells downwards and increases in intensity.

As materials burn they give off various chemicals in the smoke, and some smoke is denser than others.

We should use materials in our façades that limit the toxicity and density of their combustion gases.

Finally for RTF, combustibility. Those that have called for ‘façades to be non-combustible’ don’t understand façades and don’t understand fire.

‘Non-combustibility’ has a very strict definition in the fire industry and only materials like glass, stone, solid metal and the like can achieve it. However, we need gaskets, sealants, thermal breaks and other plastic / polymer materials for the façades to work properly. Although the performance of these small components should have some understood limits, if all other aspects of the façade are controlled, then the small, necessary combustible components have an equally limited effect.

Consequently, a common approach is to ventilate the hot gasses. This limits the depth of the hot layer, and the intensity of radiation. The objective is to prevent flashover – the point at which all materials in the space become involved in the fire – and potentially allow spaces below to be tenable for longer – even as a means of escape.

Turning to FR (fire resistance) or compartmentation, the fire safety strategy created by the fire consultant informs the façade consultant where the firestopping should be and if a façade itself needs to be fire resistance rated.

The Current Fire Safety Codes for Buildings in the Middle East The current fire safety codes for buildings in the region have had a transformational effect on the fire performance of façades. Prior to their introduction, there were many examples of inappropriate designs and materials or systems selection. We are often dealing with that legacy now.

Common examples are: horizontal firestops between slab edge and the façade; the spandrel panel itself (so that the spandrel panel doesn’t deteriorate in a fire); vertical firestopping between party walls and the façade; and car park entrance glazing. The requirement for other façades to be FR rated is less common. It’s important that all of

This adds more importance to ensuring that the façade materials are themselves highly performing.

Ventilating hot gasses onto a façade that burns would not be a well-considered design.

There are many proprietary systems that are specifically designed to ventilate hot gasses in the case of a fire, and these can be connected to building management systems accordingly.

However, the new codes are clear, easy to follow and world-class. Importantly, most of them draw together best practice from around the world and in many cases enhance and exceed it.

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FUTURE FAÇADES Façades of Today Evolve for the Next Generation: Advancements in Digital Technology, Materials

Maha AL-Gebaly Façade Engineer, CSCEC Middle East

About the Author: Maha Al-Gebaly is an enthusiast façade Engineer in the building envelope industry that has graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. She has worked for façade department flexibly within experienced cross-functional teams at multinational leading firms headquartered in the UK (Lindner facades-Lindner prater ltd), China (CSCEC-China state construction Engineering corporation), UAE (AESGAlabbar Energy & Sustainability Group), and Egypt (Alutec-The Egyptian German Aluminum Company) on projects throughout the Middle East |GCC such as Zayed National Museum (Norman Foster and WSP), The Island MGM, Bellagio, & Aria Hotels (UN studio and Brewer Smith Brewer Group), Cairo festival city living (Al-Futtaim development), and Alamein iconic tower (DAR). Her area of interest focused on creating impactful advanced design solutions that can get the world we live in ready for the future.

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Automated Modular Construction (ABB Robots build wall panels) by the house of design

“Future Façades will be Much Advanced than We Have Ever Known” Imagine being in a world that has its façade components 3d printed, dismantled, and reused in another project. A design to be generated through computational programming while incorporating passive designs and eco-friendly fabrication methods. A high-performing façade with smart materials that can be responsive with its shape, properties, and orientation to act according to climate conditions.

and better document management. It ensures that the work is easily accessed, updated with the latest files, and seamlessly transitioning between project phases. In your next project, you won’t be making 3D modeling but you will be providing data also to analyse performance by computational tools like life assessment analysis through data sets integrated into the model. In Europe, we can witness more stringent building code requirements for energy performance are being applied with higher taxes.

It is Time for Design Customisation Based on Intelligent Data, Complex Requirements, and Regulative Constraints (Custom designed BIM/ Parametric) A software can be used to automate repetitive tasks easily. You can use new software that has BIM, climatic analysis, and simulation all integrated into one place. BIM is the process adopted for years to replace the non-informative 3d models. It’s applied to provide information about cost, fabrication, and transportation data into the model. It also can be parametrised that you can change its profiles, angles, and heights in a matter of minutes. Design and estimation files are being standardised to be stored on cloud-based servers for broader access

“Customising the existing software design through computer programming, scripts, and digital workflows to make a custom-made parametrised model” What is next? The transition from conventional BIM to Parametric BIM You will be able to have developed solutions through automated design processes, data structure, and machine learning techniques in your next project. The designers will derive the values of façade elements as functional algorithms through numerical and computational simulations.

It’s an era of intelligent data that can be used to make parametrised scripts that can be added to

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The UAE National Innovation Committee had set a target to 3D print 25% of Dubai’s buildings by 2030.

This 3D printed cement 2-story building in Dubai-the largest 3D printing in the world - Image Courtesy: Apis Cor

Building information modeling. You can generate design forms in the beginning through the given intelligent data and design intent. It helps resolve discrepancies in a timely manner, reduce costs, and maintain accuracy. The design model can be updated automatically through all the parts when changes happen to a parameter. Documents or schedules can be generated automatically while designs can be fabricated in the same way with a great level of detail (at the level of individual building components).

“Conventional construction takes 15% of waste while modular construction is being pushed to reduce 3% net waste of material and energy.”

Modular construction can be built utilising 3d printed parts that are finished or made in factories. It can reduce the overall manpower, transportation, and waste off-site while giving space to machines. That is better in terms of getting over labor shortage and project stoppage problems. Modular construction requires more design periods with challenging fabrication. Systems of modular construction can be dismantled and relocated with minimum impact

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elsewhere. IoT (internet of things) can trace these modules through sensors during shipping to the site and also give insights into the package’s humidity.

We have to start fabrication of higher modules first then lower ones. The modular economy is achieved through the reuse and integration of building materials can save cost 30% than refurbishment.

The standardisation and repeatability of modules are crucial. Selecting local materials will help lower the embodied carbon (amount of energy required to extract, process, transport, install, and recycle a material).

“Future building material won’t be used to shield the user behind the envelope against climatic conditions but also to adapt with it while, when applicable, generates and saves energy” Just as the trees change their leaves from season to season, façades can’t be designed as a constant and unchangeable shell anymore.

It should be presented by dynamic adaptive models to the change of climate conditions easily (CABS: climatic adaptive building shells/façades).

It adapts by changing its shape such as smart

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materials of polymers, (SMA) shape memory alloy, and electrochromic glass. Recycled steel façades can adapt to any shape while having long-term durability. Engineers have started developing new eco-friendly residual materials such as coal ash as well.

Material selections in the future will be based on lightweight, cradle to cradle, and EPD/LCA (life cycle assessment) ones. Façade material has an impact on the interior spaces for comfort and externally on the neighborhood aesthetics. Smart additives can be added to enhance façades acoustics and materials can be optimised to generate energy as well.

“Development of products like integrated ventilation system, closed cavity façades, CLT, and organic insulation is ongoing to meet the net-zero requirements. Automation of operable windows that are compacted, battery-powered, simply installed, and have low operation and maintenance costs. These are the key challenging customer buying criteria in the Middle East that are focusing on reducing cooling loads”.

By 2025, a rise in the use of wood as raw material and wood-based prefabricated construction is expected. Wood in form of CLT (cross-laminated timber) can capture carbon from the atmosphere.

Although it reduces production, it is being banned because of its combustibility. Envelope energy loads and glare can be controlled through building management software to optimise energy performance and meet sustainability goals. The future of a unitised compact double-skin façade is known as a closed cavity façade (CCF). It consists of a (DGU) at the interior with a single pane of glass at the exterior. Exterior conditions are monitored by solar shading devices and shading controls that are placed inside the cavity during assembly. It provides the thermal advantage of an exterior operable shading device without the high maintenance costs. To prevent dust and condensation, a small continuous flow of dry air is supplied into the cavity. Vertical green vegetation is being integrated into façades to boost noise absorption, pollution reduction, and well-being while reinforcing biodiversity and averring shade.

Future of Glass from Cradle to Gate, Into a Cradle to Cradle The glass industry has challenges to be sustainable as it consumes a lot of energy for the panels to be heated, although the raw materials are too sustainable. Thus, glass manufacturers started thinking about alternatives to the production process to be more energy efficient. Also, secondhand glass markets are emerging in Europe (buy waste for new projects).

Parametric design software by google photos

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Modular construction panel by corner-i

3D Printing is a Part of Robotic Construction Technologies that Have Developed with the Digital Turn in Architecture 3D printers are reliable, flexible, and an on-demand way to produce façade elements. It could be made through a smooth workflow with increased quality, limited waste, and on-demand manufacturing. After the pandemic has reassured us about crisis plans, 3D printing came to save us from being disrupted by material or labor shortages.

Robotic tech like drones can spray wet and dry affordable paint/mortar in high or difficult construction areas (instead of intensive scaffolding) including difficult geography like cliffs. For this, they use embedded AI systems developed by machine learning experts. Mobile Robotics can reinvent the whole construction process and its workflows while saving money and reducing safety risks in the long

term. Companies are collaborating with university labs on developing robots that can traverse rough terrains to monitor labor progress and scan construction sites. It gives a live feed of construction progress to international offices and reflects it on Project managers’ AR headsets/devices. The robot makes comparisons between as designed and asbuilt models while sending reports and updating 3D scanned models. It also can survey with laser scanning for proper fixation points and updated coordinates for final fabrication drawings. Robotic arms can wrap and install panels post-fabrication.

It can even lay bricks out into a stack to form walls.

CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is the use of computer systems for planning, management, and control of the operations of a manufacturing fabrication using the interface directly or indirectly between the computer system and production resources.

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How Far You Want to Go with 3D Printing in Your Building Envelope?

Everything can be 3D printed now based on 3d models no matter how complex it gets, new Engineering development will come to implement it for you. 3D printers can produce envelopes from small to large components or even a whole 3d printed envelope. 3D printers through 6 axis robotic arms (multi directions) are driving building construction to another level of detail. Software used to control the density of printed parts (fully dense or sparse fill). Polymerisation, SAF (selective absorption fusion), and SIA (stereolithography) are the new techniques for 3d printing.

AM (additive) manufacturing was being used 30 years ago to enhance the efficiency of turbomachinery components. It can fill supply chain and stock gaps that affect the market lately. It is constantly developed to produce parametric façade

forms that weren’t possible to be made before through using computer-aided design (CAD) or 3D object scanners while allowing for the creation of objects with precise geometric shapes. These geometries are built layer by layer, as with a 3D printing process, which is in contrast to traditional manufacturing that often requires machining or other techniques to remove surplus material.

Adapt Today Façades Requirements to the Structures of Yesterday As the most sustainable house is the one that hasn’t been built yet, the greenest building is the one that already exists. Thus, the need for retrofitting and renovation emerges. Retrofitting façades can be a result of the rapid change for existing buildings’ function.

It can be for adopting sustainable solutions without the need to redevelop the whole building sending

Zayed National Museum (Norman foster, WSP, Lindner prater ltd) ----- The latticed towers act as thermal chimneys that draw cool air currents through the museum naturally. The heat at the top of the towers draws up air vertically through the galleries due to the thermal stack effect. Air vents at the top which are controlled by devices, take advantage of the negative pressure and draw the hot air out. The special glass type with interlayer mesh inside the IGU offers shade and meets the required u value to the building

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old parts to waste. Tenants will be searching for retrofitting solutions to their aging building façades so they can maximise rental space value, meet the sustainability requirements/regulations (increase views of occupants, increase day-lighted spaces, monitor occupant well-being, and lower cooling/ heating loads), and adapt the latest techs for doing so.

Over cladding creates less than 40% embodied/ operation carbon than recladding approach. It can be made by adding interlayer/blinds while maintaining the building structure with minimal cost. You can retrofit by adding some heat chimneys and outlets to discard air and extract heat. Analysis of illuminance, sunlight, structure, energy prior to retrofitting to choose the best development possible with lower impact on occupants.

“We got to get back to Nature to lower our impact on it. Did you know that people spend 60-90% of their time surrounded by building envelopes and building sector has 38% of global Co2 emissions?”

There is a growing demand in potential markets post-pandemic of beautiful façades that is efficient with general ventilation (cross-stacked) controlled by device integrated into façade openings and

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meeting acoustics performance (through noise concealers integrated into windows frame and through use of IGU-air gap). It should also achieve energy efficiency and zero-carbon emission sustainability requirements. Sustainable façades must perform better than normal ones in providing higher comfort with the least energy which can only be achieved by having climate-based design strategies (Including energy modeling, thermal comfort analysis, heat transfer analysis, heat and moisture analysis, and daylight analysis). Through design optimisation, important savings can be achieved. Especially material and energy savings, not only because of its economic advantages but also because of the ecological ones that have become, in the last decade, an essential factor to be considered in the project.

New Regulations and Standards are Changing to Certify Only Building with Net-Zero Energy Performance by 2050 Energy-generating elements integrated into façades aren’t enough to make energy-sufficient buildings. Thus, you have to lower your next project’s energy loads to meet sustainable energy requirements. Passive and bioclimatic solutions for cooling are a clear trend for building design to

cut its carbon emission. A reduction of external heat gains is needed by interlayer films, low E coatings, building form (self-shading), infiltration (well-insulation opaque façades), and conduction (shading devices). Maximum use of daylight (light shelves or shading louvers), natural ventilation, and reduced SHG is needed instead of electricity consumption of artificial lighting and AC loads.

Sustainability requirements should adapt strategies in the early stages of design facilitating and reducing automation, low operation, and long-term maintenance costs in the Middle East. Façades with integrated nighttime cooling vents (in higher levels and with small sizes) reduce cooling load rates that are tripling since the ‘90s. It is lowered by passive vents solutions and a higher air change rate. Heat control should be made by thermal breakers in frames and isolators in glass and gas insertion in IGU. Integrated transparent PVP into façades glass or louvers will be generating energy from façades as roofs of high-rise buildings aren’t enough to host them.

“Tenants will require firms to be LEED-certified or design complying with sustainability requirements in projects from now on”.

How You Can Better Position Your Firm for Growth?

The green sustainable building market is set to grow at an annual rate of 14.3 between 2020 and 2027. Next-generation of façades is going to be challenging for both designers and investors. More sustainable façades are needed that are highly effective on the value of buildings. Some scientists started searching for alternative smart materials.

Advanced 3D building through simulation software is used for higher performance sustainable analysis in design early stages. Reuse of aluminum scraps in new façades. New regulations and taxes raised to state that by 2030, buildings should reduce their carbon emissions to 50%.

In 2050, there should be 100% building netzero certification. Even façade airtightness and orientation will be considered.

Biodiversity and vertical vegetation for sustainable solutions by Haus Von Eden

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New Collaborations between Startups, SubCompanies, and Scientific/University Engineering Labs has Already Been Noticed in Last Year Façade inspectors are being sent to assess the reasons behind emerging façade problems like moisture, fungus, and system failures. It’s not about who did it wrong, it’s about design efficiency and user comfort from the beginning that will affect the business reputation and unit prices in the long term. Every day we see new constraints, challenges, regulations, and technologies being implemented and integrated into our façade designing industry.

A shift towards multidisciplinary firms of Façade engineers, computer scientists/programmers, environmental and sustainability consultants in one place to determine early decisions side by side with Architects. Collaborations of different firms and engineering labs are needed. Through it, you learn about harnessing products tech and its implementation. Integration of technologies, developing efficient software, and even digitised workflows in the façade industry.

What is next for the Façade Business in the Middle East?

In 2021, the façade industry saw drops in business due to major projects delays, material price increases, labor/material shortage, and working from home with curfew regulations while having city boundaries closure.

This year, it is expected to be driven by the netzero sustainable buildings ideologies. It is very important to set your company ready for harnessing the emerging techs and the global business needs.

It is an era for accurate, reliable, innovative, less risk-averse design which business owners should acknowledge clearly. Rapid urbanisation as a result of the growing number of populations around the world will reflect on construction with vertical cities and high-rise building façades. Even structure systems like diagrids, exo-skeleton, and space trusses will evolve to host complex buildings.

Some countries in the Middle East just have started to deal with unitised curtainwalls while others are dealing with challenging 3d printed and custommade façades. In Europe, it is mostly about double skin façades and in the USA is about IGUs. We

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could notice the direction of façade business in ME is mainly in Egypt nowadays. A transition of ME business hub accrued into Saudi Arabia as international firms’ headquarters is shifting from UAE to Saudi Arabia in order to contribute to the tremendous construction work that is planned in KSA. “30% of business time is being reduced by using AI technology alone having machines to finish the required job efficiently while coordinating between office and site” Tech revolutions will always affect the façade industry-shaping it a better future.

• Digitalised data and workflows through moving from storing data on local servers to a cloudbased centralised data. It creates one source of façade models and documents which means different members can access the same model including all updates/changes that are being made in real time. It would be changed to other users without the need to save and paste on the local server. Thus, a lot of enhancements to the submission process is being achieved. Also, the time spent by the different organisations on uploading, downloading, and searching for project information is being reduced as well as the stacked pdf printings. It also opens ways for the same team to work remotely.

• Combatting persistent labor shortage through the adoption of technologies like machine learning, data science, robotics, IoT, and AI to work.

• Façade management through Wearable XR/ AR headsets that can act as preliminary VMU models (before VMU and PMU installations). It shows façades with a real scale from digital to physical. PM can use it to make the integration between façade elements, give approvals, decide about design/specs changes, and detect system clashes in real-time. Tablets and phones are integrating the XR/AR technology in applications to replace headsets soon.

• BMU to replace scaffolding through BMU monorails, cradles, and mobile lifts that can be optimised and folded to access any part of the façade.

• 5G is needed for vital connectivity for the

façade installer’s higher performance and better safety. WIFI gives coverage drop-offs because of metal obstruction while the mobile network gets out of coverages in distant sites.

Façade installation and coordination through reliable, resilient 5G network instead of WiFi are crucial for limitless wireless coverage needs of industrial settings as the operation and connection of advanced machines and devices on-site.

Future of Façade Industry Needs Nothing than Workers Mind Shift Today Not Later to be Ready with the Modern Innovative Workers In 2021, there was a labor shortage that made room for technologies and automation to fill the gap while attracting new human talents into the field. By 2025, more than half of all current workplace profession tasks (repetitive with low rule) will be performed by machines in comparison to 29% only today.

Future façades need innovative workers that adapt to digitalisation acceleration while harnessing the latest techs. They should be able to deal with the customised design requirements of each project (reducing wastage, innovation, and optimisation of product quality) not only through the use of bestadvanced machine or software. R&D departments are challenged for sustainability and environmental specialties. Designers can’t settle for existing knowledge for new hiring. They need to obtain new skills like programming languages *python3 and C#) in order to make parametrised models coding and scripts of façade elements. Thus, each design should be made through different inputs.

A Lower number of drafters is expected and a large number of developers and creative scientists entering the field of façades. Procurement would have no more tedious tasks of manually counting supplies but instead, get correct numbers through software in a matter of minutes and save time and money. Based on recent surveys, one in four construction companies would go out of business if they made just two or three inaccurate estimates.

Thus, estimation engineers need to enhance data and 3d models for proper estimation utilising the latest software available. Some new work regulations are adapting to distant working and part-time jobs. An employee can now work remotely

or with more than one employer part-time. It makes the way for the next shift than existing full-time job at the office.

Conclusion The future is shifting façades from fancy-looking non-functional to climate and context-responsive ones. Façades are made by multidisciplinary teams of parametric designers, computer scientists working together with architects to foster the new generation of façade solutions. It could be made through technology, software development, in-depth research for new materials, and new fabrication techniques. Sustainable solutions, retrofitting, returning to adapting with nature, and compliance to regulations can get the world closer to its net-zero carbon targets while saving it from the global warming effects. Having new robotics technologies onto construction is changing the construction process. The second generation of digital designs is ahead through the advancement of open-source programming-based software tools. It invites innovation and scripts writing.

Interoperability of one software in another creates easier smooth digitised workflows, brings all the design and analysis features in one place, with the ability to real-time optimise and check. The future of façade solutions can be made parallel with analysis and optimisation to its performance in the early stage of design. Additive manufacturing, robotics, automation, and robotic fabrication processes through 3D printing can solve labor shortages while replacing the supply chain existing gaps of today. However, automation and digitisation have been limited to medium to large scale companies which led some professions to disappear. So are you ready for the future?

The reason for the lack of digitisation was not primarily the cost of hardware, but the need for specialised software to control specified tasks. It’s no longer considered a problem after offering open sources of programs. Cross-disciplinary efforts have also been hindered by the lack of clear task definitions, as skills are mostly passed down orally.

We, therefore, consider digitisation and robotics in combination with accessible software not only an efficiency-enhancing tool for the specialist but also as a way to preserve knowledge.

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COVER STORY FUTURE FAÇADES:

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & PERFORMANCE WITH THE ADOPTION OF COMPUTER-AIDED TECHNOLOGY

F

açades are without a doubt the most important building element from the perspective of both users and architects. In fact, they are the most difficult to design as well, because their responsiveness is based on variables that are difficult to predict and generate in each design that includes social aspects, geography, climatology, and, of course, sustainability, and material costs, etc.

During past few years, an incredible number of creative building and façade materials have been developed and introduced. Most of these advances guarantee huge upgrades in energy productivity and occupants’ comfort, with easy availability in the market.

What are the current trends indicating the likely direction of the façade in the coming decades? What industry experts think about future façades, the preferred materials, the technologies and materials that can be seen in coming years? Read it here in this cover story.

Agnes Koltay, CEO, Koltay Façades

Firoz Kachwala,

Ahmed El Banawy,

Alan George,

Director, Future Architectural Glass, LLC

Senior Manager - Design, Nakheel

Architect, Orange Design Group

30 3 0W WFM FM F M | Ja January an nu uar ay-F Fe February ebr bru uary ua r 2 2022 022 022 02

Important Tools for Creating Future Façades Agnes Koltay, CEO, Koltay Façades, says, everyone is more and more reliant on computer technology, in all areas of our life. Of course, there have been steep accelerating progress of tools assisting our work in façade design and engineering. The first generation of computer-aided design software was aimed to take over the manual labour of drafting, multiplying, and sharing design information. The second generation I would say were task-specific software, to analyse daylight, thermal performance, or use finite element analysis for structural models.

The current generation of computer tools are highly customisable, programmable, and connect with each other well. Collaboration tools and cloud computing gained popularity that also helps our work as façade consultancy necessitates a lot of coordination with multiple disciplines.

The information created by the design team gives setout input, quantities, and spatial clarity to the contractors. Manufacturers these days are utilising computer instructed manufacturing procedures.

She adds, the last step, where the digital revolution has just started, is site organisation. Ideally, the elements are coded and identifiable, the installation logistics could be very straightforward even for complex designs, and site wastage or incorrect placement of an element can be reduced to near zero by following the computer dictated sequence.

VR (virtual reality) applications - which already infiltrated the real estate sales market- help with a quick check of match between the intended design and site conditions, provide instant access to required design or procurement documentation, or can document a needed design deviation to deal with an existing site condition.

According to Ahmed El Banawy, Senior Manager - Design, Nakheel, the most important tool is to understand the current market as the market is moving from a product-based business model to a service-driven business model. Embracing the service business model is the most determinant factor for the future development of adaptive façade technologies. He says the future trends of adaptive façades are concentrated around four structural trends namely:

• • • •

Human-centred design Smart building operating systems Service-driven solutions Circularity and materials

Alan George, Founder, Orange Design Group believes that the most important tool is knowledge of the built environment. Software & analysis are secondary tools. The fundamental approach has to be sensitive to the natural environment & ideally be able to evolve with time.

Future Opportunities for Smart Façades, Adaptive Façades & Integrated Façades Firoz Kachwala, Director, Future Architectural Glass, LLC elaborates, all these classifications are interrelated. Technology is surrounding our everyday lives and its penetration into façades is inevitable. Various concepts are already underway to bring innovations in façades to make them smarter, adaptive, and integrated with the built environment.

Dynamic shading elements are implemented in projects wherein the shades track the movement of the sun to get the best lighting while controlling the glare & solar heat gain. These shading elements could be used mechanically controlled louvers that tilt in the right direction for glare control.

Dynamic tinting glass is also gaining traction as a building element. This is a game-changer and is the latest available technology that can tint the glass based on the sunlight intensity thus providing a dynamically changing Shading coefficient on the glass. For an architect, this is the best solution without compromising the aesthetics of the façades. They can get rid of the blinds that distort the façade appearance due to the non-homogenous nature of its use in the building.

He adds, with the advent of IOTs, smart façade products have also entered the architectural segment that can talk to the building management software and control the AC, lights, and ventilation systems by reading sunlight, temperature, humidity, and CO2 content in the interior spaces.

Agnes says, one of these advanced technologies is

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dynamic liquid crystal glazing, where the glass can change its visual light transmission and shading coefficient properties (can go darker or clearer) with the use of an electric prompt within a second.

This technology increases user comfort, reduces heat loads, and can be sensor-driven.

Robotic cleaning options also progressed a lot in

the past decade and instead of dare ideas, they became possible and reasonable choices.

Another extremely innovative and interesting technology is water-filled glazing, where water is circulated to control the thermal transmission of the glazing, and through a heat exchanger can even cool or heat the room or harvest energy.

Four Technologies of Adaptive Façades Having Promising Opportunities for High Market Penetration by 2050 •

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Dynamic shading façades: Dynamic shading is not a new technology; however, it has the widest range of solutions (e.g., shutters, louvers, blinds) and the largest market share among adaptive façade technologies. The market value of advanced solar shading is high in association with the growing overheating risk in buildings and move from heatingdominated to cooling-dominated requirements. Automation and smart readiness are the innovative parts of dynamic solar shading. However, though it is perceived as simple, it is complex to operate. The business growth potential is high (currently 15 billion euros) and can reach 150 billion euros by 2050; if building energy efficiency continues to drive the demand and if further innovations are adopted, for example, dynamic shading can be developed with night ventilation.

These technologies are not internal or external to the building but are directly integrated with the glazing. Their physical properties can change according to the level of voltage and power changing the appearance of the glazing itself, making it more or less transparent.

Solar active façades: Solar active façades include several new radical technologies that involve a wide range of new possibilities. This family includes doubleskin façades, green envelopes, and phase change material envelopes. Moreover,

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this family includes several emerging technologies of adaptive façades that might be promising. Currently, solar active façades do not have a large market penetration. Their performance depends on the physical and/or chemical and/or biological reaction of materials to the sun and temperature changes with minimal electromechanical intervention.

With the exception of double-skin façades, solar-active façades have limited market penetration. Even double-skin façades are not widely used any longer as they can be associated with excessive heat gain in relation to their design.

•

Active ventilative façades: AVFs are an emerging family that will have a high potential in the near future. They include not only active ventilated CCFs but also active ventilated envelopes with heat recovery units and automatically operated windows (opening). In addition, to achieving thermal and solar control, they also include active ventilative cooling as a key feature. If the rate and depth of building energy renovations will accelerate and overheating avoidance measures continue to drive the demand, AVFs will have significant competitive growth. In the case of actively ventilated CCF, the aim is to control the airflow inside the cavity, whereas in automated operable windows, the aim is to control the air entering the building.

- Ahmed El Banawy, Senior Manager Design, Nakheel

Wasl Plaza: The centre of attraction at the Expo 2020. All buildings are clad with high performance glazing and built in a sustainable manner Image Courtesy: Future Architectural Glass, LLC

Allwater panel mock up application (Source: internet, Matyas Gutai)

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Solar Innovation Centre: A unique structure symbolising the solar innovation and sustainability drive of Dubai Image Courtesy: Future Architectural Glass, LLC

Façades like skins, have to become more flexible and adapt to the needs of the occupants and environments. The computative design will allow for a tailored solution unique to each project. In addition, “option-eering” becomes highly efficient & dozens of variations can be studied very quickly, says Alan.

Current Advancements in Façade & Cladding Technologies and Materials Alan notes that the economies of scale are finally taking effect. For e.g., a decade back, BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics) was not only difficult to obtain? But was exponentially more expensive and inversely proportional to efficiency. However, with the slow but steady adoption of this technology, we now have cheaper and more efficient solutions within the global market.

Automation in Façades & Fenestration and its Benefits Agnes opines, automation in the final stages of design can ensure information, quantities, requirements are consistent within a documentation set and among different disciplines. Automation

in manufacturing leads to less wastage, faster and more accurate production. Automation at the site brings efficient logistics, faster progress, and clear and quick access to required information.

Automation of the actual façade could be used to control shading, ventilation, access, security, failure reporting, and assist the work of facility management.

Alan says that automation removes the need for human intervention. By definition, the major benefit is efficiency around the clock. But with an adaptive, learning, AI algorithm? The potential for efficiencies is a lot more.

Interactive Façades - Their Benefits and Limitations Kachwala explains that interactive façades incorporate glass that has the capability to run interactive media on it. It has the capability to transform your building into an iconic landmark, amaze people with inspiring visuals and engage them with interactive content such as games. The feedback loop can be created with the audience and through instantaneously customisable content,

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glass façades can be used for storytelling canvases.

One can create social hubs where people can meet and form a seamless connection between physical and digital experiences.

The Interactive façade, also known as dynamic façade and responsive façade, is a building exterior that can change in response to its surrounding environment to maximise its performance. In this way, the ‘skin’ of the building is not static, but dynamic and can transform according to requirements, says Ahmed.

Ahmed adds that macro responsiveness might include adjustable ventilation or moveable solar shading, used to optimise the amount of solar heat gain and visible light that is admitted into a building, or daylight lighting systems that can help to maximise natural daylight.

•

light collection technology (transparent electrode), an effective strategy to increase the production of energy using photovoltaic devices. o A new smart blind system uses thin-layer photovoltaic cells attached to the blinds to capture energy Energy harvesting for buildings based on wind energy such as: Wind generators to convert the strain energy stored in the cables of wind-excited units into electrical power. The proposed structures offer portable applications for small spans and are easy to assemble using prefabricated component parts in the case of large spans.

He believes that the future of both types is very promising.

Key Characters of a High-Performance Façade

According to him, the only limitation is that the cost of customised technology is very high compared to conventional façade.

Agnes explains the main performance aspects into following: The Opus, Image Courtesy: Koltay Façades

Energy Harvesting Façades and Their Benefits Agnes presumes that the energy harvested from the surface of a typical building is still not sufficient for a zero energy design, except where the design is specifically driven by the surface requirement, such as Al Sheraa, the new HQ of DEWA, which is under construction now and we provide site supervision. A further problem is efficient storage of the harvested energy, especially in the case of residential buildings, where the energy use peaks at night time. I see a great future for waste to energy plants, solar parks, and especially nuclear power, the cleanest and most efficient energy of all.

Buildings should be well functioning for the purpose of sheltering people in a comfortable environment to live, work, entertain, heal, educate, etc. Power plants should be well functioning and reliable in harvesting energy for the purpose of powering the needs of our modern and safe life.

Ahmed classified the energy harvesting façades into two categories: • Energy harvesting for buildings based on solar energy and thermal materials such as: o Solar cells in window glass using a bifacial

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Commercity: An expansion of the DAFZA complex, this new development characterises the true nature of UAE’s sustainability initiative with a façade that is purpose built for sustainable offices and user comfort Image Courtesy: Future Architectural Glass, LLC

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Structural soundness: withstand windstorm, earthquake without falling, disintegrating, deforming elements, allow for daily occurrences of temperature changes, live load driven slab deflections, other typical base building movements.

Weather performance: do not allow water leaking into interiors, provide good airtightness with low air permeability limit value Daylight performance: allow in daylight where needed, subject to its function Solar performance: keep out (or let in, depending on geographical location) solar heat in the infrared wavelength range.

Thermal performance: protect the interior premises from heat loss or heat gain due to outside ambient temperatures. Store absorbed

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heat where such is optimal.

Natural ventilation performance: allow operable openings to let outside air enter and exit the premises, as needed.

Acoustic performance: provide protection from external noise, depending on the indented function and the actual surroundings.

Fire performance: do not ignite or propagate fire, contain an accidental fire.

Impact performance: provide a barrier to people or expected equipment touching or crashing the surface, provide reduced performance at postbreakage state.

Glare performance: protect the surroundings from light and heat reflection that could be visually disturbing or increase the temperature of the direct environment

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Maintainability: allow for external access for cleaning and maintenance, allow for replacement Buildability: provide easy installation process through practical design and increased prefabrication where possible to increase quality and reduce worker’s safety risk on site Health: avoid materials that emit or evaporate harmful substances during manufacturing, installation, or long-time use Lifetime: provides long term performance with minimal maintenance and no replacement Sustainability: where possible, choose options with lesser embodied carbon, lower energy need for production, and better recyclability.

pushing” projects. The Opus brought a new era in demand for freeform glazed building parts. The Museum of The Future with its iconic shape gave a reference to what digital design and fabrication process can achieve, she says.

The Sky Slide on Sky View adds a new thrilling all-glass structure experience to the UAE with international fame. However, these are iconic, oneFountain Views: Prestigious Address Residences at the heart of downtown overlooking the famous fountains at Dubai mall. The façade has high-performance glass with excellent solar factor and Thermal coefficient thereby reducing the HVAC loads on the building Image Courtesy: Future Architectural Glass, LLC

High-performance façades would incorporate glass and glazing products of high energy efficiency. For example, the glass used on such facades would have a minimum U-value of 1.4 or lower. The aluminium systems would need to be with thermal break in orders to reduce the overall system U-value as well, explains Kachwala.

In Ahmed’s opinion, the high performance includes: enhanced sun protection and cooling-load control, improved air quality and reduced cooling loads using natural ventilation schemes, reduced operating costs via daylighting-thermal tradeoffs, minimising lighting, cooling, and heating, and improved indoor environments leading to enhanced occupant health, comfort, and performance.

Alan states that it needs to be well designed and well-executed. On paper, designs can be optimised, but during execution? If high standards are not maintained, the overall cause is lost.

Features You See in the Future Façade Agnes Koltay presumes, there is a lot of interesting R&D output for new materials, new technologies, or turning elements multipurpose. The construction industry is the most conservative of all sectors, finding teams of developers, architects, and investors who are daring enough to build something that is unique and first of a kind is a difficult task. “We have been in a good position with the enthusiasm towards new ideas in the UAE and our reputation for a capability to deal with the unusual. Hence, we added our name to quite a few milestones of “limit-

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adapt the interior space, opines Kachwala. “The façade should connect with the inhabitants inside the building as well as the audience outside and be a medium for a meaningful interaction. Sustainability is the buzz-word nowadays and with the way global warming is affecting the world it is imperative that we care for the environment and create façades that foster sustainable living spaces”.

Alan says, at the moment, most glazing panels are a clear barrier between inside and outside. However, they could be a lot more. Much more tailored to the individual user. Become more integrated into a daily user’s life. Clear TV displays could be part of the glazing façade? Wireless charging? The options are endless.

Preferred Façade Material Agnes loves glass. It provides connection and protection at the same time and is unique in this aspect. Being in a room with a view of greenery and/or city life, having the sunshine in, and noticing the slow-moving artistic abstract shadow patterns it casts, bring happiness to all, while still protected from heat, wind, animals, sand, etc. Even watching a storm from the protection of a room, with heavy rain, thunders, and lightbolts, how cool is that. She says, “I also love the art glass can do: stained glass, enamel art, casting, fusing, and glass blowing. I went to a glass blowing workshop visits in at least 10-12 countries, it never bores me to watch. It’s on my “before I die” list to learn and practice glass blowing”.

The Skyslide Image Courtesy: Koltay Façades

of-a-kind buildings. She adds, “What I really would like to see in future façades on a larger, standard, affordable scale is the past. Preserving, renovating, and repurposing. Appreciation of history, and preservation of buildings that are - or weremeaningful for the community”.

Façades should form a bridge between the outside and the inside. It should talk to the environment and exercise necessary adjustments or controls to

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Kachwala believes that dynamic tinting glass is the biggest revolution that is waiting to engulf the façade market. This material addresses all the aesthetic and functional requirements of an architect and perfectly adapts to any green building regulation governing the region. It is an ideal material that can provide maximum comfort with natural daylight and optimum room temperatures throughout the day.

Solutions are available to automate the façade that would track the outside environment and adapt the interior space to suit the ideal requirements of a human being - and all this can be done seamlessly while one carries on with the activities.

“A bit of a controversial answer, but I must say

Monaco Pavilion: Pride of Monaco that replicate the famous rock of Monaco. It’s clad with BIPV (Building integrated Photovoltaic) panels seamlessly with the façade thus generating electricity without compromising aesthetics, Image Courtesy: Future Architectural Glass, LLC

natural stone. As a truly ‘natural’ material, I have found it has many benefits along the lines of thermal mass & variety? But also aesthetically, stands out in a world of concrete & glass”, says Alan.

Conclusion To meet the needs of the world as a whole, as well as individual owners, and to meet government requirements, future façades will need to prioritise sustainability. To meet the challenge, technology is playing a critical role in driving clever and sophisticated solutions, transforming the façade into much more than just the pretty face of the building design.

Museum of the Future by Koltay Façades (photo source: internet)

The façade design is an area with a lot of room for growth, and there are so many new technologies that can be used to enhance and make façades both beautiful while also adding value and function to the building as a whole.

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COVER STORY “The Impact & Contribution of the Façades to Carbon Neural Buildings will Drive the Design, Fabrication & Installation of Cladding Material” cladding elements going forward. The ability to be able to demonstrate the embodied energy within the façade against benchmarked designs will be a major driver in creating the façades of the future.

What are the future opportunities for smart façades, adaptive façades & integrated façades?

Peter Van Gorp, Associate Technical Director, HKA

Lanre Lawale, Associate – Façade Engineering, ARUP

What are the important tools for creating future façades?

We are in a time now where climate action is the key agenda in the Built Environment and COP26, no doubt raised many questions that are to be answered if we are to safeguard our world for future generations to come. Key to many of the actions in the built environment especially as it relates to buildings is energy generation and consumption. The impact and contribution of the façades to carbon neural buildings will drive the design, fabrication and installation of

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The façade of a building functions as the skin does; i.e., it is expected to regulate the building temperature and protect it at the same time.

The demands placed on the façades have moved the needle as the building envelope is now expected to contribute to clean energy generation, reducing the demand on the traditional power sources. With decrease in costs and improvements in efficiency, energy harvesting elements such as Building Integrated Photovoltaics as well as dynamic adaptive façades are future opportunities to look out for.

Other future opportunities that already exists in other areas of construction but not widely applied to façades may also change the game.

Opportunities such as sensor monitoring of component degradation such as gaskets, etc. as well as thermal imaging cameras mounted on façades to monitor real time performance may witness an emergence.

Alan Gilbert Building, Melbourne University

What are the current advancements in façade & cladding technologies and materials?

The façade industry like many other industries continue to evolve daily. Dynamic glazing that switch from clear to tinted providing thermal control are increasingly gaining traction; improvements in the components within the cavity of double glazing ensuring longer design life is also being touted presently. I am however of a different school with regards to façade advancements; I believe that improving thermal performance along with design life of components is a conversation that needs to be revisited. Take windows for example, the amount of air that passes through the framing joints and seals can be improved. The chemical composition of seals can be reviewed to ensure that they do not degrade as quickly as they do presently thereby reducing the frequency of replacement but they also need to perform better; reducing the air leakage of these windows. Framing joints also contribute to air leakage of windows and doors and the use of 3D printing can eliminate these joints and in turn reduce air leakage.

Please brief about automation in façades and fenestration? What are the benefits?

Automation in the façades and fenestration

industry had been slow in its initial uptake.

Lately, we have witness automation in the processes associated with shading using dynamic cladding elements such as motorised shading etc. Automation techniques in façades and fenestration have largely been to regulate aspects such as daylight, thermal performance and lighting. The use of automation to reduce manual errors is growing in the façade industry however, automation in massing consideration, orientation in relation to the environment and climate now need to becoming much more widely used. This process will analyse various configurations and provide the design team with information required to optimise building designs. Other benefits of adopting automation are optimised operational and production costs, improved quality and reduction in the environmental footprint during fabrication/ production.

What are interactive façades, their benefits and limitations?

The interaction of the building and its user/ observer has always been a keen driver in the design of a façade. The streetscape and the ‘genius loci’ of a place can be protected or enhanced by interactive façades. With technological advances, façades are being used

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to interact with users and observers through imaging, live gaming, advertisements etc.

Interactive façades are also being used to tell the story of a city or a street with 3D visual effects.

These visuals could also be used as energy savers; responding to the external environment via sensors or pre-programmed effects. The idea that the user or observer can activate an interactive façade via sensors attached to the cladding also creates a personal interaction that changes how we experience buildings especially at the street level. Interactive façades also add aesthetic and commercial value to a building.

In times past, repetitive lighting effects formed the interaction between the building and the user however technology such as dynamic glass, 3D imagery, etc. have changed this.

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While interactive façades can bring the building closer to the user/observer, huge amount of light is usually produced creating light scattering and pollution which are usually undesirable. From a health and safety perspective, some interactive façades are harmful as they may contain strobe lights that strain the eye creating blurry vision, fatigue and in some cases neurological problems.

What are energy harvesting façades? How do you see their future?

With depleting resources and the impact of fossil fuels, global warming has rapidly become a key item on the world stage. Renewable energy and the focus on a sustainable way of living has shone the light on the need for the building

GreenPix - Zero Energy Media Wall, Beijing, China

façade to ‘pull its own weight’ by supporting bulky technologies such as wind mills etc. in harnessing energy. Energy harvesting refers to the process of capturing and converting energy from natural elements such as the sun and wind or other elements within the surrounding to electricity. Using the surface area of the façade

wind energy via vibration of certain façade elements can be trapped and converted to electricity; heat generated by the sun can be capture by Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and converted to electricity.

More recently, technology that collect small

45 WFM | January - February 2022

Parc Central, Guangzhou

amount of energy from radiating sources and used to power portable devices are coming into the market. In future, these technologies could be designed as part of the building envelope and for trap sound from mechanical engines, human sound and possibly dispersed light and convert these to electricity that the building can use.

What are the key characters of a highperformance façade?

A high performing façade must firstly perform the improved function of controlling the amount of heat or cold air penetrating into the building and it must resist the migration of moisture into the controlled environment for the duration of its design life. Added functionality will include sustainability safety, durability, energy harvesting etc.

What features do you see or want to see in the future façade?

I would like to see more green/living walls on façade especially at the podium and ground floor level. These living walls perform a variety of function such as limiting heat emission from the building walls to dust/sand trapping as well as performing as acoustic barriers.

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What façade material is your favorite and why?

At this time, my favourite façade materials are those that can be easily and cost-effectively recycled for re-use on the building. Our focus on materials now has to stay firmly on cradle to cradle in order to safeguard the depletion of resources and reduce the demand on fossil fuels.

Reduction in waste is key to achieving global sustainability objectives and research needs to revved up to look into materials that presently end up in landfills to see what can be done to reuse them.

What is meant by a sustainable and efficient fenestration?

A sustainable and energy-efficient fenestration is a fenestration with very low carbon footprints and performs as well, if not better than other elements of the building envelope. Key characteristics should be the responsible consumption of materials in the fabrication of the fenestration, having a similar design life to the building, contribution towards energy generation for the building and should be fully recyclable.

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INDUSTRY SPEAKS “Façade Industry in the Middle East Should Come to a More Matured Model”

Rajaikepin Rajamoni, Business Head, Sobha Façades Ind LLC

About the Author: Rajaikepin Rajamoni is one of the most highly sought-after technical, commercial & business professionals where façades & curtain wall operations are concerned. With 18 years of experience in the Asia, Africa & Middle East markets, he has been deeply involved in modernisation, improving processes, cutting costs, and practicing sustainability related to façades & curtain wall operations. Presently, he is managing multimillion dollars projects for Sobha Façades Ind. LLC, a Sobha Group Company .

In an exclusive interview with Window & Façade Magazine, Rajaikepin talked about the journey of Sobha Façades, their projects, what he thinks about the current scenario of façade industry in the Middle East, and so on... Excerpts…

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Tools shadow board following 5S at Sobha Facades’ manufacturing unit

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Please brief us about your Sobha Façades and its journey.

Our humble story begins 4 years ago in Dubai, with a mere 5 employees entrusted with the engineering and design of the façade and glazing works for all the in-house projects of Sobha Realty.

We did not want to opt for the conventional route and follow dated practices. Rather, we mustered up the courage to create a vision for ourselves and set out to rejuvenate the mostly unorganised industry.

Naturally, there were many ups and downs like most others have experienced. Often there was an easier, albeit a less than ideal, way to just deliver the product. But our focus has always been on the problem and not on the solution.

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We viewed our challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. And today, we are a well-established organisation that has risen above the competition in the façade, curtain wall, and aluminium fabrication industry. What started as a simple contracting company, soon became a fully-fledged manufacturing unit with excellent installation capability on-site.

But the journey was not simple, in this highly unorganised façade industry, we were struggling from high wastages, increased labour cost, and low efficiency. Modernising and streamlining a traditionally bulky, and labour-intensive business model is no easy feat, and we too thought it was impossible.

We wanted to focus on optimising the process right from grassroots until the end installation to create value at every layer. We are aware that it is difficult if we practice age-old practices and hence wanted to digitalise and follow a proven methodology like lean and six sigma to improve the overall efficiency and quality.

As our workforce kept growing to the 500-strong team we have today, we honed the talents of the individuals, identified strong leaders, and gave all employees the space to grow and express themselves. This has greatly contributed to the healthy, prospering work environment we enjoy at Sobha Façades.

Now we are enjoying a good presence in the industry and planning to scale up to cater to the global needs with our sophisticated, sustainable, and smart solutions.

In addition to all the IMS certifications, very recently Sobha Facades is honoured with prestigious ISO 18404 accreditation for implementing Lean & SixSigma Methodologies in all its processes. We are the first in the world from façade and many other industries and interestingly first private company in

the GCC to be certified.

Tell us about your product offerings? What benefits do they offer?

We design and fabricate aluminium doors & windows, façades, claddings, unitised curtain walls, skylights, balustrades, louvers, pergolas, frameless façades. We strive for the highest level of precision, top craftsmanship, and efficient processes.

We use Lean Six Sigma methodologies to optimise the processes and add value to offer thorough customer delight. Sobha Façades has developed in-house systems for aluminium metal claddings, sliding doors, hinged doors, and windows, allowing us to deliver high-quality materials at an affordable and competitive price. We also have partnered with European manufacturers to deliver using their systems.

Name some of your projects.

Our products are used for all properties in the Sobha Hartland which is an 8 million sq. ft waterfront sustainable community of high-rise towers, beautiful villas, high-end townhouses, international schools, and commercial spaces located in the heart of Dubai.

Forest Villa at Sobha Hartland

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Greens project with sustainable façades

Currently, we are not catering to the outside Sobha clients in UAE as we are not interested in the subcontract method which the façade industry is following here. But we are definitely interested in partnering with UAE clients on a design, manufacture, and supply basis, where we can add immense value with our efficient product delivery and quality.

Could you please tell us about your manufacturing facility?

With two factories located in the Emirates Industrial City, Sobha Façades is the most efficient façade fabricator in the region with state-of-the-art technology and machines.

We have a wide range of equipment including most modern CNC machines capable of manufacturing different façades with the utmost precision. Each workstation is designed with individual pneumatic tools to ensure high levels of accuracy. The facility can produce premium quality façade systems that comply with international standards.

We consider ourselves as one of the most organised companies in the GCC and strive for continuous improvement in all processes wherein almost 750 Kaizens (ideas) are recorded by our employees/ technicians in 2021.

Our manufacturing philosophy is leveraging Technology and Lean Six Sigma practices to increase efficiency and promote an innovationdriven culture inside the shop floor.

We believe in staying up to date always and training our workforce with the best practices periodically.

We intake mostly fresh graduates and groom them with generic, Lean &Six-Sigma methodologies along with technical teachings. In fact, all our new joiners must undergo a 2-week induction/training programme where they are trained to meet Sobha standards.

We continue to challenge ourselves to be innovative, analytical, and always at the forefront of bringing change. This is how we keep complacency away and

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continue to set an example to the façade industry.

What do you see as the main challenges faced by your industry?

The construction industry struggles when it comes to efficiency and optimisation, but the façade contracting sector suffers even more. Since it is a division of the traditional construction industry any inefficiencies in the construction industry are passed down to the façade industry. Adding to that, the Façade contractors always come late in the project and are expected to go out first!

A unique challenge in the façade industry is the fact that nearly every project will require different designs and have unique engineering constraints and requirements. This makes standardisation, automation, and mass production extremely hard to achieve. The façade contracting industry needs innovations, improvements from the traditional processes, and better communication across all stakeholders to cut down wastages.

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The unorganised supply chain is the next bottleneck where things get worsened with delayed deliveries.

Transparent communication by all stakeholders should be improved.

It is imperative to get skilled manpower both bluecollar and white-collar to deliver and install façades efficiently, but there are no institutes that provide dedicated façade training. So, getting a skilled workforce meeting world-class standards is also a challenge in the industry The pandemic has affected all the businesses.

How are you coping with this situation?

As many were firing, we were hiring employees during the period because we anticipated the risk early and planned the supply chain to an extent. We couldn’t succeed 100% but we managed to tackle this hiccup and feel sorry for many of our friends who went bankrupt during these unforeseen crises.

Thanks to our in-house projects and backward integration of the Sobha group where we had

Display of de-assembled door unit at factory

Usage of digital signages and video manuals for easier assembly

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One Park Avenue, a new age luxury highrise tower

diversified projects in hand and worked in full swing even during the pandemic.

systems are not fabricated and installed in the right way.

It is in our DNA to avoid wastages and optimise the process by value stream mapping suiting the need thereby cutting costs. For example, during the pandemic, we reworked the transportation routes, logistics supply, and almost 80% of the products are changed to prefabricated in the factory to deskill the workers at the site, reduce installation time without compromising on quality.

Many projects as per specifications have passed in the laboratory but have not been performed in the actual installation due to inefficiencies in each process.

What are the characters of a well-designed façade system?

Any system should perform as per functions designed meeting at least air, water, and structural performance. However, most of the metrics are not witnessed at installation on the site. This happens because correct processes are not followed, and

For me, a good system should be simple, easy to fabricate, and less skill required to install. Most of the assembly should be made in the factory and should perform in any conditions for which it is intended for, considering factors like site tolerances, etc.

What are the major opportunities for your business in the Middle East?

Sobha as a group has many luxury projects in the pipeline and we are determined to supply our

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35 storey Waves project with unitised curtain walls

products for all our in-house projects. There’s good growth potential in this region, the leaders of the nations are envisioned to get a global branding with the best infrastructure and the world is looking to UAE as the best destination. We are gearing up to choose the best opportunities to serve this region.

Because of the tough times, many immature companies are filtered, and now commercial benchmarks have to be improved for a healthy façade industry.

We entail that the façade industry in the Middle East should come out of this unorganised subcontract model to a more matured manufacturing/installation

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model, where the heart and soul of the operation will be pre-fabrication and deskilling site installation.

What are your goals and plans for the next 4-5 years?

Our plan now and in the future is to focus on a 360-degree approach in optimising and revitalising the façade industry and embrace the change to shift digital/automation in possible means. We want to contribute to the global audience and practice better sustainability measures in the coming years.

We always want to keep innovating and keep evolving in this expedition and to stay one step ahead by continuously improving to be a role model for the industry always.

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FACE TO FACE “The Combination of Local Traditions & Global Visions is the System of Thoughts that will Animate the Design Process in the Coming Years”

Simone Micheli Founder, Simone Micheli Architectural Hero About the Author: Simone Micheli was graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of Florence University. He founded the Architectural Studio in 1990, and in 2003, together with Roberta Colla, he created the design company Simone Micheli Architectural Hero, based in Florence, Milan, Puntaldìa, Dubai, Rabat, and Busan. His professional activity ranges from master plans and architecture to interior, from design to visual, through graphics, communication, and event organisation. His creations, always sustainable and environmentally conscious, are characterised by a strong identity and uniqueness. Many are his creations for public administrations and important private clients connected to the community and to the residential world. He is the curator of thematic exhibitions - contract, but not only - at the main international architecture, design, and hospitality fairs.

We interviewed him to know more about his experience and his views on the current scenario of façade designing.

Here are the excerpts…

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Tell us about your practice and design approach?

Designing means looking ahead. For me, giving life to new works means offering the world the tools to make life better and taking on the responsibilities that each work includes, even after the end of the standard life cycle. Giving life to buildings, residences, furniture, and objects means creating ways of communicating with the world, unique, synesthetic works that put man at the center of the scene, involving all his senses.

What inspired you to become an architect?

Passion has guided me in every step of my career and is still what lights up my enthusiasm, animates my desire to do, discover, travel and design. I graduated from the Faculty of Architecture in Florence, a university rich in history, culture, and beauty, in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. During my journey, I met great masters who helped shape my thinking and had important mentors such as Giovanni Klaus Koenig, Giovanni Michelucci, and Bruno Zevi. Thanks to their ideas, which contaminated me, I started an anti-canonical architectural path that continues to this day.

Could you please tell us about the latest façade and cladding technologies and materials available in the UAE market and those you used

in your project?

I designed LYFE CARE - HOMES & CLINICS to give people of all ages, at different moments in their lives, a place, suspended outside traditional spacetime, where they can feel good, comfortable, and happy. It is a luxury nursing home, consisting of 50 lodges of 100 square meters each. Each one contains four rooms for long stays, the medical area, a small gym, the kitchen area, the dining area, the living area with a garden inside. The modules are connected by a perimeter corridor that crosses the blocks and leads to the entrance of the compartment. The façades of the modules are made of Avola stone, a typical stone of Sicily, a region in southern Italy. A hard, compact, and nonporous stone with a uniform surface.

I chose it for its ability to maintain its characteristics and appearance unchanged over time and for the ideal desire to combine two cultures in a single work, creating a skillful and attractive mix. The Avola stone is flamed and brushed.

The large tilting portholes that characterise each structure are made of anodised aluminum. I chose this material with the aim of creating a combination of visual assonances and dissonances in the cladding. The rest of the cladding is made from raw

LYFE CARE - HOMES & CLINICS

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material.

What are the key factors to consider while designing and installing fenestration?

Light. For me, light, like matter, is fundamental to give life to every project and make it unique elsewhere. It is fundamental in the perception of spaces and surfaces and is an element with a double value, both ethereal and concrete, fundamental to guarantee the well-being of individuals and make them feel like the main characters of the space.

Could you please brief on the technological benefits of the well–managed façades?

The façade is the portion of each work that connects two worlds, two perspectives, interior, and exterior.

It is a fundamental junction between sections of life that must communicate with each other, not in a linear, sleepy way, but by inviting the visitor’s mind and gaze to enter, discover, and continue.

How do you go about choosing the material of façade and cladding?

I think that the combination of local traditions and global visions is the system of thoughts that will animate the design process in the coming years, and will therefore also be the guide in the choice of materials and technologies for façades and cladding. The beauty of discovering peculiarities typical of previously unknown corners of the world blends with the specific features and demands

that each location places on the development of projects.

These are also the main guidelines I follow when I have to choose materials for my projects: the client’s wishes, the function the work will have, the peculiarities of the context, and my previous experience are indispensable elements for success.

When you design a project or take a new project to work on what are the things you consider the most?

I believe that for any work to be successful, it is essential that it is able to involve men, who are the undisputed protagonist. I take into consideration the space, the function it should have, and by combining them perfectly I dream that my work aims at a universal concept of beauty that is never stable, never the same but subject to the passing of the ages and the cultural paradigms we go through.

What is your advice for young and upcoming architects?

I advise the architects of the future to study a lot!

Because only those who know tradition well have the tools and the courage to overturn it. To tear apart the present and show visitors unexpected fragments of the future. It is also important to travel a lot, both physically and mentally. Knowing the world, being curious, confronting each other, gaining experience. The greatest works take shape from dialogue and encounters.

The façades of the modules are made of Avola stone, a typical stone of Sicily, a region in southern Italy

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Oversea Building - A real sustainable story in Chioggia for Ghirardon Group

The building has huge photovoltaic panels that are an integral part of the architectural aesthetic

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CASE STUDY Lyfe Care Homes & Clinics, UAE A few kilometers from the amazing city of Abu Dhabi, surrounded by the wonder of lush nature, Lyfe Care - Home & Clinics - will come to life. A place dedicated to the wellbeing of every person, in every period of their life. It is a diffuse spatial structure, composed of 50 lodges of 100 square meters each. Each one contains four rooms for long stays, the medical area, a small gym, the kitchen area, the dining area, the living area with a garden inside. The modules are connected by a perimeter corridor that crosses the blocks and leads to the entrance of the compartment. It is a luxury nursing home. A suspended place, outside the traditional space-time in which to rest the body, heal it and open the mind, travel, discover.

The façades of the modules are made of Avola stone, a typical stone of Sicily, a region in southern Italy. A hard, compact, and non-porous stone with a uniform surface. I chose it for its ability to maintain its characteristics and appearance unchanged over time and for the ideal desire to combine two cultures in a single work, creating a skillful and attractive

mix. The Avola stone is flamed and brushed, with care, to keep local tradition alive and offer façades a living, polished form of beauty that is a blend of approaches, and in a way that keeps its qualities intact.

The large tilting portholes that characterise each structure are made of anodised aluminium, light but strong, bright, charming. I chose those materials with the aim of creating a combination of visual assonances and dissonances in the cladding, to stimulate visitors’ perceptions, invite their minds to delve deeper into reality. Soft, imaginative, enveloping shapes to welcome visitors, to make them feel like protagonists of the scene and stimulate their senses, which are often fragmented and lost due to frenetic routine.

Lyfe Care - Home & Clinics is intended to be a manifesto not only of environmental but also of social sustainability. Respect for the environment, for each type of person, reducing costs and wasting energy, maximising results.

Fast Facts Project Name: Lyfe Care - Homes & Clinics Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Façade & Fenestration Material Used: Pietra d’avola Scope of work: Nursing homes, to ensure each person’s well-being and comfort at all Ɵmes of life Client: Alessandro Rosso

65 WFM | January - February 2022

BUZZ Uptown Tower - Dubai’s Next Tallest Structure, Stands 329 metres Tall One of Dubai’s next tallest structures has reached its peak. The Uptown Tower near JLT has reached 329 metres in height, with the final concrete pour on the building’s 79th level.

The steel crown will now be installed during the second quarter, raising the total height to 340 metres. The tower, which is part of DMCC’s expansion, is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year. In the construction of the the Uptown tower, most advanced smart and sustainable technologies have been used.

This project, along with the larger Uptown District, expands the Jumeirah Lake Towers area at a time when more businesses are registering for a presence at DMCC. The free zone’s introduction of licencing for crypto-related businesses was also a big draw.

Each floor’s façade takes the project team an average of two days to complete. The outer façade of the building is made up of over 8,500 glass panels, with installation work completed to level 70.

The work on Uptown Tower project began in July 2019, and over 13 million man-hours have been completed on-site since then. This was achieved without any time lost due to injury, which is a testament to the safety controls and effective management of COVID-19 by DMCC and the various construction teams involved.

Façade work is 90% complete and is progressing in tandem with structural work. The project team is completing the façade for each floor in just two days. The outer façade of the building is made up of over 8,500 glass panels, with installation work completed to level 70.

200 buildings in Sharjah inspected, Property Owners Told to Upgrade Façades Building owners in Sharjah who have cladding on their buildings have been urged to renovate and upgrade their building façades in order to reduce the risk of fires. They have been told to replace flammable facades with safer materials while still meeting aesthetic standards.

So far this year, 200 buildings in Sharjah have been inspected, and two have had their claddings replaced.

Inspections were conducted in commercial and industrial areas.

Sharjah Civil Defence and Sharjah Municipality officials conducted several field inspections to ensure that the highest quality standards and specifications are maintained in all buildings, particularly those with aluminium cladding.

Sharjah Civil Defence is now considering a programme to encourage buildings to replace their old claddings, as well as to assist building owners in conducting replacements and locating alternative materials at a lower cost.

66 WFM | January - February 2022

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67 WFM | January - February 2022

UAE Opens a New Lab to Certify Fire Safety in the Construction Industry Officials at the Intersec trade show in Dubai announced that UAE-based construction suppliers will have to have their products tested for fire safety at a new government lab.

The region’s first-of-its-kind laboratory will ensure the safety and quality of various products, building materials, and systems.

By providing smart solutions, the laboratory will improve the procedures for protecting lives and property. Suppliers can have their products tested in a government lab to obtain an accreditation certificate.

The lab will conduct tests on products such as cladding material, electric cables, doors, decoration material, and paints. The lab will be the official party to issue a certificate in safety products and ensure that products meet the necessary safety and fire protection standards.

What will the lab test?

• Customised fire testing • Façade testing • Technical training • Research and statistics

• • •

Fire resistanc Smoke/heat detector testing Inspection and auditing

• • •

Reaction to fire Certification Market surveillance

Zaha Hadid’s Three Buildings in the Middle East will Open this Year Zaha Hadid’s three Building in the Middle East including The King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Bee’ah Headquarters in the United Arab Emirates, and the Central Bank of Iraq are all set to open this year.

Each project embodies Zaha Hadid’s grace and dignity who died in the year 2016, with an emphasis on curving forms that appear organic and modern. Her futuristic-looking visions were highly appealing to Arab officials and royalty, who hoped to associate their burgeoning cities with metropolises that appear transported from a time yet to come, rather than ancient hubs or new upstarts.

In the final years of her career, Arab clients became increasingly interested in Hadid. For Hadid, who was born in Baghdad, her Arab projects may have provided a way for her to reconnect with the region she left behind when she moved to the United Kingdom to study architecture in the 1970s.

While the Grand Théatre de Rabat is a more traditional effort to invest heavily in a cultural space, projects such as the Bee’ah Headquarters demonstrate a more unusual mission: waste management. The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center is another project that, given Hadid’s signature elegance, one might not expect to see.

68 WFM | January - February 2022