Choosing Hardware for Project Applications: Key Aspects to Consider

Automated swing door hardware systems in the building structure, requirements of the hardware requirements can vary depending on the location, say for doors at the entrance of the buildings the hardware selection criteria may be different for interior doors or balcony doors.

In high-rise structures the hardware requirements on windows and doors on the 4th floor can be different from requirements on say 43rd floor.

Improper selection, faulty design and construction with hardware will have a detrimental impact on fenestration quality and also impact the building structure. Air leakages, water seepage, and thermal loss, are a few manifestations that will impact fenestration functionality.

Few key considerations that are gaining prominence in fenestration are energy efficiency aspects

Energy efficiency in buildings is becoming important, the air conditioning and lighting systems of a building consume a lot of energy. Therefore, buildings should be planned such that they use as much natural light and atmospheric cooling (or heat) as possible to minimise energy consumption. A good selection of hardware systems is thus important, as it has a direct impact on the interior environment of the building. A properly designed, engineered, installed and maintained fenestration will go a long way in complementing the building’s sustainability.

Building automation is another important factor to make the building more energy efficient. In intelligent building control, lighting, air conditioning, shade control, and door and window technology are linked together and automatically controlled. Energy consumption can be reduced significantly by intelligent automation. The reason: Sensors such as temperature sensors, air quality indicators, brightness sensors, movement detectors, or weather stations are more energy efficient than humans in their response. Windows are playing an increasing range of roles in modern buildings. Large windows are in high demand currently, and not just for design reasons. They flood rooms with plenty of natural daylight and give users a feeling of warmth and freedom. In addition to technical factors such as light penetration, heat, sound, and burglary protection, plus resistance to wind and rain, they also have to take on important functions such as ventilation or smoke and heat extraction. They improve the indoor climate by providing natural ventilation, play a crucial part in respect of energy efficiency, and ensure smoke and heat extraction in the event of a fire. In addition, there are building-specific demands in terms of hygiene, comfort and safety.

Building automation improves not only the energy efficiency but also the indoor air quality. If smart window systems are centrally linked with the building management technology, rooms can be ventilated and supplied with fresh air as needed. The advantage: Automated window ventilation consumes lesser energy than most of the mechanical ventilation systems. In addition, heating costs can be saved if ventilation and heating are jointly controlled via building management technology.

Fresh outdoor air is important for a healthy indoor climate. As there is an increased risk of contracting viral infections from airborne particles in closed rooms, regular ventilation is recommended in order to

ensure a good exchange of air. A good supply of fresh air can boost our ability to perform. In Schools for example a good supply of fresh air can boost our ability to learn by at least 15%.

Today, doors have developed into multifunctional systems. This has been driven primarily by increasing demands for security and protection. Accessibility, convenience, fire protection scenarios, escape route planning, access control, and hygiene factors are important in doors, especially in building projects. The size, weight and material of the door must be considered. Here, for instance, frameless all-glass doors demand a different set of hardware as compared to framed glass doors

Door planning ensures smooth integration of systems and clarifies the purpose of the doors, bringing all the product groups together and coordinating them to allow for the seamless integration of different systems. This ensures that the numerous customer-specific and statutory specifications for the door, and the functions necessary to implement them, can be combined in the smartest way possible. Details on the lock and door fittings, as well as additional components like door closers, holdopen systems, or door automation.

Door hardware Regular Maintenance is an important consideration for the fenestration functionality. Maintenance is important in many cases to comply with the terms of some manufacturer’s warranties, which is another reason to ensure the products are maintained in accordance with the Operations & Maintenance Manuals. The operation of products with moving parts are needed to be maintained on a regular basis in order to ensure their continuous smooth operation and to prolong their operational life and longevity.

In conclusion, a fenestration system creates an immediate visual impact on the building structure, and its functionality contributes to liveability. The industry needs to follow the best practices and also adopt the latest technologies. The environment is changing and as an industry, we need to also contribute to creating more sustainable and healthy living. V.S.RAJAN

Managing Director,

GEZE India Pvt Ltd

ABOUT THE AUTHOR V.S.Rajan, Managing Director of GEZE India Pvt Ltd, is a professional chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience in diverse industries serving in India & Middle East. Joined as General Manager – Finance in the year 2007, Rajan took over as Managing director of GEZE India and has been instrumental in the organizational growth since 2015.

Choosing Hardware for Project Applications

Key Aspects to Consider

Prestige Falcon Mall

Every building carries a unique feature that creates its own identity. This identity makes the building stand out in the world of contemporary architecture’s infinite iterations.

The architecture hardware used in the building creates that unique identity, it matches the aesthetic vision of the architect with the functional parameters demanded by the project and end user.

The selection of hardware depends on the application purpose, the end user experience, safety, the specific function, performance, aesthetics, endurance, customisation and quality.

Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to selecting any hardware. The performance of a building and the experience that it delivers to the endusers depends majorly on the hardware used even though architectural hardware cost comes to a meagre 2 to 7% of the total project value.

A typical project might be from the following sector: health care, retail, commercial, residential, or institutional. Choosing the right hardware is key to the overall successful completion of the project. Short cuts and compromises on quality, safety and performance parameters will adversely affect the installation, longterm maintenance and safety.

The key to a proper functioning building with aesthetic appeal is the right selection of hardware used in façades, aluminium/ uPVC doors & windows, door controls, railings, canopies, etc.

Automatic sliding doors, D&W hardware, lock hardware, bathroom hardware, flooring hardware, internal railings, door control hardware, etc., give the touch