Window & Facade Magazine Middle East (Nov-Dec 2019)

Volume 2 | Issue 2 November - December 2019

FACE TO FACE Ian Mason Senior Associate, Woods Bagot

PEEPING INTO THE FUTURE OF FAร ADES Discussions on the characteristics, benefits, and advancements in future faรงade designs, technologies and materials

INDUSTRY SPEAKS Jayanta Mukherjee Managing Director (Middle East & Africa), fischer

PREFACE Ever-Changing Trends in Building Façade What is the first thing that attracts you when you see a building? I think we all will agree on the same thing and that is the façade of the building. Façade is the key factor behind any mesmerising building.

Since its inception to till now, the façade industry has seen many changes in terms of materials, technologies and designs. Earlier mud, clay, wooden panels were used to create the exteriors of the buildings but now the picture has been changed. The modern architecture, construction technologies and availability of a variety of materials have literally changed the face of the buildings. In the urban infrastructure, you can find how the glass has replaced the earlier used materials that are mentioned above. The glass façades add a visually appealing look to the infrastructure. They not only give the eyecatching view, but they also provide many benefits to the inhabitants of the building as they allow them to enjoy the outside view, making their buildings energy-efficient as they provide the natural light, etc.

BIPV is also one such technology that is getting popular in the façade industry with the growing need to minimise energy consumption. To reduce energy consumption by following green building techniques, many architects have adopted BIPV façades technology in their building projects. The green building trends lead to sustainability and give a long term benefit.

Living façade is also one of the most popular trends in today’s era as they make a significant contribution to sustainability.

The technologies mentioned above are just a few of the examples, but this subject is really very wide. In the future also, the technologies will keep on changing and new materials and more innovative design trends will keep on coming.

With the beginning of 2020, team WFM wishes you more success this year.

Happy New Year!

Team WFM

1 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

CONTENTS How Global Megatrends will Impact Façade Engineering Douglas Sum, Associate, Façade Service Group Leader, Aurecon

8

Beat the Tightening Belt in Façade Fabrication Industry Rajaikepin Rajamoni, Business Head, Sobha Façades

Fire Safety of Façades, A Clear Difference

Roy Weghorst, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Kingspan Group

21

Façades of the Future

25

Gunjan J. Shah, Managing Director, Urbaniq Studio

COVER STORY

Peeping into the Future Façades

Face to Face

Interview with Ian Mason, Senior Associate, Woods Bagot

47

17

Mathieu Meur, Director, DP Façade

3D-Printed Buildings and Future

30

4

42

Industry Speaks

Interview with Jayanta Mukherjee, Managing Director - Middle East & Africa and Strategic Advisor (India), fischer Front & Back Cover Courtesy: Shutterstock

Published by: F and F Middle East FZ-LLC

Co-Founders: Syed Ahad Ahmed Amit Malhotra

Sales & Operations: Shahzad Sadique me@wfmmedia.com

Subscription & Circulation: Richa Parmar support@wfmmedia.com

Editorial: Renu Rajaram renu@wfmmedia.com

Kapil Girotra kapil@wfmmedia.com

Design & Concept by: Prashant Kumar

Shefali Bisht shefali@wfm.co.in 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.

FAÇADE ENGINEERING

How Global Megatrends will Impact Façade Engineering

Douglas Sum Associate, Façade Service Group Leader, Aurecon About the Author: Douglas Sum is an Associate Façade Service Group Leader at Aurecon. Having worked in the Middle East for over seven years, he is one of region’s most experienced façade engineers. With over 13 years of global engineering consultancy and contractor experience, Douglas played major roles in a variety of world-class projects such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Macau City of Dreams, Dubai Metro and the Burj Khalifa.

4 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

One of the most important - and hardest - parts of an engineer’s job is future-proofing designs. So, how will some of the global megatrends we are seeing the impact the future of façade design? Douglas Sum of Aurecon shares his thoughts.

It goes without saying that no one really knows what the future holds. But we can make some educated guesses. Will we see flying cars? Maybe, will we be able to use telepathic signals to operate technology?

Possibly. While we all hope our future is one of higher living standards, most of us are realistic enough to know we also face some challenging times.

As engineers, one of the most important parts of our job is to make informed decisions on what we expect in the coming years. In this article, we will examine six global megatrends and ask ourselves what they might mean for façade engineering.

events are on the rise and our role is increasingly important in protecting people from their effects.

Weather events such as typhoons or prolonged high temperatures can have a serious effect on a building’s façade. As engineers, we always design for the worst case, but we also need to ask ourselves, ‘did I plan for the unplanned? We must create designs that will tolerate a wider variance in weather.

Tallest building in Southeast Asia at 472-metres tall. Aurecon’s role: MEP, façade and specialist lighting engineering design

TREND 1: DIMINISHING RESOURCES We all know the world’s resources are diminishing, and we have limited supplies of fuels, water, and food. Yet at the same time, these are all essential for human survival and maintaining our standard of living. So, what does all this mean for façade designers? Of course, we must do more with less, but we also have to maintain (and then improve) the performance of our engineering designs. We need to focus on saving energy, materials, cost and time in our designs, to make sustainability a true value.

TREND 2: THE RISE OF ASIA

TREND 3: CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change is a reality, and while we won’t immediately halt the climate crisis, there are steps we can take to account for it. Extreme weather

©Atkins

The money and power of the world is shifting from west to east. China has been the world’s secondlargest economy since 2010 and we will see further growth from there and the rest of Asia. This means as engineers we need to understand this region because it is going to play an increasingly important role in the Middle East. We need to understand how to do business with Asia and design products that appeal to the people and companies there. If proof were needed, just look at the prominence Emaar Properties attaches to China.

5 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

TREND 4: OUR AGING POPULATION The issue of aging populations is a growing concern for many countries, including wellestablished economies like Japan and Hong Kong. And with tourism now big business, we are seeing a rise in the number of older people traveling, even to the most unexpected locations.

From an engineering perspective, our designs for doors and windows must be easy to use and light enough for all ages. Consider especially the trend to ‘tilt and slide’ doors, and oversized doors. While this is driven by the aesthetic value they bring, as engineers, we must also ensure they are practical.

TREND 5: THE VIRTUAL WORLD Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are already part of everyday life. With advances

Digital context model with iPad application and bespoke control device, Image courtesy of Studio Magnified

6 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

in entertainment and gaming, it is likely the homes and offices of the future will incorporate this technology and how that is done will impact façade design. As urbanisation increases and population rises, spaces will shrink and this presents both opportunities and challenges.

VR and AR will also facilitate how we present our work, allowing us to demonstrate changes immediately and showing how other options might - all work at the click of a button.

TREND 6: RISING CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS A natural byproduct of increasing competition and the advance of technology is how it drives our expectations. Just think of phones, which once we wanted only for their ability to make calls. Today, we expect them to act as multifunction devices. In terms of façades, this new world of instant gratification will have ongoing

Digital brain

implications. For example, there is a high likelihood that deliveries via drone will become a reality in the not-too-distant future. But with rising expectations, customers will not only demand we accommodate these within our development but at multiple points and even across floors.

what’s going on in the world, we can be sure our work will be truly future-proofed.

MQ model iPad

LOOKING AHEAD With so much change happening so quickly, it can seem overwhelming to try and keep pace with advances in the world. And often it can be difficult to connect what’s happening in the wider society with the work we do as façade engineers. But if we dig below the surface, inevitably we find something relevant to our work. These are exciting times to be an engineer. We have the opportunity to create structures that will live for decades and define our surroundings. And if we pay the right attention to

7 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

FAÇADE FABRICATION

Beat the Tightening Belt in Façade Fabrication Industry

Rajaikepin Rajamoni Business Head, Sobha Façades 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 over 15 years’ experience in Asia, Africa & the Middle East Markets, he was deeply involved in modernisation, improving processes, cutting costs & increasing revenues related to façades & curtain wall operations. Presently, he is managing multi-million Dirhams projects for Sobha Façades Ind. LLC, UAE, a Sobha Group Company.

8 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

According to the Society of Façade Engineers (SFE), façade engineering is the art of resolving aesthetic, environmental and structural issues to achieve the enclosure of habitable space. For countless years, buildings have been constructed primarily with all walls carrying an approximately even share of the load. With the development of structural steel and reinforced concrete, architects now had more flexibility to clad exterior walls with aesthetically pleasing materials, instead of unsightly concrete slabs. That is when the façade and curtain walls began to receive more time in the spotlight.

CHALLENGES IN THE FAÇADE INDUSTRY Architectural design is an extremely competitive environment, with each project aiming to outdo the previous and each enterprise wanting their own distinctive look. In most industries, variety often leads to prosperity. But in the façade industry, it has the opposite effect. One of the largest challenges in the façade fabrication industry is the lack of standardisation.

Internationally, there are no standard criteria for façades by which manufacturers can compare themselves to. Ideally, in a manufacturing enterprise,

you want one machine or one standardised production flow that will mass produce your product with as little overhead costs as possible. Unfortunately, it will seldom be the case that one building will have the same design as another. In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all mold for façades. Each project needs a new design, new development process, and a slightly different manufacturing process. Façade fabrication is an industry where innovation is crucial for a successful undertaking. Let’s have a look at some of these.

Façade engineering is challenging because it bridges the gap between the more traditional disciplines that are architecture, structural engineering, and practicality. Aesthetics are also a massive consideration when creating a façade design.

Another added dimension to the complexity is the fact that façade engineering includes reconciling the effective use of doors, windows and a variety of materials into a single, cohesive building front.

The first issue that we encounter is that a considerable portion of investment cost in a construction project is taken up by wastage. And the largest thief, in this case, is the design, manufacturing, and installation of façades.

The market challenges faced by the façade industry

MARKET CHALLENGES

PAYMENT DELAYS

CASH FLOW

COMPETITION

DESIGN CHANGES

FAST PHASE

LACK OF FAIR COMPARISON

LOOKING FOR CHEAP

SKILL SHORTAGE

CHANGE IN REGULATIONS

PROJECT HALT

9 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

HOW TO SECURE PROFIT? HOW TO SECURE PROFIT? RETAIL PRICE RETAIL PRICE

RETAIL PRICE RETAIL PRICE

RETAIL PRICE RETAIL PRICE

RETAIL PRICE RETAIL PRICE

PROFITS

x100 x100

x100

RAISE RETAIL PRICES

x100

x150

BOOST SALES

x150

x100

REDUCE COSTS

x100

COSTS PROFITS

COSTS

RAISE REDUCE PROFIT=(RETAIL PRICE BOOST – COST) x SALES RETAIL PRICES SALES COSTS The way to increase profit

PROFIT=(RETAIL PRICE – COST) x SALES

Another challenge is that there is increasing pressure to come up with more and more energy-efficient and sustainable designs. This often calls for the use, or development, of new materials. With architects constantly pushing the boundaries of engineering, going higher and higher, and even underwater, this puts an increasing demand on the creativity of façade engineers. It is a fine mixture of engineering, innovation, and art.

Thermal loads also present a challenge, especially in larger installations. Explosive loads are also a reality we need to consider in the extremely volatile nature the world finds itself.

WHY AREN’T COMPANIES MAKING PROFITS? Façade fabrication involves so many different aspects of a huge variety of construction fields. This already puts it at a disadvantage compared to other fields of engineering.

As mentioned before, the lack of standardised products makes it hard to create one development and manufacturing model. Clients often want a unique design and tend to shy away from a standard

10 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

product; they don’t want the guy down the street having the same look as theirs.

All façades need to be of the highest quality and be able to deal with dead loads, deflect forceful winds, handle seismic activity, account for thermal load, resist water penetration and be of such strength to handle the expected stresses with ease. These requirements make it difficult to produce a highquality product that can be offered at a competitive price.

MEASURES TO STRIKE BACK! With all these odds stacked against the industry, what are some practical, effective measures that can be implemented to minimise waste and increase productivity and efficiency?

One measure, that has proven to be effective in maximising efficiency, is called lean manufacturing.

This approach was pioneered and refined by the Toyota Production System. Their advancement from a small company to one of the world’s leaders in the automotive industry has made them a prime example to study.

There are mainly two ways in which lean manufacturing is implemented. One way is by the identification, and thereby elimination, of waste.

The effect of this is that waste is reduced. On the flip side of the coin, production time decreases and quality increases.

The second approach, as implemented by Toyota Production System, is to increase the “flow” of the work; to increase the smooth transition from one phase of production to another. Some of the techniques used in this method include “pullproduction” and production leveling.

How will lean manufacturing improve the returns in a façade, curtain wall or window, and door manufacturing environment?

Some areas of wastage are: • The transportation of products that are not actually required • People or equipment moving more than required to process the product

• Waiting for the next production step or pausing due to interruptions of production during shift change • Producing more than demand • Over-processing due to poor design of tools or processes.

• Overworking workers In the façade industry, this approach can yield large reductions in waste and improve efficiency. Keeping stock to the minimum feasible amount improves the flow of the process. This is called “just-intime” production or pull-production. Instead of manufacturing a large amount of stock and having it sitting in a warehouse, the best approach is to have a steady output every single day. This allows workers to get specialised in their field and avoids overworking them to compensate for a large project.

The less stock you have on hand, the less you will spend on storage. This also means you will need lesser staff to handle the stock.

Lean manufacturing improve the returns in a façade, curtain wall or window, and door manufacturing environment

COST CHANGES BY THE WAY TO MANUFACTURE

COMPETITOR

MATERIAL COST

ENERGY COST

LABOR COST

DEPRECIATION MAINTAINANCE COST COST

OTHERS

COST FLUCTUATIONS BY HOW TO MANUFACTURE LEAN ORGANIZATION

REDUCE COST

11 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

It could happen the demand in the market changes drastically, or new regulations force you to change your product design. Should you have a large stock of products just sitting in your storage that is a massive waste!

A practical method to implement is the one-piece flow. What it means is that there is a continuous flow from the start to end of the processing. For example, in the case of a steel or aluminum product, the material can go straight from the measuring/ cutting, to the assembly stage. From there it can go straight to finishing, quality control or any other part of production depending on the specific product.

And this is preferably on a continuous production line to avoid moving materials from one place to another.

Optimising floor layout is also a crucial factor that can greatly improve efficiency and drive down production time as it decreases travel considerably.

If there is a lot of waste left over after production, effort must be put into investigating why. Say there is a lot of wasted aluminium/steel profiles after production, find out why. Is there a way to utilise the leftovers? Can it be eliminated completely, or at least reduced, by changing the raw materials used?

Being creative goes a long way in identifying where improvements can be made. Implementing

lean manufacturing is a process. The key is being consistent, persistent and creative.

One other goal that enterprises should strive towards is continual improvement. Although good results may be obtained initially, if you do not continue improving your product or your process, you will start losing ground again. Continually strive towards technical prowess, using automation where you can, and use technology as much as economically feasible, with long-term benefits in mind.

WHAT ARE SOME EXPECTED RESULTS? Depending on the specific enterprise and size of the undertaking, reduction in costs can be anywhere from 15-80%. Manufacturing time is usually the area where the biggest improvement can be seen, with up to a 90% reduction! Even if the improvement percentage is in the lower range, this still represents a huge benefit to an enterprise, regardless of the size.

Although each strategy may seem insignificant, when implemented together and closely monitored, the savings can be huge! In the competitive market nowadays, it is crucial to be a cut above the rest.

Granted, there are other strategies that can be explored as well, going “lean” is a very cost-effective method to drive down costs and production time, and increase profits!

Going “lean” is a very cost-effective method to drive down costs and time

LEAN MANUFACTURING

ELIMINATION OF 3 Ms

JIDOKA HIGH QUALITY LOW COST SHORTEST LEAD TIME

KAIZEN

12 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

JUST IN TIME

BUILDING SAFETY Preventing Falls from Building and Safety of Opening Windows

Richard Lee Managing Director, Brital Limited, Dubai About the Author: Richard Lee has spent the last 30 years working in the façade industry in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, during that time, he lived in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Amman, Tanzania, and the United Arab Emirates.

He worked as an independent consultant in the façade industry specialising in structurally glazed curtain walling systems and for the past twelve years, he has been the Managing Director of the façade systems company Brital Limited, based at Dubai. In addition to his working career in the façade industry, he has also been a guest lecturer on façades at Dubai Men’s College, Higher Colleges of Technology and is a Fellow of the Society of Façade Engineering professional industry body.

13 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

Whilst the recent focus in the region has rightly been on fire safety in high-rise buildings, there is another safety issue that is equally as important, namely falls from buildings. Whilst most reputable faรงade systems companies and designers have for some time recommended that all windows above first-floor level should be restricted to give a clear opening not greater than 100mm but until now, it has not been a requirement in the Gulf region.

It is to be applauded that the new (September 2018) UAE Fire and Life safety code of practice has included a section that deals with potential falls from buildings. One section of the code deals with the balcony, window, terrace, and balustrades.

The section on balconies and railings generally aligns with most other codes of this kind throughout the world, except for the minimum height of the barrier that is 1200mm, this is approximately 100mm higher than most of the other codes. It is worth to mention that many fall accidents can occur when furniture or similar things can be climbed on and are placed adjacent to railings or balustrades.

As window designers, we should, however, more concerned with the section that deals with the construction of opening windows. It is possible that whilst the regulation is obviously well-intended it could introduce some possible unnecessary additional restrictions.

The first clause in this section specifically dictates that that opening windows should open outwards from the top, and further reinforces this by saying

Example of unrestricted opening vent

Huwaei Office Building, Dubai

that openable windows shall not open from below.

This restricts the choice of window to a bottom hung open out window a type that is not commonly used, in my experience this type of window is used for smoke evacuation, which is presumably not the reasoning for this choice of the window in this instance. In using this type of window, a number of issues could arise, principally that of the operation of the window. In general, and depending on what code is being used, the maximum operational force permitted for an opening window is between 70N and 100N (7 to 10 Kg), if the maximum clear opening of the window is limited to 100mm then the force required to pull the window closed will severely limit the size of the window if it is manually operated. I estimate that an opening window approximately 1000mm wide x 1500mm high will (depending on the thickness and weight of the glass) be the limit for manual operation. Above this, it is likely that the window will need to be operated by electrical chain drives, which are obviously more costly and require regular ongoing maintenance.

The second clause refers to sliding and openable windows and states that the height from the finish floor level to the lowest point of the opening window should not be less than 865mm, which in conjunction with the earlier clause indicates that such windows should be restricted to a maximum opening of 100mm.

Taking this clause, therefore, it could be interpreted to possibly be in conflict with the first clause in that it states that opening widows should only be bottom

14 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

hung whereas this clause introduces sliders. There is the possibility of some confusion here in how the different clauses are interpreted.

The third clause states the most important factor that the maximum opening should not exceed 100mm, this is a clause that I would wholeheartedly agree with and has been part of most systems companies’ design philosophy for many years.

Similarly, we must also consider the type of glazing that should be used, this again is important in that there is absolutely no point making every other aspect of the window safe and ignoring the possibility that someone can break the glass and fall through it. There is a requirement that the glazing is reinforced or is safety glass and that it should resist a load of 200 pounds (890N), this is reasonable and should be relatively easy to accurately assess using a suitable computer programme. Also, it should be clarified what would constitute a reinforced glazing material other than safety glazing.

Paloma Park, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Mastercard Office Building, Dubai

Specifying a method of restricting the opening of the windows is only the beginning, equally important is the performance of the restrictors that will prevent

that the windows should only be bottom hung open out, but there is also reference to sliding and openable windows. In my opinion, the method of opening of a window is not critical to the safety and risk of falling out of the window provided that the twin requirements of the maximum opening being restricted to 100mm and that the window as a whole (glazing, frame, and ironmongery) should be capable to resist the 200-pound load are met. Correctly installed restrictors also provide the added benefit of making the window more secure when left open in windy or stormy conditions.

Alternative method of preventing falls from opening windows

the window from opening more than 100mm: • The window restrictors must be capable of resisting the 200-pound load applied to the glass without failure. • The window restrictors should not be releasable. • All fixing to the restrictors should be tamperresistant such that the restrictor cannot be disengaged by removing the fixings.

This brings us back to the first clause, specifying

Using the right type of glazing is also an important factor in window safety

16 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

There are also alternative methods of providing protection to window openings that can be considered, such as using devices like external louvers or Brise Soleil arrays in front of opening windows. These methods can offer the advantage that the opening of the window is not restricted to 100mm, giving better ventilation in addition to reducing the solar gain into the building.

It is obvious that accidents cannot be completely prevented, but there is much that can be done to minimise their possible occurrence. This code is a major step forward in making buildings safer for their occupants and others. Now, we should look forward to further enhance the specific clauses in this code to ensure that the requirements are fully complied with to eliminate any possible conflicts or misinterpretations.

Correctly installed restrictors also provide the added benefit of making the window more secure

FIRE SAFETY Fire Safety of Façades, A Clear Difference

Roy Weghorst Head of Regulatory Affairs, Kingspan Group About the Author: Roy Weghorst is Head of Regulatory Affairs at the Kingspan Group. He has extensive knowledge of the performance of construction products in relation to building fire safety and fire safety regulations. He is an active member in fire safety groups like the national passive fire protection associations in Belgium and the Netherlands, the European Passive Fire Protection Association (EAPFP) as well as in the European (CEN-TC127) and Global standardisation (ISO TC92) committees and is currently the Chair of CEN TC127WG4 “Reaction to Fire”.

Weghorst is actively supporting university programs like the International Master of Fire Safety Engineering (IMFSE) to increase knowledge of fire safety throughout the entire build environment. Building fire safety should be based on evidence and science.

17 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

is important to note that pyrolysis is an endothermic reaction, meaning it absorbs heat.

Figure 1: Protective char forms as phenolic insulation is exposed to fire from blow torch

The terms “combustible”, “non-combustible” and “limited-combustibility” are frequently referenced as part of the debate surrounding Building Regulations in relation to fire in large parts of the world. These classifications, achieved largely through bench scale tests of small product samples under the National and/or European Classes, are designed to provide clarity to specifiers and installers. In practice, they often lead to misplaced assumptions, perhaps the most common of which being that all materials classified as “combustible” have similar reaction to fire performance.

The 2017 UK Government testing programme for cladding systems clearly highlighted the flaw in this logic. The tests, in combination with further research, carried out since, revealed that the impact of polyethylene (PE) cored aluminium composite material panels (ACMs) have on fire spread is several orders of magnitude greater than that of commonly used “combustible” insulation, such as phenolic. They also showed that in tests of complete cladding systems, those featuring combustible materials can perform just as well as those using non-combustible / limitedcombustibility materials.

To better understand the reasons for this, it is useful to first look at how one of the so-called “combustible” materials featured in the tests phenolic insulation - performs when exposed to fire.

PHENOLIC CHARRING When exposed to heat, phenolic insulation undergoes a process called pyrolysis (thermal decomposition). This results in two products: hot combustible gases (pyrolysis gasses) and a black char which forms on the surface of the material. It

18 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

In figure 1, you can see a sample of phenolic insulation being exposed to a blow torch flame. In the first half-minute of exposure, additional flames become visible (over and above those from the blow torch). The additional flaming dies down after the first 30 seconds of exposure as a black char forms.

This char protects the insulation beneath it from the flame.

This shows that materials classed as “combustible” will not necessarily burn or combust in all eventualities.

So, “combustible” does not automatically mean “flammable”. “Flammability” is scenario-specific

Figure 2 - ISO 13785: 1 test rig

whereas “combustibility” is an intrinsic property based solely on a material’s calorific content.

LOOKING AT THE FULL SYSTEM In practice, what matters is not how each individual product is labeled or classified. For example, even when the insulation and cladding materials in an external façade system are classed as Euroclass A1 (“non-combustible” ) or Euroclass A2 (of “limited combustibility”), there will still be a surprising amount of combustible material within the overall construction, such as thermal breaks, sealants, vapour barriers and tapes. It is the interaction between the different components, their spatial arrangement, and how they are installed that will ultimately determine how a façade system behaves when exposed to fire.

Therefore, whilst the individual product tests used within the European and National Classes to determine the reaction to fire performance can provide a useful baseline measure, they have severe limitations when assessing the performance of a complete system, such as a rainscreen façade. These

limitations have been highlighted by recent testing which has shown that even when both the cladding and the insulation are of ‘limited combustibility’, they can fail a large-scale test as part of a system.

This is why it is so important to test the whole wall assembly to ensure that it will achieve the desired performance.

INTERMEDIATE SCALE TESTING Kingspan Insulation commissioned testing of constructions which matched those for the UK Government post-Grenfell building safety programme. The tests were carried out to ISO 13785: 1 - an intermediate scale reaction to fire test for façade systems. As with BS 8414 (the large-scale test used within the Government programme), it is designed to simulate a fire beginning in a building, breaking out through the window and impinging on the façade.

The ISO 13785: 1 test comprises a 2.4 m tall wall with a corner as shown in Figure 2. It is, essentially, onethird of the size of the BS 8414 test with a lower fire

Figure 3 : Fire extent on ISO 13785: 1 test rigs with phenolic and rock mineral fibre insulation with A2 and FR cored ACMs after 5 minutes test duration

Figure 4 : Fire extent on ISO 13785: 1 test rigs with PE core ACMs after 5 minutes test duration

load to compensate for the smaller scale. During the test, a gas burner at the base of the wall is ignited and allowed to burn at 100 kW for a period of 30 minutes or until the top of the specimen is flaming extensively.

PERFORMANCE OF A SYSTEM The first set of tests featured phenolic and rock mineral fibre insulation with A2 classed solid core and FR (Fire Resistant) cored ACMs. The construction comprising rock mineral fibre insulation and the A2 solid cored ACM is the only system which is allowed following the ban on combustible façade materials in England.

The systems, however, performed very similarly throughout the test duration. Despite all other constructions containing elements that are classified as “combustible” fire spread was limited.

There was some damage to the ACM cladding as it disintegrated in the tests, but the insulation materials did not propagate the fire.

Further testing was carried out with separate constructions comprising three insulation materials: polyisocyanurate (PIR), phenolic and rock mineral fibre insulation, with a PE cored ACM such as the type installed on Grenfell Tower. The PIR system shown comprises the insulation material and ACM panel that was used for 90% of the cladding on Grenfell Tower.

The difference between the previous set of tests

20 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

was clear. Figure 3 and 4 show the different rig configurations at 5 minutes test duration. Whilst configurations with A2 and FR core ACMs show only limited fire spread (even after 30 minutes), all of the PE cored ACM panels are burning. By 10 minutes, the PE cored ACMs had completely burnt away leaving the insulation material behind, which, in all three cases, had self-extinguished.

THINKING HOLISTICALLY The tests clearly illustrate that the impact of using PE cored ACMs in these constructions was far more significant for fire development than the choice of insulation material. It provides a clear demonstration that the label of “combustible” is too imprecise and that systems that feature “combustible” materials can perform as well as those that do not. It also shows that buildings comprising ACMs with a PE core do not comply with building regulations in many countries across the world as they would never pass any applicable large-scale system test.

If we are to fundamentally improve fire safety, it is vital that we take a more comprehensive approach.

It is important that buildings are designed and built as per the building regulations. An important part of this is clearer lines of responsibility, much more effective oversight, and serious consequences for non-compliance. It should always be remembered that the Grenfell enquiry has concluded that the cladding system used on Grenfell tower was not compliant with the English Building Regulations.

FUTURE FAÇADES Façades of the Future

Mathieu Meur Director, DP Façade About the Author: Mathieu Meur provides strategic and technical leadership as the director of DP Façade, one of the most forward-thinking façade consultancy practices. Through his training as a multi-disciplinary engineer, and subsequent years of experience heading the largest façade consultancy firms in the world, Mathieu has developed extensive knowledge of all types of building envelope systems, their design, aesthetics, engineering, and related codes of practice. Mathieu has worked on numerous projects in Asia, the Middle East and beyond, including Resorts World at Sentosa, Changi Airport Terminal 1 Upgrading, and The Dubai Mall. Passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with others, he is a frequent speaker at conferences, writes for technical publications, and has been a lecturer since 2002.

21 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

I have a confession to make: I am an inveterate science-fiction fan. I particularly enjoy reading the grand masters of the genre from the fifties to the eighties, the likes of Frank Herbert, Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov. What fascinates me in these books is the power of prediction of these authors.

Many of the descriptions of the future in their stories have become today’s reality, only a few decades later, even though Asimov and others probably didn’t expect them to come to pass so soon. Let’s dive into a similar exercise, albeit at a much smaller scale, and take a peek at what the future likely holds for façades.

It does not take great powers of foresight to see that building envelopes of the future will need to be highly sustainable. This is a trend that has taken the construction industry by storm and is set to stay and spread. Sustainability will likely come in a number of flavours. Firstly, the materials

incorporated into the façade will themselves need to be sustainable. Many materials currently used in building envelopes, such as glass, aluminium and steel, are infinitely recyclable. However, their production from raw materials can consume as much as 20 times more energy than producing them from recycled materials. I believe that progressively, these elements will increasingly be manufactured from recycled components, possibly even from the building envelope of demolished buildings.

One of the fascinating aspects of peering into the future is that it often brings us right back to the past. After decades in oblivion, vernacular design strategies are likely to make a strong comeback, blended with modern materials and updated construction techniques. Our forefathers had invented ways of dealing with the common issues relating to building envelopes, such as air and water infiltration, harnessing natural daylight, conserving

VR system is used to navigate façade interactive virtual mock-up

22 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

AI-enabled algorithms applied to speed analysis of façade performance

heat, and many more. These had been refined over the centuries, to be promptly forgotten thanks to an abundance of cheap energy from fossil fuels. In times of greater respect for nature and diminishing raw materials, designers are bound to look back at these vernacular approaches to design, further enhancing and modernising them to turn them into future building envelopes.

Over the past few years, tremendous efforts have been put into developing ever cleverer ways of using the building envelopes for energy generation from sustainable sources. While photovoltaic panels are undoubtedly the most common of these techniques, many others have also been tried or at least conceptualised, including kinetic façades leveraging wind power, bio-façades using photosynthesis to produce natural gas, etc. With the inevitable increasing scarcity of energy from fossil fuels, the use of building façade to generate energy seems inevitable. Already, solar panels for space exploration offer more than twice the efficiency of consumer panels. With increasing demand for ever more

efficient panels, research will undoubtedly come up with breakthrough photovoltaic technologies. One of the most exciting possibilities that is starting to emerge is that of transparent PV panels. Absorbing photons in the infrared range, they offer the dual benefit of producing electricity while at the same time reducing the heat gain on the building.

Piezoelectric façade, which generate electricity from the minute flexing of their materials from wind, do not exist now, but they could be developed in the future. Façade materials can be developed that harness the kinetic energy of raindrops impacting it.

While a single drop encapsulates a minute amount of energy, billions of drops crashing onto the building envelope could generate a significant aggregate amount of electricity. We can also imagine highefficiency phosphorescent coatings for the façades, which would reduce or eliminate the need for street lighting. The façades would store up solar light energy during the day, and slowly release it at night.

Countless other creative methods of generating energy from the building envelopes could be developed.

23 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

Electrochromic glass in its dark state, when sun shines on the façade

Electrochromic glass in intermediate state, under overcast conditions

I foresee that building envelopes will increasingly become adaptive, no longer remaining static or requiring active human intervention to adapt to evolving natural conditions, as is currently the case.

On overcast days, they would let more daylight in, and dim down on brighter days. Moveable external shades, or blinds built into glazing have been cropping up on buildings over the past few years, but are still the exception rather than the norm. This is possibly due to higher maintenance cost, or perceived difficulties in implementation.

Thermochromic, electrochromic and photochromic glazing solutions already exist today, but these are plagued either by technical performance problems, or by extremely long return on investment. These issues are bound to be eliminated over time, allowing building envelopes to become perfectly adapted to ambient conditions, minute by minute, every day of the year. On the same topic of adaptive façades, trickle vents in façades could be linked to indoor sensors, and open automatically when CO2 or contaminants exceed certain levels within the building. Similarly, heat exchangers can be built within cladding panels, reducing the need for HVAC ducts and large AHUs. Research is even being focused on new façade materials able to clean or filter the atmosphere free of pollutants. Such technologies are only just starting to emerge, but are currently either a monopoly or prohibitively expensive, and thus limited to a few niche projects. With improving technologies and increased demand, I am convinced that they will become commonplace.

Another direction that façades are very likely to take is that of connectedness. Pretty much everything nowadays is becoming connected, and façades are unlikely to be left behind. Façades of the future will be controllable right from one’s smartphone, to override automatic adaptive behaviours, for

24 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

Electrochromic glass in its light state at night or under very dark external conditions

instance, or to pick a colour scheme for night lighting. Information-gathering is fast becoming an obsessive activity. Sensors built into the building envelope and linked to artificial intelligence systems will undoubtedly appear in due time. There is no limit to the information that these could yield, and more importantly how such data would be used. One exciting opportunity would be the ability to extract information on the actual performance of the façade and of the building, which could then in turn be used to optimise that performance, as well as to improve on the design of future building envelopes.

While these insights into future façades are still a long shot from the ethereal but extremely highperformance force-field windows of Star Trek, I have good hope that these will come to pass within my lifetime.

Light-emitting surface glass with built-in illuminated pattern

FUTURE FAÇADES 3D-Printed Buildings and Future

Gunjan J. Shah Managing Director, Urbaniq Studio About the Author: Gunjan J. Shah is the Managing Director of Urbaniq Studio. He is a LEED AP which facilitates him to participate actively in sustainability & green architecture. Over 30 years of experience in the field of Architecture covering various design and project management responsibilities, his career began with consultancy firms’ specialists in Hospitality projects for the chain of 5 star and 3-star hotels. For more than 20 years in the Gulf (2 years in Bahrain & 18 years in UAE), he worked as Design Manager/ Senior Architect responsible for turnkey consultancy services, for various projects such as shopping malls, luxurious residential towers, office towers, petrol filling stations, car showrooms, hospital, palaces, and private villas.

25 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

In the last 5 to 10 years, buildings had been adopting very innovative and interactive facades. The most recent technology of 3D printing will not only change the facades of the buildings but will also change the way buildings will be built in the future. Undoubtedly, the latest discussions in the construction industry anywhere is about the 3D printing of the buildings.

Being a resident of UAE for last 20 years I feel very proud that Dubai is now leading in 3D printing technology. The largest 3D printed building in the world was built in Dubai which was unveiled recently in October 2019. Prior to that Dubai also built the world’s first 3D printed office which was inaugurated in May 2016.

the world had tested various elements of 3D printing before, this office was the first fully functional building to be built with all services that people can use on daily basis.

First, let’s talk about these two buildings in brief.

The labour involved in the printing process included 1 technician to monitor the function of the printer, a team of 7 people to install the building components on-site and a team of 10 specialists to take care of mechanical and electrical engineering. As a result, the labour cost was cut by more than 50% compared to the conventional buildings of similar size.

THE WORLD’S FIRST 3D PRINTED OFFICE - OFFICE OF THE FUTURE The “Office of the Future” was the first 3D-printed building of its kind. Though some other projects in

©Killa Design

Office of the Future - The first fully functional 3D-printed building

26 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

A 3D-printer measuring 6.0 metres high, 36.5 metres long and 12 metres wide was used to print the building. The printer consisted of an automated robotic arm to print the building. The entire structure was printed using a giant cement printer and then assembled on site. Printing took 17 days and was installed on in 2 days. Subsequent work on the building services, interiors, and landscape took approximately 3 months.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST 3D PRINTED BUILDING This two-story building of the Dubai Municipality is included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest 3D printed structure in the world in volume. The building is 640 sq metres in area and 9.5 metres in height. It has been built using a locally manufactured 3D printer and regular construction materials such as cement, gypsum, sand with special adhesives. The foundation used both conventional and 3D printing methods, while the roof slabs were made of conventional construction materials. The walls are casted by the printer. The curves and different shapes of the building are printed quite accurately. It was built with 50 percent less manpower and 60 percent less construction waste. It meets the sustainability requirements and the green building standards.

HOW TO 3D PRINT THE BUILDINGS? While the technology of BIM is already in place for designing buildings by the architects and preparing shop drawings by the contractors, the same can be

Dubai Municipality - The largest 3D-printed building in the world

extended and used for 3D printing of the buildings on site. Various components of the buildings can be 3D printed either on-site or off-site using special computer softwares fed to the printer. The process is quite simple e.g. with the use of a 3D printer, the walls of the buildings are casted in layers using a semi-fluid material along with their shapes and

Dubai aims to construct 25 percent of the future buildings using 3D printing by 2030

27 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

angles defined by a computer. The pump inside the printer pumps out the fluid and converts the computer model into the actual 3D building on site.

The fluid material is infused with special minerals which instantly solidify the fluid material into the concrete.

ADVANTAGES AND PRINTED BUILDINGS

DISADVANTAGES

OF

3D

It has been already proved that 3D printed buildings are very cost-effective compared to the conventionally constructed buildings. The waste generated by 3D printed buildings is almost 60% less than that generated in the conventionally constructed buildings. 3D printed buildings use much less labour than that required for the conventionally constructed buildings. The pace of the construction using 3D printing is much faster than the conventional methods thereby accelerating the delivery times of the buildings. 3D printed buildings on-site use very fewer materials manufactured away from the site thereby reducing the transportation cost and saving the fuels and natural resources. The human errors are almost nil in the 3D printed buildings. All these advantages of 3D printing can be used for constructing affordable housing. Affordable housing is the biggest challenge faced by many countries across the globe. The advantageous use of the technology can also be used in rapid prototyping and construction of the repetitive designs such as gas stations, bus shelters, labour accommodations, district cooling plants, electrical sub-stations, etc. Moreover, it will be a lot easier to construct the challenging shapes and forms of the building components using 3D printing technology.

The 3D printer is small in size, light in weight and easy to transport from one site to another by a regular truck. Also, 3D printing does not require long preparation procedures prior to the commencement of the construction.

The only disadvantage of the 3D printed buildings which industry experts express is that it may not be flexible enough to meet the changing requirements of its occupants over the years. It would not be possible to modify the layouts as the walls are printed in concrete. Also currently, the printing process is not a very refined technology so it is difficult to create smooth and perfect surfaces with 3D-printed concrete. However, once the technology improves, it will be possible to print intricate designs with a high-quality finish.

28 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

3D printed buildings are very cost-effective compared to the conventionally constructed buildings

There is still a lot of research going on in developing the materials to be used for 3D printing, the methods of calculations to evaluate the structure and technology for the horizontal construction such as slabs and roofs.

DUBAI LEADING THE ROLE Dubai is known for its glamorous architecture and innovative engineering in the building industry.

To continue the trend, Dubai government and Municipality are working towards making Dubai a hub for 3D printing technology and become a leading global centre of 3D printing. They are setting rules and regulations for 3D printed buildings. Dubai aims to construct 25 percent of the future buildings using 3D printing by 2030. Plans are now in the pipeline for the world’s first 3D printed skyscraper. Dubai is set to be a world leader for showcasing 3D printing construction techniques.

TRINAR® coatings.

The color you spec is the color that stays.

TRINAR® is a high-performance fluoropolymer coating containing a minimum of 70% polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin. Its tough but flexible finish provides exceptional resistance to weathering effects such as fading and chalking making it ideal for exterior substrates such as roofs.

We expose our coatings to the harshest conditions to ensure they retain their brilliant color and gloss –season after season after season.

Plus, we stand behind everything we do to give you the peace of mind of working with a company you can trust. Just as we always have.

Find out how our solutions can help at: www.akzonobel.com/ccna

COVER STORY Peeping into the Future of Façades Façade is one of the most significant components of a building envelope. It goes about as the essential obstruction against outer climate components that could harm the wellbeing of the structure, for example, downpour, wind, sun, and so on. In contrast to the structural design of the building, the façades are designed in distinct ways on the basis of different architectural styles.

The architects have been deploying the latest façade technologies and materials in their designs and it will keep on changing in the future. Technological advancements in the design trends and new materials will keep on entering the façade industry in the Middle East in the future. Sustainability has always been playing an important role in the selection of façade material and designing process and it will always remain the most important part.

Other than sustainability, increasing global warming will also play an important role in the façades of the future. Innovation will assume an undeniably compelling job in developing structure and façade framework plans. The façades of the future could make the urban infrastructure look more appealing.

In this cover story, we have brought the thoughts of industry experts on their expectations from the façade of the future. They have shared their views on different technological advancements which will rule the façade industry in the Middle East and the changes which will take place in the future urban façades and the impact of the same on urban infrastructure.

The façades of the future could make the urban infrastructure look more appealing

30 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

FEATURES OF THE FUTURE FAÇADE Ian Weekes, Associate Director, Abu Dhabi/Qatar, Meinhardt Façade Technology, quotes “My answer is not going to be what you are expecting. In my tenure as a façade consultant, I have been unfortunate enough to have experienced many poor-quality design and construction issues which are of serious concern. Owners have called for our assistance where their buildings are failing to perform due to poor design and construction administered by façade contractors."

Ian Weekes Associate Director, Abu Dhabi/Qatar, Meinhardt Façade Technology

Mathieu Meur Director, DP Façade

He adds, the duty of the industry is to provide to the client a quality which gives them the assurance of performance for the buildings intended life. In spite of advancements in technology allowing the development of complex parametric structures that retain and excel in thermal performance, the industry lies infected with elements of a lack of requisite qualification and experience to deliver.

"What I would love to see is for our industry to take stock of where we are, look inside themselves and conduct a proper evaluation of the current level of competency they hold, and then effect a structured plan and action to raise that level to the highest standard", says Weekes. This includes not only gaining knowledge of the development of new improved products but ensuring through training and experience that the products are used correctly to ensure they perform as intended, he adds.

He believes that there is a lack of understanding of the importance of the envelope and the materials, components, and engineering required for it to perform to its intention.

He explains that the envelope is the protective barrier between what is often a harsh and aggressive environment and our fragile existence. Like our world, our bodies, our possessions, our items we have gathered in life though the reward of our hard work, are at risk of damage or loss. Some may say this sounds a little dramatic, but those people should pay attention to our world, a world which is suffering at the hands of mankind, and which is screaming for all of us to pay attention.

Binoy Kumar Das Group Managing Director, Façade Concept Design Group

Mathieu Meur, Director, DP Façade, believes that the façades of the future will have increasingly high solar performance, cutting down on heat gains or losses, while allowing just the right amount of natural daylight to pass The façades of the future will have increasingly high solar performance, cutting down on heat gains or losses

through. Façades are also bound to increasingly become connected, as well as to be used to generate electricity.

Binoy Kumar Das, Group Managing Director, Façade Concept Design Group, suggests that in future any building envelope to be designed should consider energy efficiency which can bring façade envelope thermal control, so the overall thermal comfort of the building can be optimised.

He adds, any high rise towers/horizontal façade/ double skin/complex geometry, wind studies are most important to carry on before designing the façade. Wind studies like wind simulation, wind load calculation, CFD analysis or even wind tunnel prototype will help to understand and deal with the critical areas on the buildings, also can optimise the design to save cost. Sometimes wind studies help to understand the human comfort at the pedestrian level for users and can help to select right façade systems and materials.

ADVANCEMENTS IN THE FAÇADE TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS Weekes says that the façade industry has long strived to provide maximum vision with minimum obstruction through the development of everimproving solar controlling coatings. These coatings, as they are developed and enhanced, are becoming more viable as their costs are reducing and their ability to provide a fast return on investment through the associated building energy requirement being reduced.

This, combined with the development and improvement of the photovoltaic market, allows the application of energy created from the sun becoming more feasible and affordable, with an improvement in efficiency from early developed materials up to current products which are breaking the barrier of 20% efficiency and are targeting numbers in excess of 37% as new products complete their development.

Building exterior with structural glazing

32 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

The energy creation side of the market continues to undergo research and development where glass manufacturers are striving to provide products which not only are used on solid colours but also on near-transparent, such that cells can be integrated within all aspects of the envelope without affecting the aesthetic requirements, adds Weekes.

Meur says, one of the major advances that he has been following closely over the past few years is adaptive façades. “I have started looking into the electrochromic and photochromic glass around 20 years ago when these technologies started emerging. They were not sufficiently mature to be considered on our projects at the time. The situation has changed since then, with several suppliers proposing materials that have now come of age”, adds Meur.

Das notes, in our previous experience, façade materials selection is most important. Any façade materials to select by the architect should relate to climatic control/thermal efficiency/weather protection, etc. In earlier days, while designing the façade, it was mostly enclosed with plasters/ cement board/tiles where the window-wall ratio (the opening ratio is not enough for the building to get better daylight. There was much contemporary

design like the classic design, but over the past few years, many leading architects who have introduced modern façade with maximum visibility around the building which can make look building more aesthetically appealing as part of modern development, so the city getting uplifted to the new era. These kinds of façades where façade engineers/ consultants are much involved at the beginning with the architect team while designing at concept level to bring the right materials on the building envelope.

If the envelope of façade is completely glass then we should run through building physics like daylight, shadow and thermal comfort studies for better performance of the building and also these studies will help to optimise the overall design as costeffective and optimised operation cost of building in long run. This will help to make the environment responsible for the façade.

KEY CHARACTERS OF A HIGH-PERFORMANCE FAÇADE According to Weekes, the key characters of a high façade are: • The ability of the façade to provide thermal performance suitable to the changing climatic conditions

One of the most established approaches for energy harvesting facade is BIPV, which converts light or infrared from the sun into electricity

33 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

• Structural integrity under wind and seismic loads • Fire resistance, something which is more critical when we start to introduce new material and technique into our industry • providing natural light whilst controlling thermal load and glare which is key to the building occupants • Providing the ability to reduce the energy requirement of the building, thus reducing the environmental impact.

Characters of High-Performance Façade • Human comfort • Allow maximum daylight to come in and control solar heat gain so that operation and maintenance cost can be optimise • Environmentally responsible • Less external reflection from glass façade • Less internal reflection from inside • Usage of green walling over façade • Selection of insulated glass with Low-e double/triple layer coating to control solar heat gain as per the geometric location.

• Introducing blinds inside the double glass • Fire smoke barrier in the building for a minimum of 2 hours fire rating. Also, recommend using fire-rated materials

Meur notes, high-performance façades should be perfectly suited to the building that they are applied to, and the interior and exterior environments.

It is extremely sad to see buildings constructed with poor-performing façades, wasting precious resources. Instead, with proper experience, the right choices can be made, without necessarily paying more to achieve much-improved performance.

ADAPTIVE FAÇADES - BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS Weekes says, adaptive façades are not a new idea.

Before the invention of air-conditioning, many buildings would have included external shutters which would have been used by the owner to provide, when required, an ability to shade the interior whilst maintaining airflow, thus creating a natural movement of cooled air.

But of course, with advances in technology, the industry was able to develop energy-absorbing measures which whilst providing wonderfully controlled internal environments, do so at the expense of the earth’s resources. Hence the need for the industry is to recognise this imbalance and to find new methods.

Weekes explains that the modern adaptive façades are being developed to give the opportunity for the envelope to react to its environment through the integration of technology and materials that continue to allow the envelope to regulate the internal comfort by using integrated measures

Designed around the theme of renewable power. The glazing produced by Ertex Solar, contains photovoltaic cells that generate over 15,000 kWh of clean energy per year

• Use of laminated glass on the railing and accessible areas for safety Binoy Kumar Das, Group Managing Director, Façade Concept Design Group

34 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

©architzer.com

• Atomised ventilation windows connected to building system which can operate during fire and smoke for human safety and comfort

that reduce the impact of the building on the environment.

A well-known example in Abu Dhabi is the Al Bahar Towers, developed by Aedas Architects with a responsive façade to enhance the insulation of the interior from the energy generated by the sun during its daily path, by the individually controlled automated shading elements.

This is just one of many methods being developed and introduced. Other measures buildings have adopted include those with open and closed cavity façades (CCF’s), those with energy harvesting elements such as photovoltaic panels.

The industry is responding. The thermal performance and energy management of buildings are being assessed and ever-improving targets are being applied. With this, we can expect to see more research and development to try and reach a true zero carbon footprint. We see this now as a common practice in European countries.

Meur opines that adaptive façades are building envelopes that present varying performance and appearance. The changes can be either automatic, based on environmental considerations, or manually-driven using switches or connected apps.

Al Bahar Towers at Dubai has responsive façade to enhance the insulation of the interior from the energy generated by the sun

Façade behaves according to climatic conditions are called intelligent façade, which means any building façade design should follow certain studies as per the climatic condition. Adaptation Energy-efficient façades and smart façades will gain momentum and will become the most important factor to be considered in the future façades

means that façades should adapt to current weather conditions; that is the design of the façade should be as per climatic condition means to understand the temperature difference inside and outside of the building, etc., says Das. ENERGY HARVESTING FAÇADES According to Weekes, photovoltaics are the easiest to identify. From what until recently was little more than a solar panel fixed to the roof is now becoming an integrated part of the building envelope.

Meur points out that several methods have been investigated to harness energy from building envelopes. One of the most established approaches is BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics), which converts light or infrared from the sun into electricity.

Other methods exist as well to achieve a similar result, in particular, wind turbines built into the façades.

New techniques are constantly being investigated, including some that may seem farfetched at first,

such as water-filled sunshades containing methaneproducing algae, and piezoelectric receptors built into the façade and that convert impacts from raindrops into electricity.

"As a façade consultant, we proposed a dynamic façade design for buildings that aims to increase user comfort, also optimising energy savings", says Das. The use of solar panels on the façade can produce a huge amount of energy by placing them at the appropriate location. Sun path analysis plays an important role to understand the angle of the inclination of sun, adds Das. TOOLS FOR CREATING FUTURE FAÇADES The key tool is the ability to not only recognise the opportunities to create carbon-neutral buildings but to ensure that they are properly designed, engineered and installed to work as they are intended, says Weekes. There is no benefit if the envelope fails to perform. This comes from proper

Façade design will convert into digitalisation to get better accuracy and time saving including cost-saving

36 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

integrated façades on buildings. These will likely to be limited to high-end commercial buildings at first, then spread to other categories of buildings.

Eventually, there will simply be no room for poorperforming building envelopes.

To harness energy from building, wind turbines have been also built into the façades

research, development, testing, education, and training throughout the whole process. Buildings should be designed with the approach from the natural sunlight paths, to maximise natural light, maximise the usage of photovoltaics and maximise the adaption of either passive or active façades.

Meur believes that the main tool required is imagination. If one stays confined to existing materials and solutions, nothing innovative will be created.

Imagination paired with collaboration between various industries and the research, incredible things can happen. Innovative solutions can often be found when one looks beyond the boundaries of one’s realm of expertise and imagines how to apply techniques and materials from other sectors to one’s industry.

Nowadays smart façade, adaptive façade, and integrated façade are a better future where we all should consider. A façade can be considered as smart when it adapts to environmental conditions and transforms itself simultaneously, says Das. This happens through its components (passive or active), which adjust to adapt to different conditions. When it comes to façades, the main focus is on the equation of maximising natural sunlight, protected from solar radiation, while controlling ventilation and heat input/output. These exchanges can occur through the glazing, which can be considered a smart skin.

Conclusion The material development and reconciliation for the façade lead the route to new façade development.

Sustainability and user comfort will always remain the important areas in the world of façades.

Energy-efficient façades and smart façades will gain momentum and will become the most important factor to be considered in the future façades. These all are our assumptions but it will be interesting to see the changes the façades will have in the future. ©The images used in this story are taken from Shutterstock

Sustainability and user comfort will always remain the important areas in the world of the façades

Das opines that there are many tools for façade designing and comfort studies such as ecotect, e-quest CFD analysis, etc. for comfort studies where Revit and further BIM up to LOD 350 which can get into detail engineering." I think façade design should require to convert into digitalisation to get better accuracy and time saving including cost-saving", adds Das. FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMART FAÇADES, ADAPTIVE FAÇADES, AND INTEGRATED FAÇADES Weekes believes that the opportunities are without limits. All that is needed is the drive and determination of the industry to do what is within their power to save the planet.

Meur says that in the coming years, we are bound to see the widespread use of smart, adaptive and

37 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

“Future Façade is about Creating a Sustainable Façade”

Thomas Spitzer Managing Director, seele Middle East FZE

appearance while absorbing sunlight to avoid gain in heat. Another example is the building envelope of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, it was created by combining the most recent IT methods and software solutions. The complete free-form envelope is made of thousands of stainless steel tubes bent in three dimensions and was planned in 3D with parameterisation. All phases of the project benefited from the use of a coherent system throughout. This is still the way into the future.

What are the advancements you have observed in façade technology and materials in the last few years?

As a façade construction specialist who realises

Situated in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s oilfields, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture has a façade made from stainless steel tubes

©seele

What is your idea for the façades of the future?

What features would you like to see in façades in the future?

The façade of the future is an innovative, constructional and aesthetically sophisticated solution. We would like to see extraordinary freeform geometries and delicate all-glass structures with unique features that improve the occupant’s comfort. It is our aim to turn the architects' visions into reality in high-end performance. Our tailormade solutions come in a delicate design to create remarkable signature projects. For example, for the luxury shopping mall ICONSIAM in Bangkok, we have developed a 5,300 sqm all-glass façade. This glass façade gives the building a unique, lightweight

3D-planning the present constructions would not exist.

What are the key characters of a high-performance façade?

A high-performance façade features a highly complex geometry in combination with large glass units that allow daylight into the building and prevent solar heat or moisture. Curved insulated glass units in large formats are currently in great demand, especially in renovations where large-format panes are used to create a modern, lightweight and transparent design. For example, a solar-control coating on level 4 can reduce solar heat gains, so that the insulated glass combines aesthetic and functional criteria.

What are adaptive façades and what are their benefits and limitations?

Adaptive façade systems can optimise its form in order to react to environmental conditions. Glass used to lead to energy loss, thus the major benefit is to be able to use glass and to control certain conditions at the same time. For example, insulating glass units with an integrated sun protection system protect against sunlight, heat, and noise. A simple idea that needed an intelligent system: Clever, integrated pressure compensation maintains the permissible climate loads in the cavity. Another example is a façade that allows ventilation directly from outside. These self-conditioning façades are able to ensure the pressure and moisture exchange necessary for the transparent areas. Condensation

Butterfly House, Sharjah

©Torsten Seidel

©Torsten Seidel

unique projects worldwide, we have observed that the trend is towards the large glass formats and transparency. Unconventional solutions, which incorporate complex structures while using less steel. Additionally, glass is used as a load-bearing element. The development of all glass solutions with large formats as cold or hot bent glass, curved insulated glass or multiple laminated glass panes has significantly grown in the past 20 years. We see a great advantage in our group of companies, as in addition to the design and engineering of façades, we are able to manufacture glass and steel within the group. In the industry, we are known as a specialist for large glass formats. Of course, other materials are used as well, for example, bronze, copper and brass. With new methods such as additive production or the combination of finishing and patination, a wide range of design options are possible. For us, Industry 4.0 and the new digital tools mean a great leap forward. Without

39 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

in the cavity between the panes is therefore effectively prevented by the laws of building physics. Adaptive façade solutions need extensive R&D, with an own internal R&D department and a test and inspection center, the seele group creates customised solutions.

Could you please tell us about energy harvesting façades?

To minimise the energy footprint of a building, solar panels on façades can be used for energy harvesting purpose. Our clients request to build envelopes which are more related to performance, acoustics or aesthetics. The goal is to create a signature building.

Nevertheless, there is the possibility to incorporate solar panels for energy generation.

What are the tools for creating future façades?

It is our philosophy to realise the unique designs of architects in perfection. In a very early project stage, we bring their visions to a tailored project solution.

In collaboration with clients, architects, engineers and contractors, we develop the final design. We are capable of building all kinds of structures in different geometries and sizes. It is the combination of our knowledge with the use of digital tools - such as additive manufacturing, laser scanners and VR/

©seele/Andreas Keller

ICONSIAM in Bangkok: 24m high all-glass façade

40 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

AR, which allow us to deliver the utmost quality and performance of a façade. Thus the key tool for us is our own know-how.

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

Above all, it is about creating a sustainable façade. In times of limited resources, this is an essential aspect, additionally, climate change plays a certain role as well. The selection of the right façade depends on the geographical and weather conditions, therefore extensive testing is important. A system that works very well in the South East Asia might not work the same way in Europe.

Currently, smart façade concepts are being implemented, for example, built-in sensor technology, which provides information on the condition of the building element and on its maintenance. A monitored façade will improve its longevity. Generally, we believe it is important to offer a wide range of systems in order to be able to act in the sense of sustainability. With our know-how in design, production and installation, we see a lot of opportunities where we strive to create innovative and unconventional solutions.

The Future of Façades

Example of "great shading" Crowne Plaza, Changi, Singapore

in huge amounts of natural light, allowing great views out and in. These façades look incredible until the sun shines directly on to the glass making the glare and comfort levels in the spaces beyond unbearable requiring the internal blinds to come down blocking out the light and the views!

Steve Daniels Global Façades Leader, Aurecon What will façades of the future look like?

This is a regularly asked question and the usual response involves the latest technology available or reference to the increase in computing power allowing schemes of greater and greater complexity to be realised.

I would like to offer an alternative view in response to this question - a human-centred response.

What do we want or need our façades to do?

At the most basic level, they let stuff in, let stuff out, keep stuff in and keep stuff out!

As designers, we try to improve these characteristics.

So, a high-performance façade is one which does these things well, right?

Yes of course, but our measurement of performance is rooted in theory and calculation - and this cannot change as we need specifications and performance data against which to work.

But, there must also be another measure - the people that use our façades.

For example, some of today’s façades are beautiful and magnificent but have moved away from efficiency and user-friendliness. They no doubt use the highest ‘performance’ materials but are they working for the user?

Look at examples of façades in our global cities which use full-height, beautifully clear glass letting

What about technology?

Looking at what advancements we expect ‘tomorrow’, technology cannot be discounted.

There is tremendous work being done in the development of products such as adaptive façades, photochromic glass, nano-coatings, super-insulated vacuum glass, and biotechnology.

Some of these innovations will solve the problem mentioned above and create more liveable, comfortable spaces but, sadly, a lot of this technology is still cost-prohibitive.

As societal demands increase and legislation forces the use of ‘better’ technology these products will no doubt find their way to the mass market and become a part of the everyday-life in façades.

What about the future of façades?

Well, I often look to history to see what might happen next.

For example: • Great shading always works - but is too often designed in then value-engineered out.

• North-lights give us pure unfiltered light without direct glare.

• Glass-to-solid ratios are a much-researched but too-little-used factor in our designs.

Façades of the future - at least our immediate future - will draw upon the experience of façades of the past.

41 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

FACE TO FACE “Future Façades should Address Environmental and Sustainability Issues”

Ian Mason Senior Associate, Woods Bagot

About the Author: Ian Mason is a Senior Associate and Senior Architectural Technologist with over 30 years of experience and has worked across many different sectors. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in dealing with a variety of clients worldwide, design team consultants and specialists on projects in the UK, Dubai, Azerbaijan, Brunei, and Australia. He has led project teams on large, complex projects with responsibility from design to site stage works and has a particular interest in façade design. He has been working in the UAE for 2 years and currently the project leader for a major project on the Expo 2020 site.

In conversation with the team of Window & Façade Magazine, Ian Mason talked about his journey in the architectural field, the landmark projects Woods Bagot has done, etc. Here are the excerpts…

42 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

Tell us about your practice and design approach?

Woods Bagot is a people architecture company.

We place human experience at the centre of our design process in order to deliver engaging, futureoriented projects that respond to the way people actually use space.

We do this as a global design and consulting studio with a team of over 1000 experts working across 15 studios in Australia, China, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Southeast Asia.

Our global studio model allows us to work collaboratively across time zones and borders, using the latest technology to share design intelligence and strengthen our knowledge base around the world.

We have been established in the Middle East for over 18 years. We have over 70 staff employed in our Middle East Studios, comprising 20 Nationalities.

ŠMarc Goodwin

What are the milestones you have achieved to date?

I am very thankful to have had the opportunity through my career to lead high profile projects in a number of countries around the world. The BBC North development in Salford, near Manchester in the UK, and the Radio Television Building in Brunei

along with several high-profile football and rugby clubs both in the UK and abroad, to name but a few, and now with woods bahut a significant project in Dubai.

What inspired you to become an architectural technician?

I have had a great enthusiasm for technical design drawing as far back as I remember. The precision and interest in detail fascinated me and still does. Working on many different building types, sizes and locations over the past 30 years have meant a constant variety of ideas, challenges, and changes in technology.

Woods Bagot is constantly looking to move forward and innovate, which is a great environment to work in. Drawing on the expertise from our global studio is a buoyant environment for sharing fresh new ideas and technology.

I presume you connect a lot of art and architecture in your projects. Please talk about your projects featuring very innovative and different kinds of façade and fenestration designs.

Art and architecture are undoubtedly closely related.

Whilst our designs are people-centric, Woods Bagot is a highly creative global studio. Uncompromising design and rigorous curiosity are two of our key values.

Façades at D3 Design District, Dubai

43 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

There are many elements that go into the process.

Meaningful design and narrative are crafted and informed by structured and inspired storytelling, research and evaluation. The creation of spaces and places and all the elements that make up the whole is a craft. The finished result inspires or evokes a feeling and provides an experience.

Woods Bagot is very proud to have worked on the Bluewaters Retail Development, which has over 40 cladding typologies that have been developed to provide a unique appearance to each cluster of buildings. The many different façades used in the development provide a unique environment of discovery through the use of multiple layering of materials, texture, colours, and lighting. Each building has integrated specialist lighting which together with the rich façade palette helps to provide an active and animated development.

The building concept, design narrative, and sustainability would always be the starting point for the façade considerations

Bluewaters Retail, Dubai

With a unique number of façade typologies in one project, we feel our experience has been brought to bear in understanding the complexities entailed with designing a development with over 100 buildings in close proximity.

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?

One of our current projects in the UAE has a bespoke design for the high span curtain wall mullions that have been manufactured specifically for the project.

This is combined with a high-performance clear glass façade, with feature frit pattern in a key element of the façade, to add further shading performance to the interior spaces.

We are also using a mesh made from a recyclable polycarbonate system and using it in a relatively new way to create a significant lighting feature element on a project under construction.

©Peter Clarke

What are your views on the future façade and fenestration technologies as well as materials?

The future of technologies must ensure that systems address the ongoing client and industry concerns with regards to the fire spread in façade systems.

44 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

Façades must also be designed and utilised to be more responsive, including addressing environmental and sustainability issues. The development of façades should have a positive impact on buildings energy use which can include opportunities to be richer in materiality, which

should also respond to how the façades work and respond to their surroundings. An active façade can manage internal environments by modifying characteristics of a façade dynamically as well as controlling external environmental parameters.

Studies have shown that these modifications can improve the performance of the active façade significantly in comparison with the static façade systems.

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

The building concept, design narrative, and sustainability would always be the starting point

South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)

©Peter Clarke

©Peter Clarke

SAHMRI’s design and construction team worked collaboratively to deliver a flexible, adaptable, healthy and sustainable facility which has achieved LEED GOLD rating and recently received the 2015 Laboratory of the Year Award. Awards include: 2014 South Australian Architecture Award winners: – Jack McConnell Award for Public Architecture – Derrick Kendrick Award for Sustainable Architecture.

45 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

In this Bluewaters Retail project, 40 cladding typologies have been developed to provide a unique appearance to each cluster of buildings

for the façade considerations, which would then lead to reviewing the materiality that best suited the concept design. The finish of the materials would be considered which leads to the investigation of façade and cladding systems that would achieve the desired look and feel.

Looking at innovations in technology keeps your knowledge fresh and up to date. Explore ways to constantly push forward and innovate.

We rigorously review our designs and many factors are considered including suitability for the environment which would include performance, sustainability, life span and durability, and cost considerations.

What is your advice for young and upcoming architects?

Never be afraid to explore new ideas and push boundaries. Explore new technologies and exercise curiosity to help develop design proposals. This will ensure a depth of understanding is gained of the procedures required, new and future systems they may wish to use.

Ask for insights from your colleagues and industry professionals. Collective intelligence is a key part of Woods Bagot’s philosophy. Sharing ideas and experiences leads to a design that resonates with the richness of knowledge gained.

I mentor staff as part of the Woods Bagot scheme to

46 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

help develop the skills of our upcoming architects and would always recommend that people try to gain site experience to help illustrate and understand how the design developed is built, understanding the skills of site team members and contractors.

Having the experience of being on-site brings the project to life and living the life of a project from inception to completion and use brings immense satisfaction.

Façades must be designed and utilised to be more responsive

INDUSTRY SPEAKS “We Constantly Challenge Ourselves to Deliver Economic Solutions”

Jayanta Mukherjee Managing Director - Middle East & Africa and Strategic Advisor - India fischer

Jayanta Mukherjee is the Managing Director, Fischer Middle East and Africa, Strategic Advisor - fischer - India. He is an Electrical Engineer with an MBA. An alumnus of IIM, Ahmadabad and Stanford University.

He has been an entrepreneurial executive with more than 24 years of multidimensional experience in strategic planning, profit center management, the leadership of large teams in global set up, supply chain management, brand management, and customer acquisition. He has demonstrable experience in setting up a business from scratch in newer geographies and industries taking completely new service lines to the market. He has strong first-hand experience in setting and scaling up business in the Middle East, India, Africa and other Asian countries.

In an exclusive interview with Window & Façade Magazine, Jayanta Mukherjee talked about fischer’s journey and the milestones it has achieved. Excerpts…

47 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

Please brief us on the history and objective behind the formation of your company. What are the milestones you have achieved so far?

For over 70 years, fischer has garnered a widespread reputation for designing, engineering and building innovative fixing solutions. Since the company’s establishment in 1948, fischer has been driven by a constant will to change and strive for better solutions through innovation.

Whoever chooses fischer can expect not only the best in terms of quality but also the best in terms of services which are focused and designed with the sole purpose of delighting our customers. We strongly believe in our core values - innovation, accountability, and reliability.

With double-digit growth year after year, a workforce of 5200+ worldwide, 47 subsidiaries in 35 countries, 10 production units across 7 countries and with over 1500 Intellectual Property Rights, fischer as a group strives to be a pioneer in the fixing industry. fischer MEA a 100% subsidiary of fischer fixings - Germany, has been constantly expanding its horizons in the Middle East and African markets.

Today, fischer MEA operations headquartered in the Dubai-UAE oversees the entire region with local offices in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Pakistan deep footprints in all major projects and in the trade market across the Middle East and Africa. fischer is not just known for various fixing solutions or firestop/MEP product ranges, we are highly regarded as a business excellence partner, known to provide customers a 360-degree service excellence through a range of specialised services from certified training programs, seminars, onsite/ offsite testing, technical design support, free webinars, a free to use innovative design software and much more. With such commitment to service excellence, fischer as a brand is highly appreciated by engineers worldwide and is well-known in the construction industry for our trusted reliability and high standards of quality. fischer products are extensively used in all the milestone projects in the region be it Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Metro, Haram Expansion, Stadiums of Qatar. fischer MEA certified as “Great Place to Work”, fischer Middle East elected as “Super brand”

48 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

for two consecutive years 2017 & 2018, BNC Construction innovation Award - 2018, Façade Design and Engineer Middle East Awards.

What are the products you offer in the market?

We prefer to say that we do not sell “products” but “Solutions”. As an engineering company, we try to understand the different fixing challenges at construction sites and provide products that meet the engineering/environmental/economic requirement.

Our product basket includes steel, nylon, and chemical anchors. We are also in passive fireStop products, pipe and hanger support system and products for curtain wall and façade.

Could you please tell us about your manufacturing facility and capacity? fischer has own development and production facilities providing its products and services to private and professional customers around the world. As a certified DIN EN ISO 9001 company and through the fischer Process System (fPS), we continuously optimise our processes and adapt flexibly to customer requirements ensuring highly consistent level of quality. Our production locations are in Argentina, Brazil, China, Germany (Waldachtal, Horb, Emmendingen, Denzlingen), Italy, the Czech Republic, and the USA. Our factories have won the best in class Awards in Europe and other locations.

Chemical fixing

What are the advantages fischer has over its competitors?

We are our own competition. We constantly challenge ourselves to deliver better products and economic solutions. Our engineers are best technical minds in our region- hand-picked, trained and groomed over years. 88% of our business is repeat business - it shows that our customers appreciate our value proposition.

We have now opened a new center in Abu Dhabi and the 1st branded fischer training van will be on-road this month. Many more activities are planned to be rolled out in 2020.

fischer is a renowned name in the Middle East.

What is the success mantra of the company?

I started this organisation as a one-man entity.

Today, we have more than 200 professionals working at more than 300 plus projects in the region. Our success is our team - our people.

People make the difference - products help.

How is the market for faรงade systems in the Middle East? What are the trends?

It is a challenging but growing market. We will take a bigger pie of the market with our new undercut fixing system, cast in channels and other new to be introduced categories. Skyline of the region is

fischer ultacut

49 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

constantly changing. We are adding our products and services to match up the demand.

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

Actually only during challenges, you can test yourself, your team, your capability, and sustainability. I am very optimistic about future. We have overcome the challenges of resource mobilisation by careful planning and strategy adaptation.

Electrical fixing

Where do you see your company in 2020?

We will close the year with a lot of successful projects - stadiums in Qatar, metro projects in Saudi, Qatar, and Dubai, Expo 2020, etc. Our team has also won the recognition of “Great Place to Work”. We are adding more experts to our team in the region. As professor Klaus Fischer says, “we do not want to be the biggest company. But, we want to be the most preferred brand for our customers”.

fischer centre

50 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

PROJECT WATCH Opus - A Beautiful Glass Building in the Middle of the City

Fabian Hecker Senior Associate, Zaha Hadid Architects

About the Author: Fabian Hecker joined ZHA in 2002 and has since worked on projects including offices, hospitality, cultural buildings, retail interiors, mixed-use developments, and urban masterplans predominantly in Europe and the Middle East. Fabian was a Project Associate on the Opus project in Dubai, a mixed-use tower containing a hotel, offices, and serviced apartments where he was leading the design team and providing site supervision. Currently, he is overseeing the design of Lusail Hotel tower, a 70,000m2, 5*-hotel with serviced apartments, located at the centre of the new Lusail Marina district near Doha, Qatar, the Saudi National Built Heritage Center, a 8,000m2 cultural building in Diriyah, KSA; and the interior refurbishment of a central section of a large airport in Germany.

51 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

Depending on the viewing angle, the appearance of the Opus oscillates between a hollowed-out cube and two towers connected via a sky bridge. The building’s appearance plays off the strong contrast given to its two distinct façades of the all-glass envelope: a clear glass curtain wall with a distinct fritting pattern for the exterior faces and a bluetinted glass for the free form interior void. Many of the challenges of this façade were unprecedented in the region and helped driving innovation both in engineering and fabrication.

EXTERIOR FAÇADE Against the visual cacophony of endless towers vying for attention in Business Bay, it was decided to give the OPUS a certain quality of muteness. The building is wrapped in a simple, clear glass curtain wall and

make maximum use of the material’s inherent characteristics and the resulting ambiguous play of reflection and transparency. The façades are made of double-glazed insulating glass units with a UV coating.

In addition, a continuous mirror frit pattern consisting of different sized dots was applied around the entire building, helping to emphasise its volumetry, while at the same time dissolving it through the continuous play of ever-changing reflection. The applied frit also helps with reducing solar gain into the building.

VOID FAÇADE The void, in contrast, is a free-form organic and fully glazed façade that covers an area of

©Laurian Ghinitoiu

The building is wrapped in a simple, clear glass curtain wall and make maximum use of the material’s inherent characteristics

52 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

ŠLaurian Ghinitoiu

The lower end of the void is bordered by a freely formed glass roof over the multi-story atrium

approximately 6,000m2 and consists of 4300 individual glazing units. Whilst appearing as a continuous, fluid surface, the surface, in reality, is a combination of glass with varying thickness, bent in different ways and fitted by using several different techniques. Each of the glass units for the dark blue glazed void is, therefore, a custom-made individual item, and many of them consist of curved and double-curved, double-glazed insulating glass units with irregular shapes.

The entire façade was developed using a variety of 3D modelling and fabrication tools for the primary and secondary steel construction, as well as the curved aluminium profiles, fastening elements and glass units. International expertise was also sought.

For example, the substructure of more than 10,000 individually curved aluminium profiles were supplied from Denmark and the Netherlands, the glass units were produced in three factories in China, and the units then assembled in the UAE.

The lower end of the void is bordered by a freely formed glass roof over the multi-story atrium. At the upper end of the building, at a height of 71m, the towers are connected via a 38m long sky bridge, cladded in curved double-glazed insulating glass units, supported of a double-curved aluminium substructure connected to the structural steel trusses.

Ultimately the entire 3D puzzle had to be precisely pieced together on the construction site.

Also, the selection of the right glass was preceded by a lengthy decision-making and modelling process. In contrast with flat panes of glass, no technical values exist in relation to the compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength for

53 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

curved panes of glass. Due to the fact, the glass curvature and glass thickness affect the flexural rigidity for their part, the solar thermal loads and the maximum energy absorption up to breakage, the minimum bending radii as well as the maximum bending angles for each insulating glass unit had to be calculated. In addition, the glass structure had to ensure that the solar input remained below a certain limit to prevent dangerous levels of reflected radiation that could lead to thermal breakage on the glass façades opposite. In a hot climate such as Dubai, the thermal load for glass is much higher than in more temperate zones and dark glass units also absorb more energy. In addition, the free form geometry creates reflection onto itself under certain conditions, thereby increasing the heat loads to parts of the façade. A dedicated analysis helped to identify the critical zones within the void façade, where it was necessary to apply tempering - a process that had not yet been industrially tested for double-curved insulating glass units at the time. Chemically tempered, hot-bent glass was not feasible for the scale and numbers required -

Fact File Client: Omniyat Properties LLC Location of the Project: Dubai, UAE Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects CONSULTANTS Project Management Consultant: Gleeds (London), Omniyat (Dubai) Structural Engineers: Whitbybird (London) and BG&E (Dubai) MEP Engineers: Clarke Samadin (Dubai) Façade Engineers: Whitbybird (London) and Agnes Koltay Façades (Dubai) Fire Engineering: Safe (London) and Design Confidence (Dubai) Main Contractors: Façade Contractors: Brookfield Multiplex (London)

54 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

At the upper end of the building, at a height of 71m, the towers are connected via a 38m long sky bridge

©Laurian Ghinitoiu

©Laurian Ghinitoiu

In a hot climate such as Dubai, the thermal load for glass is much higher than in more temperate zones and dark glass units also absorb more energy

Another differentiating feature of the void façade is its integration of LED technology. By day, the façade reflects the sky, sun and its surroundings. At night, the void is illuminated via an ever-changing LED installation, consisting of individually controllable LEDs installed within each glass panel.

©Laurian Ghinitoiu

therefore, a technology specifically developed in the automotive industry for the combined hot bending and tempering of the glass was used. The insulating glass units are heated to 700ºc, tempered following the moulding process and then cooled with the aid of compressed air nozzles to increase their breaking strength. The units used generally consist of 8mm low-E glass (coated on the inside), a 16mm cavity between the panes, and 2 layers of 6mm clear glass, with a 1.52mm PVB colour laminate. Prior, the geometry was rationalised to minimise the use of double curved glass units. In the end, a combination of flat, single-curved, cold-bent and hot-bent double-curved glazing was used in seamless integration, within the varying wall, skylight and soffit systems.

The geometry was rationalised to minimise the use of double curved glass units

©Laurian Ghinitoiu

At night, the void is illuminated via an ever-changing LED installation, consisting of individually controllable LEDs

PRODUCT WATCH Unlock your smart home with a Yale smart door lock In the home of the future, a smart home will open with a smart door. Homeowners today want the ability to control their home security remotely and this means the days of worrying that you have forgotten your keys are over. With a Smart Door Lock from Yale, you have the option to use a PIN code, fingerprint reader, remote fob, or even a smartphone to unlock your door.

We have all been there when you have had your hands full coming home from work and struggled to unlock your door? Or maybe you’ve wanted to let your family, friends or visitors in if they have arrived on your doorstep early before you have reached your home.

All of this is achievable with the ENTR® Smart Door Lock from Yale. Developed using Yale’s high-security standards and latest advancements in technology, ENTR® provides a completely keyless solution to give you peace of mind over your home security.

You control who and when people have access to

ENTR® Smart Door Lock Secure. Simple. Keyless

56 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

your home, with the ability to set up to 20 different codes. ENTR® makes domestic key troubles a thing of the past: there is no longer any need to get a spare set cut for kids, carers or temporary workers.

A couple of swipes on a smartphone screen is all it takes to share an ENTR® digital key with family or anyone who needs access - and to revoke the key instantly when required. Don’t worry if the electricity goes down as ENTR® is battery operated - not dependent on power or cables. It will even warn you when the batteries are running low.

Ahmet Astal, Vice President - Yale Middle East, said: “Yale is renowned for its expertise in locking solutions and we are using the latest technology to keep your home secure. The ENTR® lock offers convenience, security, and control, and is easy to install. With no drilling or wiring required, it is an ideal security product for first-time buyers looking to take their first steps into the smart home.”

For more information, visit email: yaleme@assaabloy.com

www.yale.ae

Unlock your door via a PIN code, fingerprint reader, remote fob, or your smartphone

or

INDUSTRY’S first focused DIGITAL Marketing Platform

Unleash your Potential….

Ride with the Rider…

We Keep You Going Strong…

F and F Middle East FZ-LLC For more details contact: Shahzad Sadique +971 58 1180 771 | me@wfmmedia.com

www.wfmmedia.com

BUZZ Construction work starts on Russia Pavilion at Expo 2020 The construction work has been started at the site of the Russia Pavilion at Expo 2020. The ‘Next Level’ spherical structure will be situated in the Mobility District and has been designed by architects Tchoban Speech and Simpateca Entertainment Group.

Most of the façade elements to be used this structure will be manufactured using the latest technologies many of which will be used for the first time in the construction of such engineering structures.

The pavilion will showcase Russia’s extensive knowledge in various fields and it will take visitors to

the next level, where they will be able to experience the possibilities of tomorrow.

AESG unveils the design tool to achieve net zero carbon AESG has launched its “Pathway to Net Zero” design tool to achieve zero carbon buildings. The tool will help in determining and evaluating the options available for reducing the carbon footprint of the buildings.

The tool assesses buildings based on factors such as the typology and planned usage; location and size; as well as any additional project requirements specified during the briefing stage.

By applying this new Pathway to Net Zero tool free of charge to all its design projects from 2020 onwards, AESG hopes to address most misconceptions around the concept and incentivise its clients.

58 WFM | SEP - OCT 2019

The buildings will be assessed by the tools based on an innumerable of factors such as the typology and planned usage, and location and size, along with any additional project requirements specified during the briefing stage.

The development of the design tool followed key industry standards, which includes EN standards for the embodied carbon assessment, the standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) standards for the operational carbon assessment.

BUZZ The world’s tallest hotel to open in Dubai in 2023 Dubai to soon have a 360-metre hotel - the tallest hotel in the world. Ciel hotel will become the largest hotel in the world after its opening at the end of 2022 or in the beginning of 2023. The hotel will have 82 levels. The project is being designed by Norr architects - the group which has also done the Atlantis The Palm hotel project. The hotel will feature a rooftop glass observation deck that will give a

360-degree views over The Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf, Ciel’s rooftop will also have a leisure deck, a bar and an infinity swimming pool that will be one of the highest in the world.

The hotel will have contemporary interiors with a side of luxury and allocated green spaces. A lot of the action will take place up on the roof.

Abu Dhabi’s luxurious hotel to get renovated Emirates Palace - one of the luxurious hotel in Abu Dhabi to be upgraded to provide an ultra-luxury level.

Emirates Palace Company (EPCO) has announced that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will take over management of the iconic Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, from January 2020.

The hotel is an award-winning property that opened in 2005 and is one of the world’s most luxurious hotels and features 302 rooms and 92 suites, with nine international restaurants. The hotel is known for hosting high profile guests, heads of state, foreign dignitaries and celebrities, Emirates Palace will undergo a phased renovation to upgrade its facilities to an ultra-luxury level

The decision to award the new management contract was based on a tender process, which was managed by a third-party firm “JLL” - a global real estate and hospitality advisors.

Woods Bagot to design landmark exhibition centre at Expo 2020 Dubai Woods Bagot - one of the renowned architectural firm, will design the Dubai Exhibition Centre on the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

This 130,000 sqm building will be one of the landmark Expo buildings and form the main entrance to the Expo site from Dubai’s Metro system.

59 WFM | SEP - OCT 2019

Subscription Please use BOLD / CAPITAL LETTERS ONLY

Mr/Ms: _________________________________________________________________________ Designation: _____________________________________________________________________ Company: ________________________________________________________________________ Address1: _______________________________________________________________________ Address 2: ______________________________________________________________________ VAT Reg. No. ______________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________ Pin Code: _______________ State: ________________________ Tel: ___________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________ Mobile: _________________________________ Email: ___________________________________ Payment Details: Cash / Cheque / Digital __________________________________________________

How strongly will you recommend this magazine to someone on a scale of 1 to 10:

Year (6 issues) 300 AED

 Please use bold & capital letters only  The mode of payment should be via Cash / Cheque / Digital favouring F and F Middle East FZ- LLC  Please write your name and address on the back of the cheque  Orders once placed will not be terminated or transferred  Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks to process the order Subscribe to Window & Facade Magazine Middle East by completing the form and sending it to F and F Middle East FZ- LLC For further queries write to: me@wfmmedia.com

60 WFM | Nov - Dec 2019

F and F Middle East FZ-LLC +971 58 1180 771 | me@wfmmedia.com