Window and Façade Magazine (March-April 2022)

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www.wfmmedia.com Volume 8 | Issue 2 | ` 200 March - April 2022

CLADDING TRENDS MATERIALS, DESIGNS, TECHNOLOGIES Face to Face

AR. SUMIT DHAWAN Founder & Principal Architect, Cityspace '82 Architects

Project Watch

l House Under Shadows, Karnal l Anahat Farms, Noida l The XLRI School of

Management, Jamshedpur

Industry Speaks AVANISH SINGH VISEN Director & CEO, DCJ GROUP

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Volume 8 | Issue 2 March - April 2022

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History of Cladding Materials

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Cladding Choices

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Choosing the Right Cladding

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Perforated Façade Design

TECHNICAL PANEL Mahesh Arumugam Director Meinhardt Façade Consultants

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Sustainable Cladding Elements

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Innovative Façades for Energy Efficiency

KR Suresh Regional Director Axis Façade Consulting

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Integration Facade Design and Building Operations

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Face to Face

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Cover Story

PUBLISHED BY F & F Media and Publications C-55, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase - 1, New Delhi-110 020 T: +91-11-40623356 FOUNDERS Amit Malhotra

EDITORIAL Renu Rajaram renu@wfmmedia.com +91 9312864830 Shefali Bisht

Mr. Sanjay Goel, CEO, Vibrant Technik Ar. Parag v singal, Principal Architect, Parag Singal Architects Rounaq. K. Choudhari, Director, Glass Wall System (I) Pvt Ltd Ashlesha Kale, Principal Architect & Director, Ingrain Architects & Urban Designers Ashwani Khanna, AVP marketing, Fundermax India Pvt. Ltd. Tripat Girdhar, Founder & Principal Architect, The Design Studio Ar. Ravideep Singh, Associate Director, Creative Designer Architects Interview with Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Founder & Principal Architect, Cityspace '82 Architects Cladding Trends - Materials, Designs, Technologies

l "Cladding Materials Should be Chosen Wisely" by Ar. Nilanjan

Bhowal, Principal Architect, Design Consortium, New Delhi

MARKETING & OPERATIONS Kapil Girotra kapil@wfmmedia.com +91 9560925255

RNI: DELENG/2014/57870

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Design2Occupancy

DESIGN & CONCEPT BY Sanjay Bandre

Mukesh Kumar mukesh@wfmmedia.com +91 9560088995

S

l Kinematic Façades are the Future by Ar. Khushi Joshi, Architect,

editorial@wfmmedia.com

SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION Devagya Behl support@wfmmedia.com +91 9871151112

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Interview: On Cladding l Ar. Guruprakash Sastry, Regional Head – Infrastructure, Infosys l Ar. Nilesh Dongre, Vertical Head – Developer Spaces, Edifice

Consultants Pvt Ltd.

102 Industry Speaks

Interview with Avanish Singh Visen, Director & Chief Executive Officer,

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DCJ Group Project Watch l House Under Shadows, Karnal l Anahat Farms, Noida l The XLRI School of Management, Jamshedpur

Cover Image, Courtesy: Cityspace '82 Architects

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.

WRITE TO THE EDITOR Please address your suggestions to: The Editor, Window & Façade Magazine, C55, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase – 1, New Delhi, 110020 or email renu@wfmmedia.com. Please provide your full name and address, stating clearly if you do not wish us to print them. Alternatively log on to www. wfmmedia.com and air your views. The opinions expressed in this section are of particular individuals and are in no way a reflection of the publisher’s views.

“Printed and Published by Amit Malhotra on behalf of M/s F & F Media and Publications Printed and published at Print Plus Pvt. Ltd. Name of the EditorMs. Renu Rajaram”

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EDIT

O NOTE

R’S

Indian real estate is one of the biggest and world’s most recognised sectors, which is the second-highest employment generator in the country and contributes around 13% of the country’s GDP. As we come to the end of another financial year, the industry is looking forward to a profitable and better way ahead with a considerable increase in sales. Hopefully the year 2022-23 would be a year of recovery for the Indian real estate sector, especially the housing segment. According to the Knight Frank report titled 'Real Estate Outlook 2022', India's realty sector is showing signs of healthy growth in 2022. After a lacklustre pandemic period, the industry is on the path of recovery, driven by the large number of infrastructure projects announced by the government in the budget. The real estate sector is expected to reach a market size of $1 trillion by 2030 while contributing 18 to 20% to the GDP of the India's economy by 2025.

People are paying great attention towards the look and feel of the building facades and the builders are ready to spend a staggering amount to make the exterior look iconic and cozy. The cladding on a buildings give them shape and beauty, and the materials used on the facade help changing the paradigm of a building architecture.

The cladding of a building plays a very important role in projecting an iconic image, at the same time in protecting the building from all conditions like rains, wind, cyclones and fire. Cladding plays a key role in making a building sustainable.

Right from aesthetics and durability to the life and installation method of the cladding material, everything has an impact on the sustainability quotient.

A well-designed façade reduces the thermal bridges, and condensation of water vapour, and protects the building. Façade systems are expected to carry out several functions and perform in a variety of ways, such as structural integrity, durability, weather–resistance, acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, safety and security barriers, and more.

In this edition’s cover story, we have included insights from many experts on topics including trends in cladding designs, materials and installation. This edition also features interviews with a few experts who are pioneers in this field.

Other than the informative cover story and interesting interviews, this edition presents a gamut of new materials and technologies which would be of interest to the architects, builders and contractors. We hope you will enjoy reading this edition and will benefit from the industry insights. We look forward to your comments.

Renu Rajaram renu@wfmmedia.com

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Cladding Materials

History of Cladding Materials

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lacquered wooden bowl dating back to 5000-4500 BC found at Hemudu, China is probably the oldest reference available on the origin of this modern-day technology.

The technique of combining fibre with resin was originally intended to provide waterproof protection to wood and bamboo. However, due to the extreme durability of such finishes, which is almost completely impervious to water and highly resistant to damage by acids or abrasion, numerous lacquered items have been unearthed in perfect conditions over the last many centuries. This shows the durability of the material. It is also fundamentally what is still done today in the production of wood/kraft paper based cladding materials like High-Pressure Laminates aka HPL. But how these fibres are strengthened with resin has completely changed over this long period.

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Chemistry as well as the whole application process has changed. This is what makes one product different from another though all claim to be a combination of wood and resin. From Phenol-Formaldehyde to Melamine to Acrylic made the panels highly resistant to the UV radiation of the sun, a big plus to prevent colours from fading. These changes dramatically increased the design and colour possibilities for architects and made the material far more durable.

In 1969, a Dutch company called Trespa tested if its materials could be applied to the exterior of the building – and it worked! That’s how the journey of exterior cladding of buildings using laminated materials began and High-Pressure Laminate was borne.

In 2001, Westag introduced an acrylic-based solid surface that bends easily in the manufacturing process enabling it to fit on any surface seamlessly. The material provides a high level of colour consistency, is repairable and is non-porous.

Cutting Trespa with a circular saw or jigsaw

In 2013, Fenix launched super matt laminates which are soft to touch, anti-fingerprint and make thermal healing of micro-scratches possible. Fenix has been launched in North America and Asia in 2020

by Formica.

Technology didn’t stop here. In 2020, new lignin-based resins that use 50% less phenol, making the materials more sustainable have been introduced.

Reducing our environmental footprint should be one of the key priorities of the cladding industry.

Energy used as well as water consumed per square foot of cladding

A lacquered wooden bowl dating back to 5000-4500 BC found at Hemudu, China is probably the oldest reference available on the origin of cladding

Cladding Materials

SANJAY GOEL

CEO, Vibrant Technik

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sanjay Goel did his Masters from IIT Delhi in 1991. He has a specialised background in textiles, polymers and filtration.

He started Vibrant Technik in July 2011 to bring the finest range of European materials to the Indian façade and architectural industry.

Wide range of colours and finishes

Trespa installation

material produced is what makes the difference between a good and a bad supplier.

Longevity is also a form of sustainability that is often overlooked!

Materials that last longer without warping or losing colour should be a preferred choice from the point of view of saving the environment.

Future lies in Impact Panels – panels that impact their environment. Companies are working on integrating energy generation

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Professional global support

or storage into the panels that include computer chips and sensors. Research is being done in interactive panels. Formica has introduced Intentek – an HPL based wireless charging surface. You can put a mobile phone on the Intentek table and it gets charged!

Cladding materials are having a fantastic journey.

(Reference – Of Matter Spring 2021 Issue – a publication of TRESPA and FORMICA group.)

Vibrant Technik is a company dealing in architectural materials from Europe. The company represents some of the finest European brands like Barrisol (for stretch ceilings) and Trespa (for HighPressure Laminates) from the Netherlands. They have executed several projects pan India and neighbouring countries which include top car showrooms like Lamborghini, Porsche and Kia and high-end retail showrooms. Based out of Jaipur, the company provides complete end to end solutions for its range of offerings, from providing engineering drawings to renders to material supply and installation.

PHOTO CREDITS- GLASSBEL.COM

Cladding Materials

Photo Voltaic cells used in the façade

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Cladding Choices

açade design plays a vital role in the field of architecture. In fact, after prudent planning, a façade is the most important thing when it comes to design. Times have seen a major transformation in the way we look at façades. Today an interesting and captivating façade as much contributes to the building being classified as a great piece of architecture, as any other element of the building. Since any space or volume that we talk

about gets its definition from the four vertical faces that help in confining that space, the character of those four faces and the fenestrations, etc on them majorly contribute to the overall look and feel of that space.

BALANCING AESTHETICS AND PRACTICALITY IN FAÇADES AND FENESTRATIONS A very important aspect that we as conscious designers need to look into is the context we are designing

the building in. It is much easier to ape the west and do dramatic glass façades, but the question is does our kind of climate call for it.

It is imperative that we first study the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) or in simple words the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a glazing/window or perhaps a skylight designed, either directly or indirectly absorbed and subsequently transmitted to the volume of space inside the building in the form of heat. Not

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PHOTO CREDITS- LOPOCHINA

Cladding Materials

Terracotta tiles used in the façade

NEW-AGE USES OF FAÇADES AND FENESTRATIONS Today the word façade has replaced the age-old word “elevation” in

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many a way. Right from interactive or kinetic façades which as the name says are more responsive to the passer-by, to façades that

PHOTO CREDITS- TOBIAS BADER

to forget that this solar heat gain has a direct impact on the total consumption of air-conditioning inside the building thereby adding to our costs.

Hence the right balance of solids and voids on the façade could be a better way to tackle our kind of tropical climate. Of course, aesthetics can very well be achieved even with this kind of approach. Contrary to this is the concept of a second skin, more suited to a west-facing façade, where the solar ingress is minimised through a second skin façade which helps in filtering the heat. At times, the gap between the two skins also acts as an insulation barrier thus creating a micro-climate in that zone which again helps in further reducing the heat inside the building.

Wooden façade

use photo-voltaic cells in the glass panels, which help in harnessing solar energy; from hollow clay blocks which again help in creating a micro-climate, to large-sized slim tiles; from aluminium composite panels (ACP) and high-pressure laminates (HPL) to various kinds of cladding woods like Thermoash, Thermo-pine, IPE etc, we have come a long way. The concept of dry cladding has again brought about a revolution in the way we look at the process of execution of any of these kinds of façades.

Zinc and Copper have existed in Europe for ages. Some of the most distinguished architects across the globe have relied on copper and zinc. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright specified Copper in several of his projects. Frank ‘O Gehry revolutionised the way we look at architecture by using corrugated metals like Titanium which has drawn a fair share of appreciation as well as criticism.

Cladding Materials CASE STUDY 1

The double-skin façade consists of two layers wherein the air flows through the intermediate cavity

A very playful yet sensible design for a school by Parag Singal Architects

DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADE FOR A SCHOOL Since the beginning of time, the climate has been the most eminent factor on which our habitat is based. Such was the case during the pre-historic era and stands true to date. Keeping climatology as the core of the design concept, Parag Singal Architects came up with a very playful yet sensible design for a school. Spread over 8 acres, the entire construction is to be executed in a phased manner.

Hence, the planning is such that future constructions can undergo smoothly without disturbing the daily routine of the school. The campus has been designed to be a space that is aesthetically appealing, ergonomic, and creates a fun learning environment for the students.

The vehicular movement has been restricted towards the front of the site, keeping the entire

The vehicular movement has been restricted towards the front of the site, keeping the entire campus pedestrianfriendly

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campus pedestrian-friendly.

There is a peripheral road for fire tender movement and other service utilities.

The classroom, being the most visible symbol of educational philosophy, has been strategically placed in a way that it receives maximum daylight and remains undisturbed from the outside noise.

Parag Singal Architects kept the orientations in such a way that the playgrounds fall on the NorthSouth axis while reducing the comprehensive solar heat gain of the building as well, keeping the thermal comfort of the occupants in mind. North face being exposed to the least of the sunlight and most of the daylight keeps the classrooms well lit without exposing them to the unwanted solar heat. Furthermore, a doubleskin façade has been designed for

The playgrounds fall on the North-South axis while reducing the comprehensive solar heat gain of the building

the southern face of the building that naturally receives the harshest sun. A self-explanatory name, a double-skin façade consists of two layers wherein the air flows through the intermediate cavity.

It reduces the solar heat gain of the building, keeping it cool and reducing energy consumption.

It also enables sufficient daylight into the premises without letting the harsh sun in. The clear glass makes up the inside of the two skins while a perforated screen is on the outside, this allows an uninterrupted visual connection with the exterior without exposing the children to the harsh climate. To summarize, the high-performance façade is a comprehensive system that incorporates sufficient daylight, controls solar heat gain and facilitates ventilation.

Another advantage is the acoustic insulation it provides from the playgrounds outside. The outer skin and the intermediate cavity acts as a sound barrier, giving complete freedom to the children in the playground to express themselves without disturbing the ongoing lectures.

All in all, the school is all set to be a fun learning environment for the students. Enabling them to enjoy and learn in a very comfortable, natural, and healthy environment.

The design approach clearly keeps sustainability on the center stage without compromising on aesthetics.

PHOTO CREDITS- TOBIAS BADER

Cladding Materials

AR. PARAG V SINGAL Principal Architect, Parag Singal Architects Holbrook PreK-12 school where pre-patinated copper shingles have been used on the façade

PHOTO CREDITS-GETTY IMAGES

From Minneapolis City Hall, Minnesota constructed in 1888 where sloping copper roofing has aged and turned to its distinctive patina green to modern buildings like Holbrook School in Massachusetts which has used pre-patina copper panels, today we are spoilt with choices when

it comes to materials for façades.

Creativity sees no boundaries and our modern-day materials in most ways support this. Of course, key concerns remain cost and climatic conditions to which we as architects need to act responsive, rest the façade to us is a canvas… waiting for a splash of colour.

Minnepolis City Hall with Copper roofing which has patinated over the years

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ar. Parag V Singal has a rich experience of over 20 years and he believes that every project is an opportunity to create something new. All his projects are an amalgamation of innovative design solutions and rich aesthetics. He has worked with some of the leading brands including Mitsubishi Electric India, Merino Industries, Tata, Rimjhim Ispat, Surya World University, Sanofi Pasteur, Gaursons India, Valley Iron & Steel, Groz Engineering Tools, and the political party BJP. An award-winning architect, Parag is well acclaimed for the variety of his projects, his timelines, and the newness he brings about with each of them.

Singal obtained his degree from the Institute of Environmental Design, Gujarat, and is a recipient of the Surya Kant Patel gold medal. He has been a visiting faculty with many architecture and interior design institutions.

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Cladding Materials

Choosing the Right Cladding

I

n today's world, each building must have an intelligent and responsive surface to survive.

Cladding materials will never be earthquake or fire-resistant, but structurally developed surface materials with a specific function may be. Intelligent façades maybe both be responsive and pleasing to the eye. Because of their inherent qualities, readily accessible cladding materials may be responsive and interactive with the surroundings when utilised appropriately.

For sustainable living, these qualities can be specified and described. Building spaces with time management, cost, availability, and maintenance, as well as designing with diverse obligations and liabilities, are today's requirements.

As a result, many elements are reviewed before implementation.

The selection of cladding material is made with care, taking into account the location, weather, surrounding region, and kind of property – residential, commercial, industrial, and so on – all of which can aid in material planning.

There are materials available today that are both sustainable and easy to maintain, and buildings constructed with such materials have a low maintenance cost.

GLASS - AN EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE CLADDING MATERIAL With global warming and environmental issues becoming a major issue in recent decades, every business is attempting to employ materials that will mitigate the consequences of the same.

Property developers and real

estate companies are also helping to improve the environment for a better future as the use of sustainable materials grows around the world. Green buildings have risen as a result of this. Glass, which comes in specific energyefficient and eco-friendly variants like solar control and tinted glass, is one of the most significant components in the construction of a green building.

Green building development is a step in the right path. In comparison to a typical building, green buildings consume less water, optimize energy efficiency, save natural resources, generate less trash, and provide healthier places for occupants. They're also good for the environment because most buildings employ recycled and environmentally friendly

Project: Godrej Platinum Location: Mumbai Client: Godrej & Boyce MFG.Co.Ltd. Architect: T.Khareghat & Associates Consultant: Saiacon Consultant Type: Residential Area: 15,000 Sq m; Floors: 28

Godrej Platinum, Mumbai

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Scope of Work: Unitized & Strip Glazing, ACP Cladding, Revolving Door, MS Structure, Aluminium Louvers, Dry Stone Cladding

Cladding Materials Project: Reliance Learning & Development Centre Location: Navi Mumbai Client: Reliance Industries Limited Architect: Perkins & Willl (USA) Consultant: X teria Façade Type: Commercial Area: 16,000 Sq m; Floors: 7

RELIANCE Learning & Development Centre, Navi Mumbai

materials and have good building management systems.

THE USE OF GLASS IN GREEN BUILDING ARCHITECTURE Developers employ glass as a primary component during building to achieve all of this. Glass is a well-known environmentally friendly material. Solar control windows and Low-E glass, for example, can deflect heat and UV rays to keep the inside temperature at a comfortable level. In addition, glass in buildings has a significant impact.

From design to appearance to thermal performance and comfort to basic aesthetics, choosing the appropriate glass for a green building is unavoidable.

The fact that glass is recyclable and has little influence on the environment is the primary advantage that makes it a prominent component in green construction.

Glass may help achieve better indoor environmental quality and when used properly, can also

help with energy efficiency. Along with concrete benefits, glass can improve air quality, provide superb daylighting, and improve the inhabitants' overall health and wellbeing. From a global perspective, conservation of limited national resources is a big benefit, and the project's widespread acceptance and increased marketability make it a feasible option for the industry as well.

OTHER CLADDING MATERIALS The latest materials used for cladding are HPL, ACP, Glass, Brick, Ceramic, Stone, Metals, GFRC, Wood, and Precast façades.

There is a wide list of cladding materials that are being used in the market such as: l Terracotta is a 100% natural material with an earthy appearance. It's fire-resistant, and it's commonly found in historic structures. l High-Pressure Laminates (HPL): This material is mass-produced, simple to install, and comes in a

Scope of Work: Unitized curtain wall system; Stone cladding; Sunshade louvers; Suspended glass; SS railing variety of wood looks. l Stone and ceramic tiles are readily available, eco-friendly, and have an earthy appearance.

System of façade cladding: Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP), glass, metal cladding panels, GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete), FRP (Fibre-reinforced Plastic), GRG (Glass Reinforced Gypsum), UHPC (Ultra-HighPerformance Concrete), Stone CNC (Computerised Numerical Control) are some of the most recent cladding technologies that are gaining traction in India.

LATEST IN DESIGNS – SUSTAINABLE CLADDING Ventilated façade cladding, parametric façades, energygenerating solar panels, GFRC, perforated aluminium panels, and kinetic façade cladding are among the most popular trends. Wall

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Cladding Materials Project: The 42 Location: Kolkata Client: M/s. Chowringhee Residency Pvt. Ltd Architect: Hafeez Contractor Consultant: BES Façade Consultant Type: Residential Area: 20,000 Sqm; Floor: 60 Scope of Work: Unitized Glazing, Strip Glazing, Aluminium Windows, Frameless Glazing, Granite Stone Cladding, Automatic Sliding Door cladding materials can be chosen based on their application, building type, material type, and end-use.

CLADDING MATERIALS – SAFETY NORMS & STANDARDS With the growth of high-height structures, safety standards and product verification are more important than ever.

While selecting our façade material, we must keep in mind fire retardant components and check for combustibility. The Bureau of Indian Standards sets the rules and standards to be obeyed (BIS). The cladding material is often chosen based on the test and quality certificate offered by the vendors.

Physical samples are checked by independent labs to validate the materials if additional quality control is necessary.

Fire safety regulations are being taken seriously all around the world. The National Building Code of India for 2016 has made several

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Cladding Materials Project: St.Regis Hotel Location: Mumbai Client: Pallazio Hotels & Leisure Ltd. Architect: P G Patki & Associates Consultant: Axis Façade Consulting Type: Hospitality Area: 29,000 sq. m; Floor: 32

revisions. Yet, there is a lot of work to be done in terms of cladding material, since this component of the project is still incomplete.

We need 2-hour fire resistance in cladding for fire separations smaller than 3.7m, according to NBC. The cladding material used in other regions of the world, where building density has grown and fire separation is less than 3.7m, is EN13501- 1 grade A2 – s1, d0. These materials don't need to be tested for two hours since they won't catch fire and there won't be any smoke or droplets. Only Firewall A2 should be used for cladding in countries like ours, where cities are ancient and unmanaged, with heavy population densities.

Different fire classifications and certifications, such as ASTM E 84, BS 476 Part 7, NFPA 285, and BBA, are followed by each country or region.

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Scope of Work: Unitized Curtain Wall. Solid Aluminium Cladding, Aluminium Louver

ROUNAQ. K. CHOUDHARI

Unitized Glazing, Open able Punch Windows, Smoke Seal

At a young age, Rounaq Choudhari is not only a successful entrepreneur but also looks out for society as a whole.

After obtaining his Master’s degree from the University of Bath (UK) and gaining handson experience from the bottom up, he branched out on his own and became a Director at Glass Wall System India PVT LTD.

THE MARKET FOR CLADDING MATERIALS In India, consumer knowledge of fire-resistant cladding is fast increasing, which is having a beneficial influence on the industry. The various choices of fire-retardant cladding alternatives are being influenced by changing needs. At the moment, the market offers a wide range of fire retardant HPL panels, many of which are also Green-guard certified. This qualifies these goods for usage in 'Green Buildings' as well as other sensitive locations including schools and hospitals. The visual appeal as per the architectural objective of a structure, the environment of the region where the project is located, the cost and requirement to safeguard from fire for a particular time, and other factors influence the selection of fire-rated/retardant or resistant materials for cladding.

Director, Glass Wall System (I) Pvt Ltd

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rounaq is at the forefront of the façade industry and an innovator at the age of 24.

He joined the business at the age of 22 and has successfully managed and completed various projects in just 1 and a half years, achieving something at his age that never happened before in the façade industry.

He is a quick learner and very passionate about his work. He is always striving to set up a trend in futuristic technology within the building façade industry.

He has also been successful in executing the “World’s Largest Smart Glass Project-Bagmane Rio.”

Cladding Trends

Perforated Façade Design

A

façade is the most striking elevational feature of a building.

A good play of volume, scale, light, and shadow constitutes an impressionable façade design. The façade is an architectural element that enhances the visual aesthetics and indoor environment of the structure.

With the advancements in science and technology, modern-day architects have been experimental with façade designing. New materials and computational softwares

have made it easier to explore new façade design concepts.

Glass-cladded façades have been a long-standing choice for elevating building elevations. But, the suitability of glass in the tropical weather of India has been questioned because of its heat absorbing and light-reflective properties. The excessive use of glass in façade designs created the urban heat island effect. A glass façade traps and reflects heat thereby impacting the micro-climate and increasing local temperatures.

Perforated building façade; Image source: Dezeen

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Hence, glass façade buildings consume more energy to support ventilation and cooling thus increasing their functional costs.

However, there are promising alternative solutions to glass façades that are now taking over the industry. These include parametric, vegetated, and perforated façades which have a sustainable and tech-integrated approach to their designing. While the central idea of a façade is to make the building stand out, it should also improve the functional productivity of the

Cladding Trends to be customized according to the building’s use and purpose.

Jali building façade; Image source: ArchDaily

building based on its purpose and location. Hence, these alternative façade ideas are adopted with the intent of creating climate-responsive and contextual designs.

APPLICATIONS OF A PERFORATED SCREEN Perforated screens find applicability in both indoor and outdoor spatial designs. Their ability to create privacy while maintaining visual connection makes them suitable for manifold purposes. In terms of exterior applications, perforated screens can be used as façades like an artsy blanket covering the building.

Perforated façades provide the liberty to manipulate scales and volumes by playing with the opening sizes.

The suitability of perforated façades cannot be compartmental-

ized for any building typology. A perforated façade can be designed for residential, institutional, commercial, hospitality, and healthcare buildings.

The design flexibility of perforated façades provides them the freedom

PERFORATED FAÇADES The Perforated or Jali façade has become a designer’s favorite because of its passive cooling benefits. In traditional Indian architecture, intricately carved wood and stone jali is significant elevation element that is suitable for the country’s tropical climate. The use of jali screens can also be traced back to Mughal architectural influences in India. The medieval age buildings in Rajasthan and Delhi are excellent examples of intricately carved and latticed jali façades.

The present-day jali façades are mostly linear and geometric in form. Louvered façades can also be considered as an extension of perforated façades because of the similarity in their functional mechanism. Metal and brick are widely used for the construction of jali façades today. A perforated façade provides a continuous design language to the building by wrapping or enveloping it completely.

The installation of a perforated façade involves an uncomplicated process. The prefabricated or

Perforated façade; Image source: Archro

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Cladding Trends wBENEFITS OF A PERFORATED FAÇADE Perforated Façades are versatile because they allow room for creativity. It is feasible to explore materials, colors, and patterns in perforated screens. With perforated façades, it is easier to blend the natural landscape around the site with the building.

One of the greatest advantages of a perforated façade is that it provides privacy along with transparency. The small perforations or openings make it possible to build connectivity outdoors while maintaining the required seclusion. A perforated screen creates the necessary visual barrier that makes the user feel secure and creates a resilient indoor environment.

Venturi effect; Image source: ASCE Library

precast perforated screens can be installed directly to studs or an aluminum frame.

MECHANISM OF A PERFORATED FAÇADE A perforated façade helps in regulating the building ventilation and indoor temperatures. It controls the entry and movement of air throughout the building by allowing for strategically designed openings based on the principles of the Venturi effect. The air passes through perforations that have a funnel-like cross-section; the smaller one being the air inlet and the bigger one being the air outlet.

This mechanism assists in increasing the velocity of air through diffusion. The inlet and outlet are shaped variably to ensure that the air in the windward direction moves through the building towards the leeward direction. The appropriate angulation of openings also protects the building surface from getting drenched by rains.

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Metal jali façade; Image source: Dezeen

Cladding Trends

Geometric perforation pattern; Image source: UlmaArchitectural

Energy Efficiency is another upside of using perforated façades for a building. Since a perforated screen is a passive cooling design element the energy invested in providing mechanical ventilation can be saved. It improves the building performance by limiting exposure to the sun and thereby effectively bringing down the running costs. Perforated façades help in achieving design sustainability with energy optimization.

Sustainable architecture elements such as vernacular architecture, recyclable and renewable materials, and passive cooling can all be incorporated through an ener-

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gy-efficient façade design.

Metal is a durable lightweight material predominantly used to create perforated façades. It does not considerably increase the dead load of the building. Since metal is malleable, it can be s haped into any form to suit the design sensibilities of the architect. It is also recyclable which reduces the demand for new materials resources. Another elevational benefit of a perforated screen is that it can be backlit.

The frame of the perforations can be enhanced during the night making the building stand out in a busy urban landscape.

Perforated façades find wide acceptance in India because of their suitability for the local climate and architectural comfort.

The reference of traditional jali elements in Indian architecture makes perforated façades a familiar design element for Indian users at the grassroots level. The perforation design can be modified to suit the needs of urban as well as rurban-built environments. With such large-scale applicability and acceptance, perforated façades have the potential to redefine façade designing in India.

Cladding Trends CASE STUDY

CITY HOSPITAL, GORAKHPUR The City Hospital, Gorakhpur is nestled within a humble urban fabric. The city maintains its originality through vernacular architectural elements and cultural representation. Thus, the built environment of Gorakhpur appears to be in a transitional process from traditional to modern.

The design of City Hospital by Ingrain Architects and Urban Designers identifies these characteristics and builds from there. The design concept of the building was perceived with the intent of creating a landmark building that is contextual yet modern and economical.

Built in 2017, the City Hospital, Gorakhpur is a 5-floor state-ofthe-art multi-specialty hospital for cardiac and neurosciences.

This 125 bedded hospital spreads over an area of 55,000 square feet. It accommodates a 16 bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 8 OPD cabins, 3 Operation Theaters (OTs), a Cath Lab, a Cancer Diagnosis Unit, pharmacy, and other allied administration facilities. A rooftop canteen has also been designed to provide an eating area for patient attendants and relatives.

The hospital is not centrally airconditioned to create an energyefficient design. It works on a semiair conditioning module where

only the medically sterile areas are mechanically ventilated. The other areas of the hospital are naturally ventilated through openable windows. They are provided with split AC units to be used as and when necessary. This is considered to have helped significantly bring down the running cost of the building.

Ingrain did not want the building to have a glass façade because that would make the building appear alien in Gorakhpur’s urban setting.

To respect the local context and climate, the architects proposed a perforated façade with openable windows in the external wall.

The hot and humid climate of

A view of City Hospital, Gorakhpur

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Cladding Trends

ASHLESHA KALE

Principal Architect and Director, Ingrain Architects & Urban Designers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: View of the hospital from across the road

Gorakhpur demands passive cooling for buildings to have comforting indoor environments.

Hence, the hospital has a perforated façade that allows good air circulation through organized façade openings. The façade also provides necessary shading by creating a patterned entry for light.

The access to fresh air and diffused sunlight through the perforated screen is considered to be helpful in the healing process.

For a developing city such as Gorakhpur, the building design is exemplary for budget planning and execution. The employment of local workers and craftsmanship contributed to the design motto of achieving simplicity with modernity.

The modern perforated façade has been designed in square geometry. The square openings on the façade are placed in varying sizes to create an interesting pattern of design. The

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arrangement of the openings is such that it creates an illusion of more floors than there exist in reality. This provides an element of surprise making the building an architectural attraction of the city. The façade panels are prefabricated micro stainless steel jali and aluminum composite panels with MS framing.

The architecture of the hospital building significantly contributes to its exclusiveness. This unique façade design shuns the traditional notion that hospital buildings are designed with monotony. Instead, planning such façades help enhance the functioning of the hospital by contributing to energy efficiency and optimization. This hospital design is a milestone project for the city of Gorakhpur which can encourage future buildings in the area to adopt contextual designing with a modern expression.

Ashlesha Kale is the Principal Architect and Director at Ingrain Architects & Urban Designers.

Ingrain is an architecture and urban design firm based out of Mumbai led by Ashlesha Kale, Ashwini Bhonsale, Abhay Bhonsale and Kiran Bhonsale.

Kiran and Abhay have been working on projects of varying scales based on sustainable low carbon developmental models.

They have more than two decades of experience, working on various types of projects such as mass housing, master planning for integrated townships, ITES and IT SEZs, amusement and hospitality destinations, mixed-use redevelopments, public and academic institutions, retail developments and corporate buildings and more. Ashlesha is an architect and urban designer who has been working on a large number of urban rejuvenation and tourismrelated projects across India.

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Sustainable Cladding

Sustainable Cladding Elements

A

ccording to a study done by Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, currently, buildings account for more than one-quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). If we are to mitigate the effects of having more buildings on the environment, green construction is the answer and material selection plays a major role here.

Cladding is an element that is generally reserved for the last during the material selection process. We forget that it’s the first line of defence of a structure. New-age materials are fast replacing the conventional masonry-based cladding. But some of these materials are so ubiquitous that there is a dearth of freshness in the buildings we see daily.

DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADE SUN SHADING SYSTEM: The double-skin facade is a system of a building consisting of two skins placed in such a way that air flows in the intermediate cavity. The ventilation of the cavity can be natural.

Apart from the type of ventilation inside the cavity, the origin and destination of the air can differ depending mostly on climatic conditions and the use and the location of the building and the HVAC strategy.

The cavity between the two skins may be either naturally or mechanically ventilated. In cold climates, the solar gain within the cavity may be circulated to the occupied space to offset heating requirements, while in hot climates

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Sails in white - Sattva Galleria Bangalore

the cavity may be vented out of the building to mitigate solar gain and decrease the cooling load. In each case, the assumption is that a higher insulation value may be achieved by using this glazing configuration over a conventional glazing configuration. Recent studies showed that the energy performance of a building connected to a double-skin facade can be improved both in the cold and the warm seasons and in cold and warm climates by optimising the ventilation strategy of the façade.

SUSTAINABILITY There is no doubt that sustainability has become the buzzword for any building’s façade system. To influence this trend, a rain screen façade system improves building protection by enhancing the functionality of the façade with respect to heat and noise reduction and better weather protection. We can increase the thermal efficiency of the building with an effective design. A well-designed façade reduces the thermal bridges, condensation of water vapour, protects the building and increases

Sustainable Cladding

UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLINESS Environment friendly is a subjective term that encompasses the entire product life cycle. The ma-

In hot climates the cavity may be vented out of the building to mitigate solar gain and decrease the cooling load

terial should be from sustainable sources and should not have any adverse effects on the environment due to the mining of its raw materials. It should not release harmful gases during its use and at the end of its useful period, it should be disposable without any harmful or long-lasting effects on the environment.

The products (like those of Fundermax) are derived from paper, which is taken from sustainably managed forests that are FSC or PEFC certified. There are no harmful VOCs that are released from the panels during their use, thus making them perfect for use as interiors also. Proper choice of reflectance properties also ensures that the heat-island effect is mitigated in the areas surrounding the building. It is a minimum maintenance material and hence requires less water for cleaning. This reduces the strain on water bodies around us.

Another view of La Midas Wellness Centre, Gurugram, Haryana

© NOUGHTS AND CROSSES LLP 049

sustainability. Tropical climate can sometimes be uncomfortable and therefore it is important to use the right façade system for optimizing temperature levels inside a building. The primary objective is to keep the heat at bay.

The revolutionary rear ventilated façade system maintains a gap between the building envelope and cladding, and between cladding elements. This ensures there is a sufficient flow of air behind the cladding. In other words, when the building gets heated, the hot air between the cladding and building envelope rises to the top and escapes, and cold air from the bottom flows in to occupy its space. This way there is continuous air movement and the building can sustain a comfortable temperature. It helps in reducing power consumption air circulation and improves the thermal comfort of the occupants.

This unique and innovative façade system is a sustainable model and is compliant with green building technologies.

BESIDES OFFERING PROTECTION, WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES OF CLADDING? It helps in improving the thermal comfort of the oc-

cupants by ensuring continuous air movement in the gap between the building envelope and wall. In the rear ventilated exterior cladding system, there is a sufficient flow of air behind the cladding.

Functional cladding protects the building from rain and avoids seepage of water into the building walls.

When rainwater seeps in through the gaps between cladding elements, the constant flow of air behind the cladding helps in the quick drying of the water before it reaches the building envelope.

Rear-ventilated facades are amongst the most popular facade systems today. In addition to their functional safety, architects chiefly value the design possibilities provided by the use of rear-ventilated facades. The design can be individually harmonised with the characteristics of the building. Material combinations of various other cladding materials can also be easily implemented with rear-ventilated façade systems.

Other technological advantages of rear-ventilated facade systems include the structural division of insulation and weather protection materials. These systems are thus less susceptible to damage than other facade systems. In addition,

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Sustainable Cladding

ASHWANI KHANNA Fins as shading devise – an effective method at Arogya Bhavan

fire, noise and lightning protection requirements can be implemented easily and creatively.

ADVANTAGES OF RAIN SCREEN FACADES: l Ventilated rain screen facades provide lasting protection against

Liberating fins - NITTE Meenakshi School of Arch, Bangalore

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the condensation of water and rain. l In terms of building physics, the ventilated rain screen facades are a tried-and-tested type of construction for ensuring a pleasing indoor climate. l Ventilated rain screen facades result in a considerable reduction in energy costs for heating and air-conditioning.

Ventilated rain screen facades are extremely robust, have a long useful life, require no maintenance and, in economic terms, are an extremely advantageous solution for increasing the value of a building.

CONCLUSION Façade materials and systems are expected to carry out a number of functions and perform in a variety of ways, such as structural integrity, durability, weather- resistance, acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, safety and security barriers, and more. A thorough assessment of the durability of the new materials proposed needs to be done to ensure that the materials used do not compromise the performance requirements of the building.

AVP Marketing, Fundermax India Pvt. Ltd

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Born and brought up in ‘city beautiful’ (Chandigarh) well known for its architecture and design by famous French architect ‘Le Corbusier’, Ashwani Khanna is a graduate in Computer Application and Masters in Business administration. Having over 16 years of experience handling multifarious responsibilities with some big names in the construction material industry such as Saint Gobain and Armstrong, Ashwani is now heading the marketing division at Fundermax. He has gained success in managing the key accounts, handling the channel sales, developing emerging markets and driving the academy for Fundermax. He is the winner of the prestigious ‘Fundermax person of the year award’ in 2017. Khanna’s success mantra is ‘Sharpen the saw’ and he constantly sharpens his leadership acumen with pieces of training at the best of institutes like Harvard, IIMA, ISB to name a few.

Sustainable Cladding CASE STUDY

ORBIT IT TOWER, MOHALI

stands Iconic to attract premium Informational technology companies. Ar. Mohita, with her versatile design knowledge & experience, could bring in a fresh breeze of design innovation which really impressed the client.

Ar. Mohita draws her inspiration from complex natural systems and she thinks that the built environment has to be designed on lines of natural systems – one’s which are diverse, complex, dynamic, multi-layered & multifunctional.

CREATIVE CONSORTIUM has designed Orbit IT tower in Mohali

An eminent architectural firm, CREATIVE CONSORTIUM has designed Orbit IT tower in Mohali, for their client, a distinguished developer, P.S. Grewal, director Orbit Pvt Ltd. A design innovation of a young acclaimed architect – Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht, Partner & Design Head, CREATIVE CONSORTIUM, is a stage set to become a precedent for futuristic urban built forms.

The building has a striking dynamic & rhythmic façade. But the design is not just superficial. In fact, the striking form is actually a product of functionality i.e. ‘the form as ever has followed the function’.

This case study dwells deep into the ORBIT building design approach and the role played by Fundermax panels in delivering a futuristic iconic urban form.

DESIGN CONCEPT The developer,

P.S.

Grewal

(ORBIT Pvt Ltd), with a prominent niche in the industry, is an environmentally conscious real estate brand and wanted a futuristic prototype for a sustainable & adaptable built form, which breaks free from the typical matchbox approach and

Environmentally-conscious design of the project

DESIGN CHALLENGES & APPROACH The design was very challenging given that the site was linear rectangular block 83’-6”x215’ with the front of 83’-6”. Therefore, the main challenge was how to have formed in a linear volumetric box. The functional aspect of the building was the most important starting point. Integration of a.

Design grid; b. planning grid; and c. vehicular grid, was lopped in to maximise the design adaptability, flexibility & efficiency. Integration mimics natural systems i.e., can be defined as interdependence and inter-exchange of the above three grids. a. Design grid: It follows the building footprint which is 50’x 175’. A grid of 50’x 25’ is followed.

The design grid aimed to come out with a column-free internal layout plan for IT flexibility & adaptability. b. Planning grid: It is a grid that maximises utilization and flexibility for all types of IT office requirements (i.e., for functional aspect) such as open office, workstations, cabins etc. The basic module for the

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Sustainable Cladding workstation is 5 feet X 5 feet and that for the cabin is a 10’ wide grid. Ideally, a grid size with a multiple of 5 works very well.

Hence 50’x25’ grid provides the required fluidity to all sorts of IT planning. c. Vehicular grid: 50’x 25’ grid works well for parking planning in the basement as well as stilt parking. 25’ grid accommodates 3 bays of car parking spaces.

QUICK FACTS:

Project: Orbit IT Park Location: Mohali Client: Orbit Apartments Architect: Ar. Mohita Vashisht Garg Other Consultants: Kazmi Enterprises Materials used for facade & fenestration: Fundermax Max Exterior décor 0085 Commencement Date: Jan 2018 Completion Date: Dec 2020

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Sustainable Cladding

Orbit IT tower in Mohali has striking dynamic & rhythmic façades

This integration of various dimensions (grids) imitates a natural analogy behaving as a constantly dynamic system that is in constant flux with its demands.

CLIMATIC RESPONSIVENESS & SUSTAINABILITY This functionally dynamic volume is also climatically responsive and for that, the west façade is enclosed with a multi-layered & multi-functional façade. The façade elements – glazing, Funder max solid panels, aluminium louvres work together to reduce the heat gain of the building while maintaining the natural daylight and outdoor views.

Various simulation models were

studied and hence the final form in its present shape was evolved.

Application of the principle of modulation, standardisation, repetition and pre-fabrication of façade modules allows for a reduction in material wastage while promoting time & cost efficiency.

Façade consultant, Kazmi, Kazmi enterprise, plays a key role in delivering the intended look.

AESTHETICAL FREEDOM Though the form has evolved from the function i.e. functional aspect is a predominant factor, the form behaves with ‘Free-will’ as opposed to the ‘deterministic’ approach and is allowed freedom at instances to break free from structure to evolve

The rhythmic, fluid, floating facades create the perfect balance and movement

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and express liberally. The rhythmic, fluid, floating facades create the perfect balance and movement which enthral its audiences. It spreads the feeling of freedom and expression.

SPLENDID STRUCTURAL SYSTEM The structural design was equally challenging for such a freeflowing structure. If one looks carefully at the front elevation, two massive volumes are projecting out unsupported/cantilevered.

One is a three-storey high office block, which projects out (almost like floating in the air) symbolic of grandeur and the same is balanced by a 25’x25’ wide cantilevered R.C.C. & smart glass

Sustainable Cladding

AR. MOHITA (GARG) VASHISHT Partner & Design Head, Creative Consortium

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Multi-Layered & Multi -Functional FaÇades

pergola, again three-storey high and free-floating.

ROLE OF MATERIALS Fundermax being a versatile product played a key role in this architecturally remarkable project, by providing the required flexibility for creating rhythmic structures without adding any undesirable dead weight. It also encases the structural systems that support the floating masses creating for its viewers the true illusion of rhythm and fluidity. Fundermax provides benefits of value for

money and ease of work.

CONCLUSION It is truly said that all creation in this world is first conceived in mind i.e. One’s imagination and in this case Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht’s imagination and evolved through the design process. It is worth applauding that the final form looks exactly like the 3-d visualization that was once imaged by the architect. Orbit IT building is a striking example of good aesthetics, solid functionality and neat workmanship. The result is truly WOW!

With masters in ‘Integrated Sustainable Design’ from National University of Singapore (NUS), and bachelors in architecture from Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA), Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht is a highly motivated & ambitious architect with a versatile design knowledge and practical experience drawn from her contribution in various large scale architectural design and urban development projects over last 15 years. She was working as senior architect at M/S CREATIVE CONSORTIUM and under her design leadership, the firm has grown larger and won a number of awards. Her contribution to the organisation is to bring in new stream of design planning concepts which are rooted in sustainability, adaptability and bio-mimicry. Started in 1990, the firm is presently managed by two partners, Ar. Madhu Garg & Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht (a mother – daughter duo). with over 50 plus employees, the firm is one of prominent architectural firm in northern region.

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Sustainable Cladding

Innovative Façades for Energy Efficiency

The Atlantis, Mohali

T

he buildings are no longer considered as just a static barrier which separates the interior built environment from the external one. Now creative and innovative designers are designing beautiful structure of architecture that contributes towards the environment through façades, as the research says, buildings are exposed to a lot of sunlight which can harvest a lot of solar energy. Energy harvesting is a process in which energy derived from renewable resources is gathered, captured at a place and then can be re-used either to generate electricity or for other purposes.

The best-planned way taken out by the architects and the designers is by placing solar panels in glass elements in the perpendicular direction of the sun, which can harvest the highest amount of energy derived from the sunlight and can

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produce a large amount of electricity from the solar energy.

The main motto of designing the energy harvesting building is to combine sustainable energy and habitability to create a sustainable

way of living. From an architect’s point of view, buildings - either residential or commercial - should be designed in such a manner to conserve renewable energy which can be later used in justifiably producing electricity.

All the directions of the buildings now being constructed are useful for energy conservation, but major of the solar energy is consumed from the south and west side direction of the buildings as they contribute more to heating of the building and energy conservation, as per the experts, it is advisable to install dual-glass solar panel and sunshades on the buildings as it helps in absorbing the solar energy. A double glass solar panel is an innovative product that uses solar cells layer laminated between two 2.5mm heat-strengthened glasses instead of the traditional polymer back-sheet, it helps in maintaining the temperature between the inside environment and the outside environment of the house.

The main motto of the building is to combine sustainable energy and habitability

Sustainable Cladding CASE STUDY

QUICK FACTS: Project: The Atlanits Location: Chandigarh, Mohali- Sector82 Client: VRS Builders Architect: Ar. Tripat Girdhar

DYNAMIC SUN-SHADED FAÇADE The Atlantis

Materials used for façade & fenestration: uPVC windows, sunshade bands, dual glass, Mivan Technology

Our latest project, The Atlantis is going to be constructed in Mohali, Chandigarh- Sector 82, surrounded by 100 feet wide road on the front side and 164 feet road on the other side, situated near Manav Rachana School.

The Atlantis has been conceptualised on green buildings; the project is two-sided open suitable for all seasons and is close to nature. Atlantis is going to be the tallest building in the heart of Mohali city that itself is iconically shaped.

The new innovative feature being used in this project is the elevation changes. We have installed sunshades on the front elevation of the building, which

rotates with the sun horizontally over a window or vertically in front of a window to prevent the infiltration of solar heat or glare; while allowing daylight views.

Sunshades deliver more energy savings in daylight. Installing sunshades in façades is bringing a new phase in architectural trade.

Aluminium shuttering with shear wall technology and the better coordination of uPVC windows has been placed on the premises to achieve a good design which is very cost-effective and it also reduces the burden on the developer and gets the end-user a great apartment to live.

Energy harvesting is considered as one of the most important catalysts in wealth generation, economic growth, and social development in any country. According to a report, it has been studied that buildings are responsible for the annual consumption of 40% of the annual energy.

Solar Energy is a plentiful, reliable and renewable energy source

that contributes to the reduction of a country’s carbon emissions.

Commercial buildings like offices and other business organisation depend on electricity for most of their energy consumption needs and the consumption of power in an office building are high during the daytime. Installing solar panels and a rooftop solar power system will help in generating solar energy

for commercial buildings.

In a developing country like India, a rooftop solar power system is a clear choice for commercial buildings as they can meet up to 20% of an office building electricity requirement, whereas when it comes to residential complexes it has been observed that an estimated amount of Rs 6.10 lack of the electricity bill can get saved

Commencement Date: January 2020 Completion Date: Not yet disclosed.

The sunshades installed on the front elevation of the building, which rotates with the sun horizontally over a window or vertically in front of a window

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49

Sustainable Cladding

TRIPAT GIRDHAR

Founder & Principal Architect, The Design Studio

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Atlantis project is two-sided open suitable for all seasons and is close to nature

by installing rooftop solar power system.

In the present scenario, the world is adopting energy harvesting building concepts and renewable re-generating power at a rapid rate. India is also emerging in the global arena as a leading generator of renewable energy; the government is offering 30% of the capital subsidiary for residential and commercial rooftop solar customers to encourage higher green energy adoption.

The government has set-up a target to achieve 175GW capacity of renewable energy by the end of 2022. Taking this immense growth into consideration, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy through its National Solar Mission of India has set a target of 40 GW power through rooftop solar by 2022. Though this target may seem ambitious, it is still achievable.

There are ample sources of renewable energies available in the environment if utilised rationally

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WFM | MARCH - APRIL 2022

can be used to convert into electrical energy for powering a variety of circuits. Energy harvesting is useful as it offers a means of powering electronics where there are no conventional power sources. Apart from solar energy, there are various other ways in which electricity can be generated like wind energy & thermal energy.

Now the architects are designing the buildings by keeping the focus on combining sustainable energy and habitability. The innovation lies in the fact that in contrast to the bulky windmills that are used universally to harvest wind energy, the special façade elements, mounted perpendicular to the surface of the façade are made of sustainable/recyclable plastic which is highly flexible. More movement allows more compression that in-turn creates more pressure or force which is converted to electric charge through the principle of Piezoelectricity.

The Design Studio, a leading Architecture and Interior Design firm based in Chandigarh, was established by Tripat Girdhar in 2009. The firm’s inventive designs not only reinterpret India’s architectural roots and traditional acumen in a contextual vocabulary but also dwells Indian architecture on a world stage. The firm creates a versatile body of work ranging from architecture and interiors of residences and corporate offices to retail and hospitality spaces. The Design Studio is an architectural, engineering and interior design firm with prominence in the verticals of urban planning, commercial, residential, educational and industrial architecture.

It comprises a team of over 18 dynamic architects and engineers and currently working on projects across 6 Indian States and also handling assignments internationally including Australia & New Zealand.

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High-Performance Façades

Integration Facade Design and Building Operations required to lay an unprecedented degree of emphasis on building façade, its optimisation and integration with occupants’ needs.

By definition, a high performing façade or façade element is one that encapsulates sustainable energy use only as one of the several essential factors. The US Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 defines high performance as something that integrates and optimises on a life-cycle basis, includes energy conservation, environment, provides safety, security, durability, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and ease of operation (Act 2007).

To achieve this, we must begin by looking at a building from a perspective where the façade is observed as an integral component of this complex whole. In doing so, the relationship of the façade with the occupancy type, duration, cost and serviceability, etc. becomes probe-worthy.

Hence, the Basis of Design (BOD) for an optimal façade should not only focus on sustainability but Max Super-Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, New Delhi

B

uilding costs are spiralling, and global climate change is looming large.

In an attempt to curb long-term operational costs and create efficient building systems, architects and building owners are now on the lookout for optimising every part of a building – including the envelope, the mechanical systems to interior finishes. .

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WFM | MARCH - APRIL 2022

A building’s envelope constitutes a large part of the system.

In energy-intensive buildings such as hotels, offices, and hospitals, building envelopes contribute to as much as 55-60% of the total energy usage (Commision n.d.).

This data provides valuable insight into how a building’s energy footprint can be checked whilst creating a high-performing assembly. As a result, stakeholders are

Educliff Global School, India

High-Performance Façades

La Midas Wellness Centre, Gurugram, Haryana © Noughts and Crosses LLP 049

also on creating a ‘high-performance design assembly’.

In order to enable this, we need to delve into the following three areas synchronously: l

l

FAÇADE, ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECOLOGY Essentially, the façade is the first interface of the building with the environment, its adversities and challenges. Based on the site’s location, the building envelope should be capable of dynamically modulating the climatic extremes such as temperature fluctuations, wind pressures, seismic forces etc.

At a macro level, the material constituents that make up the façade assembly should be selected based on their embodied energy along with their life-cycle impacts. Further, it is also crucial to analyse how the façade interacts with other ecosystem components, avoiding adversities such as bird strikes, blinding glare etc., through appropriate fenestration sizes, design and treatments.

FAÇADE, ITS COMPONENTS, THE BMS AND BEYOND A building is a complex structure

that should be designed and operated as an integrated system.

This essentially indicates that the building must be designed to create and enable an integrated supply-chain workflow. For example, glazing and fenestration system manufacturers must work towards curtailing energy losses due to processes like thermal bridging etc. They should subsequently operate in tandem with structural designers

and system suppliers to provide solutions like creating thermal storage systems wherever needed. This can help in ensuring synchronisation with HVAC systems to incorporate any natural ventilation strategies and lighting design to allow optimal daylight synthesis. All these systems further need integration with the central BMS (Building Management System) to effectively utilise all these systems.

Additionally, glazed buildings of the twenty-first century should passively transition from ‘energy losers’ to ‘energy suppliers.’ With viable energy-saving and generation potential, buildings must ultimately send back excess energy to the supply grid and utility infrastructure through strategies such as load shedding and demand response programs. l

Another view of La Midas Wellness Centre, Gurugram, Haryana © Noughts and Crosses LLP 049

FAÇADE AND THE BUILDING OCCUPANTS Typically, most of us spend up to 90% of our time indoors. Buildings, and therefore architects, in general, are bestowed with an intrinsic responsibility to foster the health and wellbeing of all its occupants. While it might sound paradoxical to ensure

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High-Performance Façades

AR. RAVIDEEP SINGH

Associate Director, Creative Designer Architects

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ravideep Singh is the Associate Director at Creative Designer Architects (CDA), a New Delhi-based architecture firm that has helmed notable projects of diverse typologies across Asia. An alumnus of the University of Illinois U.C, School of Architecture, Ravideep has earned a specialisation in ‘Healthcare Planning’ from Cornell University, NY. Santosh Children's Hospital, Indirapuram

optimal comfort for all building users, this aspect has been gradually mastered over the last decade. Instilling a certain degree of flexibility in the building envelope, which allows occupants to control their environments, is one of the solutions. This can be enabled through responsive shading devices, acoustic finishes etc., to regulate optimal daylighting, avoid glare, manage environmental noise etc. Apart from the building users, the building operators and managers are also to function as a re-

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lay between the users and the working of other building systems. Today, the synchronisation of this ecosystem with the BMS is possibly the most plausible answer to curate a high-performance enclosure system.

‘Sustainability’ and ‘energy-efficiency’ are no longer just labels, but integral functions of every modern building. A building’s façade is not only its first impression, but is an essential system that can significantly contribute to an efficient and cost-effective environment and a healthy future.

At CDA, he has conceptualised several award-winning healthcare infrastructure projects including AIIMS Guwahati, Pragma Medical Institute at Bathinda amongst others.

Ravideep strongly believes in the communicative power of design — the ability of empathetically-designed spaces to create uplifting sensory experiences for its inhabitants. He was also recently recognised as the New Age Trailblazer, iGen 2021 by Architect & Interiors India.

Face to Face

“Materiality is a Major Factor

AR. SUMIT DHAWAN Founder & Principal Architect, Cityspace '82 Architects

B

orn and brought up in an architectural household, Ar. Sumit Dhawan had a prolonged affinity for architecture since childhood.

His architect father Satish Dhawan worked with CPWD and had great exposure to the international market.

Starting with Architecture in the year 2000, Ar. Sumit did his internship in Auroville, Pondicherry where he learned the fundamentals from numerous local and international architects like Dominic Dube, Anupama Kundoo, Piero and Gloria Cicionesi, Satprem Maini, etc. Later he worked with the architecture firm Tevatia Chauhan & Sharma

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Face to Face

in Outlining Greener Buildings” Architects known as Design Forum International today.

After completing B.Arch, taking a cue from multiple international architects like Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava, Le Corbusier, etc., Sumit started his practice ‘Cityspace’82 Architects’ in the year 2005.

Soo K. Chan, Principal-SCDA Architects has been a major influence on his work as he believes that his thought process resonates with the renowned designer, giving him immense confidence in his work.

Sumit has done projects for politicians, bureaucrats, lawyers, the residence of famous cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir, and many more. Also, his work is appreciated by developers whom he has collaborated with including DLF, Ansal Group, Orchid, MGF to name a few.

In an interview with WFM Media, Ar. Sumit Dhawan talks about his journey over the years, major projects, and his design principles. He also explains the key factors to consider while designing façades for various types of projects, on choosing materials for façades and the latest technologies applied to attain the most sustainable buildings. Hers is the excerpt from the interview: Aman Chauhan’s Residence at Rajdoot Marg, Chanakya Puri

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lease tell us about your practice and its growth over the years?

I started a solitary practice directly after completing B.Arch in the year 2005 and founded Cityspace’82 Architects. My childhood passion for architecture manifested my perseverance and belief which lead me to practice unconditional hard work.

I got my first project immediately after the completion of my internship in the last year of college. The project was a 500 Sq yd residence in Gurugram assigned to me by a friend’s father Mr. Bhutani, who I still consider to be the foundation of my career.

The residence was planned with a sustainable approach using earth blocks, solar passive strategies and cavity walls and therefore, the residence got overwhelming appreciation.

The next turning point in my career was Lawyer Dang’s residence, which is amongst one of the most appreciated projects I have done, after which there has never been a looking back situation.

Having an experience of almost two decades today, I try to

experiment and innovate projects with numerous design styles fusing one into another in order to deliver impeccable intricate spectacles.

What inspired you to become an architect?

I had a prolonged affinity for architecture since childhood and I always had an imperative inclination towards drawing and sketching. I was born and brought up in an architectural household as my father is an architect himself.

During my early days of childhood, I used to see him working on his drawings with fancy architecture equipment like the parallel bar, set square, various clutch pencils, ink points etc. which always fascinated me to pursue this field and I enticed a passion for the profession.

I always found architecture interesting as it was more about creativity, innovation and experimentation rather than being intellectual or theoretical study. Also, architecture being a non-monotonous and dynamic field helps a person evolve with his everyday experiences. The observatory skills it enthuses grant one an eye for design and an

opportunity to do something out of the box.

There are many façade materials available in the market. How do you choose the apt one for your project? What are the criteria?

Depending upon the context and concept, materials like glass, stone, wood, ACC blocks, thermal insulated blocks, as opposed to conventional building materials can play an important role in the framework of creative and innovative designs.

Instead of going for a regular wall, one can even use glass as a structural member these days. Steel is another material that is gaining extensive popularity in the market.

Modular construction techniques like prefabricated systems and pre-engineered buildings that are manufactured at a factory and then assembled on-site will ultimately form to be the future of architecture.

Tell us about the façade design of a few of your projects like Sovereign Tower at Noida, DJ Group IT Building at Gurugram, IT Office building at Udyog Vihar, Gurugram, etc. where glass is used innovatively?

Accentuating the look and feel of this elegant façade design, the aluminium louvers incorporated in the triple height here provides idiosyncrasy to the overall design.

Location: Plot no 126, Akashneem Marg, DLF PHASE 2, Gurgaon Cladding Material: Aluminium louvers

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Face to Face Golf Links House, New Delhi (Area - 350 Sq Yds)

Golf Links House, New Delhi

Cityspace '82 Architects have recently completed a plush residential design in The Golf Links (Delhi’s noble residential area), which is a biological spectacle. This area institutes numerous houses surrounding

SOVEREIGN TOWER AT NOIDA Located in the prime area of Greater Noida highway for easy access, the Sovereign Tower is spread across an area of 5300 Sq m. Following a post-modern architecture theme, it consists of two basements and seventeen floors.

Emphasis has been laid on creating the perfect “Balance” as the entire complex is airconditioned with a cooling tower system. The façade envelope has been composed of three different types of DGU glass to cut on heat gain. The building has a platinum rating of LEED Certification. The site has been divided into two zones, one being private (office) and the other being public for commercial use. The public zone (commercial area) comprises a gym, cafeteria and a rooftop garden which pleases the eye of

vibrant and lush landscaped garden views and capacious planning.

The design scheme follows contemporary minimalism, which is our preferred design style. Based on the

fundamentals of horizontal and vertical interaction between indoors with outdoors, an open plan concept has been introduced. With enormous openings in the front and rear along with a few cut-outs at the terrace level, the house acquires an abundance of natural light and ventilation.

The amalgamation of an exotic material palette including zinc, glass, wood and metal façade create a harmonious yet minimalistic effect on the overall geometry of the project.

The notion of assimilating a sustainable design concept here is to curb the jeopardy of the hot and dry climate while taking the advantage of exuberant landscaped gardens of Lutyens Delhi.

Sovereign Tower at Noida

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Face to Face The Garden View House, West Punjabi Bagh, Delhi (Area: 20250 Sq ft)

a wraparound method throughout the first and second floor allowing not just privacy but making the life of the family very easy by limiting 75 per cent of the housekeeping staff to outside. The same A double-skin facade with a kinetic screen devised in aluminium flaps wrap-around balcony was proposed in a wraparound method throughout the first and second floors used for maintaining the to allow privacy to the inhabitants. terrace garden, plantation, Location: Plot no. 30/78, West Punjabi Bagh, Delhi cleaning of toilets and Cladding- Aluminium cladding windows and servicing drip irrigation and misting This magnanimous house in front of the house. They wanted nozzles which requires regular New Delhi has been designed to feel as if everyone is staying maintenance without entering for a joint family in which 3 on the ground floor by letting the inside. brothers are going to stay them walk and sit in the greens Further adding to the every day. For this particular on the top three floors and aesthetics, the façade lighting the ground floor is kept for reason, a cantilever of 15 feet plays an imperative role as trick the purpose of recreational was designed on all three lights are randomly placed activities. floors using a post-tensioning along with the puncture and While designing the house, method allowing the ground RGB light.

This residence is the floor to have a seamless view to one thing that became perfect amalgamation of form the outside garden. A doubleconstant for all three brothers and function. skin façade was proposed in was the terrace garden in the

the user of the office.

Two levels of stackable parking, a rooftop garden along with a gym & the use of double glazing glass across the tower adds to the grandeur factor.

DJ Group IT Building at Gurugram

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DJ Group IT Building at Gurugram The site is located in an Industrial Sector which hosts Corporate Offices as well as Manufacturing Centres with the majority of small independent buildings.

The compact structure follows an unusual construction process - a top-to-bottom method to allow flexibility for the offices' layouts and create open spaces of big spans. The emphasis on the ground floor lies in the shortcut that symmetrically cuts right through the building. It richly creates a clear dialogue with one of Beirut’s largest squares, while instantly reconnecting one with a sky lobby upon entry. Embracing all

Face to Face

IT Office building at Udyog Vihar, Gurugram

the slabs, the glass sets the illusion right for the seemingly free glass cube. Also, on the upper floors, the offices revel in an unobstructed 360 view of their surroundings. The building is planned and designed in such a way that it would outstand the neighbourhood with reference to height as well as the façade design. The south side of the building has been blocked from the harsh summer sun by aligning core areas along the south side and vertical concrete panels along the west. The north and east sides allow maximum flush of daylight inside the building.

IT Office building at Udyog Vihar, Gurugram Working on the concept of ‘Fusion’, infused with the nuances of modern architecture, this site has an open floor plan.

Spread across 8000 Sq m area, it is a 2-sided corner plot that is adept with a double-height entrance. Green wall, zinc jaali, reflective glass, and stackable parking resulting in Platinum LEED rating has been proposed in this building. The green wall has been used in the southwest corner to cut down on heat gain. A rooftop garden and restaurant will further accentuate the functionality of this building. Other significant projects that we are working on

include: MGM/ M3M – farmhouse, V-John - farmhouse and Unity Group.

The glass and glazing industry in India has gone through a sea of changes in the past decade. Tell us about the latest in use of glass as façade & cladding material and glazing technologies and those used in your projects?

Glass nowadays is no longer being used only for windows or glazing.

It has expanded to be used as walls, cladding materials, doors, flooring, and have multiple other possibilities. For instance, today ceramic glasses are being used on façades, lacquered glass is used for interior purposes, coloured glass as partitions, laminated glass are being used for floorings, complete glass structures in the form of houses have become the new vogue. Concepts like lift & slide systems and slim windows are trending in terms of glazing systems where hardware plays a key role. Most of the work is done off-site nowadays as opposed to the conventional methodology where everything happened onsite. Methodologies like semi unitized and fully unitized glazings are being used which are primarily produced in factories and then brought on site henceforth. The overall execution is done in a

modular fashion these days.

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

Glass is a very delicate material and should be used carefully keeping in mind the sun path. The heat transfer and insulation properties of the glass must be minimal, especially while working in north Indian states that experience dry heat waves during summer. The double-glazed unit and other properties that can minimise the heat load transfer in a building must be considered.

Directions also play a key role in determining the placement of glass. Solar passive technologies like North-South orientation, having services on eastern and western sides should be followed very carefully. Maximum glass shall be used on the Northern side as the north has the least amount of exposure to rays. If the glass is dealt with properly you can enjoy the design to its full capacity.

Please brief on the design and technical details of a safe glass façade, considering fire safety, and wind, rain and earthquake resistance?

The issues boil down to the material specification and the cost

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Mr Hindpal’s Farmhouse, Radhe Mohan Drive, Chattarpur: Depending upon the context and concept, materials like glass, stone, wood, ACC blocks, thermal insulated blocks, etc can be used as façade materials

optimisation activities undertaken in most projects. This process needs to be vetted by a façade consultant qualified to understand the material specifications and give the right recommendations so that mishaps can be avoided.

Many structures fail due to inadequate design by inexperienced façade contractors.

Paying attention to the construction and its adequacy to hold glass is the only way to improve the overall impact natural factors have on said glass.

Façade contractors need to educate their skilled and unskilled staff with quality control procedures. Training programs need to be conducted periodically to focus on different systems and materials. This should be mandatory training and must include the façade contractor’s

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project managers and skilled labourers. Clients need to qualify façade vendors based on a proper qualification process and grade the façade contractor considering the credentials.

How would the façade design and other elements of the façade help the building to be energy efficient, at the same time provide a better interior environment?

What about sustainability and environmental considerations when choosing the façade/cladding material?

It is important for a built form to be energy efficient and performanceoriented. For instance, instead of introducing a metal cladding in a single skin façade system, a double skin façade system can be considered as they integrate insulation properties keeping the

indoor environment comfortable irrespective of the outdoor climate. Also, cleaning in doubleskin façade systems is easier as the indoor skin is glass. These systems also vouch for privacy serving multiple purposes.

With a single skin façade, instead of using wet cladding, one can always go with a drywall system where the cavity can trap the heat, making for a comfortable indoor environment.

Vertical or horizontal shading devices are another alternative to cut direct sunlight from entering the building. In fact, the designer can control the heat and natural light, depending on the orientation of the building.

Hence, there are various ways of choosing elements that are better for the performance of the building while complementing

Face to Face the aesthetics simultaneously.

Materiality is a major factor in outlining greener buildings. All the above-mentioned materials are capable of making a building sustainable and energyefficient. It is important to design performance-oriented buildings considering solar passive strategies.

What are your views on future façades & fenestration technologies, and materials?

Prefabrication is the future of construction.

With high precision levels, this construction methodology is easier, quicker,

and cost-effective. For instance, a prefab steel building construction can be completed in a short span of two months where a regular RCC construction usually requires a minimum of 6 months’ span. The glazings which are conventionally fixed at the site can be replaced by semi-unitized or fully-unitized modular glazings assembled at the factory and fixed directly at the site, serving an even better aesthetic purpose.

In small-scale architectural projects, modular doors, kitchens, windows, wardrobes, wooden floorings, are anyways in trend. The

demand for modular cabinetry or carpentry is growing every day looking at the time-saving and durability factor.

According to you, what is an intelligent façade? How can intelligent façades bring in the greenhouse effect and also restrict intensive use of air conditioners?

An intelligent building envelope adapts itself to its environment.

How efficiently it does so is what sets it apart from its competitors.

With the help of some softwares, digital façades and solar active architecture can integrate

The Illuminati: The façade was installed by omitting smaller cubes from the bigger ones providing the building with openings and punctures which allowed natural light to touch every corner of the house. A terrace in the form of a cantilever renders a floating powder-coated hollow aluminium pipe web, which forms to be the most dramatic feature.

Location: South City, Gurgaon Cladding Material: Powder-coated hollow aluminium pipe

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The grandeur of this sumptuous residence was achieved by bringing together two immense plots. A never seen or heard theory of building a contemporary space using an ultra-modern yet natural material palette including stone, wood and metal like zinc was successfully implemented in this residence.

Location: Sector 15, Part 1, Gurugram

complete building systems and the façade can automatically change its shape according to the sun path diagram. Hence, these automatic systems cater to the performance of the building without human intervention.

We use double skin systems for our projects which offer flexibility irrespective of the inside of the façade. In fact, the interior grammar can undergo dynamic alterations; it can even be used for multiple functional regimes but the external skin remains intact.

Double skin façades, which are being most widely used in commercial buildings to permit natural light to enter the building, can work as an efficient ventilation system if properly designed. External shading devices and movable overhangs installed on the building façade are very advantageous in the sense that it provides a very effective design solution against overheating. By using these methods, one reduces the emission and trapping of heat which in turn cools the place down, reducing the need for air conditioners. High-performance façades can allow for a reduction in peak cooling loads and therefore need a smaller AC system and/or a low-energy alternative, which can translate into increased energy savings, reduced initial costs, and HVAC system operation and maintenance savings.

A modern façade - With high precision levels, this construction methodology is easier, quicker, and costeffective

What is your advice to young, aspiring architects?

Find a mentor, work with him/her for some time. Once you are learned and have some basic experience then translate it into your own design language and open up your own practice.

shankesh.rathore@gmail.com

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CLADDING TRENDS MATERIALS, DESIGNS, TECHNOLOGIES

The Stepped Cube House appears as a set of cubes with varied volumes, arranged with a balanced play of solids and voids, A project by Prashant Parmar Architects

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C

ladding serves to maintain a balance between the structure’s outside and interior environments and is meant to suit both aesthetic and practical needs.

Cladding is done according to the building’s operating needs.

The expansion of the cladding industry is being driven by an increase in infrastructure and building activities in residential and non-residential areas throughout the world.

This finished layer serves a number of purposes, including improving the aesthetics, boosting thermal and environmental performance, and keeping unwanted external elements out of sight.

Many cladding systems are now available on the market because of advancements in building technology and construction materials.

The cladding industry has changed dramatically over the past few years. Along with the influx of new materials and designs in the market, the technological advancements in the application can also be witnessed.

We interviewed some experts from the industry who shared their perspectives on the cladding industry, including changes in cladding technologies and materials, the latest trends, the significance of fire safety in exterior cladding systems, and more. Read this cover story to know more.

FOUR MAJOR TRENDS IN EXTERIOR WALL CLADDING Façades are the interface between the interiors and exteriors of a building. They protect it from external agents and are one of the main contributors to creating comfortable environments.

Exterior wall cladding solutions have evolved to keep pace with time and offer cutting-edge results with multiple options. It gives the exterior a unique, contemporary look by defining the different areas of every building resulting in a structure that is filled with visual interest. And so, there is a constant effort to create something better.

“If one is to narrow it down to 4 major trends, then we see a need for materials offering higher resistance to nature and such external elements, adopting solutions that are environmentally friendly and sustainable in nature, using smart material that is low on maintenance, and a material that naturally blends with the surroundings,” says Deepak Mathur, Sr. Vice President- Global Marketing and Sales at Jindal Aluminium Limited.

play also. Although the traditional wet façade elements such as bricks, stones, and wood are still widely used and have a ready market, new-age elements and composites around HPL or fibre cement are also rapidly gaining ground, which is now the major trend in the cladding market.

Technological advancements and novelties in the industry are aiding in evolving consumer preference,

SHANKHO CHOWDHURY

President, Decoratives Division, Century Plyboards (India) Ltd.

says Shankho Chowdhury, President, Decoratives Division, Century Plyboards (India) Ltd. “We have seen that currently highpressure laminate cladding and stone veneers are the most recent drifts for cladding options in India.

Other than this, perforated metal mesh claddings are also in trend

DEEPAK MATHUR

Sr. Vice President- Global Marketing and Sales, Jindal Aluminium Ltd.

When it comes to the façade of a structure, builders, as well as end-users, mostly agree that along with aesthetic purposes now it has got other functional roles to

AR. RAVI KADAM

Principal Architect & Urban Designer, Integrid Design Consultants

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Ecological materials that have greater durability and resistance to the environment and bestow a certain character to the space are the drifting choices for exterior cladding, observes Ravi Kadam, Principal Architect & Urban Designer, Integrid Design Consultants. He adds that materials like perforated aluminium, HPL, brick, GRC, etc. are the trending option for cladding.

Ar. Prashant Parmar, Founder & Principal Architect, Prashant Parmar Architect says, in the current architecture practice, we choose materials that give warmth with long-lasting aesthetics.

Brick- of red & brown tone, MCM (Modified Clay Material), natural stone and concrete panels, etc. are preferred.

ASHWANI KHANNA VP, Marketing & HR, Fundermax

AR. PRASHANT PARMAR

Founder & Principal Architect, Prashant Parmar Architect

Ashwani Khanna, VP, Marketing & HR, Fundermax points out that innovative, and sustainable materials are preferred for exterior wall cladding. Such options include

BESCOM, Bangalore – Louvers by Wienerberger

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exterior grade laminates (as per EN438-6) which are highly durable, Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC), and metal claddings (Zinc, Copper, and Steel), etc. Some of the key benefits of using such modern cladding materials over traditional ones are eco-friendliness, thermal efficiency, energy renewability, and sustainability.

MUTHU KUMARAN

DGM, Wienerberger India

Muthu Kumaran, DGM, Wienerberger India, says that clay façade tiles are in the trend, due to their natural colours and because it is a sustainable cladding material with longevity and low maintenance. Louvres are extensively used for passive shading and offer a contemporary look. Brick cladding is an eternal trend and still, it continues to be the most preferred cladding for residences & small buildings.

Metal claddings and metal mesh are also in the foray, adds Kumaran.

External wall cladding is no longer simply for hiding old bricks; it can be made the focal point of the design, notes Rounaq K. Choudhari, Director, Glass Wall System (I) Pvt Ltd. It can also be utilised to spice up a surface, transforming it from dull and uninteresting to a prominent element in the landscape.

According to Choudhari, major trends in exterior wall cladding are the following:

Cover Story

Director, Glass Wall System (I) Pvt Ltd.

Bright flowers and dark stones: Without some bright and happy flowers, no portion of the garden is truly complete. Use dark-toned natural stone pavers on your home’s outside walls, along with bright and formal tulips or other annuals. l Bright doors and dark stones: The natural stone and bright paint combination work equally as well on retro-style houses as it does on the most current house designs, which is a perk of this trend. l Tiles made of glass: Glass tiles used for external cladding can have a stunning visual effect, even if they are not as durable as natural stone. To add a bit of shine to recreational rooms, use glass tiles in mosaic designs. l Natural stone pavers: They come in a variety of textural and sculptural shapes to add interest to outdoor dinner parties and everyday life.

Rear-ventilated façade system is another trend in the market, adds Khanna. This particular system uses durable exterior grade high-pressure laminates as a second skin of the building.

Apart from offering contemporary aesthetics and design, they are also sustainable and can be easily used in combination with various other cladding materials.

Khanna spots that sun-shading systems or louvres are in demand l

AR. SUSHANT VERMA

Co-founder & Design Head, rat[LAB] Studio

Parametric design has gained popularity and demand in the last few years as architects and patrons have started to look into the performative aspect of façades and cladding materials that could help reach the sustainability goals of a project. Metal façades such as aluminium, weathering steel (corten steel), concretefinish composites, and woodenfinish composites are some of the common ones in practice that could be easily infused with the parametric design intent to achieve interesting results, adds Verma.

MOST PREFERRED CLADDING MATERIAL Exterior grade laminates are gradually becoming a common norm in modern-day architecture, says Ashwani Khanna. Wood-based products are better since they do not transmit direct heat radiated into the buildings.

“If we follow the revolutionary rear ventilated method of installation that can help keep the heat at bay and enhance the occupant comfort of the building.

It is a sustainable design that reduces the thermal bridges and condensation of water vapour to

IMAGE COURTESY -JINDAL ALUMINIUM

ROUNAQ K. CHOUDHARI

in today’s market. This system is specifically aimed at improving daylighting, glare mitigation, and energy efficiency, without compromising occupant comfort.

There is also an increasing demand for green buildings, hence most designers seek certified products and prefer green-rated materials.

We see a constant push towards the use of ‘Parametric Façades’ or façades that are designed parametrically to create a differentiated visual and aesthetic effect, as well as contribute to the performance of the building with respect to the environment, notes Ar. Sushant Verma, Co-founder & Design Head, rat[LAB] Studio.

Building façade

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Parametric façade by rat[LAB] Studio

protect the building and reduce the overall air conditioning load of a building. This also allows natural ventilation which is considered one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and/or airborne microbes,” adds Khanna.

Chowdhury says that the most preferred cladding material is HPL (CenturyExteria), which should be of premium quality exterior grade.

At par with global standards, they are available in large format panels.

The product complies with EN: 438 – Part#6 and ASTM: E84 Fire safety.

Available in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and up to 18 mm. thickness, the product is sure to revolutionise building façades and other similar building exterior applications.

Our most preferred cladding material is brick, says Ar. Parmar, as from centuries of human civilisation, and this means it will stay fresh for decades.

Ar. Kadam too agrees that over the years of architectural practice, we have opted for brick cladding for innumerable projects. Brick cladding imparts an earthy and rustic emotion to the space.

Apart from being stylish, brick cladding also provides atmospheric and acoustic aversion and has virtually zero maintenance cost. His other preference is precast cladding materials are a smarter choice for quick installation and saving costs.

Kumaran from Wienerberger India adds that clay tiles are the

most preferred cladding material due to the aesthetics, it gives a timeless modern façade with the distinctive character of natural clay.

Mathur from Jindal Aluminium

Limited explains why aluminium is the preferred cladding material.

Aluminium composite panels are extremely durable, and their qualities ensure that they can last up to 30 years without much maintenance and effort. The reason for its broad appeal is that aluminium is very versatile and adaptable to create a variety of looks. Aluminium cladding is also lightweight and offers energy efficiency and the choice to coat the metal with colours providing a variety of looks that perfectly suit the architectural requirements.

Ar. Verma adds that his studio prefers using steel as a cladding material due to its sheer flexibility

Salient Features & Properties of HPL l

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l

l

l l l

l

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No distortion even in extreme climatic changes such as from -20° C to +80° C or from a dry climate to relative humidity in excess of 85 – 90% Highly UV resistant with almost no shade fading even after years of installation Resistant to extreme weather conditions, e.g., heavy rains, acid rain, hail & heat Suitable for installation as the ventilated façade system Colour stable – optimal lightfastness Self–supporting Decorative (double-sided) – a wide range of wood grain décor species & solid colours Double hardened resins providing resistance against erosion from natural elements Impact-resistant – wind and

l l l l

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other elements (as per EN ISO 178) Scratch resistant Fire retardant – FR rating Class 1 Easy & rapid installation Low-cost maintenance – panels do not attract dust and self-cleaning is possible Heat insulation and wall protection – protects buildings from the excess temperature in summer to excess cold in winter & aiding the removal of heat and moisture from rain or condensation Lightweight compared to any rocky product Suitable for all exterior cladding applications EDF stands for E (Exterior Grade) D (Severe Use) F (Fire Retardant)

(Shankho Chowdhury, President, Decoratives Division, Century Plyboards (India) Ltd.)

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in taking any form and pattern, allowing easy manufacturing and fabrication processes that are available. As we often delve into the parametric design of façades & building skin, choosing appropriate cladding material that compliments the intent is extremely important. Longevity & durability are also integral factors when choosing the materials.

Choudhari from GWS is certain that exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) and insulated metal wall panels are two of the most common energy-efficient cladding systems in the market today. EIFS is a lightweight cladding that may mimic the look of a variety of construction materials, such as brick, stone, metal panels, siding, and stucco. It can also be installed over existing claddings as a retrofit.

In terms of both materials and installation costs, EIFS is a costeffective system when compared to many of the systems, adds Choudhari.

ROLE OF CLADDING IN CONSTRUCTING SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS Cladding can potentially regulate

the seepage of water into the interiors. l It creates a good heat insulation layer protecting the interiors from the absorption of extreme heat. l Cladding acts like a soundinsulating layer that prevents external noise from coming inside. l Cladding protects the building from pollution; dirt can impart a very shabby look to the building when only paint is used as a finishing surface.

“In India, the buildings & façades face zero degrees to 45-50 degrees range of temperature, which is very difficult for any construction material to sustain. High finished surface quality & aesthetics, good mechanical properties, freeform design possibilities, reduces product thickness, enhanced durability & low environmental impact are only a few advantages that new cladding technologies are offering us”, says Ar. Parmar.

Drywall cladding, concrete panels, and corten steel cladding are some of the most adopted options by architects nowadays.

Some cladding materials have

IMAGE COURTESY - GLASS WALL SYSTEM

DynamicFaçades by rat[LAB] Studio

the heat and light that enters the building if used smartly. Beyond the obvious aesthetic character that it poses to a building, a performance aspect can be achieved using appropriate methods of design and evaluation. Materiality could also help add to the sustainability points of the project which can help choose the right material for the cladding system, observes Ar. Verma.

Shankho Chowdhury too agrees on the crucial role played by cladding in constructing sustainable buildings; the reasons are as below: Because of the superficial protective layer, the maintenance becomes low and it also makes the building more durable than a traditional building which is finished with wall paint. l Cladding materials like metal, stone, and wood give a very good aesthetic appeal and texture to the building, which paints cant. l It makes the building weatherproof as it has strong resistance against external weather conditions like winds, sunlight, and rain. It also acts as a protective layer and prevents

Lodha World One at Mumbai; Architect - Pei Cobb Freed & Partners

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Cover Story MODERN-DAY MATERIALS - OPTIONS FOR CLADDING Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC): GFRC is one of the most versatile, lightweight moulding materials available today. Available in a plethora of designs, shades, forms, and textures, GFRC is 50-70% lighter than ordinary concrete and has more compressive strength.

Clay Hollow Bricks: This is best suited for the lightweight construction of exterior walls and interior partitions. The hollow blocks weigh 60% less than solid concrete blocks of the same size.

High-Pressure Laminates (HPL): HPL cladding is widely used in exterior and interior applications.

HPL is available in an array of shades, surfaces, and thickness which offer unique and elegant appeal to the buildings. They are suitable for demanding and decorative applications such as wall cladding, balcony casing, louvres, roof cladding, fencing, furniture, sanitary facilities, etc.

These versatile panels are easy to install, durable and low on maintenance.

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UPHC): UPHC is a fibre-reinforced cementitious concrete material that has a dense matrix and very low permeability that prevents the ingress of harmful materials such as chlorides.

Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP): ACPs as cladding materials have been around in India for quite some time. Although there has been an influx of many new materials, ACP still holds the quality to maintain internal temperature, which works to make energy-efficient buildings, adds Ar. Parmar.

Kumaran, notes that cladding material should provide excellent thermal insulation and recyclable.

Choice of cladding has a significant effect on the environmental, acoustical, and aesthetical features of the building, explains Ar. Kadam. Along with a flood of innovative materials and designs introduced in the market, we see the advancement in technologies in the application as

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its place for its versatility. ACP consists of two thin coil-coated aluminium sheets as the outer and inner layers which sandwich a coating of polyethylene.

Terracotta Cladding: Terracotta is a material manufactured with natural and aged raw clay and water. It can be used as part of rain-screen cladding, sunshade, or precast solution.

Metal Cladding: Metal cladding is available in different materials including aluminium, zinc, copper, steel, zinc, etc., and is a durable option for the façade.

ETFE Membranes: ETFE or Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene is a fluorite-based plastic that can withstand high temperatures and promote solar efficiency.

Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP): Also known as Fibre Reinforced Polymer, FRP is a composite material comprising of a polymer matrix blended with reinforcing materials, such as fibres.

Corten Steel: It is made up of iron, copper, phosphorous, silicon, nickel, and chromiumbased alloy. This weather-resistant and anticorrosion material is suitable for wall cladding, roofing, structural beams and support.

(Ashwani Khanna, VP, Marketing & HR, Fundermax)

well. Growing demand for energy efficiency in project exteriors, especially for key construction industry participants, including architects and designers, are encouraging investments in lightweight and energy-efficient exterior panels in commercial as well as residential buildings, adds Kadam.

The idea behind cladding on a building’s exterior is to provide the structure with a thermal insulation cover and ensure that it follows a path of sustainability.

In the construction of green

buildings, the role of cladding is to make sure that the exterior of a building uses the least amount of energy possible and that it also offers suitable ventilation and sunshading features. And in doing so, it ensures to maintain an interior environment, which promotes the better health of the building’s occupants and the surroundings.

The major function or role of cladding, says Rounaq Choudhari, is to separate a building’s inside environment from the outside environment in such a way that the outside environment does not

Cover Story

Hinjewadi High Street - A project by Integrid Design Consultants

REGULATING DAYLIGHT & VENTILATION: ROLE OF CLADDING TECHNOLOGIES & MATERIALS Mathur from Jindal Aluminium explains, that one of the essential elements of exterior building façades is allowing natural daylight indoors. But this daylight needs to be controlled so that it is useful.

It has to be regulated without creating glare or other unwanted

outcomes for those who use the building. The use of intelligent and adaptive façade cladding can help in ensuring that a building is more climate-responsive. And by climate-responsive, we mean using technology and material that helps regulate natural light and ventilation suitably. Façade cladding is now rear ventilated, double skinned, etc., to ensure that daylight is regulated and ventilation controlled.

According to Shankho Chowdhury, cladding enables a building with a contemporary ventilated façade system that eliminates moisture problems due to internal condensation or water, ensuring a well-ventilated

IMAGE COURTESY - JINDAL ALUMINIUM

affect the indoor environment.

It’s also great for reducing light penetration and heat radiation and conduction from the sun, as well as preventing interiors from becoming faded and dull.

Sunshades and louvered panels also allow reflected light to enter the building, rather than direct sunshine, which improves comfort.

Khanna concludes that a welldesigned façade reduces the thermal bridges, condensation of water vapour, and protects the building. Façade systems are expected to carry out a number of functions and perform in a variety of ways, such as structural integrity, durability, weather–resistance, acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, safety and security barriers, and more. A thorough assessment of the durability of the new materials proposed needs to be done to ensure that the materials used do not compromise the performance requirements of the building.

and improved comfort for the indoors. The drainage of rainwater, entering through the ventilation gaps between panels, is carried out through ventilation outlets.

Another major benefit of ventilated cladding system is it reduces the mechanical stress in the main structure and also protects the walls from the harsh direct sunlight.

Rounaq Choudhari, too agrees that ventilated façade can regulate daylight & ventilation. It is an outside building envelope system that is erected dry. It can be implemented on new construction sites as well as renovated ones. This piece creates a space between the building’s perimeter wall and the exterior cladding. Its principal function is to regulate the flow of heat, air, and light between the inside and exterior of the structure.

Fenestrated cladding act as a shading device to cut down harsh sunlight and bring in clam defused light inside the space, states Kadam. The right cladding material allows the passive & active ventilation in the building. Such as double-skinned cladding helps the warm air to rise & exhaust from the void between the two skins.

A building façade

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An Aspect Façade Project by Wienerberger

This allows ventilation through the façade without opening the windows.

Kumaran points out that louvres are best to regulate daylight and ventilation and mechanical or motorised louvres will further enhance the functionality also currently clay tiles are used as fins.

According to Khanna, louvers or sun shading systems are aimed at providing superior visual comfort to occupants. They can be designed in different sizes and configurations and can be used to mitigate the effects of glare and heat ingress in different kinds of buildings located across the country. It is an effective way to reduce air conditioning loads. Yet it offers designers an opportunity to create a distinctive architectural impact. Sun path analysis, wind loading patterns, dynamic sun shading, and thermally efficient materials are some of the factors considered while installing such a cladding system.

Ar. Verma is recommending perforations in a cladding system.

Interstitial gaps in geometric configuration and the overall design arrangement are a few ways of integrating into the cladding design of a façade or building skin that could be smartly used as parameters to control daylight and ventilation. Material type, thickness, and structural support system are a few other aspects that could

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be evaluated to lead to heat gain understanding of the building.

INTEGRATING INTELLIGENT & RESPONSIVE CLADDING According to Mathur, intelligent and responsive cladding comprises high-performance envelopes that promote energy optimisation and help in reducing the use of resources and offer comfort to a building’s inhabitants. There has been rapid progress in advanced materials and technologies being used in the external cladding of buildings. Intelligent cladding supports energy sustainability measures and is responsive to the needs of the inhabitants of the building. An intelligent façade is the primary defence of the building and helps turn the structure smart by protecting it against environmental and climatic variations. By responding favourably to using sunlight efficiently by reducing solar heat gain and using wind for natural cooling, intelligent and responsive cladding helps maintain optimal lighting levels and control overall energy consumption contributing to its green quotient.

An intelligent & responsive cladding would be one that looks into performative aspects and behaviour of it as a system in a building, to regulate and control heat and light to create a positive impact, says Ar. Verma. Parametric

Design methods can be helpful and deployed to achieve such results as it allows evaluating the designs with respect to climatic response while in the conception stage.

Ar. Parmar adds that an intelligent & responsive cladding is responsive to nature in order to reduce heat, provide adequate ventilation and also give an identity to the building, kinetic façade is an example.

The term intelligent façade cladding refers to a dynamic façade that adapts to its surroundings, agrees Rounaq Choudhari. Sunshading devices based on the elastic kinematic concept are possible. The major goal is to limit solar heat gain while also providing enough ventilation.

Khanna too vouches for Kinetic façades. They can be sun-shading systems based on the elastic kinematic principle. The primary objective is to reduce solar heat gain and adequate ventilation.

They are dynamic and adaptive and can be made up of materials such as exterior grade laminates.

Shree Rajlaxmi Kueetira, Bangalore, Material - CenturyExteria HPL

WORKING WITH ALUMINIUM CAN BE INSPIRING.

CREATIVE ARCHITECTURE WITH 55HX® ALUMINIUM Today, projects around the world are increasingly designed with facades using Aluminium. With a long, useful life and repeated recycling qualities without any loss to quality, Aluminium is the metal of the future.

55HX® is the innovative solution which offers colour, uniformity with a unique metallic sheen.

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DARK GOLD

For a brochure or product sample, simply contact Sanjay K Gupta, Director of GlobalAxis in New Delhi:

CHAMPAGNE

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Mobile: +919811141647 Email: Sanjay.gupta@globalaxis.in

MEDIUM BRONZE

DARK BRONZE

BLACK

READY TO BE INSPIRED?

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Urban Frame House - a unique combination of spatial planning; extensive spaces with an expressive frame façade. A project

by Prashant Parmar Architect

SMART CLADDING SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES A façade can be considered smart when it adapts to environmental conditions and transforms itself simultaneously, elucidates Kumaran. This happens when the cladding material is passive or active, which adjusts to adapt to different conditions, responding to changes that occur on the outside and inside of the building. 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.

Of late, the area of smart materials and technologies has progressed rapidly. New research on nanomaterials and smart composites imitating natural structures and processes are trialed almost every day within the technologies, observes Shankho Chowdhury.

In the architectural field, and especially in the sector of building cladding, only a trivial amount of such advanced technologies have settled. As an alternative to traditional mechanisms and techniques, architects and civil engineers are nowadays using enhanced composite materials to provide crafted and efficient façades.

“Considering the value of green

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energy, with my experience in the field, I think to have cladding materials with photovoltaic panels (PV) as there is no scope for highrise apartments for the production of green energy. If the technology experts give their valuable inputs in creating cladding materials with photovoltaic panels, it will start a new era of green building,” anticipates Ar. Parmar.

Traditionally cladding has always been static and merely remained as an envelope around the building.

In recent times though, we have seen environmental challenges impacting the performance of such façades. Innovative cladding solutions use available research and technology to tackle these issues. So be it dealing with humidity or temperature, sunlight, airflow, and global warming, smart cladding solutions and technology have become the first choice of material to find use in modern building façades. These solutions and technology have led to the

introduction of materials like aluminium that bring dynamism and response to a building exterior, says Mathur.

According to Khanna, façade designs, today are defined by their flexibility, which is achieved by constant innovation and development. This can be potentially done by constantly assessing feedback from completed and ongoing projects.

This feedback helps in identifying areas that need improvement such as design, installation challenges, etc. This feedback is also added to a pool of potential innovations, which can be later used in developing new installation systems.

ENSURING SAFETY AND SECURITY THROUGH CLADDING: TESTING & CERTIFICATION A cladding forms a major exterior component of a building’s envelope and having cladding checks safeguards that it can cut

Beach House, Chennai, Cladding material - CenturyExteria HPL

MAGE COURTESY – GLASS WALL SYSTEM

Cover Story

Mondeal Heights at Ahmedabad, Architect - Blocher Blocher India Pvt. Ltd.

wind speeds and ensures that the rainwater does not seep through.

These tests are certified to make sure that the protection and safety of the building and its inhabitants are the best. The cladding makes sure that the façade is air and watertight, fireproof, and strong enough to resist wind loads. While ensuring the safety and security of the cladding, these tests make sure that it offers impeccable protection to the building from external conditions. When it comes to buildings and their façade, several certifications help select the best product and material based on the purpose they are intended to serve, points out Mathur.

According to Mathur, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), for instance, is the authorised agency to certify wind load factors. For fire audits and safety certifications, the National Building Code has norms specified. So also, when energy savings and efficiency are certified, it is the Energy Conservation Building Code that specifies the guidelines to be met. In addition, products are also

certified. In the case of aluminium panels, the materials may be ISO 9001 certified, indicating that the manufacturing processes too are inspected and audited.

Rounaq Choudhari too notes that various tests which are done on cladding are similar to what is done on unitised curtain wall panels. Air, water, fire, and structural tests are carried out at

certified labs to conduct these tests and ensure the safety and security of the façade.

Khanna adds that ECBC deals with u-value or energy efficiency which includes cladding performance of a building. BIS 875 part 3 deals with wind load, while NBC deals with fire safety norms for cladding. ECBC deals with u-value or energy efficiency which includes cladding performance of a building. Technology also plays a very important role in the manufacturing stage. E.g. HPL panels that are manufactured using patented NT technology and are in accordance with EN438-6 and CE certified are most suitable for rear ventilated façade systems.

The National Building Code (NBC) specifies that the surface flame spread index of cladding material should be less than 25 as per ASTM E 84, Class I. BIS standards for cladding materials follow the British norms of material classification for fire safety, to be rated as Class 1 as per BS 476 part 7, elaborates Khanna.

Generally, windload & water penetration tests are carried out for façades to ensure safety says Muthu Kumaran. For most of the cladding materials, there are certifications

Innovational cladding panels are mass-customisable, smart, and purpose-engineered: l l l l l l l l

Customisable considering rigidity, texture, contour inserts Superior considering energy efficiency, appearance, safety Cuts lifetime operational & maintenance costs Customisable to needs including regulatory, engineer Customisable insulation for acoustic & thermal Ultra-lightweight, super tensile-strong Logistically efficient, waterproof & airtight Enhanced economical-life-span, cost-effective

(Rounaq K. Choudhari, Director, Glass Wall System (I) Pvt Ltd)

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IMAGE COURTESY - CENTURY PLYBOARDS

bodies like ISO, LEED, etc. to test the material’s strength and durability.

Shree Verham Hall, Chennai, Material CenturyExteria HPL

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the LEED and GRIHA certification, and ISO certification have made it mandatory for the manufacturers to forge a report testing the durability, shear strength, toughness, and numerous other factors to ensure the welfare of the building, points out Ar. Kadam.

Hence, manufacturers have to get the materials certified by various

IMAGE COURTESY - WIENERBERGER

such as EN DIN or ASTM Standards and also the EPD (Environmental Product declaration) is necessary, he adds.

According to Shankho Chowdhury, EN 438- Part 6 is the globally accepted European standard, which specifies a meticulous list and methods of tests that are relevant to this category. It applies to the Exteriorgrade Compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and greater produced by using a high-pressure and hot press process. One must check out the compliances before deciding on the brand. Apart from this tests on the colour fastness and environmental safety are also to be done.

Rounaq Choudhari notes that for certification, factors like physical characteristics of the materials, such as structural, chemical, and thermal resistance, are considered; economic factors, such as initial construction, maintenance, and removal costs, are considered; and durability factors, such as the type and frequency of defects that occur in the cladding material, are also considered.

Stringent green building regulations and codes such as

CHOOSING FIRE-SAFE CLADDING MATERIALS Ensuring that a building is safe against fire is important from the aspect of human life and damage to property. The material to be used requires careful consideration because composite cladding panels have been observed to have contributed to the rapid spread of fire in the past. Hence, there is a need for fire-safe material which is non-combustible and has a lowdensity cladding core. One can be sure that the cladding material being considered for use is firesafe by opting for a product that will melt away and not further damage the fire, explains Mathur.

Both aluminium and aluminium alloys do not burn or contribute to the combustion; they will instead melt. Aluminium is also reflective and offers twice the lower surface emissivity, which makes it a material that is fire-resistant, adds Mathur.

Fire-safe materials are the need of the hour. The fire incident in

Façade of a project with innovative sun-shading

Cover Story cladding materials chosen for façades should meet very high fire standards. Clay is a very robust material that can withstand fire, as clay façade tiles are being fired at extremely high temperatures (up to ~ 1100 Degrees) during production. Clay façade tiles are classified under the A1 category – Non-Combustible and do not contribute to the development of fire. In the case of fire, neither toxic gases nor vapours may emerge.

There will be no burning droplets and no smoke gas development from clay façade tiles. A1 is the highest possible rating.

The elevated gardens on the south-east are created out of grey cubescladded with wooden figured MCM while the walls are with brick cladding. A project by Prashant Parmar Architect

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all construction materials must state their fire resistance. Natural slates from CUPA PIZARRAS have been classified as A1, the highest certification for non-combustible materials.

According to Muthu Kumaran,

IMAGE COURTESY - GLASS WALL SYSTEM

hospitals during the covid-19 pandemic has shaken the hearts of millions. As an important link of the construction industry, we, architects, have to be very selective & conscious about fire-safe materials, cautions Ar. Parmar.

Fire safety is a very important aspect of cladding. There are premium quality HPL Panels (like CenturyExteria) available in the market which is ‘Class A’ fire retardant, complying with the standards of EN 438- Part 6 and ASTM E84. They are also bestowed with the ‘Greenguard’ certification, which ensures that the product is validly acceptable for use in ‘Green Buildings’ and other delicate environments such as schools and healthcare facilities, mentions Shankho Chowdhury.

To prevent the spread of fire, the system’s qualities and the materials used in the construction are critical, sensitizes Rounaq Choudhari.

He adds that according to the European standard EN 13501-1,

CLADDING MATERIALS FOR FUTURE FAÇADES According to Ar. Verma, the use of smart materials and smart geometries that could inherently lead to a performative aspect to reach the sustainability goals of a project, and this would form the future of façades.

Ar. Kadampoints out that it is essential to choose a material that is impervious to the macroclimate of the site location, to create a comfortable space, with optimum energy consumption.

Ar. Parmar insists that façades

Wankhede Stadium at Mumbai, Architects P.K. Das & Shashi Prabhu.

IMAGE COURTESY - CENTURY PLYBOARDS

Cover Story

The Temple School, Chennai; Material CenturyExteria HPL

Building Material Class

Experience Center - A project by rat[LAB] Studio

Ration A1

Class A

A2

Fireproof material

A3 Class B

B1

Not easily flammable

B2

Flammable

B3

Easily flammable

(Source: Wienerberger India)

Fire Resistant Panels for Cladding The recent legislation in the UK following the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy clearly states that BS class A panels and class B panels with non-combustible insulation are safe to use in buildings. These categories do not aid in the spread of the fire which is of paramount importance to the fire safety of the buildings. However, no material should be selected in isolation and due care should also be shown to design the complete system fire-resistant rather than just assembling a set of ‘firerated’ materials As NBC stipulated, the Flame Spread Index (FSI) on the surface of the cladding material has to be considered. Exterior grade laminates are flame retardant material that does not propagate fire. Windows and glazing junction areas are vulnerable areas from which fire can spread into the overall building. Covering them with a fire seal reduces the scope of fire spread on the façade or into the building.

Every country or region follows a different fire classification.

Max Exterior cladding systems are certified according to ASTM E 84, BS 476 Part 7, NFPA 285, BBA certification, etc.

(Ashwani Khanna, VP, Marketing & HR, Fundermax)

Innovative Parametric designs by rat[LAB] Studio

with Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) should be introduced. “We all have star ratings of electrical equipment like 5 stars, 4 stars, etc. Just like that, we should introduce the EEI (Energy Efficiency Index) for cladding materials. In this way, the developer can attract customers to use the environment-friendly building. Also, for individual houses, selecting the high EEI cladding in façades help the occupier save more energy. The government

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IMAGE COURTESY: WIENERBERGER

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ESIC Hospital at Coimbatore

The Shaded House - A multitude of massive frames at various levels & semi-covered green terraces, getting animated with the play of light. A project by Prashant Parmar Architect

bodies also need to make this move forward to keep the earth greener for generations to come,” he suggests.

Muthu Kumaran is all for façade panels that can generate electricity (PV based panels in façade) also automatic louvre systems (moves based on the sun path to optimise the daylight and ventilation) Khanna too agrees that energyefficient façades are the future.

Façades with anti-microbial surfaces that are easy to clean are gradually becoming a mandate in the market. A rear ventilated façades system will continue to be a preferred alternative because of its natural ventilation property, which is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and/or airborne microbes.

The future of façades will be about

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Orchid Hotel at Pune

it being dynamic or responsive in outlook, avows Mathur. The days of static façades are over. Versatile materials like aluminium will make the outer skin of a building come alive to make the façade look much like an integral part of the building design itself in the time to come, adds Mathur.

According to Rounaq Choudhari, the future of façade design is in high-efficiency and energyconserving materials.

Green energy is the future along with the adoption of technology to move ahead in this part of the industry is the key to the future!

CONCLUSION Cladding is the most significant way of generating fascinating, distinctive, and attractive façades.

It not only protects the outside of your home from the elements, but it is also the most important method for creating interesting, unique, and beautiful façades.

Architects and designers

India Oil Corporation Ltd at Lucknow; Product- Wienerberger

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Red Line - 14 stations completed.

Wienerberger products used

nowadays utilise a variety of innovative wall cladding materials to give each building a distinct fascinating aspect. When it comes to designing façades, a lot of studies are done to ensure that the correct sort of material is used to reduce environmental impacts and enhance the life, energy, and performance of a structure.

A right cladding material and a well-designed cladding contribute to improving a building’s thermal performance, minimise air leakage, reducing maintenance costs, and maximise natural daylighting.

Poor design or installation, on the other hand, can jeopardise the cladding’s functionality and may pose a safety risk.

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Kinematic Façades are the Future

C

smarter and eco-friendly cladding methods is growing and consumer is becoming more environmentally concerned.

ladding of buildings is one of the most expressive, inspiring and complex aspects of building design.

The basic function of an envelope or enclosure of a building or structure is to protect the covered or otherwise conditioned interior spaces from the surrounding environment.

FOUR MAJOR TRENDS IN EXTERIOR WALL CLADDING Demand for fire-resistant, thermal resistant, and water-resistant, soundproof cladding systems is growing in the market. Innovative, eco-friendly cladding materials are preferred in the market as a consumer is becoming more environmentally concerned.

Fibre cement boards, HPL (High-Pressure Laminate), kinetic façade, and perforated parametric designs are major trends in exterior wall cladding.

IMAGE COURTESY - DESIGN2OCCUPANCY

MOST PREFERRED CLADDING METHODS Kinetic façades are the most preferred cladding material as they

Agartala Airport

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AR. KHUSHI JOSHI

Architect, Design2Occupancy

can be used to manage light, air, energy, and even information and can act to reduce the solar gain as well as allow the passage of fresh air into the building, helping to alter the interior environment. The moving elements of these façades can be programmed to respond to climatic or other environmental factors, time, levels, type of occupancy and so on to improve performance and efficiency. A kinetic façade is an extension of the idea that a building's envelope is an active system rather than just a container. Demand for such

CLADDING TO REGULATE DAYLIGHT & VENTILATION The opening design on building façades has a great influence on daylighting, solar heat gain and natural ventilation, which are closely related to the lighting and air conditioning energy consumption. The façades also contribute to enhancing a building’s thermal performance.

A ventilated façade offers many advantages in energy savings, acoustic insulation, and safeguarding the building structure. This element provides the building with a gap between its perimeter wall and the exterior cladding.

Its primary purpose is to moderate the exchange of heat, air, and light that circulates between the interior and exterior of the building. The energy efficiency of the building is due to the continuous exterior insulation and the ventilated chamber, this eliminates thermal bridges due

Wave Hotel Indana Palace

to the uninterrupted insulation throughout the base enclosure.

INTELLIGENT AND RESPONSIVE CLADDING An intelligent façade is defined as the use of an energy control system that reacts to change in external conditions and has a history at least as long as the invention of the rheostat. The intelligent building skin is to optimise the buildings relative to climate, energy balance and human comfort typically based on predicative models.

Kinetic façades are significantly contributing towards the reduction of energy consumption, enhancement of the building energy and environmental performance enrichment of user's visual and thermal comfort whole ultimately, mitigating the environmental hazards. Kinetic façades are ideally significant to design and develop façades that are interactive and responsive to the environmental attributes.

These façades as a part of the intelligent façades can adjust their shapes, form, orientation or openings to automatically respond to the environmental parameters including the temperature, humidity, wind etc..

SMART CLADDING MATERIAL TECHNOLOGIES A façade can be considered smart when it adapts to environmental conditions and transforms itself

simultaneously.

This happens through its components (passive or active), which adjust to adapt to different conditions, responding to changes that occur on the outside and inside of the building.

SageGlass is an electrochromic glass from Saint-Gobain.

By modifying the applied stress on the glass sheet, it is possible to control its colour and consequently change the light intensities and transmitted ultraviolet and infrared radiation will have through these materials.

That is, this dynamic glass allows building users to actively control natural light and solar heat gain, improving comfort and significantly reducing energy consumption.

Dynamic glass tinting is driven by an intelligent control system that uses sensors to automatically tint in response to light conditions. But you can also control the appearance from a mobile phone. It is important

to mention that the main benefit is the ability to maintain contact with the outside view through the glass.

CLADDING FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY OF FAÇADE The norms and standards to be followed are the one by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Generally, the cladding material, which is selected, is based on the test and quality certificate provided by the vendors. If further quality control is required, independent labs must confirm the materials test for the physical samples.

For cladding materials, the U-factor and SHGC are important criteria, those are governed and mandated by ECBC as well. Experts conduct testing on a variety of products and cladding materials, both at the pre-construction phase for design validation and on-site.

Cladding and façades are tested for

IMAGE COURTESY - DESIGN2OCCUPANCY

IMAGE COURTESY - DESIGN2OCCUPANCY

Cover Story

Anamika Kala Sangam Trust Kolkata

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Cover Story The Following Tests are Performed on Cladding Materials: • AAMA 501.1-17 – Standard test method for water penetration of windows, curtain walls and doors using dynamic pressure • AAMA 501.5 – Test method for thermal cycling of exterior walls • AAMA 508 – The test is to evaluate the ability of the wall cavity to achieve pressure-equalisation with the exterior • AAMA 509 – Test and classification method for drained and back ventilated rain screen wall cladding systems

air leakage, water penetration, and structural characteristics including racking.

IMAGE COURTESY - DESIGN2OCCUPANCY

CHOOSING FIRE-SAFE CLADDING MATERIAL Today, ensuring you select façade materials that meet fire resistance standards is crucial. This is because façade-spread is one of the fastest ways in which a fire travels through buildings. The properties of the system and materials utilised in the construction are vital to prevent the spread of fire.

Aspirations Grandeur Apartment Kolkata

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CLADDING MATERIALS FOR FUTURE FAÇADES Kinematic façades are the future.

They are dynamic and adaptive and can be made up of materials such as exterior grade laminates.

They can be sun-shading systems based on the elastic kinematic principle.

Architects and engineers need to consider many issues when working with envelope designs, including environmental issues, aesthetic appearance, occupant comfort,

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Cover Story

Agartala Airport – another view

To ensure cladding material is fire resistant test is done. The following are the steps of the test done: Step 1. The sample is received along with detailed drawings of the system.

Step 2. Before and during the Installation, evidence is gathered to correlate the sample submitted with the drawings.

Step 3. Samples are carefully installed onto a frame representing the standard conditions.

Step 4. The system is loaded with thermocouples and sensors which will help capture changes in temperature and other parameters to be recorded.

Step 5. The furnace is fired up. It is designed to simulate the increase in temperature and pressure as it would progress in case of a real fire Step 6. The test sample is carefully monitored throughout the test for various parameters like changes in deflection of structure, rate of change of temperature, the behaviour of the material, the release of gases, etc.

Step 7. The test ends in confirming the fire rating of the Curtain Wall System in minutes till which the system could withstand a real fire.

(Example 120 minutes of fire rating) Step 8. A test report is compiled and issued capturing the behaviour of the system during the test as per the test standard.

The above is a product level quality check and is the starting point to prove compliance with future performance of the product or systems in a given environment. Testing with many combinations of systems, materials and environments may be necessary before the design can be claimed to perform as per desired expectations in unique environments.

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and view; these aspects make the envelope a multifunctional component, thus the integration approach is the optimal method to address envelope design. In the last `decade we have witnessed the inclusion of the kinetic envelope in many typologies of buildings. Many scholars believe the kinetic envelope improves the environmental performance of the building. A kinetic façade is one that changes dynamically rather than being static or fixed, allowing movement to occur on a building’s surface. This helps to create what the architect Buckminster Fuller called a ‘skin-like articulation’ effect and is an extension of the idea that a building's envelope is an active system rather than just a container.

The moving elements of the façade can be programmed to respond to climatic or other environmental factors, time, levels and type of occupancy and so on to improve performance and efficiency. With advances in sensors, materials and building management technology, designers are increasingly able to consider kinetic components as design solutions.

Cover Story

"Cladding Materials Should be Chosen Wisely" fashion, leaving the users with a wide variety to choose from. Zinc cladding offers a fresh cladding material that can transform the look of a building. Zinc panels are durable and because of their sustainable quality have a more positive impact. It does not rust or corrode and offers flexibility in

achieving the desired shape making it popular for façade cladding. Zinc panels have a modern outlook and also cater to the environment since they can be re-used and recycled. This characteristic makes it quite popular with sustainable architecture gaining more importance in the current times.

AR. NILANJAN BHOWAL

Principal Architect, Design Consortium, New Delhi

C

ladding forms the very first impression of any building and it is a crucial feature that not only protects the building but at the same time enhances the space aesthetically.

Cladding can be considered as the first impression of a building that will form an image in the eyes of the visitor.

With fast-changing times, numerous trends are coming into

Exposed concrete used in Vara, Orissa

Arora residence - façade with terracotta jaali

Another cladding material that fascinates me is Cor-ton Steel. Because of the orange, rust-like appearance, it creates an interesting visual appeal. This material eliminates the need for paint and strikingly stands out in Modern Architecture. Hence, this durable material, with zero maintenance is now being considered a good option.

At the same time, exposed concrete is becoming quite a common trend though it was first used by Corbusier in the 1950s. It

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Cover Story gives a clean, simple and minimalist look. Along with a smooth finish, it offers the advantage of the material itself where it can take any form and shape. Facades made with concrete are durable and versatile that help us achieve inspirational designs making the building appear timeless.

As seen in many of my projects, nature plays an extremely important role. When designing buildings, kinetic facades offer intelligent and responsive cladding alternatives. Kinetic metal facades allow for the movement of fresh air into the building causing natural ventilation. They cater to the interior environment of the building naturally and are dynamic to look at. Especially for large buildings, a kinetic metal façade creates an interesting sun shading system.

Smart cladding materials are the ones that allow for energy efficiency. The selection of material for facades contributes primarily to the overall insulation of the building. Therefore, I strongly believe that sustainability should be the prime focus while selecting cladding material in future designs.

Cladding materials should be chosen wisely based on their performance while the key factors one must consider for selecting

Dhall residence with Zinc cladding done on façade

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Jammu ropeway, Jammu Kashmir

cladding material are the material’s resistance to seismic conditions, wind pressure(especially for high rises), fire resistance, pollution, application etc. Location is another extremely important criterion to consider while choosing cladding material since it encompasses the weather conditions, temperatures and surrounding area of the location. Locally available materials should be preferred for cladding as the transportation gets reduced, hence minimizing the fuel consumption and they also give the building a regional uniqueness.

Certain standards like ISO 14001, FSC certification, and IGBC certificate are important to look at, before the selection of cladding materials. ISO 14001 ensures that the cladding material manufacturer practices the use of an environment-friendly manufacturing process.

IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) is a certification that guarantees regular maintenance of manufacturing equipment and keeps toxins and emissions under check.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is another essential globally recognized certification system that checks that the wood used in cladding is consumed accountably and tree species do not get extinct.

OHSAS 18001 controls and reduces occupational risks of health and safety in the workplace and

therefore is an important standard.

Considering the above standards and certification systems while choosing the cladding material is of great importance.

Choosing materials that are fire retardant is essential to ensure minimum damage in case of a fire outbreak. Fire-resistant and fire protective safety glass are available that can be used as a highperformance product that meets building code requirements. Flame Spread Index (FSI) is specified by the NBC (National Building Code) which is important and a certificate from Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) should be checked while selecting cladding material.

As a green architect, I would like to consider using a traditional material rendered in a contemporary way. The combination of colours and texture highlights the façade design and steel grey metal in contrast with thermo pine wood is one such combination. Jaali fenestration has been prevalent since early times in construction. This is one of the most effective ways of natural ventilation in façade design.

Today, we have Jaalis that can be made in a variety of materials like GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) jaali. Terracotta jaali with charcoal grey is one example of modern and traditional amalgamation in facades.

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Interview

Pre-Engineered Concrete Elements are the Most Preferred Cladding Materials

T

ell us about 4 major trends in exterior wall cladding?

Depending on the building type, there are different materials gaining interest and importance these days.

For residential where quantities are small, stone, wood, brick/clay tiles and metal elements are preferred for achieving unique and customised design. For commercial buildings with large façades, material that is durable, easy to install and maintain, and more importantly achieves energy performance is gaining importance – these are tile cladding, concrete (more in case of pre-engineered elements), metal cladding, high-pressure laminates, etc.

Which one is your most preferred cladding material and why?

Pre-engineered Concrete elements as they can provide great strength and durability, speed of installation, and offer low maintenance and overall lower lifecycle cost. Moreover, preengineered elements can have embedded insulation, thereby

façade appropriately. Thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs of the building.

GURUPRAKASH SASTRY

Regional Head – Infrastructure, Infosys

providing high performance and fire safety without any loss of real estate. These elements are an integral part of the façade rather than an additional layer of covering.

What is the role of cladding in constructing sustainable buildings?

Cladding helps to achieve good thermal performance as it can enclose insulation material.

Cladding can also provide shading if integrated with the overall

Infosys Bengaluru building with prefab concrete facade elements

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How can we use cladding technologies & materials to regulate daylight & ventilation?

Cladding can be used effectively to control the openings on a building façade, for daylight as well as ventilation. Cladding can help in achieving the right window-wall ratio, act as shading elements to prevent direct sun, and can enhance the diffused natural light in the interiors using passive design techniques.

Cladding integrated well with

Infosys Hyderabad building with dry cladding tiles

the façade can ensure adequate ventilation openings without any impact on the aesthetics or the functionality of the façade.

Sometimes, cladding systems can act as a second façade on the building, and if designed right, it induces ventilation in the space between the two facades – also known as ventilated façade.

What do you mean by intelligent & responsive cladding?

Cladding should provide the functionality and performance of the building façade required for a specific location, climate or usage of the building. Effectively, the façade

Interview and the cladding of a building should respond to the situation to ensure comfort for occupants as well as low operational energy costs. Passive techniques can be in the form of insulation, shading, double façade, etc., Whereas active techniques can be in the form of movable shades, photochromic/ electrochromic glass, that respond in real-time to the prevailing situation.

What are the various tests done on cladding to ensure the safety and security of the façade?

Building façade/external cladding system may be exposed to adverse climatic conditions and therefore need to be tested for safety, strength and durability.

Off-site performance testing of the façade elements can ensure structural stability (w.r.t wind loads), airtightness (i.e., air infiltration/exfiltration) and water tightness (i.e., water ingress from the exterior). These tests are a validation of the façade design to withstand external elements, ensure the stability of the building

Infosys Pune building with HPL cladding

Infsoys Mysuru building with conrete, blockwork and GFRC

façade, and avoid maintenance issues and deterioration related to air/water leakage from the façade.

Please brief on the need for choosing fire-safe cladding materials? How can we ensure that the cladding material is fire resistant?

Fire safety is crucial for all building materials. More so in the case of cladding materials as the cladding can cover multiple floors or an entire building in many

cases. Selecting fire-safe cladding materials can avoid the possibility of fire and contain the fire if caused by other elements within the building. In cases where insulation is a part of cladding, it is essential to select fire-safe insulation options (like class ‘O’) available today. It is also important to ensure fire safety through design. Providing fire isolation at regular intervals (for ex., between floors) and ensuring materials like insulation are fully enclosed, can avoid the spread of fire.

What are your visions for cladding materials for future facades?

Building façade should dynamically respond to the climate and play a pivotal role in ensuring high-performance buildings.

Façade cladding should offer creative freedom to the designers to ensure the correct balance between form and function. Apart from being fire safe and durable, cladding systems should adopt environmentally sustainable, recyclable, locally sourced materials as much as possible, moving towards sustainable buildings and a circular economy.

We can also expect to see greater adoption of vertical gardens in the urban landscape, and the design of façades accordingly to cater to this trend.

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Interview

“Intelligent Building Façade Systems Strike a Balance Between Daylight Ingress and Reduction of Heat Gain”

T

ell us about four major trends in exterior wall cladding?

Structural Glazing – Glass envelopes for the built blocks allow for a sleek modern façade, add to the aesthetics of the building, let the light in and also protect the interior of the place from weather conditions.

Natural cladding for aesthetic Stone cladding, ceramic cladding, tile cladding, and terracotta cladding. Natural stone cladding was one of the traditional choices and has started to gain popularity once again. This material has an earthy look and unrivalled beauty.

Its extreme durability and long lifespan and fire resistance.

Metal sheet cladding - The Aluminium, Copper and Zinc cladding sheets do more than just provide the skin of the building with a smooth and durable finish. It is corrosion resistant and is available in a wide variety of choices.

Wood and marble texturesWood and Marble claddings are

undergone radical changes and extended the functions and applications of glazing in modern architecture.

The continuous improvement in thermal insulation performance, combined with new methods of modulating solar heat and light transmission, glazing has strengthened its position as an essential construction material for low energy buildings.

NILESH DONGRE

Vertical Head – Developer Spaces, Edifice Consultants Pvt Ltd.

virtually maintenance-free and give a different feel to a building – slightly more formal yet delicate depending on the design.

What is the role of cladding in constructing sustainable buildings?

The world is currently witnessing interest in environmental issues and awareness of the environment, sustainable development systems,

Which one is your most preferred cladding material and why?

Based on the typology, structural glazing is the most preferred material for commercial buildings.

Over the last fifty years’ glass technologies for buildings have

Victor MTB3- Bangalore; Fritted orange glass panels

Taj Resort & Spa, Rishikesh - Local stone and timber cladding

and green buildings, with the aim of making the most of the environmental resources, rationalising energy consumption, and obtaining a clean environment and the materials of cladding play a role in achieving this. The modern materials of the cladding require minimal maintenance, should provide comfort to the residents,

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Interview

JSW, Vasind - Local stone cladding Monte Carlo – Ahmedabad.

Electrochromic glass was used on façades

and protect the building in addition to enhancing aesthetic value.

How can we use cladding technologies & materials to regulate daylight & ventilation?

The use of electrochromic and the tinted performance glass can control and protect the interiors by adjusting the quantum of heat and light ingress into the building.

The glass assists in reducing the internal glare as well. Introduction of light shelves, intelligent buil ding façade systems strike a balance between daylight ingress and reduction of heat gain.

What do you mean by intelligent & responsive cladding?

Intelligent and responsive buildings are the ones which serve the need of the function it

Monte Carlo, Ahmedabad Electrochromic Glass

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envelopes. A workspace would need light for it to function and at the same time based on the geographical location may require absorbing or rejecting heat from the sun. Responsive buildings should allow for User comfort.

This can be done in various ways it can be a static façade designed for a particular site or an operable façade that may be dynamic and can change the façade modulation for various climatic conditions.

Please tell us about smart cladding materials technologies.

The materials that provide cost savings to the client and help reduce the carbon footprint of a building are one of the primary considerations for designers.

Perforated screens, WPC panels and timber panels are being used in low rise built forms. Also, the use of mineral fibre panels has increased.

Fritted glass double glazing is also seeing a resurgence thanks to its versatility and the fact that not only does it provide transparency to the building, but it also helps reduce the solar gain of the built form thus reducing operational costs.

Please brief on the need for choosing fire-safe cladding materials. How can we ensure that the cladding material is fire resistant?

Many supplies offer a three-hour

rated non-flammable core for widely used materials such as aluminium composite panels as these have all the required authority approvals making it a viable safe option. Also, fibre cement panels or precast concrete panels which are non-flammable in nature. Other material options include plain metal sheets which are not composite in nature and hence safer to use as façade materials.

The selection of materials can contribute hugely to the overall insulation of the built form to reduce infiltration which is one of the main causes of increases in HVAC loads and any measures taken to reduce the infiltration would reduce the HVAC loads which in turn reduce the overall electricity usage.

What are your visions for cladding materials for future façades?

With the steep rise in commodity prices, there is going to be increasing pressure on the choice of cladding materials. Emphasis will be on value-based choice of systems. This in my opinion will lead to innovations in façade and cladding systems. Integral façade finishes rather than an added cladding surface are one such direction currently being explored.

Industry Speaks

“Our Client-Centric Approaches have Helped Us in Building a Reliable Customer Base” French door from Encraft

Avanish Singh Visen is the Director & Chief Executive Officer at DCJ GROUP and has more than a decade of industrial experience in various industrial sectors like automotive, IT, home appliances, polymer and fenestration industry, primarily in supply chain operation and sourcing management. He had served different industries in various key positions, including companies like Lenovo, Videocon, Mahindra, Tafe, etc.

Visen says that for him each customer is a person with diverse needs and requirements, and each one is treated as a partner effectively, reliably and honestly. With a smile and motivation to do his best, he gives each client the highest level of service.

Visen is a highly accomplished professional with 18+ years of experience in operations, supply chain and business management.

He has nearly one decade of experience in the uPVC fenestration Industry alone.

AVANISH SINGH VISEN

Director & Chief Executive Officer, DCJ GROUP

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WFM Media had a soulful interaction with Avanish Singh Visen, who spoke about the demand and market for façade and fenestration products in India, major milestones achieved by Encraft as a brand, the brand’s product lines, and selling strategies, their manufacturing and warehouse facilities, dealer networks & after-sales service, and about their future programmes.

Industry Speaks

H

ow do you perceive the Indian market as of now when it comes to windows, doors, and façades?

Over the past 15 years, India has witnessed exceptional growth in the real estate sector. More urbanisation, construction of smart cities, changing lifestyles due to the emerging middle class are a few factors that have given a push to new building technologies and materials. uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is one such building material that has gained attention, as a replacement to other traditional materials, uPVC is low maintenance yet effective material in making windows and doors.

The constant evolution of designs and trends has opened many attractive, affordable, and energyefficient solutions for doors and windows. The past few years have already witnessed the usage of several alternate materials other than wood. uPVC has been one of the prominent materials used widely, however, the industry is expected to witness the next level shift with innovation in design,

Invisifold door

Tilt & slide door

Fold & slide door

functionality, and the introduction of new trends and colours. 20222023 will bring the trends that will not only enhance the look of the house but also will make the interiors more spacious, ventilated, and functionally unique.

Due to the global emphasis on green building standards and sustainable construction methods,

Twinsash door

Casement door, grey

the trend of energy-efficient windows is also steadily increasing.

Other benefits such as reduced dust, noise, and improved thermal insulation are also propelling the growth of well-insulated windows in both residential as well as commercial sectors. Recyclable material like uPVC is, therefore, a very good fit in the windows and

Lift & slide door

Sliding door

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Industry Speaks

Golden Oak casement window

Parallel window

Twinsash Window

doors segment compared to other more popular traditional materials.

The residential market is expected to offer the best growth opportunities for the country’s window and door producers, due to a combination of favourable housing trends and consumer preferences for customisations, efficiency, and high quality. But in the future, it will come to all cities and houses.

and doors to suit the harsh climatic and environmental conditions anywhere in India.

The company's supply chain and manufacturing facility are well equipped to meet the growing business needs of our consumers globally. Encraft has the largest network of dedicated fabrication partners who were well trained and well equipped with all the knowledge to help consumers get the best doors and windows solutions.

Our client-centric approach has helped us in building a reliable customer base. With a vision to create desire by exploring the boundaries of fenestration solutions, we have combined 40 years of know-how in the

window industry with advanced technology, high-tech machinery, and a strong local presence to ensure maximum satisfaction to our customers.

Innovation always remains as key as people are looking for more customised doors and windows solutions and manufacturers are therefore challenged to manage more designs, constantly upgrade their profiles with the latest trends, and support a robust supply chain.

We deeply collaborate with our customers and partners which allows us to innovate in a way that others cannot. And, we don't settle for anything less than excellence in every facet of the business from stem to stern and we are the first company to be ROHS compliant and came up with LEAD-FREE eco-friendly products. Innovation and co-creating are part of our daily culture and it’s ingrained at every level in the organization.

We are always adding more choice to the palette, be it adding more colours, styles, designs, and frames, this is a continuous and ongoing effort. Our windows carry a high level of energy efficiency we are making our windows more energy-efficient and figuring out even much better ways to increase the energy efficiency percentage.

Moreover, the brand is 60 years old and known in the market for its high-quality profiles. We strive to be as much eco-friendly as we can and minimise the impact on the environment and protect our mother nature.

How has the brand Encraft evolved in past few years of Indian existence?

Encraft is a market leader in manufacturing uPVC profiles in India. With a countrywide presence, the company provides customised solutions in windows

The 3-bhk flats in Mohali Falcon-View: near international airport

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Industry Speaks

Encraft’s complete European state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Dehradun

In windows, uPVC has only a 15% market share. What’s your strategy to tap this untapped segment of the market?

The uPVC doors and windows market is expected to exhibit a high growth rate due to rapid urbanisation and rapid industrialisation. There has been increased awareness in the community due to the regulatory framework, and a rise in concerns for energy saving. This awareness is expected to positively influence the use of uPVC material in doors and windows in India.

Apart from this, we are educating our community and people about

Please tell us about products from Encraft?

We Provide complete door and window solutions, from initial design to production and final installation of window systems for both home and commercial use. Encraft systems come in a range of shapes and sizes, are custom designed to suit the local requirements, fabricated to exact dimensions, and fitted to suit the particular requirement options.

Be it any design or specification, Encraft has a solution of style and elegance to meet all expectations.

You may say that we have the solution for every situation.

Ranged of our windows:

Range of our Doors:

l

Casement Windows

l

Casement Doors

l

Sliding Windows

l

Sliding Doors

l

Tilt and Turn Windows

l

Balcony Doors

l

Lift & Slide Windows

l

Lift & Slide Doors

l

Twin Sash Windows

l

Heavy Duty Patio Doors

l

Parallel Windows

l

Low Threshold Doors

l

Vertical Slider Windows

l

French Doors

l

Fold and Slide Windows

l

TwinSash Doors

l

Combination Windows

l

Fold & Slide Doors

l

Louvre Windows

l

Invisi Fold Doors

l

Tilt & Slide Door

the importance and benefits of uPVC through our exhibits and social media channels. For more information, you can refer to https://www.encraft.in/education R&D is always our core, as a team (our people, fabricators, distributors) we are doing our part in increasing the market presence by tapping new markets with technological advancement and product innovation. Advancements in technology, coupled with an increase in the number of product innovations will certainly enable us to tap into the untapped segments.

Which projects you would like to make special mention of that helped Encraft reach its current position?

We consider all our projects special.

We are in the market for a decade now & successfully completed all our projects since day one which is paying off today, as a result, we are in this position now.

Please tell us about your manufacturing and warehouse facilities?

We have heavily invested in machines that money can buy.

We have a complete European state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Dehradun.

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Industry Speaks

Encraft Experience Centre

We also have: l In-house tooling design and manufacturing facility. l Associate training program covering fabrication and installation. l In-house testing facility for weather performance and wind loading, through test rig. l In-h ouse latest state-of-the-art fabricator training school. l India’s largest experience centre l Three warehouses - one in north, one in west & another one is in south India.

Tell us about your company’s distribution/dealer network and after-sales service?

We have a wide distribution network across pan India or even I can say that we have the strongest and largest distribution network as of now in India. I must say that all our distribution partners are an integrated part of Encraft at the technology, business, cultural, and knowledge level. We always maintain heart-to-heart relationships with our distributors, partners, and customers and get their feedback and suggestions, and do our level best to implement them back into our processes and delivery.

All our products are backed by warranties. Our after-sales support is so nimble and agile and is available to address customer needs. Every customer is different so

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are our support strategies, we have automated our support structures to eliminate inefficiencies and human errors, as such we leave no stone unturned when it comes to after-sales support.

Recently your brand opened a few Experience Centres. How do they help in marketing and sales?

We have many experience centres across India along with our partners, we always believe in providing the best experience to our customers before and after sales. Through our experience centres, our customers will get to see and touch the actual life-size doors and windows and understand the actual functioning.

While choosing doors and windows, customers will have a multitude of questions and our experience center will answer all the questions they have from customisation to quality to functioning to the colour palette.

Considering the pandemic, not all customers want to visit our experience centres, keeping this in mind, we have launched AR/3Denabled virtual centre a year ago, and our customers can now get to see and feel our comprehensive range of products from the comfort of their home.

Do you organize some awareness generation activities for your customers or fabricators?

We continuously educate our

fabricators and customers about the benefits of uPVC and the latest trends we introduce. In this digital world, we know how powerful social media is and its potential reach, through our social media channel we also educate our community about the avalanche of uPVC benefits and the strides we are making in the uPVC windows and doors market.

How has the Pandemic affected your business?

It is a known fact that every organization and every individual has been impacted by COVID, together Encraft team, and has proven in the face of adversity that we can overcome any challenge and can defy against all odds.

We have well-driven strategies in place to keep it going for the next decade and beyond with brilliant contingency planning.

Safety of Employees: Our manufacturing facilities are functioning at normal capacity, but with many additional measures to keep our employees safe, we expect our lead times to remain stable. The primary focus of Encraft has always been on the employees and the community we operate in, we are ensuring timely that our employees are safe, and our operations are being conducted in the stringiest COVID safety measures.

Consumer Safety & Virtual

Industry Speaks ingrained in our culture and we continuously update our state-ofthe-art infrastructure to be on the cutting edge of the technology.

I am proud and inspired by the way our company has risen to this challenge - with flexibility, resilience, courage – and a caring heart. I am also very proud of the hard work and dedication of our people during these unprecedented times. I must say that we have worked together and are working together as a team across all parts of the business to keep going and to make every day our finest.

Shagun Ahemdabad

A project in Hyderabad. All our products are backed by warranties

Technology: We are providing solutions and design consultation to our consumers from the comfort of their homes, we have already implemented many virtual advancements considering the safety of our consumers.

Supply Chain & Manpower: we have a robust supply chain that constitutes both, imported as well as indigenous product quality standards. We have dealt with supply chain disruptions. We also do not see manpower as a challenge and our team is never far away when further support is required.

Technology & R&D: We have invested a lot in research and development, R&D is deeply

How difficult is the Indian market? uPVC windows were introduced in India around a decade back.

When we started, people did not know uPVC windows and we introduced this new concept and system. We have educated our communities about the importance of uPVC doors and windows and slowly and steadily the market has increased due to various benefits offered by uPVC products. Appreciate all the uPVC fenestration manufacturers, for their meetings and discussions with builders, developers, and real

A house by Encraft

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Industry Speaks

A project at Pune in which Encraft products are used

estate owners to raise awareness of uPVC products.

Over the past 10 years, India has witnessed exceptional growth in the real estate sector. More urbanisation, construction of smart cities, changing lifestyles due to the emerging middle class are a few factors that have given a push to new building technologies and materials. UPVC is one of such building materials that have gained attention, as a replacement to other traditional materials, uPVC is low maintenance yet effective material in making windows and doors.

This growth is attributed mainly due to the demand for lightweight and energy-efficient profiles that require less maintenance with good insulation against outside noises. There has been increasing government support to adopt uPVC profiles due to superior energy efficiency at present, the market for uPVC products in the fenestration industry is just about 10%.

But the popularity of uPVC

Hotel Narendera Bhawan, Bikaner

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Encraft window adding to the beauty & wellnes

Central Park, A high-rise project in which Encraft fenestration products are used

Parnkuti Resort

products is going to reach new heights in the coming years with growth in the construction industry.

Raising awareness regarding the benefits of uPVC and lesser maintenance would trigger its use and we are very positive about the future and are fully geared up to meet the growing needs of our consumers in India and beyond.

Where do you see your company and the market for uPVC doors and windows in the next 5 years?

In India, at present uPVC doors and windows market growth is up to residential apartments, metropolitan cities, and the development of smart cities to drive the future. But in the future, it will come to all cities and houses.

Well in India uPVC was still a new concept for people but the growth of the uPVC windows and doors market is increasing year by year

due to the enormous benefits of uPVC profiles. As per uPVC's recent research “Yes there is a bright future for the uPVC windows and doors products market” for the next few years.

The uPVC doors and windows market in the country has been immensely driven by the growing awareness about the several tangible and intangible benefits of uPVC products amongst builders and consumers. In the past two years, there has been substantial growth and it continues, due to rapid urbanisation, growth in residential units, increased adoption of eco-friendly and energy-conserving products to comply with the government’s initiative Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).

The future is going to be very bright and we are ready to cater to the growing market needs in India & beyond.

Project Watch

A Near Net-Zero Home Inspired by Nature House Under Shadows, Karnal, Haryana

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he Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) recognise green building certification systems and provide verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance, their interpretation for façade design remains largely unexplored in India. Presently, innovations in façade design across the Indian landscape are limited to the use of double-glazing and cavity walls as strategies for energyefficiency; however, these may not always be effective and resilient in the long term. One solution that shows promise is designing façades as living environments with habitable spaces. To achieve mean temperatures, these spaces can integrate cooling systems by taking the return air from internal air-conditioned spaces through the façade skin, and back into the Air Handling Units (AHU).

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HOUSE UNDER SHADOWS The name suggests a house ornamented in the moving shadows of the day creating a symphony between the user and the sun, the powerhouse of energy.

The client’s brief was to build two separate units for a family of two brothers that characterises sustainable living in the lap of nature. Taking cues from the context of Noor Mahal Palace and chattri with a courtyard punctured between the houses, we were able

to create a mini ecosystem for the family to live under the harsh weather in Karnal, Haryana. The major source of heat gain is from the roof and then from the walls.

Both the surfaces were treated with architecture elements to create shade. A parametrically digitalled roof of voronoi pattern was used to reduce direct and diffused radiations by 50% on the primary roof. This created an expansive common area on the terrace to enjoy during summer evenings

Project Watch

House Under Shadows - Cooling loads

and winter mornings. This pergola on top provides a shaded entrance which prevents heat shock while entering the house. Secondly, the walls were shaded with large spanning cantilevers on all sides to avoid heating of the vertical thermal mass. Major fenestrations in the walls were placed in the internal courtyard side while the external windows were shaded with the help of cantilevers. All the spaces are daylit avoiding the

use of artificial lighting during the day. The major heat comes in the form of direct, diffused radiation and through conduction and convection of materials. The above two factors were cut by the most basic element; the chajja and conduction were kept to a bare minimum by using double glazed windows of high U value. Also, the glazing was airtight so as to reduce the flow of convection currents.

The interior layout is designed to

ensure abundant cross ventilation and natural light within spaces based on their usage.

Thus, bedrooms with sleeping/resting spaces that are mostly used during the night are orientated towards the south-west, while living spaces used during day face the northeast. The bedrooms’ glazing is towards the north-west and it receives no sun during the day to create a cool oasis for unwinding, while offering expansive views of the landscape. The living spaces owing to their strategic placement stay protected from the harsh south-west sun and open towards the courtyard to minimise heat gain and enjoy natural daylight as well.

In summers, one can open the windows towards the courtyard side to enjoy the cool microclimate created inside the house with a pool, vertical greens and a shaded double height pergola on top.

In monsoons, one can open the exterior as well as interior windows to allow cross ventilation in the humid climate. While in winters, one can enjoy the low-lying sun in the morning which cuts across the cantilever and lits up the interior spaces providing warmth.

While transition spaces bring in natural ventilation and daylight, stone-clad walls provide thermal mass insulation and vertical gardens

A parametrically digitalled roof of voronoi pattern was used to reduce direct and diffused radiations by 50% on the primary roof

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Project Watch QUICK FACTS:

Project: House Under Shadows Location: Karnal, Haryana, India Name of Client: Sahil Gandhi

Mr

Typology: Residential Principal Architect: Zero Energy Design Lab Design Team: Lead: Sachin and Payal Rastogi Site Area (sq ft & sq m): 16,216 sq ft Built-Up Area (sq ft & sq m): 1672 sq m Start Date: March 2018 Completion Date: March 2021 Photographer: Noughts and Crosses | Andre J. Fanthome The vertical greens and a shaded double height pergola on top

The house offers expansive views of the landscape

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Project Watch

The double glazed windows of high U value

create heat sinks, all of which contribute to the maintenance of a constant temperature throughout the home. The pool serves not only as a landscape feature but also contributes to absorbing day-time heat and releasing it to the night sky, lowering the net heat gain.

FUTURE OF FAÇADE DESIGN In recent times, parametricism in India has been slowly echoing the theme of the modern architectural language. The term ‘parametric’ is derived from parametric equations which refer to the use of certain parameters that can be modulated to alter the result of an equation or a mathematical system.

Through preliminary studies and analyses, façade requirements, say for a residence (the required penetration of solar radiation, size and nature of

fenestration, material insulation etc.) are calculated. The façade is then designed using an integrated system that utilises the environmental analysis and thermal mass optimisation backed by computational analysis. This is enabled through Rhino, Grasshopper and Ladybug (parametric design software based on algorithmic inputs that define design rules) through which a script is written to analyse the level of direct and diffused radiation on the primary façade.

Conventionally, façade design iterations are modelled on their own accord, and environmental analysis tools are used for validation in the later stages of design. However, such a workflow creates a disconnect of energy optimisation between the façade and the internal built form.

SACHIN RASTOGI,

Founding Director and Principal, Zero Energy Design Lab

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Architect Sachin Rastogi is the Founding Director and Principal at ZED Lab, a Delhi-based research-driven architecture and interior design studio specialising in net-zero energy buildings. Ar. Rastogi holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and master’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Design from Architectural Association(AA), London. His design sensibility is informed by a profound understanding of climate, site context, and a building’s environmental impact. He draws inspiration from the Indian vernacular to develop ideas pertinent to the present and future of living. Rastogi’s design for the St. Andrews Boys Hostel has received international acclaim for its focus on sustainability, achieved through painstaking research and use of cuttingedge computational design tools.

The green and beautiful landscape

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Project Watch

Academic Block, The XLRI School of Management, Jamshedpur

Facade Solutions in Zinc

The XLRI School of Management, Jamshedpur

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he XLRI School of Management in Jamshedpur, a topranking business school, decided to expand with

the construction of a new campus in Jhajjar in the Delhi region, in the north of India. Spread out over 36 hectares, the buildings of this new school were designed by the SPP

Architects firm in Gurugram “with respect for nature and a wish to foster climate awareness”.

The campus obtained the Indian Green Building Council’s “Platinum”

The project is designed by SPP Architects, Gurugram “with respect for nature and a wish to foster climate awareness”.

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Project Watch

PRATYUSH PRASAN Founder, SPP Architects

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Zinc’s aesthetic qualities and flexibility created a texture gives the architecture a signature look

QUICK FACTS:

Project: XLRI School of management Location: Jhajjar- NCR Campus Architect: SPP Architects Contractor: Woodrap Corporation Technique: VMZINC® Interlocking panel Materials used for facade: VMZINC QUARTZ-ZINC®, ANTHRA-ZINC®, PIGMENTO® blue Surface: 2,500 Sq m Commencement Date: September 2018 Completion Date: March 2019 Copyright: Gitesh Gupta, Studio BluOra certification for ecological construction. For the facades of the main buildings, the architect wanted a material that would be coherent with the image of modernity associated with the XLRI. Zinc’s aesthetic qualities and flexibility led him to choose various surface aspects of zinc: 2,500 Sq m of Interlocking panels in QUARTZ-

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ZINC®, ANTHRA-ZINC® and PIGMENTO® blue, which he mixed in an original, random manner.

Playing with the widths, colours and finishing of these panels, he created a texture that responds harmoniously to the painted walls on the lower parts of the facades and gives his architecture a modern signature.

Pratyush Prasan founded SPP Architects in 2009 and is a proponent of practising "costeffective and environmentally friendly" methods of construction.

His design consultancy works in various fields including architecture, product design, interior design and planning. Pratyush has designed numerous projects of a wide variety and size including a number of design competitions across India. He is also a visiting faculty and dissertation guide at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. He addressed and lectured the IAS and RBS Officer Trainees on low-cost housing at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie. He was a guest speaker on "New Technologies in Construction & Affordable Housing" at "Bengal Builds" a Conclave on Urban Infrastructure Development, jointly hosted by the Government of West Bengal & CREDAI Bengal.

Project Watch

Metal Building Envelope: Shaping a Fluid Architecture Anahat Farms, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Anahat Farms

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ouis Sullivan’s famous words, “Form follows Function” get a contemporary amendment through the uniquely modern Anahat Farms. Designed by the Delhi-based architectural firm ANT Studio, the architectural intervention stands as its own identity, more than form and more than function. The team of designers led by principal Monish Siripurapu are on a quest to define their own interpretation of ‘Modern Indian Architecture’. With Anahat

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Farms, they come very close.

Owned by a family with a great passion for sports, horse riding and creativity, the stable farm housed a two-bedroom structure with scarcely any regard paid to the site or the surroundings; much like the contemporary concrete forms we are now familiar with, and considered as a ‘modern architecture’. The architects had a choice, to either build from the ground up or to add another floor and renovate the existing

structure. With deep-rooted beliefs in practising sustainability wherever possible, the team decided to avoid the waste of demolishing the house and instead invest in more ecological and experimental architecture.

It was crucial to connect the farm and the old building through an ingenious, experimental intervention.

Monish explains, “We firmly believe architecture should have a blend of the past and the future. With the help

Project Watch

Skin of this structure is made up of zinc panels, a durable and effective material against the harsh temperatures of north India

of computational tools, the design firm was able to align the vernacular of Indian architecture with the new language of fluidity that aims to break the limits of architectural achievements”. The new floor is designed as a structure that starts from the ground and spirals up to rest on top of the old house, connecting the different elements with each other and the site. The skin of this structure is made up of zinc panels, a durable and effective material against the harsh temperatures of North

India. The louvred panels are fixed at such angles that let in diffused light and ventilation and cut the heat through a visual and physical barrier, but without breaking the framed views available from each room. This barrier also acts as a restriction for the horses to enter the lap pool, which was important so as to avoid the horses hurting themselves.

A unique, sculptural installation greets guests at the entrance of the ground floor, which separates the foyer passage and the living room

through a porous, fluidic screen. It is made up of terracotta tiles, recycled from the old roof of the building, reducing site waste as much as possible. The interiors of the existing home were renovated completely so as to provide uniformity in spatial concept throughout the two floors.

The interior design follows a subtly enigmatic palette of exposed material textures. Brick and lime cemented walls paired with terrazzo and polished concrete flooring offer a stark, albeit a comfortable, contrast to the immensely futuristic

It was crucial to connect the farm and the old building through an ingenious, experimental intervention

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Project Watch

A unique, sculptural installation greets guests at the entrance of the ground floor, which separates the foyer passage and the living room through a porous, fluidic screen

QUICK FACTS:

Project: Anahat Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh Clients: Vinod Sharma, Managing Director, Deki Electronics, Deepika Sharma Architecture and Interior Design: Ant Studio Lead Architect: Monish Siripurapu Design Team: Ashwyn Motwani, Anushree Wagh, Astha Chopra, Parag Chaudhari, Paras Sood Building Envelope Systems:VM zinc Window Manufacturer: NCL Buildtek ltd Completion Year: 2021 Photographer: Andre J Fanthome, Studio NAC A glass-covered courtyard through which the trees rose

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Project W

The design intervention embraces the beauty of materials

façade. This intuitive decision of providing a distinction between the outer ‘form’ and internal ‘function’ followed a strong belief in creating warm and inviting traditional spaces that speak of the family’s childhood homes. Each area presents its own charm even with a similar material palette - an elusive designing manipulation to cater to the personal needs of the occupants.

As Monish explains, “The final form is both open to the environment while being private to the residents.

We aimed to achieve pockets of intimacy within the open natural setting, in a building where there are tremendous opportunities to literally open up all walls.”

The louvered panels are fixed at such angles that let in diffused lig ventilation, and cut the heat through a visual and physical barrier

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Project Watch

The pool

AR. MONISH KUMAR SIRIPURAPU founder and principal architect, ANT Studio, New Delhi

ABOUT THE ARCHITECT:

Layering

The old house also hosted three trees with beautifully long shoots that were unfortunately confined to facing the exhausts of existing bathrooms. While designing a new layout, Monish and the team decided to open up the core and introduce a glass-covered courtyard through which the trees rose magnificently through the upper floor as a focal feature for the lobby.

“A building should be truthful.”

Laurie Baker’s words align perfectly with how Monish and his team felt while designing Anahat Farms. The design intervention embraces the

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beauty of materials left untouched in all their splendour. Standing out in an otherwise ordinary urbane neighbourhood, the large futuristic volume comes alive under the gaze of the sky. “Modern Indian architecture for me is melancholy; the elements and materials that invoke emotions of nostalgia from my childhood mixed with the continuous evolutions in building techniques”, he says. Anahat Farms is an ode to experimentation, modernity and the vernacular, founded in inspiration and realised through interpretation.

Monish Kumar Siripurapu is the founder and principal architect of Ant Studio, New Delhi, which he started in 2010.

He graduated from the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi in 2009 and received the prestigious JN Tata scholarship in 2015 for his PG Diploma in Robotic Fabrication from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), Spain. He has won many national and international competitions for architecture and design, the most recent one being a competition for the renovation and development of the Imagination Centre at Dhun, Jaipur. His works have been published across well renowned architectural journals. Ant studio works with a clear vision where sustainability is the core principle.

The core intent of his work is to bridge between the spheres of Art, Nature and Technology, thus the name ‘ANT STUDIO’.

WANT TO BECOME AN UWDMA MEMBER, CONTACT US: MRS. SHOBHITA +91 95609 08115 | INFO@UWDMAINDIA.ORG

Buzz

Renson Wins the Henry van de Velde (Gold) Company Award ‘22

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RENSON_Henry van de Velde Company Award 2022_01_ foto Flanders DC

enson has recently been declared winner of the 'Company Award' at the official presentation of the Henry van de Velde Awards in Bozar. According to the jury, the Waregem-based trendsetter in ventilation, sun protection and outdoor living owes this award to its unceasing drive to innovate and apply the art of functional design to make homes and workplaces both healthy and comfortable. The Henry van de Velde Awards are presented annually by Flanders DC and have been a renowned award in the design landscape since 1994.

Twenty years ago, CEO Paul Renson came up with the baseline 'Creating Healthy Spaces', concretely translated into three pillars - sun protection, ventilation and outdoor living. Under Paul Renson, this family business has developed into a global brand and a knowledge company in which 110 of its 1200 employees work in the R&D department. Today, Renson exports to 83 countries and has employees worldwide. Most of Renson’s products are made entirely in Belgium.

Window Magic Launches Its All-New Aluminium Fenestration Range

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indow Magic, one of the largest uPVC windows and doors manufacturers in India has recently launched its new aluminium fenestration range. Ensuring the highest standards window and doors market, Window Magic delivers visually appealing products and diligently withstands the topmost quality.

Manish Bansal, Director, Window Magic said, “It was a great experience showcasing the new aluminium collection at FOAID 2021 and meeting and interacting with industry experts. We are committed to building a smart future while providing a simplified approach to the designs. We believe in customer satisfaction to be the main determinant of success, so we have come up with a new range of aluminum fenestration for our valuable customers. Customers can experience a premium lifestyle difference with our new range of products without making any compromise on the quality”.

The state-of-the-art aluminium window and door systems are available in various categories like the

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Aluminium fenestration range from Window Magic

economy, premium, luxury, and ultra-luxury. The newage aluminum windows and doors are available in various colors and shades of interiors in glossy, matt, and textured finish and customers can select as per their preference and liking.

Buzz

Diébédo Francis Kéré Wins the 2022 Pritzker Prize a belief in the transformative potential of beauty. He is known for his socially driven approach to architecture and his innovative construction strategies that combine modern engineering with traditional building techniques,

Centre for Earth Architecture in Mopti, Mali

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iébédo Francis Kéré has been awarded the 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize – one of the highest honours in Architecture.

Kéré was born in Gando in 1965 and studied architecture at the Technical University of Berlin. In 2005, while living in Berlin, he set up Kéré Architecture and has since designed a portfolio of notable works, including the 2017 Serpentine Pavilion, installations at Coachella, and a pavilion for the Tippet Rise Art Center fashioned from a collection of tree trunks.

Kéré's vocation to become an architect stems from a personal commitment to serve the community he grew up in and

DIÉBÉDO FRANCIS KÉRÉ

Primary School in Gando

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion (2017) in London, the United Kingdom

particularly seen in projects in his home country of Burkina Faso.

Kéré has held professorships at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Yale School of Architecture and the Swiss Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio. Among his many accolades are the 2004 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the 2017 Brunner Prize at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the 2021 Thomas Jefferson Medal in Architecture.

Häfele Launches Black Stile Door Hardware

Black Stile Door by Hafele

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äfele - one of the leading German manufacturers and suppliers of furniture fittings and architectural hardware, has launched a versatile range of Stile door hardware that

offers the indoor space a peaceful escape from the noise of the world with controllable acoustics. The hardware from this range embodies the latest trends in design and offers flexibility. In line with the rising dark finish trend, Häfele introduces Stile door hardware for frameless glass doors in a black matt finish. Engineered for strength and stability the new black matt Stile door hardware collection comprises door fittings and door solutions that offer coordinated, attractive design options with impressive application versatility. The dark finish accentuates the interiors and provides a bold splash to the clean and transparent partitions entrances.

Installation of tall framed / frameless glass partitions and doors with minimal and understated hardware is gaining popularity. This door architecture concept, popularly referred to as Stile doors, enables the rooms to appear larger and interconnected and enhances the ambiance of the space, offering a visual treat.

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Product Watch

AIS Regal Select

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY

A Symphony of Aesthetics & Performance

High-performance glass doors & windows allow panoramic views and ample natural light to enter your home

E

nhance your space with slim, strong and robust aluminium doors & windows with versatile handle options. AIS Windows, one of the strategic business units of AIS, India’s leading integrated glass manufacturer brings to you their in-house innovation, AIS Regal Select that redefines your floor to ceiling approach. The AIS Regal Select windows are a brilliant symphony of functionality and aesthetics. One of a kind fenestration solution that enables you to choose from a range of high-performance glass for floor to ceiling settings, allowing panoramic views and ample natural light to enter your home. Sleek and sophisticated with minimalist lock settings, these frames are strong

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enough to support double-glass units. With intuitively designed handles, these windows can be operated effortlessly and provides great security and ensure optimum sound insulation and thermal comfort.

KEY FEATURES: l Heightened security with concealed beading* l Effortless handle operation l Taller windows l Thermal & sound insulation l Extra view with slider system l Up to 20% Slimmer Slightlines for magnificent views (*not applicable in fixed type) AIS Windows offers a comprehensive range of fenestration products in uPVC and

aluminium substrates. Available in a range of customizable options, AIS Windows are designed for use in both residential and commercial spaces. AIS Windows enriches lifestyles through enhanced aesthetics while also offering varied solutions in acoustic comfort, privacy and security. It is one stop solution for all your doors and windows needs.

For more details on the product, contact:

1800 103 4805 | ais-windows@aisglass.com

Product Watch

55 HX® from Alvance – Premium Aluminium Anodising Quality

New Rezo Building, Paris

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or over 30 years, Alvance technical experts provide innovative aluminium solutions optimised for architectural applications.

Alvance produces high-quality aluminium coils, strips, and sheets with excellent surface quality and deformation properties.

The innovation centre located in Duffel, Belgium, develops durable and specialized products and solutions in collaboration with the customer’s unique requirements.

This helps in 2 fold ways. It meets the demand of the customers and also helps in improving the overall processes for the building and construction segment.

The key benefits of using 55HX® premium aluminium anodised from Europe are: l Colour uniformity across various batches. l Corrosion, UV and scratch resistant after anodising l Excellent deformation properties l Very good bending properties l Outstanding durability l Easy cleaning l 100% recyclable

l Non-combustible (European Fire

Class A1) Anodising can be done in a natural shade or a combination with colour. Reference projects worldwide illustrate the usage of 55HX® successfully for inside and outside cladding of the buildings.

The architectural applications are numerous. l Facades; Wall cladding; ceilings; roofs; balconies; pillars; escalator casing Alvance has developed a stock programme to meet short delivery times. All the material that is processed through the mill undergoes stringent quality checks and processes with a special focus

on traceability. 55HX® is branded with a special foil and marked with a black ink stencil at the non-visible side of anodising quality sheets.

After etching and anodising it leaves a kind of braille text on the surface that is readable. This ensures traceability of mill origin during the whole life cycle of the product.

Because of their experience in aluminium in all major sectors, the Alvance group of experienced engineers and metallurgists are involved and with their knowhow, they can advise on the optimum chemical composition and mechanical properties of the alloy. The 55HX® production from casting through rolling is kept within strict tolerances and closely monitored during the entire production process. This provides the aluminium with perfect surface quality consistent in colour and gloss.

Furthermore, 55HX® is classified as Euroclass A1, the highest standard in the European classification system for materials.

For more details, contact:

Audi showroom at Bratislava, Slovakia

Sanjay K Gupta Alvance Aluminium Mobile: +919811141647 Email: Sanjay.gupta@globalaxis.in

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Product Watch

ECO SLIDE from SIEGENIA: Energy Efficient, Space-Saving, Flexible

The ECO SLIDE saves space in interior rooms, provides energy efficiency and gives fabricators a high degree of flexibility

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he siding hardware ECO SLIDE from SIEGENIA saves valuable space in interior rooms, provides energy efficiency and gives fabricators a high degree of flexibility. With new options of use from PVC systems, SIEGENIA extends the freedom of action for window producers. powerful sliding hardware for windows and doors is now also available in versions for many profile systems. SIEGENIA has developed product-platforms in which profiles and hardware are mutually coordinated for this purpose.

Fabricators appreciate the clear, cost-effective fabrication. The number of hardware components is minimal, their arrangement well thought out and designed for rational production processes. Additional strengths of ECO SLIDE are the easy, quick on-site assembly, the easy suspension of the sash.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT SPACE SAVER The ECO SLIDE sliding hardware combines the easy operation of lift-

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slide systems with the high compression of parallel slide & tilt elements. The sliding hardware with the appealing design owes its continuous sealing system that creates the best prerequisites for high energy savings.

Its greatest benefits include the perfect use of space. Its use leads to tangible space saving in interior rooms because there is no space lost on the window sill during ventilation, thanks to the sliding sash.

FOR SASH WEIGHTS UP TO 250 KG With its high profile-dependent load capacity of up to 250 kg, ECO SLIDE

ECO SLIDE combines the easy operation of lift-slide systems with the high compression and energyefficiency of parallel slide & tilt elements

is also suitable for smaller sliding doors. The gap ventilation night vent also provides a comfortable indoor environment. Additional benefits are its maintenance-free bogie wheels and the omission of lubricated hardware components.

The design of the bogie wheels ensures that there is no deposit of unpleasant dirt.

For more details on the product, contact:

The ECO SLIDE sliding hardware from SIEGENIA is convincing due to its easy operation, high compression and perfect use of space

SIEGENIA India Pvt. Ltd. Plot no. 52, Sector 37, Udyog Vihar Phase VI, Gurugram 122001, Haryana, India.

Phone.: +91- 9971177168 Email: info-in@siegenia.com Web: www.siegenia.com

Brand Watch

Twisted tower in Bangladesh made possible with VS1 QA Tower, Dhaka

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nnovation Glass India Pvt. Ltd. (IGIPL) has successfully completed a warped cold-bent transitional glass façade - the first of its kind in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This project is one-of-a-kind and was executed to achieve an advanced aesthetic. The patented VS1 system has once again established a remarkable response to implement the façade achieving the architect's

challenging goal of a transitional geometry: Mrinmoyi Consultants conceptualised a twisting tower shaped in the heart of Dhaka with rectangular glass panels to depict a modular transition in a four planar geometry.

The form of the building raised the question of what façade system could solve the structural variation due to the rotation

Architect’s concept

Proposed concept- VS1

Glass wrapping study

Glass wrapping study

Executed structure

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System Attributes • • • • •

Innovation Glass LLC - US Innovation Glass India Pvt. Ltd. - India www.innovationglass.com

Glass fin in lieu of aluminum mullion No drilled hole required in face glass Standard through-the joint VS1 fittings Toggle fittings possible (flush exterior) Direct glaze option (eliminates fittings)

Photos: 155 North Wacker, Chicago

Brand Watch

Execution Progress- VS1 Mullion erection

between consecutive floor plates.

Being a 14-story building the most approachable solution to attain the desired geometry was by proposing triangular glass panels as suggested by other façade

Difference in rotation between consecutive floor plates

Sequential glass installation from the interior

system providers. IGIPL studied and analysed the façade requirement with respect to the civil structure to explore a VS1 solution, ultimately proposing an innovative approach of cold bending the glass with the standard VS1 kit of parts. This project demonstrated the adaptive nature of VS1 as a glazing system for today's modern architecture.

Being a mechanically fastened façade system, VS1 allowed the installation of cold-bent, warped glass onto straight-line mullions to attain the transition in the planar surface. The mullions were slightly offset one to the next creating an offset from a flat plane of up to 8" which is the amount of the maximum warp.

IGIPL engineered both glass and the metal support system required to execute the building envelope. Façade installation was executed from the interior of

Completed VS1 Façade

the building which allowed easy access to cold bend the glass into its final position.

The façade on QA Tower is transitioned between convex and concave surfaces allowing the twisting of the building along with its vertical height. The final design process engineered customized fittings to accommodate the variation in the glass geometry of the warped glass. Also, glass design and fabrication required rigorous and extensive analysis to understand the stresses induced by the warped panels resulting in a custom-made silicone edge detail for the Laminated DGU panels. IGIPL's VS1 solution was the only system of those considered that achieved the architect's conceptual design. The project was executed by Biztech Business and supervised by IGIPL in Dhaka.

For more details on the product, contact:

Innovation Glass 453, 2nd Flr.,1st Stage, 3rd Block, HBR Layout, Bangalore-560043, Web: www.innovationglass.com

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Brand Watch

Technal: Providing a Seamless Experience to all Stakeholders recently inaugurated our stateof-the-art showroom in India, in Bangalore, where the customers can get a first-hand touch and feel of our products and offerings.

MR. V. GURUMOORTHY General Manager, TECHNAL® in India

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lease shed some light on the evolution of Technal in India and the company’s journey in the country?

Technal started 25 years ago in India as “Hydro Building Systems”, and actively promoting the Domal Range of Products to our customers in India. Over time, it has evolved and today we are selling a wide range of fenestration solutions under the brand name of TECHNAL®, We have grown from strength-to-strength, and have doubled our team, increased our warehouse space, and very

Ascendas IT Park, Pune, India

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Tell us about the range of Technal products available in India?

Technal offers an exhaustive range of products from the most basic doors & windows to the latest Innovative products like slim sliders to cater to a wide range of architectural needs and demands of the Indian market. We also offer innovative façade solutions with European technology made in India for the most complex façade jobs. Some special products for safety and security viz burglar resistant, fire resistant, and bullet & blast proof doors/windows and façades are also available. All our products have been very popular amongst the architects and very well accepted in the Indian market. All products are tested as per Indian standards before it is commercialised in the market, making us amongst the most preferred suppliers of architectural aluminium systems.

Altair, Sri Lanka

What are the USPs of your products?

All of our products - sliders, doors, casements or be it façades are engineered in Europe and are produced locally in India. The Technal products are designed in such a manner that they complement each other, making it aesthetically appealing to the end client and architects. One of the main focus for Technal in India is sustainability. As a group, we are committed to reduce our carbon footprint by 30% by 2030. This is equivalent to almost 4 million tons of CO2 equivalent. In India, we would like to contribute to our sustainability goals by promoting products which are highly energy efficient and can contribute to a circular economy. Technal has a wide range of thermally enhanced windows, doors and façade systems which can help contribute to 30 – 40% savings in electricity consumption and contribute to high levels of user comfort.

Furthermore, Technal windows,

Brand Watch customers. The company maintains stock of all regular moving spares in our well-equipped warehouse in order to ensure minimum down time to our customers.

Floor to ceiling slim sliders and customised trapezoidal windows – Altair, Sri Lanka

doors and façade systems are now available with Hydro CIRCAL alloy which has a minimum of 75% certified post-consumer recycled content. By using post-consumer recycled aluminium in windows, doors and facades, buildings can reduce carbon emissions by 75% and energy consumption by 95% compared to normal bauxite extraction and refinement. With the combination of superior design, strong engineering support, energy efficient products and a passion of circularity, Technal products are positioned to cater to the needs of the Indian consumer of today and tomorrow.

Tell us about your manufacturing facilities Technal offers architectural aluminium systems for windows, doors and facades and highest level of quality of the products is maintained and ensured. To achieve this, Technal works with network of authorised extruders in the region who are regularly audited to ensure they meet the high stringent quality requirements of Technal. Furthermore, Technal in India is equipped with 17,500 sq ft warehouse where all the fast moving profiles, accessories and fittings are stocked and efficiently distributed to our 75+ authorised

approved installers across India.

Where do you see your company in the next 5 years?

We have a long term plan for India, and our clear strategy is to keep building on our strengths and keep adding more and more interesting projects to our portfolio.

We also have plans to focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets with our cost effective solutions, and expand our foot print without compromising

Tell us about Technal’s New Experience Center in Bengaluru?

In today’s fast paced times, most stakeholders usually prefer to come once and would like to see all the product offerings under one roof. This was the thought process of having a unique & state-of-the-art showroom in the heart of Bangalore.

What better place than MG Road which is very popular and easily accessible and in the centre of the city. The showroom offers an exciting user interactive experience where all the latest products are displayed and the customers can touch and feel the products. This process helps to reassure the customer and they have utmost satisfaction before Team Technal making a final decision. on the quality. Our vision is to be first choice of preferred sustainable Tell us about your company’s system provider and provide distribution/dealer network and a seamless experience to all after-sales service? stakeholders. While we do all this, Technal works with more than 75 our focus on employees who are approved installers in India, and our core of all things we do, will each one of them are well trained remain. on our products. We also offer special training to our partners For more details on for any special products to ensure the products, contact: absolutely the best quality to our

By

TECHNAL In India Office 201, 202 & 209, 2nd Floor, Prestige Meridian-1 No. 29, M.G Road, Bangalore 560 001 T: +91 80 46654001 Email: contact@technal.in Website: www.technal.in Virtual Showroom: showroom.technal.in ®

Technal’s recently inaugurated state-of-the-art showroom in Bangalore

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Brand Watch

Spectrum window's Journey to Excellence

RAJWANT KUMAR Director & CEO, Spectrum Windows

Mr. Rajwant Kumar is one of the founder members of Spectrum.

He is one of the Directors and CEO for Spectrum Windows and Beyond. His main responsibility is operations, policy making, training, key account management, etc. He has a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering and has been a part of this industry since its inception in India. During the initial years of his career, he has worked with companies like Godrej interio, Fenesta. He entered into the business of window trading since 2008 and has been with Spectrum windows and Beyond founded in 2012-13.

How do you perceive the Indian market as of now when it comes to windows and façades?

The system windows industry is just 12 to 15 years old effectively and is still in evolving phase. At present, people are becoming more and more aware of the benefits of high-quality windows and the sustainability they provide for years after their installation. So, this is a good sign for the industry for upcoming times. Also, this industry is expanding to tier 2 and 3 cities, which again is an indication of exponential growth in coming

times for the industry.

How has your company Spectrum Windows evolved over the years?

Spectrum is a 10-year-old company.

In earlier times, service and customer satisfaction used to be a challenge. The very foundation of Spectrum was laid on the fact that such challenges should be overcome and to raise the customer satisfaction level by adopting customer-friendly processes in our sales and service model. Though we had a modest start, we focused ourselves more on laying down

A view that is beautiful and energy-efficient - made possible with products from Spectrum

the processes, training our sales team to inculcate the customercentric culture in their day-to-day workings. In order to achieve this, we continuously imparted training to our front liners in which educating the customers also was an integral part of the journey.

Spectrum continues to improve the value of your biggest asset, Your Home

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Spectrum is mainly into retails and we have developed our infrastructure as per retail sales

Brand Watch response. Spectrum has more than 30 channel partners across North India along with a direct sales team that is active in Delhi/ NCR region. We have almost more than 100 front-line salespeople at present along with a dedicated service team in every region.

Spectrum's ongoing development of window and doors technology gives you a long-lasting quality product.

only. As you know, catering to retail customers is known to be one of the most challenging jobs in the window industry.

We are amongst the top 3 retail brands in North India having such vast sales and service network.

Since we cater to the retail segment where customers are very demanding, the product quality needs to be of great quality. We are in technical collaboration with Deceuninck, since the beginning.

Please tell us about your products?

We offer all kinds of window systems like sliders, casement, bi-fold, combination doors and windows, lift and slide, etc. with superior quality of Spectrum make hardware. We are the largest buyer for Deceuninck profiles in India for the last several years.

Founding Members - Manish Gupta, Rajwant Kumar, Pramod Jha

In windows, uPVC has only a 15% market share. What’s your strategy to tap this untapped segment of the market?

As I have said, system windows are just evolving, there is much more scope to attract the users in a big way by running awareness programs for architects and customers in which profiles companies and UWDMA have to play a big role. At our end, we try running such programs frequently and also we are expanding ourselves in untapped markets to smaller cities and experimenting with different methods for user awareness and increase in volume.

Please tell us about your manufacturing and warehouse facilities?

We have state of the art manufacturing facility in Greater Noida where our capacity to make 8000 to 10000 windows in a month. Being into retail we have to maintain all kinds of stocks, so the stock inventory is huge as the customers’ demands for any of the variety can arise at any point in time.

For the past 3 to 4 years, we have been trying to extend our network to tier 2 and tier 3 cities. We have been quite successful in doing this, and are getting a very good

How has the pandemic affected your business?

Post pandemic, we observed that the demand of the customers in the segment that we deal with never lessened. The only challenge which we had faced was supply chain management, from the vendor end, during that time. We now feel that things have improved a lot, and it seems we are also back on track.

How difficult is the Indian market?

In India, the customer base for system windows is already very high, we only need to create awareness for untapped markets so that the demand grows.

Whenever a new concept/business idea is introduced, gradually it starts flooding which creates disruptions. The serious players hence face difficulties during these times. In our industry, the same things have happened. Now the situation is improving and only serious players can survive, thanks to UWDMA for making an effort to standardize the product and processes, which will further help to retain customers’ trust.

Where do you see your company in the next 5 years?

It's been a very smooth and steady journey till now things have happened the way we were predicting. In today's times, window business is a successful business model in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. Our ambition is to make this model successful in tier 3 cities too as they are much more in numbers. So, we can say in the next 5 years, this model will help us to grow exponentially!

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Brand Watch

Eumax uPVC doors & windows profile systems: With a Vision is to Build Eco-friendly Constructions

HEMANT AGARWAL

Managing Director EUREKA Windoor Systems Pvt Ltd

A

n entrepreneur par excellence who has succeeded in building profitable businesses with decades of cross-functional expertise. His unrelenting grit and determination have been key to build products and solutions that continue to be industry benchmarks.

Tell us about the company and its vision?

Eumax uPVC doors & windows profile systems manufactured by Eureka windoor systems strives to deliver on all our expectations of our customers. Our processes and products define who we are and we are committed to excelling in every engagement with our

Automated extrusion facility in Bengaluru

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customers. We aim to work with dignity and service both to national and international customers with high standards of efficiency and product excellence.

Our Vision is to build Ecofriendly constructions with a special emphasis on spreading awareness in India about the sustainable architectural process.

Global environment concerns need to be flagged and tended to with technological advances in the use of construction materials.

Over 4 million Sq ft of uPVC windows and doors made by our profiles every year are a testimony to our commitment to manufacturing nothing but the best.

What are the opportunities you see for uPVC Windows and doors in the Indian market?

Eumax uPVC profiles are being used by uPVC window manufacturers across the country who are constructing the value chain by manufacturing approximately 4 million Sq ft of windows every year. We are seeing that our consumers are well informed and have embraced the features of our products which are packed with extensive value.

The industry continues to grow at a double-digit CAGR & there are considerable opportunities for organizations like us. We believe

in making innovation affordable and expanding our product reach continuously.

What do you think should be done to protect the domestic manufacturing landscape of uPVC profile manufacturers in India?

As India has momentum in its favour, it is key to protect the domestic manufacturing habitat which garners meaningful employment creating livelihoods for the talented Indian workforce. Cheap Chinese imports of uPVC profiles being allowed in India are hindering entrepreneurial investment to build and invest in capacities and scale. The Government needs a staggered approach to encourage investments that can create a mature domestic manufacturing ecosphere with protective policies.

Tell us a little more about your product offerings?

Eumax uPVC profiles are manufactured in our state-of-theart automated extrusion facility in Bengaluru. Our elaborate ranges of profiles along with the introduction of our laminated colour profiles continue to meet consumer expectations both technically and aesthetically.

For more details, contact:

Manufactured by EUREKA Windoor Systems Pvt Ltd # 311, 15th Cross, 5th Phase, 100 ft Road, Outer Ring Rd, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078 Phone: +91 90366 00025 Email: customersupport@eurekaws.com Website: www.eumaxupvc.com

Brand Watch

AIS Design Olympiad - 2022

An Annual Event by AIS for the Next Gen Architects

A

sahi India Glass Ltd (AIS), one of India’s leading automotive, building glass and fenestration companies, held a national level design contest for architectural students called as AIS Design Olympiad (ADO) 2021-22. This event was concluded with a successful finale held on 29th January 2022 on a virtual platform with the finalists (top 2 teams selected from each zone – north, south, east, west & central) presenting their designs to the national jury panel.

To develop and share best practices for deploying energyefficient, cost-effective, comfortable infrastructure and responsibly reducing energy loads while improving thermal comfort, this year’s competition theme was “Adaptable & Sustainable Architecture for tomorrow” and the topics were “Design for Better Workspaces” Or “Rethinking Educational Institutions”.

The competition was judged by the eminent national Jury panel comprising of revered Jurors – Ar. Sonali Bhagwati (President at DPA, New Delhi), Mahesh Arumugam (Director at Meinhardt Façade Consultancy, Chennai), Ar. Raghuram (Director at CRN, Chennai), Ar. Karl Wadia (Sr. Architect at Hafeez Contractor, Mumbai), Ar. Paul Moses (Director at RSP, Bangalore) and Ar. Vivek

Bhole (Principal Architect at Neo Modern Architects, Mumbai). Ar. Vivek Bhole was also the Curator of the entire event.

The awardees were: Winners - Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture (Topic Rethinking Educational institutions) 1st Runner up - IPS Academy, Indore (Topic - Design for Better Workplace) 2nd Runner up (There was a tie for the 2nd runner up position) (1) Sir J.J. College Of Architecture, Mumbai (Topic - Design For Better Workplace) & (2) Marg Institute Of Design And Architecture, Tamil Nadu (Topic – Rethinking Educational institutions).

Speaking at the occasion, Vikram Khanna, COO (Architectural Institutional Business) & CMO – Asahi India Glass Ltd said that the event was a great learning experience for all the participants, where they have been enriched with the knowledge.

He congratulated all the winners and participants at ADO 2022.

Ar. Vivek Bhole, Curator – ADO said that he thoroughly enjoyed this journey with the AIS team and budding architects. His insights and career tips were an absolute delight to the students. V. Suresh said, “It was a pleasure to share the panel with the renowned architects." While congratulating AIS and the winners, he urged

The winners received exciting cash prizes, certificates and trophies from AIS

everyone to think beyond the ordinary. Jatin Shah said that it was a learning experience for him, also praised AIS for organizing such events.

V.Suresh (Chairman of IGBC) graced the event as the Chief Guest and Jatin Shah (MD of Colliers India) was the Key Note Speaker

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For more details https://www.aisglass.com

SLEEK INTERLOCK SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM

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Brand Watch

Addressing the Changing Industry Dynamics and customer support. Our profiles are lead-free and environmentalfriendly, we follow eco-friendly manufacturing procedures and as you know uPVC as a material is recyclable.

Sanjay Meela Director, Sudhakar Profile Systems

How do you think the technology and market have evolved?

Yes, definitely the technology has really advanced in recent years and if you consider the windows doors business, we are seeing many new possibilities. The good thing about this product is customising it as per customer requirements. We

W

hat makes Sudhakar uPVC profiles special?

Sudhakar profiles are made to suit all weather conditions, especially the Indian tropical conditions very well. If you ask about our USP we use high-quality raw materials in our profiles to last for long, without discolouration in the long run.

Additionally, our installation and service quality is definitely one more factor. Being a budding brand from Sudhakar Group, our focus is also on post-sales service

uPVC sliding windows and doors

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uPVC combination windows and doors

at Sudhakar Profile Systems are marching towards continuous research and development, to develop new profiles, addressing the changing industry dynamics and customer requirements. We are using complete end-to-end European Technology and imported machinery.

Could you tell us more about Sudhakar Group?

Sudhakar Group as you know is a 50-year conglomerate with a diversified product range manufacturing pipes and fittings, wires and cables and uPVC profiles for windows and doors. Quality and trust have always been

uPVC sliding & casement windows and doors

our primary pillars since the very inception of our business in 1971.

Continuing that legacy, we have launched uPVC profiles business unit in 2017 and we are one of the fastest-growing brands in India for uPVC windows and doors profiles.

What are your future plans?

Real-estate construction as such has seen both good and bad in this pandemic, low interest rates from banks have encouraged buyers to buy homes. And there are positives for us with opportunities opening up in both retail and commercial projects.

Sudhakar Profile Systems aim is to double our production in the next two years while unlocking new design capabilities for our business partners and customers.

For more information, please visit

Sudhakar Profile Systems, #303, Ramchander House, Opp Udai Omni Hospital, Chapel Road, Hyderabad - 500001.

Phone: +91 77299 88981 / 82 Email: sales.windows@sudhakarind.com Website: www.sudhakarind.com

Brand Watch

GEZE Stands for Innovation, Highest Quality & Holistic Support of Building Services Engineering

GEZE SLNT- Automatic Sliding door

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e are GEZE- your partner for door, window and safety technology. We have been a successful family run business since 1863, that has proven itself worldwide over the years.

We network with everyone involved in all the phases of the building life cycle and achieve outstanding results with our industry and specialist knowledge.

What sets us apart: we get involved with our customers’ projects at an early stage and stay involved for longer. We are always curious, dynamic and open to the latest trends, developments and markets.

We employ more than 3,200 people worldwide and have manufacturing sites at our headquarters in Leonberg as well as in Tianjin (China), Zrenjanin (Serbia) and Turkey. Our 37 subsidiaries are located all around the world: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Great Britain, Scandinavia, Benelux, Spain, Portugal, Poland, China, Korea,

GEZE revolving door

United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Hungary, India, Romania, Ukraine, Singapore, Russia, Brazil, Turkey.

Our local offices ensure we are always close to our customers and can offer excellent service on-site.

GEZE: Products, System Solutions & Services or Doors & Windows GEZE stands for innovation, highest quality and holistic support of building services engineering – from the initial idea, planning and operational implementation with series products to tailor-made system solutions and individual service and maintenance. We offer

GEZE Powerchain - Automatic window opening device

an extensive product range of door, window and security technology and are a major driving force behind the digital networking of building automation.

Automatic door solutions for accessibility or fire protection, window drives for natural ventilation or for smoke and heat extraction in the event of a fire, digital networking of doors and windows for building automation - these are just a few examples from our service portfolio.

Our goal is to develop liveable

GEZE EC Turn - Automatic swing door

buildings with the highest degree of comfort and the greatest possible safety for building users.

“In our more than 150-year history, we have increasingly developed to become a solutions provider. Our goal is to make buildings more intelligent and more comfortable.

We do this by networking our knowledge, our competence and our many years of experience in the most diverse areas of construction.

Always with the promise: from professionals for professionals.” says Brigitte Vöster-Alber, Chief Executive Officer GEZE GEZE stands for ‘Made in Germany’, is one of the most successful suppliers in the world of construction systems for door, window and safety technology.

As one of the market, innovation and design leaders, the business was founded in Stuttgart in 1863, providing intelligent functionality, sustainability and unique design for 158 years. Our products are available around the world.

For more information, please visit

GEZE India Pvt Ltd MF-3, SIDCO Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032 Phone: +91 44 40616900 Fax: +91 44 40616901 Email: office-india@geze.com Web:www.geze.com

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Brand Watch

Ozone Secutech Offers Live Experience of its Products through Mobile Experience Centres

Mr. Abhishek Aggarwal, PresidentStrategic Operations, Ozone Group

O

zone Secutech provides live experience of its latest range of digital locks and safes through its new mobile experience centre. This facility will help to reach out to consumers across India.

Ozone Secutech took a strategic initiative towards creating awareness about various security solutions available for consumers across domestic and commercial establishments. This initiative aims to sensitise people to move from the hassle of carrying a bunch of keys to the new-age digital locks.

These products comprise multiple access mode that gives unmatched security with utmost ease.

The initiative will spread over six months and reach out to the masses. Ozone will offer various fun activities and awards to engage the consumers. The vehicle will be

traveling to north covering NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana; south covering Karnataka, Hyderabad, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerela; and west covering Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.

Talking about the campaign Mr. Abhishek Aggarwal, PresidentStrategic Operations, Ozone Group, said, “We are delighted with the overwhelming response and can already feel the impact of this unique activity. The idea was to amplify the familiarity of using digital products in daily lives, and through our thoughtfully crafted range, we know it’s not far behind. For our customers to have a hands-on experience and live the convenience of implementing digital products is all that we look forward to. Through the MUV, this can happen at a good pace and

The flag-off took place in New Delhi on 5 March 2022 at 4 points by Sheraton, New Delhi, with massive participation by dealers and distributors from the city

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with live demonstrations bringing our creation alive to as many people as it can.”

The event witnessed a massive gathering of 80+ channels and media partners. The initiative will garner visibility for the new range of Ozone products and create topof-the-mind recall in consumers’ minds.

Designed to meet international quality norms and standards, products by Ozone Secutech are trusted across the board by numerous builders and homeowners.

Their product range includes Night Latch Locks, Glassdoor Locks, Knob locks, Hotel Safes, Fireproof Safes, etc.

With global presence for over two decades across 21 countries and 4 manufacturing facilities, Ozone has been a pioneer in offering technology led products & solutions that are innovative and cost effective. Manufactured with high-quality materials on global design standards, each product has a unique style quotient paired with an uber-luxurious finish and sophisticated functionality to suit the urban modern lifestyles.

For more information, please visit www.ozokart.com

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Brand Watch

Kinlong Hardware: Emphasizing on Safety & Performance

K

inlong has more than 40 Subsidiaries all over the world, 622 sales offices and more than 12000 employees working together.

Our footprint in India is spread with Sales Service Offices serving in Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Punjab, Jaipur.

We are an Integrated Construction Hardware Manufacturer & Supplier emphasizing a one-stop solution for your entire Construction architectural hardware requirement. We pioneer indoor & window hardware Solutions (uPVC & Aluminium), point fix & curtain wall systems for all façades structures (spiders, clamps, tension rod, tension cable, etc.), door control systems, patch fittings, stainless steel railing systems, cast-in channels, anchoring solutions, smart home solution & security system, natural smoke control system and intelligent ventilation window, labour safety protection products.

We emphasize safety & performance and have our own product testing laboratories accredited by CNAS. Strict QA & QC protocols are undertaken and all our products are certified to the highest standards.

Kinlong India has warehouses in Bangalore, Delhi & Mumbai, and more are being added to the portfolio.

Customer Satisfaction is our primary goal, we excel in meeting our performance with the service and performance expectations of our Esteemed Clients. We benchmark performance at each stage. Industry best tools and practices are undertaken by our in-house Indian technical support team.

Kinlong has successfully provided products and services to more than 1175 iconic skyscrapers/landmarks around the world including Meenakshi tech park which is the Tallest Single Cable Vertical Facade in India; The SS

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railing works of all the new Lulu Malls; Lodha World Towers; DAICEC Mumbai; Reliance Twin Tower; ONGC; Venus Stratum, Omkar 1973, Oberoi Esquire, K Raheja Artesia, Makers Maxity, Indiabulls BLU Towers, Phoenix Market City Mall, Godrej I & II, Oberoi Commerz I, Commerz II. We have supplied a unique product range for around 226 Airports all over the world. In India, including airports at Mumbai - T2, Delhi, Port Blair, Cochin, Dehradun, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc. Our Cable Facade structures, Fin Glass Facade structures, Clamp and Spider structure at the airports above are safe to the highest standards with no issues of glass failures or performance flags.

Kinlong Hope School, Pallipuram, Kerala

At Kinlong we believe in giving back to society, the trust & support of our clients and well-wishers have enabled us to realize our dream of Kinlong Hope School in India, a social initiative to bring a brighter tomorrow The First Kinlong Hope School was inaugurated in Pallipuram, Kerala with over 300 students. By 2023 we aim at having 4 more Hope Schools in India.

For more information, please visit

Kinlong Hardware (India) Private Limited Esteem Regency, Richmond Road, Bangalore Call/WhatsApp: +91-9108990181 E-Mail: inhr@kinlong.com Visit: http://en.kinlong.com/

Brand Watch

Innovators Façade Systems Limited For a Total Façade Solution

Factory at Wada, Kudus

W

ith over 23 years of rich heritage, Innovators Façade Systems Ltd is one of the most renowned and trusted names in the façade and fenestration industry. The brand carries a long-standing legacy of innovation, responsibility and passion to provide world-class façades, windows, doors and cleanroom solutions.

Over the past years, Innovators has become a nationally recognized brand that delivers building enveloping solutions of international standards in a manner that creates value beyond business targets. Their strong technical know-how helps them deliver projects from the concept to the installation stage.

Since its inception in 1999, the company has to its credit 13 airport infrastructure and 285+ residential, commercial, IT parks projects.

Today, Innovators are relied upon by renowned architects, façade consultants, builders, developers and PMC for their enveloping solutions.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Innova-tors

Fabrication & powder coating unit

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embodies one of the most advanced infrastructural facilities in the country.

They have their principal factory in Wada, Maharashtra spread across 4 acres of land and are currently in the expansion stage. This mega facility employs 250+ skilled professionals. They also have Inhouse lifting mechanism & ancillary units in Bangalore transportation facility and Manesar. vision of providing comprehensive With high precision CNC solutions. machineries, testing equipments, Innovators Building Products, in-house MS & sheet metal under the Trade name “Innovative fabrication and powder coating facility, Innovators has the most self-reliant production capability, helping them meet deadlines and tackle uncertainties.

STRENGTHS: All their products are benchmarked against international standards – EN (European norms), IN (German Standards), AAMA Team Innovators (American Architectural Windows” specialises in windows Manufacturer’s Association), BS and doors solutions. Similarly, (British Standards) and other “Cleantech Innovators” caters to Indian Standards. the pharma industry by providing Innovators specialises in modular cleanroom partitions, designing complex façade systems clean room equipments, firewith the use of advanced software. rated metal doors, HVAC and lab They have a huge team of design furniture. managers, structural engineers, and 3D modelers with abundant For more details contact: industry experience.

Logistics is the main and the most challenging task in the façade industry. Innovators have tackled this issue by having Innovators Façade Systems Limited in-house availability of trucks, Mumbai l Bengaluru l Delhi forklifts and well-trained logistics Tel: 022-28112521; faculty.

Mob: 9969021000 DIVISIONS: Innovators has E-mail: hq@innovators.in recently added two new verticals Website: www.innovators.in with an aim to strengthen their

INNOVATIVE WINDOWS

Designing Facades, Aligning expectations Corporate Office:

Works:

Regional Offices:

204, B-65, Sector No.1, Shanti Nagar, Mira Road (E), Mumbai, Dist. Thane 401107.

Tel: 022-28112521/ 28114581/28111905 Fax: 022-2811 4581 | E-mail: hq@innovators.in

Survey No. 404/B, Chinchghar - Bilavali Road, Village Chinchghar, Kudus, Tal.-Wada, Thane 421 312, Maharashtra.

New Delhi: Tel: 080970-95201 E-mail: delhi@innovators.in

Website: www.innovators.in

Bengaluru: Tel: 080970-95202 E-mail: bengaluru@innovators.in

Follow us on:

THE RISHABH WINPRO PVT. LTD

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ALUMINIUM / uPVC / FACADES / DOORS & WINDOWS

Doors & Windows  Bespoke  Thermal Break  Slimline  European systems

Miscellaneous  Point Fix/ Spider/ Patch Fitting Glazing works  Canopies & Skylights  Railings & Ballustrades  Automatics C-81, First Floor, Hoseiry Complex Phase - II, Noida-201305 U.P. (India) Works: The Rishabh Winpro Pvt. Ltd. 9th K.M. Haridwar-Delhi Road, Jwalapur Haridwar- 249407 +91-120-4138000

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