Façade Retrofit
Giving Buildings a New Lease of Life
"W
e" shape o u r buildings thereafter they shape
us”, Winston Churchill Restoration of façade of an ageing building that is still strong enough to last a few more decades, will give it a new identity and breathe fresh life into it. A building can get old, or its design may become obsolete, as architecture is evolving constantly with new ideas and new technologies. Over the years, there can be leaks due to damaged silicone joints and glazing gaskets, worn out cladding system or rusted support systems, and building maintenance can become more expensive due to rising replacement and operating costs and decreased energy efficiency of outdated façade systems. The same can be said for older glazing that may have glass without high performance low-e coatings. This may be sufficient for building owners to consider options for façade replacement. There is also the pressure to attract new tenants or to increase rent through modernisation of an antiquated looking exterior. Few significant buildings become a representation of their
14
WFM | JUL - AUG 2020
time. Such heritage architecture is about conservation of the traditional architectural style, which has to be maintained the way the building was originally built, and may involve restoration of the elements that have been destroyed or damaged by time. RETROSPECTIVE FAÇADE – MULTIFUNCTIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENT FAÇADE SYSTEM FOR BUILDING RETROFITTING Sometimes, relatively new structures that no longer appeal to the occupants, or buildings that have to undergo a functional change, may need uplift. In both such cases, we have to design a new façade for the building and retrofit it over the old structure, giving it a brand-new look, and improving its energy efficiency. With the current spate of fire in buildings, it becomes all the more important to diligently review systems, using fire-proof and fireretardant technology. Improving energy consumption in the existing building will require the retrofitting of many, if not most, of these façades. While many buildings are currently undergoing energy retrofits, the scope of the renovation often stops short of the façade because
of the relatively high cost and the potential disruption to ongoing building operations. Even when the façade is included in an energy retrofit program, the options for approaching the façade element are often not prioritised. HIGH PERFORMANCE FAÇADE: NEED OF EVERY BUILDING ASPIRING TO BE ENERGY EFFICIENT Energy performance review as an approach helps, both in terms of helping the environment and being able to save on energy costs. By having a proper façade system, we can benefit from their natural thermal properties, which will create a layer of insulation. This insulation layer prevents the hot air from infiltrating into the building and helps in maintaining an optimal indoor climate. By intertwining all of the different variables and factors, we will be able to have an end product that will be aesthetically pleasing which will yield results that is efficient in terms of energy, comfort & acoustics and is coordinated with one another. These unique solutions from suppliers, manufacturers and installers must be tailor made for office spaces that cannot afford losing working hours for a retrofitting solution.
