With the rapid transformation of the façade in the construction sector, architects and builders are becoming more ambitious with their innovative ideas. As the design of the façade is changing in contemporary architecture it is leading to the need for façade engineering. A greater emphasis is placed on appointing a façade consultant who can help with improving the building’s energy performance, façade life expectancy, and sustainability. Builders and designers are pushing towards meeting the envelope with ACP cladding for futuristic designs that meet the goal of beautiful, functional, and sustainable facades.
The façade consultants are individuals who can critically identify can give essential advice and service for optimum façade performance. A façade acts as a filter between the exterior and interior of a building and provide a barrier to prevent undesirable material such as wind, or heat impacting major part of any building. With the right consultant, one can enhance the lifespan of the building.
Role of Façade Consultant For Successful ACP Cladding
With the introduction of modern-age materials such as Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) for cladding, façading has become popular more than ever. As of a few years ago, most shape shapers didn’t include façade consultant in their core team, and this concept is still new in India, however as we experiment with modern façade materials that have the capability to enhance a building’s aesthetics, thermal efficiency, and resistant towards damage from water and moisture. This is why, a façade consultant is important who has the knowledge of the level of complexity even before beginning the project, to ensure less wastage of resources and money.
They Have the Right Resources
Façade consultant is a position held by individuals who have expertise and experience in moulding blueprints of designs into reality. This means they have the right resources that help them to figure out design deficiencies, and formulate the right ideas and designs for the installation of the façade in the interior and exterior.
This helps them in the conceptualization stage. With the right resources they invest time in concept design for:
- Study architectural designs
- Study and assess the options to enable performance and durability in the building.
- Assessment of the loads imposed on the building envelope and the elements (Seismic waves, wind, snow, and any other loads).
- Utilising resources to know about the local codes and regulations of buildings.
Project Planning
Façade consultants help in planning the project beforehand, this includes the cost that would be incurred, the design, selection of materials, sizes, and thickness of the façade. According to the planning, they form a budget and implement the plans based on the budget. They are important for any building construction as their insight is valuable in the process of planning, which is why they keep in touch with the architects, management, and key developers to ensure the process goes smoothly as per the planning.
Choosing The Right Material
Assisting the architect and client in finalising the material of the building’s envelope based on the schematic design of the building. The overview of the aesthetic features and optimising the proposal by the engineer. This includes taking into account the acoustic testing parameters and results, structural, thermal, and other parameters that are involved in the durability of the design.
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As part of project planning, they go beyond technical considerations, façade consultants also contribute to the visual appeal of the building. They work to ensure that the façade aligns with the architect’s vision while considering factors such as proportion, colours, textures, and patterns. The facade’s aesthetics often have a significant impact on the building’s overall identity and its integration into the surrounding environment.
Performance Management
Façade consultants employ advanced software tools and simulation for performance testing of the material and design. They conduct thermal and structural analysis, that helps in identifying potential issues, and optimise the performance of the façade. The performance management procedure leads to early detection of flaws in the design, and also test methods that can lead to sustainable construction, along with reducing the likelihood of costly revisions during construction.
Confirming Local Regulatory Compliances
In modern times, governments have specific guidelines for building construction based on locality codes and targets set for the building. Local buildings have rules that include fire safety, wind load resistance, and accessibility standards. Façade consultants are well-versed in the regulations and they ensure the design complies with the rules and all applicable codes.
How To Choose the Right Façade Consultant?
Look for their expertise and experience in façade design and engineering. Consider their experience in similar projects and similar façade material handling. A strong technical background is a must when it comes to the selection of a façade consultant role. Their proficiency in areas such as structural engineering, energy efficiency, and building physics is important. Strategising and a qualitative mindset help the consultant to bring out fresh perspectives that can contribute to enhancing sustainability and the overall design of the construction.
Alumaze- The Choice Of Modern Façade Consultants
The role of a façade consultant starts from the concept phase, which is why, it is important to choose the right façade consultants. Modern construction requires lightweight, durable, maintenance-free, fire-resistant, and flexible construction material— and the Aluminium Composite Panel from Alumaze is just that! Check out our range of ACP design series for ACP cladding and shape the contemporary architecture of today.