BUILDING FACADES

 FACADE
 TYPES OF FACADE
1. Glazing
1.1 Curtain wall
 Conventional Stick System
• Semi Unitized System
• Utinized System
1.2 Spider Glazing
2 Cladding
• Aluminum Composite Panel
• Metal composite panels
• Precast Concrete Panels
 DYNAMIC FACADES
1. Function of dynamic/ intelligent façade
system
2. Parameters for designing dynamic façade
a. Sun Control
b. Natural ventilation
c. Daylighting
d. Connection to outdoors
e. Thermal insulation
f. Material choices
g. Possibility of energy generation
h. Moisture control
i. Structural efficiency
3. Types of dynamic facades
a. User Control Dynamic Façade
b. Light Control Dynamic Façade
c. Energy Control Dynamic Façade
d. Wind Responsive Dynamic Façade
e. Façades Designed to Manage Water

 CASE STUDY
Brisbane Domestic Terminal Carpark ,Australia
FACADE  Distance between slabs
 Location of the building
A facade or façade is generally one side of the  Span of each panel
exterior of a building, especially the front, but also
sometimes the sides and rear.
The word comes from the French language, literally Factors affecting the price of the glazing-
meaning "frontage" or "face".  Curtain wall system
 Glass
The factors that play an important role in glass  Location & Height of the building
façade design-  Finish on the aluminium profiles
 Height of the building  Accessories

TYPES OF FACADE
Facade

Glazing Cladding

Curtain Walling Metal Cladding

Point
Zinc Panel Cladding
Support Glazing
Stone Cladding
Spider Glazing
Clay tile
Bolted Glazing
Glazing on Tension Truss Polycarbonate Panel

Glazing on Cable Truss Wooden Panel Cladding

Atrium GFRC Cladding
Skylight , Canopies , Dome Aluminium Composite
Shop Front / Display Panel
Doors & Windows

a. Conventional Stick System

In this system the
GLAZING vertical mullions and
horizontal transoms
Glazing, which derives from the Middle English for are installed on
'glass', is a part of a wall, made of glass. Glazing also MS/SS/Aluminium
describes the work done by a professional "glazier" brackets which are
Curtain wall anchored to the
Curtain Wall is a form of a vertical building enclosure columns/slabs. Cut to
which supports no load other than its own weight and size glass is fixed on
the environmental forces which act upon it. the grid work with
Types of Curtain Wall - pressure plates.(The
a. Conventional Stick System (Capped System) glass is held
b. Structural silicone glazing ( SSG) Mechanically) Cover
i. Semi unitized system cap is snap fit on the
ii. Unitized System pressure plates for
aesthetic look. In the above system 90% of the work
can be done at site.
i. Semi Unitized System
In this system the vertical mullions and horizontal
transoms are installed on MS/SS/Aluminium
brackets which are anchored to the columns/slabs.
Cut to size glass is structurally glazed to the
Aluminium sub frame by structural sealant. The sub
frame with the glass is installed on the Grid work. In
the above system 50% of the work is done at site.
ii.Utinized System
In this system MS/SS/Aluminium brackets are
anchored to the columns/slabs after detailed site
survey. The complete unit spanning floor height fully
fabricated at the factory is installed on the brackets.
In the above system 10% of the work is done at site.
Spider Glazing
-Spider System is a system for point-supported
vertical glazing in which thermally toughened (
Tempered ) glass sheets are used, in single glazing
or in insulated glass.
-Laminated safety glass ( tempered laminated glass
) is preferable to be used in single glazing or as the
outer sheet of the insulating glass units.
-The space between the glass sheets are filled with
whether seal.
-The support elements that hold the fitting can be
space frame, glass fin or tension cables.
- The inherent characteristics of each type of glass
product define the type of articulated fitting which it
will require.
- This system consists of a number of accessories
with metal arms. At the end of each arm, a sheet of
glass is fixed by the corners with a special screw.
The vacuum between these sheets is filled up with
isolators to overcome mechanical pressure and
weather conditions.
-The rectangular glass sheets have 4 or 6
countersunk drilled holes into which countersunk
stainless steel bolts acting as point-fixings.
CLADDING
Cladding is the covering of one material with
another.
Cladding is needed to:
 Create a controlled internal environment.
 Protect the building from external conditions.
 Provide privacy and security.
 Prevent the transmission of sound.
 Provide thermal insulation.
 Create an external facade.
 Prevent the spread of fire.
 Generate an 'airtight' building envelope.
 Providing openings for access, daylight and
ventilation.
Aluminum Composite Panel
Aluminum Composite Panel Cladding (ACP) is a
widely-used term, describing flat panels that consist
of thermoplastic core bonded between two
aluminum sheets. ACPs are frequently used for
external cladding of buildings (building facades).
The main advantage of ACP is that, it is very rigid
and strong, despite of its light weight. Due to the
ability of painting the aluminum in any colour, ACPs
are produced in a wide range of metallic and non-
metallic colours as well as patterns that imitate other
materials, such as wood or marble. Applications of
ACPs are not limited to building’s external cladding;
they can be used in any cladding application,
partitions, false ceilings etc. Aluminum composite
panel are available in various thickness and various
brands. ACP sheet are excellent in finish and are
PVDF coated which is up to 35 micron. It can be
bent, cut, drilled, punched and easily shaped into
complex shapes. Easy installation and fabrication
save cost and time periods of construction.
Metal composite panels
Metal composite panels (or metal composite
material - MCM) are typically used in the external
cladding of buildings. They can be bent, curved and
joined together in an almost unlimited range of
configurations.
Two metal skins are bonded to an insulating core,
forming a composite ‘sandwich’ panel. The metal
component, can be aluminium, zinc,stainless steel,
titanium and so on, available in a wide variety of
colours,finishes and profiles. The core may be
manufactured from an insulating materials such
as polyethylene or from a fire -retardant material,
with a range of thicknesses available depending on
performance requirements.
Precast Concrete Panels
Masonry facades are also formed by supporting
brick or natural “hand-set” stone panels from storey-
height precast concrete panels. Stainless steel
support brackets and restraining pins are used.
Thicknesses of hand-set stone vary from 20 mm to
70 mm, depending on the wind load, the tensile
strength of the stone and the spacing of fixings.
Continuous areas of masonry cladding have
naturally low air permeability so generally air
permeability is controlled by good detailing at
interfaces with windows and doors and other
penetrations through the wall for building services.
Solar gain, light levels and views out are balanced
by choosing appropriate window type, size and
arrangement with suitable shading.
DYNAMIC FACADES
Dynamic facades are “facades with the ability to
respond to their environment by either typological
change of material properties that alter the overall
form or local alteration by regulating their energy
consumption to reflect the environmental conditions
that surrounds it”.
1 Function of Intelligent Façade System
Intelligent façade system is carried out many
benefits in a building. There are many functions of
intelligent façade system for a building such as
enhancement of natural light, protection from glare,
sound and noise insulation, provision of inside and
outside view, enhacement of ventilation, heat or cold
collection, protection from pollution, safety
protection, protection from rain, solar gain, and solar
protection.
a. Water Tightness
Façade should be tight in many ways. Rain and
wind must not penetrate the façade from the outside,
and moisture must not penetrate into the façade
from the inside.
b. Fire
A façade should be generally made from non-
combustible materials. Any smoke shutters/windows
should be dimensioned according to the needs.

c. Ventilation
From confort ventilation, evacuation, or smoke
ventilation inward or outward opening windows may
be chosen, wich suit the function and the apparence
of the façade in the best way. The numbers of
windows in the façade is dimensioned according to
the individual functions.
d. Sound Insulation
A façade should be dimensioned and designed with
regard to existing noise sources and in a way wich
limits the occurrence and propagation of disturbing
noise. The factors which determine the overall
sound insulation of a building from the environment,
include the construction of the façade, the sound
insulation properties of the windows, and the fitting
and sealing of the window in the façade.
e. Sunshine Protection
High inside temperature, unwanted heat radiation
from the sun, and the dazzling risk can be
prevented/reduced if some form of sunshine
protection is used. This can be, in principle, arranged
on the outside of the façade, in the glass, or on the
inside of the façade. The most convenient solution is
to provide sunshine protection in the glass. If
sunshine protection is required, it should be
designed in connection with the façade.
f. Enhacement of Natural Lighting
Current knowledge for the office design should
optimize natural lighting. One of the reasons is
lighting always the largest single item of energy cost,
particularly in open plan office. Another reason is
that most of the occupants prefer natural light,
especially since some of the artificial lighting have
been implicated as the source of health problem.
2 Parameters for designing dynamic façade
The concept of dynamic facades is not new,
however, it is only during the last few years that
architects and engineers have started to trust these
systems and use them in building. Facades focus on
feasibility systems for developing the quality and
economy of this technology to be sustainable in the
future.There are several parameters that should be
included when designing building facades. Each has
the potential to define the character and affect the
overall perception of a building.
a. Sun Control
Thermal and visual comforts are dependent on
controlling the light entering a building through its
façade. The amount of light admitted to a building
correlates directly with an increase in interior
temperatures, affecting the comfort level of the users
within. Blinds can provide a simple way to restrict
sunlight subtly without affecting the overall
appearance of the building. Alternatively, shading
elements can be highlighted by integrating the solar
strategy into the façade.
b. Natural ventilation
The building skin plays an important role in terms of
the natural air exchange in buildings. Ventilation
strategies can also give a strong character to the
elements of a façade. They can be simple, small,
repetitive louvers that allow for localized air
circulation, or involved mechanical systems that
direct fresh air throughout the building.
c. Daylighting
The use of natural daylight is important, both in
terms of the comfort and contentment of the users
and with regard to reducing the requirements for
artificial light. Daylight systems can be achieved
mainly through passive measures. A simple
movable light shelf can bounce light deep into the
space, illuminating the interior by taking advantage
of the reflectivity of the ceiling. Daylight levels are
known to affect the mental health of the users.
d. Connection to outdoors
Connection to the outdoors is another sustainability
feature that is physiological in nature, like
daylighting. This could be achieved by applying
glass protected by a vegetated screen that serves
as a visual connection to the outdoors. Sometimes,
the walls can open, connecting the interior of the
building directly with the outdoors. The aim is to blur
the boundary between the interior and exterior
space, enhancing the feeling of building in nature.
e. Thermal insulation
Thermal insulation systems employ materials and
components capable of reducing heat loss through
transmittance, convection or radiation. The invisible
insulation in walls has a huge potential to impact the
thermal performance of a building. A particular
insulation’s make up and placement within the
layering of the building skin can have large
consequences that are observable in the thermal
performance and aesthetics of the building skin
f. Material choices
Materials can give a very distinctive character to a
building. Although they are often overlooked by
professionals early in the design process, materials
are seminal because their texture and appearance
define the experience of the building. Materials also
play a primary technological role and have a
tremendous effect on the comfort of the building.
g. Possibility of energy generation
There is also the possibility for a building’s skin to
become an energy source. Photovoltaics or flexible
solar thin films can be integrated into facades to
simultaneously generate power and shade a
building. To advance the issue of the building skin
with a view to creating truly sustainable and enduring
architecture, planning must be goal-oriented,
responsible and sensible. Also, a high degree of
technical and creative ability is essential. The
enormous potential of the building skin must be
realized from structural, functional, aesthetic and
ecological perspectives to promote advances in the
development of architecture that is oriented towards
sustainable future.
h. Moisture control
Bitumen, a natural substance consisting mainly of
hydrocarbons, is frequently used to create moisture
barriers in buildings. It is often thought of the outer
most skin as the water barrier, but more frequently it
is as a rainscreen. There are two kinds of moisture
to contend with when trying to keep the building dry:
rain and condensation. When large temperature
differentials occur between the interior space and
the exterior, condensation forms on the colder
surface. Protection is necessary to prevent this
moisture from seeping into the building. The
rainscreen and moisture barrier work together to
prevent the unwanted rain and condensation from
entering the building.
i. Structural efficiency
It is important to integrate structure into the building
skin. High-rise construction is primarily concerned
with carrying lateral loads, so the diagonal lateral
bracing of the building often called the “Gherkin” is
expressed as part of the skin, helping to define the
character of the building
3 Types of dynamic facades
The environment is the key factor that impacts the
design of facades, the amount of layering and the
material choice, all is dependent on these external
forces. So, there are several types of dynamic
facades which could be put in category according to
the previous parameters.
a. User Control Dynamic Façade
The user control system is an automated system that
provides solutions for some time to convey the
actuated and responsive reactions to passive
processes. In general, dynamic and adaptive façade
implies that the intelligent objects and components
will be featured with enhanced abilities to
communicate and interact with environmental
conditions and user behavior and respond to
changes in external climatic circumstances.
Therefore, the situational information can provide
the users with complete control through applications
to accomplish its process and adjust its functions.
Example-Kiefer Technic Showroom designed by
Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner (2007) located in
Steiermark, Austria
In this building, the façade changes continuously,
each day, each hour which shows a new “face” that
turns into a dynamic sculpture. It changes according
to the outdoor conditions to optimize internal climate
while allowing users to personalize their own spaces
with user controls. The façade exterior insulation
and finishing system (EIFS) in white plaster operates
automatically and can be controlled by users.
b. Light Control Dynamic Façade
In this type of façade, automated shading and
daylighting control systems are integrated and
operate appropriately for all environmental
conditions.
Example - Abu Dhabi in Al Bahr Towers
The building consists of a membrane clad dynamic
façade with a similar hexagonal pattern in the
construction of the active surfacesThe dynamic
mashrabiya includes 1,049 units for the west and
east side of the building, which claims to be the
world’s largest, computerized façade built today for
150 metres high towers. The facades create a
folding and unfolding movement, which adapts to the
sun and the changing environmental conditions.This
system is predicted to reduce the solar energy Example-Henning Larsen’s University Building in
entering the building by 20%. Also, it is claimed that Kolding, Denmark
the design has resulted in 40% saving in carbon
dioxide emissions.

It moves in response to changing heat and light.

The daylight changes and varies during the course
of the day and year. Thus, Kolding Campus is fitted
with dynamic solar shading, which adjusts to the
specific climate conditions and user patterns and
provides optimal daylight and a comfortable indoor
climate spaces along the façade. The solar shading
systems consist of approximately 1,600 triangular
shutters of perforated steel. They are mounted on
the façade in a way which allows them to adjust to
the changing daylight and the desired inflow of light.
When the shutters are closed, they lie flat along the
façade, while they produce from the façade when
half-open of entirely open and provide the building
with a very expressive appearance. The solar
shading system is fitted with sensors which
continuously measure light and heat levels and
regulate the shutters mechanically by means of a
small motor.

d. Energy-Producing Algae Facade

This 2,150-square-foot wall, unveiled in Germany
this spring, is the result of three years of testing by a
group of designers from Splitterwerk Architects and
Arup. Its vibrant characteristic isn't just an aesthetic
flourish—in fact, it's tinted by millions of microscopic
algae plants, which are being fed nutrients and
oxygen to spur biomass production. Facilitated by
direct sunlight, the speedily-growing little cells end
up heating the water, and that heat is harvested by
c. Energy Control Dynamic Façade the system and stored for use in the building.
Another application for dynamic facades is saving
energy in buildings and controlling energy
performance in buildings. Energy conscious facades
is where the envelope has construction functions
such as strength and rigidity, stability and durability,
control of heat, air and moisture vapour flows,
control of liquid water movement cost-effectiveness
and fire resistance. The envelope is responsible for
the building energy performance.
Algae sandwich in the window envelope
e. Facade That Eats Smog
Back in 2011, the chemical company Alcoa unveiled
a remarkable technology that could clean the air
around it. The material contained titanium dioxide,
which effectively "scrubbed" the air of toxins by
releasing spongy free radicals that could eliminate
pollutants. The stuff has made appearances on
streets, clothing, and architecture since then—most
recently, on the sun screen of a new Mexico City
hospital. The hospital is cloaked in a 300-foot-long
skin of Prosolve tiles. The technology is based on
the same process: As air filters around the sponge-
shaped structures, UV-light-activated free radicals
destroy any existing pollutants, leaving the air
cleaner for the patients inside. Even the shape of the
sun screen is significant: It creates turbulence and
slows down air flow around the building, while
scattering the UV light needed to activate the
chemical reaction.
Innovative building designs use smog-eating
technology to improve air quality.
f. Wind Responsive Dynamic Façade
Wind as a natural element itself is strong enough to
provide a dynamic pattern of motion without wasting
any energy.
Example- Brisbine domestic Terminal Carpark in
Australia
has installed 250,000 aluminum plates to create this
wind-powered façade. The car
park’s entire eastern side appeared to ripple fluidity
as the wind activates 250,000 suspended aluminum
panels. As it responds to the ever-changing patterns
of the wind, the façade created a direct interface
between the built and the natural environments. The
façade itself constantly stays in moving motion as
the wind blows.
g. Façades Designed to Manage Water
A fundamental role for high-performance buildings is
the management of water. It is imperative that roofs
and facades effectively manage rainfall through
material selection and articulated detailing from top
to bottom. Rainscreens are innovative solution to
manage rain and vapor migration. As buildings
embrace a greater set of sustainability challenges,
they also need to collect rainwater. There is a
decline in sources of fresh water and increase of
storm runoff challenges. The importance of
designing building to catch and store water is of
growing importance.
CASE STUDY
Brisbane Domestic Terminal Carpark ,Australia
One side of the car park which was subject to this
change is covered with aluminum panels. As the
wind passes behind them, the entire facade ripples
and moves. At the same time, all sorts of patterns of
light and shadow are created. The design uses wind
and light to come to life.
It create an eight-storey, five-thousand square meter
kinetic façade for the car park of brisbane’s domestic
terminal. viewed from the exterior, the parkade’s
entire exterior face will appear to ripple fluidly as the
wind activates 118,000 suspended aluminium
panels. Bolted to a steel substructure, the panels
hang eight storeys and cover an area of 5000-sq-m.
Hinged at one side only, the individual panels are
encouraged to shift in accordance with the air
current to reveal complex patterns of wind
turbulence. The elevation will create a direct
interface between the installation and its natural
environment.
As a site-specific reference to the city’s most iconic
natural feature, the feature is elaborated
with fluttering lines from the surface of the brisbane
river. inside the car park, intricate patterns of light
and shadows are projected onto the walls and floor
as sunlight passes through the external panelling
system. this provides practical environmental
benefits such as shade and natural ventilation for
the interior space of the lot.
Inside the car park, patterns of light and shadow project
onto the walls and floor as sunlight passes through the
façade. The design also provides practical environmental
benefits such as shade and natural ventilation. This large-
scale work creates a mesmerising impression for
passengers emerging from the terminal, arriving by car, or
on the elevated Airtrain platform.
DETAILS