Facade Engineering is a key element in the design and functionality of a structure. Largely responsible for a building’s performance in energy efficiency, airtightness, and water resistance, facades are undeniably complex systems. With the ever-increasing complexity and performance demands on buildings, there is a need to accurately validate the design and communicate the client and designers’ intentions to those who have a responsibility for executing the facades of modern buildings.
The facade of a modern building is one of the most costly and imperative elements of building construction and can represent up to 30% of construction costs. Facades represent the manifestation of the architect’s expectation of the external appearance of a building. With the execution of new and more complex energy requirements, the design of building facades must be part of a comprehensive strategy. A number of factors must be taken in consideration including:
- Predictive thermal modeling techniques
- Lighting engineering
- Thermal and acoustic insulation
- The building’s existing durability
- Sustainability
- Structural engineering
- Preventing spread of fire from or to neighbouring structures
Monitoring everything from the design phase through to the installation is essential as building facades are notoriously difficult to accurately predict. Making sure that the facade behaves in the way it is supposed to, can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful project. One more factor to be taken into consideration is the building’s use and occupancy status. It is down to the facade engineer to provide the future occupants with a livable space in which to operate. Therefore, all factors from the amount of natural and artificial lighting requirements through to the noise levels from the external environment must be taken into account.
Elite Australian Engineering provides project-specific consultancy and systems design services for facade engineering. Our facade engineers collaborate with all parties involved in the design and construction process to develop high-performance yet practical solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our facade engineering services.