32 Design detailing


The design concept should be suitable for unitisation. Flat, non- projecting facades without overhangs will allow the units to be hoisted into position for fast and efficient installation. The structural integrity and built-in tolerances of the build-


© Wicona Other considerations are similar to those for conventional


‘A single point of contact will give the benefit of a seamless approach, one point of responsibility and complete peace of mind from design to fabrication, site installation, testing and handover’


facade design, but because unitised solutions are faster on site, earlier specification decisions are required: • Thermal performance – facades to reduce energy consumption


• Acoustics – the impact of acoustics floor-to-floor, between adjacent rooms on the elevation and from external sources


• Appearance – grid or structural glazing; finish colours, sight lines, infills, spans and surrounding architecture


• Fire resistance – to prevent spread of fire floor slab to facade and between adjacent dwellings


• Occupier comfort – how to optimise natural light; reduc- ing solar gain; natural ventilation – trickle ventilation or using manually-operated or automated vents


• Maintenance and cleaning, including ease of glass replacement


• Structural implications – floor spans, panel widths, openings, fixings, barrier loadings for impact resistance, wind loadings and structural movement


• Sustainability – maximising energy efficiency, use of insulated panels and high performance glass; lifespan of the material, recyclability and recycled content


Selecting the facade partner


As with all facade projects, when selecting the system supplier, the specifier should look at the manufacturer’s track record, project portfolio, financial stability, R&D resources, in-house facilities such as testing, technical back-up and design experi- ence. The facade specialist should be willing to work as an inte- gral part of the design team from the earliest stages and participate in design workshops. Consider whether the facade specialist will offer a complete


turnkey service. A single point of contact will give the benefit of a seamless approach, one point of responsibility and com- plete peace of mind from design to fabrication, site installation, testing and handover. A team should already be in place for the facade design,


abrication and installation, and the specifier should always look for independent approvals for the system and ask to see certificates and test results for verification. Ensure facade systems are like for like when making compar-


isons and that the quality of components, technical competence of the team and best value are assessed. Use the facade specialist for advice and involve their team from the outset to make best use of the expertise available.


© Wicona


ing frame are important to the success of the facade construc- tion and should be specified at an early stage. Consider what the unitised panels will be fixed to at the


design concept stage – steel or concrete? The fixings will also affect the design of floors and ceilings. What will the floor thicknesses be and will there be any possible deflections?


Managing the project


The true facade cost should be considered, including the advan- tages of reduced site time, eliminating the need for scaffolding and earlier fitting out, completion and occupation, when com- paring the cost of a unitised facade against traditional curtain walling solutions. Lastly, ensure the project is closely monitored and evaluated.


Was it delivered on time and to budget? If not, why not? Use this information and the lessons learned for setting the specifi- cation for your next facade project.


What next?


The biggest challenge for specialists in unitised facades is to overcome the resistance to change among many building designers and contractors, and the misconception that unitised solutions have to be more expensive. If aesthetics are balanced with cost, an innovative, bespoke and sustainable design can be produced to a budget.


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