EXTERNAL ENVELOPE 59 Follow the curve to innovation
Innovative manufacturing and collaboration are key to architectural success. Mick Beresford of Leviat details some unique, engineered solutions for complex projects.
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oday’s architects are not content with the conventional and frequently seek to create buildings that will challenge our perceptions of space, form and function. This ambition may manifest itself in designs featuring unusual or irregular angles, intricate facades, and seamlessly integrated curved structures. However, achieving and realising these visions can present significant technical challenges that traditional construction methods struggle to overcome. This is where engineered solutions enter the mix. Product manufacturers specialising in engineered solutions can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between design vision and structural reality. Expertise in creating bespoke facade and restraint components plays an important role in achieving complex architectural designs. Through early involvement, they can tailor their products to the specific requirements of each project, enabling architects and contractors to push the boundaries of what is possible in construction. These engineered solutions transform architectural concepts into tangible, safe, and visually striking buildings. Their ability to adapt standard products or create bespoke solutions ensures even the most challenging designs can be realised, whilst maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. This adaptability is particularly evident in two critical areas of modern building design: masonry support systems and balcony connectors. These vital components, while often hidden from view, are fundamental in realising some of the most striking features of contemporary architecture. Masonry support systems make facade designs possible by providing hidden structural support for brickwork and stonework. These systems can be engineered to accommodate unusual angles, cantilevers, and curved surfaces, ensuring that architects’ visions are not constrained, allowing them to be creative with traditional brick-and-mortar construction.
ADF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024
By adapting to unique structural conditions, such as post-tensioned slabs or heavily reinforced concrete, this will ensure that the architectural intent is preserved even in the face of complex engineering requirements. Differential movement, corrosion resistance, type of cladding and frame type; all need to be considered. Furthermore, advanced modelling and fabrication techniques offered by manufacturers ensures the seamless integration of support systems within the building structure. Whether it’s a subtly undulating wall or a dramatically cantilevered feature, engineered masonry support solutions ensure that the vision can be realised without compromising on structural integrity or long-term durability.
Custom-designed masonry support systems were crucial in realising the building’s curved structure
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