Working with unconventionals

When it comes to facades, this is the difference that comes into play between commercial architecture and environmental thinking

- RASHMI NAICKER

There’s been a severe imbalance in the way we’ve been designing our facades. While there’s been a rampant overuse, some might even say ‘misuse’ of a certain typology, on the other hand, there’s been complete ignorance about the application of alternatives. There are very few architects who are not reluctant to use the non-conventional materials and techniques.

Trends in the market

Over the past decade, emergence of several newer technologies has improved the quality of all materials in terms of heat insulation, flexibility in use and overall energy efficiency. The one aspect common among most of them is the need to factor in sustainability.

Rohan Keswani, director, Aluplex India, mentions, “The most important aspect today is reducing the total energy consumption.” Such high performing sustainable facades have become a necessity in the corporate industry. An optimized exterior can be achieved by considering the glazing, material specifications and shading. After the energy profile of the building is studied, the daylight exposure and luminance needs are calculated. Shading and control strategy is then determined to tackle glare and unwanted heat gain. Taking functionality a notch higher are intelligent solutions that can increase the efficiency of any simple facade systems such as motorised shades, blinds, louvres and awnings, automatic coatings that allow flexibility in shade, parametric controls, prismatic films, holographic glazing, light shelves, etc.