Stark Skins

The façade industry is growing at a rapid pace, providing more aesthetical and functional options now

- Shristi Nangalia

More and more building façades offer particular aesthetic geometries, breaking the convention of a flat glass box structure, and buildings with complex curves and surface treatments are achieving artistic forms that are visually appealing.

There is also an increased focus on sustainability. This requires façades to be designed such that they reduce energy costs inside the buildings with increased use of sunshades and low-emissivity glass to allow for natural lighting without loss of thermal energy. There is an increased application of passive ventilation like employing double skinned façades and other techniques, improving user experience without compromising on energy costs.

A third key concern is the focus to meet budgets and not exceed costs. Providing value-engineering façade projects and flexibility in its services is Aluplex. The company aims to deliver the project within the budget of the client without compromising on the architecture, quality and sustainability. “Aluplex is presently exploring the use of integrated photovoltaic cells within the curtain wall façade system, wherein the façade panels generate energy, instead of losing it. Due to the limitations in efficiency of PV cells that lose efficiency with increasing temperature, we are constructing a prototype that includes a solar heat-exchanger for water heating, incorporated within the BIPV curtain wall panel. The water reduces the temperature of the PV Cell, while also heating water for use,” says the company’s director, Rohan Keswani.