Comprehensive system integration required in

facade industry

Mr. Nilabh Nagar, senior associate, Architect Hafeez Contractor

Architect Hafeez Contractor, the firm is a winner of over 70 national and international awards. It has conceptualised, designed and executed a wide range of architectural projects including residential developments, hospitals, hotels, offices and townships among others. Mr. Nilabh Nagar, senior associate, Architect Hafeez Contractor in an exclusive interaction with Built Expressions, says that relevant expertise on coordination and interface between materials as domain expertise lies in individual products is needed in the facades industry.

What are the different types of Cladding and Façade systems that are popularly adopted in India? And Why?

The most popular cladding material is stone and aluminum composite panel in buildings due to availability, price, and ease of fixing. In Industry it is galvanized sheets. The other which are gaining are the solid laminates, terracotta/porcelain tiles, acrylic composites, GRC, photovoltaic panels, wood and so on.

What are the different performance parameters to be considered while designing a cladding or any other Facade system? What do we understand by the term –“intelligent building facade”?

The parameters considered are durability, strength, weather ability, weight, insulation, aesthetic, surface hardness etc. For façade system air and water penetration, ease of installation, maintenance, structural stability etc.  The intelligent façade to me are the dynamic facades which adapt to the outside environment and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

What are the latest trends in the facades and cladding industry? What are the technologies utilized in India for the same?

Materials such as extruded glass, solid aluminum, stone honey comb, zinc/copper, glass reinforced composites and titanium composite panels are latest being considered. Most are in Aluminum framing systems.

Of late, façade design is looking at various aspects like energy conservation, efficiency, strength, resistance to high speed winds and vibrations. Has the industry equipped itself to cater to such consumer demands?

These are always been the consideration so the industry specialists are aware on the energy efficient facades. As the newer material is going into smaller towns the relevant expertise is not reaching as so there is a lot of compromise. The material manufactures do not take responsibility of installation hence; the primary problem in the industry is coordination and interface between materials as domain expertise lies in individual products. There is a need for comprehensive system that guarantees for the factors you have mentioned for non metro areas.