Commercial façade design is more than just aesthetics it is the connection between the internal environment and the external world that can control energy performance, occupant comfort and importantly structural integrity.
For architects designing a new project, technical specifications about the material selection, thermal performance and integration strategies need to be planned from the beginning. Within this blog we highlight key commercial façade design considerations.
Performance and Aesthetics
At Contrasol, our bespoke design services allow us to work with architects from the conception of a project. We understand the technical specifications that are the core of any design; technical performance, solar heat gain and acoustic performance.
The façade performs many functions. Choosing materials that can manage heat transfer and achieve optimal U-values are essential for meeting energy efficiency targets. This not only has an impact on minimising heating and cooling loads but also reduces budget constraint of the final building. Similarly, by managing unwanted solar heat gains, especially in glazed facades using louvres or brise soleil, the right commercial façade design can dramatically reduce loads and operating costs. Designing to make use of optimal daylighting while mitigating solar glare is a balancing act. Design consideration of blade angles, projection distance and material reflectivity must be considered as to minimise natural light without overheating the interior.
Acoustic performance is another important key consideration in the design stage. A façade must mitigate external noise pollution ensuring a comfortable internal environment, especially for commercial offices.
A façade is both a technical envelope, as highlighted above, but also defines the building’s brand identity. The façade should be designed to enhance the appeal of the building but also fulfil its technical requirements. For example, sun shading treatments can provide decorative interest to the façade but also protect the building from the long-term effects of sunlight.
Specifying Materials and Systems
Choosing the right materials of the façade is key to it’s longevity, maintenance profile and environmental footprint. The choice of cladding material impacts not just the initial design and building cost but the long-term cost throughout its life cycle. For example, when considering the material selection, you should evaluate the material durability, weight, ease of installation and supply chain resilience. Beyond the material itself, consideration should be given to finishes, such as powder coatings to ensure long-term UV stability and resistance to weathering and corrosion, therefore extending the operating life of the building.
Choosing a cladding system, whether that’s a curtain wall system or double-skin façade, each requires a distinct approach to moisture management that must be considered in commercial façade design. Integrating solar shading systems into the façade design, vertical fins for example, are crucial for controlling daylight within a space and therefore the buildings orientation must be engineered into the façade design.
Industry Standards
Successful commercial façade design relies on early engagement with specialist partners, like Contrasol. Our understanding of the technical and regulatory demands of our products are upheld by our presence on NBS Source. This industry-known, trusted source of manufacturing products allows architects to work with us with confidence that our project specifications meet regulatory compliance. Façade specifications include meeting the requirements for thermal efficiency and fire safety for material selection and construction methods, especially around external cladding.
Partner with Contrasol
By collaborating with Contrasol on your next commercial façade design project you are entering a partnership with a trusted and industry compliant professional team. Our specialists ensure that final façade design is not only aesthetically pleasing but is also energy efficient and bespoke engineered to meet the demands of the final occupants.
Contact the Contrasol team today to discuss how we can deliver innovative, sustainable and high-quality façade design from conception to completion.
