Changing Faces

FAÇADES AND FENESTRATIONS ARE A PART OF THE URBAN FABRIC THAT BUILDS UP A CITY. CURRENTLY, THE FOCUS IS ON SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS.

- Aruna Rathod

In recent years, façades and fenestration have undergone massive changes in keeping with climate change and energy efficiency norms. Manufacturers have developed new-age revolutionary façades that are aesthetic and functional, some that cool the building or heat the building and even neutralise smog. Architects, naturally, have embraced the new introductions with great enthusiasm, as innovative technologies make buildings more energy-efficient and have a positive impact on the CO 2 balance. A case in point is the V&A Dundee in Scotland, the country’s first dedicated design museum, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It has a distinctive façade, made of 2,500 cast stone elements hanging off a concrete frame. The materials were carefully selected, so as to withstand the elements externally – yet in the interiors, the architects wanted something warm and welcoming.

INNOVATIVE FAÇADES

Innovation in façades is not restricted to new buildings alone. Even existing structures benefit from new building techniques and technology. The Great Arthur House by John Robertson Architects is an iconic Grade II Listed Building. In 2013, the City of London Corporation commissioned the architects to replace the building’s deteriorating window system to significantly improve the comfort of the flats. Temporary structurally insulated panel protection screens were erected in every flat whilst the works were undertaken, and the design of new cladding sections, materials and assemblies were all required to be mocked up at 1:1 scale and appraised by Historic England. A new ironmongery mechanism had to be developed for the now significantly heavier double-glazed sliding windows.