DESIGN SERVICE
CONCEPT DESIGN
- With many years of industry-based experience all within one company, Alumtech facilitates the façade design detailing, system design, thermal modeling and structural design of major projects, utilizing a unique range of façade engineering skills from a single source.
SYSTEM DESIGN
- Alumtech is able to produce market-driven façade system designs and has been involved in the formative development of a range of systems that are now commonly available within the industry and prepared for clients on a confidential basis. Not only are the concept and detailed design created, but the manufactured components such as extruded profile sections, gaskets, and thermal breaks can be checked for compliance design. Complex components can be rapidly prototyped from a CAD file.
FAÇADE DETAIL DESIGN
- Alumtech is able to provide a range of levels of façade detail design services, from a standard package assisting architects in the development of a design to a more comprehensive option where the subcontractor does not have to produce any design whatsoever.
- Actions include the completion of full sectional details, elevations, and working drawings showing all building interfaces, bracketry, other structural components, and all methods of construction.
- There are a number of overall benefits associated with this approach that save costs; reduce the programme, improve the project design quality and stability even in the event of the demise of the subcontractor
COMPLEX DESIGN ( CURVY & GEOMETRY)
we are experts in analysis, optimise, and work on design automation
- Irregular façade surfaces, single curved, bi-curved, twisted, or free forms surface developed from discrete planar elements create complex geometry. A key element of Wintech’s research has been the optimization of complex geometric surfaces. Alumtech has developed unique optimization algorithms to deliver the most efficient penalization study possible for a given form. Available techniques can regularise panels within irregular curved surfaces. Gradient similarities within different sections are analyzed to enhance the use of repeating panel configuration. Finite amounts of deviation from nodal points may be specified to further optimize the façade construction. The deviation may be either limited to the surface plane only or deviations in façade depth may also be allowed.
PARAMETRIC MODELLING
- Parametric design techniques provide the ideal tools to compliment the optimization process and realize the architectural vision. Following optimization, the façade model can be populated with intelligent parametric modules. These adaptive modules designed to meet the façade specification are embedded with the actual manufacture information necessary to complete the manufacture and installation of the final façade.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- For the façade engineer, Building Information Modelling can allow for greater, more effective communication of details and quantities of a building between designers, architects and construction workers. The model is shared usually in a 3D digital form with significantly greater accuracy. The distribution of this information creates an ideal environment for those involved on a project to work together efficiently and effectively, with any changes being taken care of more immediately and cost effectively.
FACADE REFURBISHMENT
Many older buildings are in need of extensive renovation to improve their energy performance. Often, this is seen as an opportunity to start again – demolish the existing building and rebuilding using modern materials. However, with construction timescales tightening and the spotlight on the climate crisis intensifying, is this always the best option?
The answer is of course dependent on the individual project in question. If you are faced with a structurally unsound building, with poor energy performance that isn’t functional for modern users, then knocking it down and starting again may be the more straightforward and probably far cheaper option. However, choosing to refurbish the building envelope can offer some key advantages over rebuilding.
Planning Permission
Acquiring planning permission for refurbishment projects is often a simpler and quicker process when you are just looking to make alterations to an existing building. Rebuilds are also typically required to meet the same modern building requirements as a new build project, whilst there is a lot more flexibility with refurb projects.
Practicalities
Creating the structural elements of a building is typically the most expensive and time-consuming part of the building program. If the core structure is sound, updating the facade is a quick and cost-effective way to transform the thermal, fire, and acoustic performance and the overall look of the building, maximizing the return on investment on the original structure and reducing the environmental impact of the project.
Environmental Impact
The environmental benefit is one of the most compelling arguments for refurbishment. Whilst it may not be possible to always bring older buildings up to the same levels of energy efficiency as those built today, it is not only the operational energy that needs to be taken into consideration. Embodied carbon is an often-forgotten value when calculating a building’s carbon footprint.
Embracing Retrofit
Facades have an important role to play in a building’s construction. Their primary purpose is to provide weather resistance, protecting the structure and occupants from the elements. However, as the first aspect that people see when they enter or pass by a building, they are also vital for establishing identity and status becoming almost like pieces of art in the built environment.
Whilst it is not always possible, refurbishing an existing building’s facade is certainly worth exploring before plunging for demolishment. Continual advancements in material and system technology has helped to make this an even simpler option for architects looking to completely transform the way a building interacts with the wider world, from its energy and fire performance to its commercial value.
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