Façade
Façade is the building skin that encloses the building and protects the occupants from weather elements. It creates an artificial environment and also gives the first impression for the building. Facade can be traditional (masonry) or modern (cladding, prefabrication, curtain wall); both systems fulfil the requirement of space, aesthetics, energy performance, heat transfer, lighting, sound and comfort. Finishes should be compatible with the wall system, as they provide both aesthetics and protection against weathering. The traditional façade systems are mainly made of masonry and/or reinforced concrete and finished with cement render and painted or finished with various cladding materials. The modern facade systems include large panel curtain walls and some green features such as photovoltaic cells, vertical greening, LED, automatic blinds/louvers, high performance glazing and nano coatings. Adherence to proper design, construction and maintenance practices would safeguard the long term maintainability of the façade and the entire building.
