Façade design establishes how the remediation system should be configured. Façade engineering provides the calculations and technical analysis needed to confirm that the proposed solution will perform as intended.
This includes assessing structural loads, fixing arrangements, fire performance, material compatibility and the way the new façade system connects to the existing building.
The engineering provides the technical basis for finalising the design and demonstrating that the proposed remediation solution is suitable for the building.
Our façade engineering services can include:
Confirming that cladding support systems, brackets and fixings can carry the loads involved, including wind loading specific to the building’s height and exposure.
Working through how a façade system behaves in a fire scenario — not just material classification, but how the assembled system performs as a whole, including cavity behaviour and compartmentation.
Checking that insulation, cladding, fixings and fire stopping products are compatible with each other and tested together, rather than assembled from components that have only been tested in isolation.
Understanding how a new façade system interacts with the building’s existing structure, particularly on older buildings where original construction records may be incomplete.
Ensuring the engineered solution meets current Building Regulations and relevant fire safety guidance for the building type and height.
Façade engineering may be required where a remediation project involves a new or modified façade system, structural fixing arrangements, changes to the external wall build-up or complex interfaces with the existing building.
It can be particularly important where the existing structure, fixing arrangements or original construction are not fully understood, or where the proposed remediation involves significant changes to the existing façade.
Engineering input can be required at different stages of a project, from assessing an existing system through to developing and verifying the proposed remediation solution.
Façade engineering forms part of the technical development of a remediation project, working alongside design and specification rather than as a separate final stage.
Survey → Strategy → Design → Engineering → Specification → Construction
Engineering uses the information established during investigation and feeds into the detailed design and specification, helping ensure the proposed solution can be properly constructed and perform as intended.