When you talk about building architecture, several aspects are involved that come together to make a building architecture. From structural design to material selection, and from HVAC to fire and emergency exits, all the aspects involved have a sheer importance. Similar is a component known as a building facade.
The building facades play a crucial role for defining the aesthetics, functionality, and overall appearance of the building. These elements of a building structure help in insulation, weather protection, and security.
This article is for contractors, interior designers, and glass wholesalers who give their services when someone talks about facade construction. So, let’s dive into this informational guide and have a deeper understanding of this interesting ingredient of building structure.
What is a Building Facade?
The exterior of the building, or you can say the exterior wall of the building is said to be a building facade. It is the part of a building that faces the main road, street, or public space and is the first thing people see when they see the building.
The Functional Roles of Building Facades
As mentioned earlier, the facades are purposeful and have many benefits. Some of the perks facades furnish are given below:
Insulation
Facades are very useful in regulating the internal temperature of a building, regardless of the external temperature. This insulation capability of the facade not only works to maintain the temperature but contributes to energy efficiency.
Weather Protection
Facades act as a shield against the weather elements like rain, wind, snow, and hurricanes. However, they must be well-designed and properly installed to prevent water infiltration, and maintain the structural integrity.
Noise Control
The external noises, hustle and bustle disturb all the occupants of a building. By installing the building facades, you can reduce the noise coming inside your building.
Security
The facades of a building reduce the risk of unauthorized access and enhance the building’s safety. They act as a barrier between the interior and the exterior.
Fresher Air
You can get fresh air inside the building by opening the facade panels. Such facility is available in glass facades, where a few of the glass facades work as the awning windows, allowing the fresh air to come in.
Types of Facades in Modern Architecture
Facades can be made of bricks, stones, metal, wood, stucco, polycarbonate, etc. However, the delicacy a glass facade offers is matchless. Here in this section, we will elaborate on the types of glass facades in construction that are commonly used in modern architecture.
1. Curtain Wall Facades
The large and non-structural glass panels that cover the outer walls of the building are curtain wall facades. Such facades give striking visuals and allow the natural light to pass through.
2. Spider Glass Facades
With minimalistic metal support, the spider glass facade provides a sleek appearance that furnishes elegance and transparency to your building. Spider glass facades are widely used in commercial setups and skyscrapers.
3. Double-Skin Facades
If you need maximum insulation in your interior, go for the double-skin facade for your building. It is a type of facade made with two glass layers with an air gap in between. Thus, this scheme helps to provide excellent insulation and regulate the interior temperature.
4. Storefront Facades
The storefront facades are often seen in front of retail stores, brands, and pharmacies. The large glass windows or walls help the passersby to see the products inside the store.
5. Structural Glazing Facades
Mostly, glass facades are non-load bearing. However, the structural glazing involves large glass panels that bear some weight of the structure. These facades are bonded to the structure directly using an adhesive.
6. Fritted Glass Facades
It is a less-known term but widely used for glass facades where patterns or designs are etched onto the surface of the glass. Using this glass for the facade adds a decorative touch.
7. Dynamic or Smart Glass Facades
Dynamic or smart glass can be referred to as privacy glass. It is an innovative type of glass in which the opacity can be adjusted. It offers versatility, energy efficiency, and sun protection.
8. Reflective Glass Facades
With a metallic coating, the reflective glass facades don’t allow outsiders to see through. It has a mirror-like appearance that reflects the surrounding environment, furnishing a distinct appearance to the building.
9. Patterned or Textured Glass Facades
The glass facades with different patterns and textures embossed onto the surface are known as patterned or textured glass facades. These facades give a unique look to the building architecture that captivates the attention of the passersby.
10. Colored Glass Facades
The colored glass facades are mostly used where a specific theme or branding is required. These facades add a pop of color, and make the building’s exterior more elegant and enchanting.
Glass Types for Building Facades
When you are to install the facades, you must know your needs. Knowing your needs can lead you to choose a glass type that best fits your building. So, here are some glass options to choose from when building glass facades.
Float Glass
It is the most common and standard type of glass used for building facades. This type of glass offers clarity and versatility.
Low-E Glass
Low-E glass or low emissivity glass is a glass type with a special coating that reduces heat transfer, thus making it energy-efficient glass.
Tinted Glass
Tinted Glass is a type of glass that comes in various shades and furnishes aesthetic appeal. Moreover, it increases privacy and reduces energy bills.
Reflective Glass
A glass with a metallic coating that reflects light and heat is said to be reflective glass. This glass is beneficial in hot climates. Furthermore, it allows the building occupants to see outside, but the outsiders can’t see inside.
Laminated Glass
This type of glass is widely used in glass facades as it is highly durable and impact-resistant. Laminated glass is made by combining two or more glass panels with an interlayer, giving it strong bond and shatter-resistant properties.
Acid-Etched Glass
With a frosted appearance, acid-etched glass is one of the top choices during facade construction. It offers privacy while allowing the natural light to pass through.
Patterned or Textured Glass
Patterned or Textured Glass is a decorative glass with patterns or textures embossed onto the glass surface. The sole purpose of having this glass for the facades is to enhance the aesthetics and achieve privacy.
Key Takeaways
To make the long story short, the building facades are a core element of a building with several functional and aesthetic features. They are available in different styles, materials, and designs, but the elegance that pops up by having glass facades is second to none.
So, if you are in the market and looking for glass facades, you must not look other than Fab.glass. We at Fab.glass are offering some irresistible offers for glass and mirror vendors, wholesalers, contractors, and interior designers. Fab.glass welcomes you to its Pro Partner where you get competitive pricing, dedicated support, one-click ordering, faster processing, and job site delivery. Not only this, our Net 30 Payment Terms allow the Pro Partners to pay the amount with ease. So, become our Pro Partner and enjoy exciting perks all year long!
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