Don’t Be Facade-ulous: Key Considerations for Façade Transformation
The façade of a building acts like its wardrobe, shaping its identity and standing out within the skyline. Just like clothing, façades occasionally need a refresh to maintain their appeal and relevance. But is revamping a building’s façade as simple as changing an outfit?
5 key considerations to keep in mind before embarking on a façade transformation
These considerations should always be addressed to ensure that the façade not only achieves aesthetic appeal but also stands the test of time. By thoughtfully considering these factors, it can create a lasting design that not only enhances the building’s appearance but also contributes to the local community, potentially becoming a landmark in its own right
1. Can the existing facade structure support new element?
One of the biggest challenges in revamping an existing building’s façade is that its original structure may not have been designed to support additional materials. This limitation restricts the range of materials that can be used for the new façade, requiring careful consideration of weight and structural capacity.
Despite the limitations in material options, DML Aluminium Flatlite offers a lightweight solution that will not place excessive stress on the existing structure. Its unique plastic-core design makes it 30% lighter than traditional aluminum panels, allowing for installation without any need to modify the existing structural elements.
2. Choosing material that is suitable in local climate
In addition to limited material choices, it’s crucial to consider the suitability of materials for the local climate. In tropical environments like Malaysia, buildings face the challenges of intense sun and heavy rain. Choosing the wrong material can accelerate wear and tear, leading to faster deterioration and higher maintenance costs.
The Flatlite panel is coated with PVDF/PE paint and features an aluminum core, making it highly resistant to extreme weather conditions such as harsh sunlight, acid rain, and salt spray corrosion. In addition to its weather-resistant properties, the panel’s coating provides a low-maintenance, easy-to-clean surface that can be restored to its original appearance using just water and mild detergent.
3. Compliance to local safety guildeline
The 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster served as a sobering wake-up call for the building industry, highlighting the critical importance of fire safety in façade design. As a result, many authorities have since implemented more rigorous safety codes, emphasizing the need for non-combustible or fire-retardant materials to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Designed as an integral component of the façade, the Flatlite panel is crafted from non-combustible materials and has been awarded the AS1530.1 certification. Its advanced fire safety core significantly enhances its performance, surpassing the mandatory requirements for exterior materials in most contexts. This makes it a reliable choice for ensuring safety without compromising aesthetic appeal.
4. Design form that blends with its surrounding
You never truly know your neighbors until you move in, and the same holds true for architects when it comes to understanding the surrounding context—site visits are essential. Given the constraints of weight, weather resistance, and safety guidelines, many buildings can end up looking similar due to a limited selection of materials.
However, unique architectural expressions can still emerge through the flexibility of DML Flatlite Panels in various forms and finishes, enabling buildings to harmonize with its surroundings. As long as an architect can envision their design, DML can bring that vision to life using Flatlite Panels.
5. Keep the budget in mind for installation
While achieving aesthetic appeal and durability is important, it’s equally crucial to ensure that the project remains within a sustainable budget; otherwise, clients may reject the proposed vision. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to account for potential hidden costs, including installation and labor.
The slim profile of Flatlite Panels allows for easy cutting and shaping, while a range of pre-fabricated joint profiles streamlines on-site installation. This efficient system not only reduces time commitments but also translates to lower labor costs.
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