Façade
Engineering

Building envelopes and more

We create innovative engineering concepts for building façade and envelopes to help realise architectural, functional, economical, and sustainable visions.

Interior view through the load-bearing GFRP façade of the Deichman Library, Oslo © Einar Aslaksen
Interior view through the load-bearing GFRP façade of the Deichman Bjørvika – Main Library © Einar Aslaksen
Build-up sequence for the GFRP façade of the Deichman Library, Oslo
Build-up sequence of detail for the GFRP façade of Deichman Bjørvika – Main Library

Integrated design

We follow a holistic approach to designing, engineering, and monitoring façades. For us, holistic is not just a meaningless phrase between constantly increasing energy requirements and technical innovations.

Our responsibility towards our environment and clients lets us strive to conform to our projects' aesthetic, functional, ecological and economic aspects. We ensure the technical feasibility and excellence of our façade developments.

Explore Deichman Bjørvika →

Re-use of facade panels in the cultural heritage of the old Commerzbank Tower (today Hotel Ruby Luna), Düsseldorf
Re-use of facade panels in the cultural heritage of the old Commerzbank Tower (today Hotel Ruby Luna), Düsseldorf

Façade Life Cycle

For us, a circular façade economy is not just a question of certification but, as modern engineers, a matter of course.

We work during all phases of value creation and life cycles of façades: From sketching first ideas for architects to tender documentation for clients, from shop and assembly drawings for façade contractors to concepts for dismantling and re-using existing façades.

More about Hotel Ruby Luna →

Façade concept, detail sketch drawing
Façade concept, detail sketch drawing

Beyond standards

In addition to complying with standards, laws and certification systems, we have committed ourselves to performing life cycle assessments (LCA) of all our façade projects. This includes evaluating and optimising the potential global warming impact as well as the recyclability and reusability of materials, components and systems.

Furthermore, we consider the impact of different façade options on the operational energy consumption of buildings. We plan systems for decentralised, renewable energy generation in façades and advise on the efficiency and technical feasibility of façade greening.

The new unitised curtain wall on the existing superstructure, UP! Berlin © HGEsch
The new unitised curtain wall on the existing superstructure, UP! Berlin © HGEsch

Expert collaborations

As façade engineers, we see ourselves in a central role within multi-disciplinary planning teams. We consider and integrate requirements from all specialist disciplines, such as energy concepts, building physics, structural engineering, fire engineering, cleaning/maintenance, and eco-construction.

The collaboration with our in-house façade expert teams enables us to not only consider these requirements but also to mediate, question and optimise them with our other experts.

Explore UP!  →

Parametric 3D shop planning model for a curved steel-glass canopy
Parametric 3D shop planning model for a curved steel-glass canopy

Parametric workflow and optimisation

Our vast experience with three-dimensional and custom-made parametric planning tools facilitates our daily work. Advanced applications, some of which are in-house developments, allow us the efficient optimisation of contradictory project requirements.

Moreover, they ensure the continuous mass and cost reliability of our solutions. Good collaboration and native digital data exchange within planning teams and contractors in all necessary standards is a matter of course for us.

Design Technology  →

Unitised curtain wall with jumbo-sized steel glass modules, Deutsche Bank Campus, Frankfurt
Unitised curtain wall with jumbo-sized steel glass modules, Deutsche Bank Campus, Frankfurt

Procuring successful project deliveries

We provide entire tender documents for any award procedure. We optimise and organise procurement and award processes for our clients to ensure the efficient involvement of construction companies such as façade or general contractors. In our completed projects, transparency, fairness, and independence have ensured compliance with schedules and cost plans for our clients.

Deutsche Bank Campus  →

Hanging all-glass facade, Hyundai Motor Studio, Goyang, Seoul © Hyundai
Hanging all-glass façade, Hyundai Motor Studio, Goyang, Seoul © Hyundai

Technical excellence and experience

With decades of experience and knowledge of the market, we ensure the optimal application of existing materials, products and systems. Moreover, we assess innovations and emerging technologies in terms of technical applicability, necessary verification and approval procedures, and cost-effectiveness for the individual project. Unique non-standard solutions, e.g., in the field of load-bearing all-glass structures, can already be evaluated during the planning phase to guarantee the technical implementation on site.

Explore Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang  →

Demonstrator pavilion for fluid-flow glazing, Sofia, left: © InDeWag, right: © HTCO
Demonstrator pavilion for fluid-flow glazing, Sofia ​​​​​​​​​© HTCO (left), ​​​​​​​​​© InDeWag (right)

Research and Development

We participate in expert committees and research projects to improve our building envelopes. This is a necessity for us to improve our knowledge and continuously reflect on our design decisions.

Moreover, it allows us to cope with our responsibility to help shape the future of the built environment and to push on resource-efficient construction methods and design strategies. We invest in our future and our next generation of façade engineers by educating our junior staff in our in-house B+G Façade Academy.