Facade engineering

Building facades make a major contribution to the overall aesthetic and technical performance of a building. Specialist facade engineers operate within technical divisions of facade manufacturing companies, while some structural engineers act as facade consultants for architects, building owners, cladding manufacturers and construction managers. Projects can include new buildings and recladding of existing buildings.

Specialist facade engineers for facade manufacturers work in conjunction with other members of the design team including the facade consultant, architect, structural engineer, fire engineer, acoustician and lighting engineers. Their role relates to design, certification, fabrication and installation of the facade with respect to the overall objectives of structural adequacy, appearance, quality, performance, cost, durability and schedule. The facade engineer must consider the performance of the facade design with regards to air-tightness, thermal performance (Heat losses and solar gains), daylight penetration, Acoustic performance, and Fire resistance as well as the overall desired aesthetic for the facade.

Facade engineering requires a blend of skills ranging from structural engineering through to building physics, architecture, manufacturing, materials science, dynamics, programming, procurement, project management and construction techniques.

The professional body that looks after the development of the industry is the Society of Facade Engineering.