Façade Engineering: Creating and reconstructing external building aesthetics

Façade engineering by FirstService Project Management 

The facade of any building holds great importance as it externally represents the culture of a property. From the materials chosen to the color scheme implemented each element that goes into façade engineering is vital to the integral success of the building. Façade covers the design and construction of a building's external face. FirstService Project Management, FSPM works with the most skilled facade engineers in their trade to ensure projects for our clients reflect the vision they have for their community.

FSPM works in partnership with the community association board to determine all of the aspects of the buildings façade; this includes, building design, materials, fabrication, certification and installation. FSPM works with FirstService Residential clients from the city to suburbs helping each board shape their desired community landscape.

Our project managers sit down to understand the unique needs of each property, their community, and community culture so that each project is completed with the upmost architectural integrity.

Façade comes in various materials and can be combined to achieve a desired aesthetic. Glass, wood, metal, brick, and concrete are all materials used to construct a building’s exterior.
 

Types of façade

• Decorative façade: Often lightweight decorative facade adheres to the front of a building and doesn’t provide additional structural support to the building. Glass and some lightweight metals are used to add decorative visual interest and even energy efficiency to structures.
   
• Prefabricated façade: This type of façade allows the greatest opportunity for customization as the materials are constructed from pre-made modules. Components are manufactured in a factory using wood or concrete panels, then transported to the building site for final assembly and installation. At times prefabricated facade can serve as a faster and more cost-efficient façade material.
   
• Traditional façade: As the name implies traditional façade construction aims to utilize the same, or very similar, building materials as the original structure. Often stone, brick and wood materials are used to capture the historical design essence of the existing construction. Traditional façade work provides a timeless aesthetic, seeking to maintain the architectural integrity of the original structure.

Façade in new construction

New construction façade offers engineers the opportunity to design a building with the latest technology and environmental advancements. Construction materials should be chosen with local climate and seasonal weather conditions at the core of the buildings design plans.

Things to consider with new façade construction

• Lighting design both internal and external
   
• Landscaping elements such as trees and shrubs
   
• Maintenance in the short and long term
   
• Energy efficiency and sustainability
   
• Neighborhood compatibility
   
• Walkability and pathways

Façade in existing construction

At some point your property will need to undergo a façade capital improvement project. Façade reconstruction is needed when an existing structure requires updating of outdated building materials or repair to damaged surfaces. When planning a façade reconstruction project, it’s important to keep in mind the building’s original aesthetics and how the construction project will impact residents.

Is it time for a façade project? A few things to consider.

• Is your property in need of new exterior windows, doors, fire escapes and/or handrails? Rotting wood, rusting metal or dated design are all reasons to consider a façade reconstruction project.
   
• Brick and mortar repair; does your building have lose bricks or degrading mortar joints?
   
• Decaying or damaged façade materials like stucco, concrete, glass, terra-cotta, and tiles can pose serious safety risks if not repaired.

FirstService Project Management is here to help your community association with its next capital improvement project

FirstService Project management partners with associations, like yours, to help develop and maintain safe residential properties. Our tenured team of capital improvement professionals will ensure your construction project is managed from concept to completion. We partner with additional FirstService Residential core services such as FirstService Financial to leverage the best rates for our associations. FSPM will work to apply for any rebates with utility companies when updating or recommissioning your property’s mechanical equipment.

With FirstService Energy, our experts are here to guide your building toward energy and cost savings. We assist in capitalizing on existing opportunities, stacking energy incentives, and future planning. This enables your building to take advantage of available cost reductions, and you can get back to focusing on your priorities as a board member.

Whether your community is beginning a new project or needs help with a project underway, FirstService Project Management welcomes the opportunity to meet with you, assess your needs and make sure that your project is completed efficiently and effectively from concept to completion.