Early Design

It is crucial to set the facade design on the right path early.

During the Concept & Scheme Design phases, we collaborate with the architect to characterize the facade systems to meet aesthetic objectives and to define performance criteria.

The colorful aquamarine facade of the completed 1700 Webster Street, a high-rise building in Oakland, CA set against a bright blue California sky.

1700 Webster Street, Oakland CA

de Young Museum, San Francisco CA

Option selection

Scheme design sketches of facade system options with performance analysis diagrams for each.

System Option Sketches & Performance Analysis

By leveraging our experience & in-depth knowledge we can shorten selection times for facade system & module, glass sizing & makeup, and materials & finishes.  As needed, we conduct performance modeling & visualization to help the architect make the tough choices. 

Interactions

Close-up of operable facade shading mechanism at Aurora-Place in Sydney, Australia.

Operable Shading Detail, Aurora Place, Sydney

We create sketches to clarify & memorialize selections for further refinement in later phases.

We provide advice on options selection for facade acoustics, solar control coating, security, bird-safe design, & interactions with other building systems.

We also factor in impacts on and of project schedule & lead times.

Sketches

Scheme design sketch of vertical & horizontal facade solar control shading options.

Facade Concepts – Solar Control Option Sketches

We provide advice on options selection for facade acoustics, solar control coating, security, bird-safe design, & interactions with other building systems.

These sketches include preliminary typical & critical system interface details.

Typical scope

Facade scheme design system characterization sketch with three floors protected by multiple layers of blue external glass shading devices.

Facade System Characterization Sketch

  • System design characterization & development
  • Typical indicative detail sketches
  • Drawing review for constructability & continuity
  • Performance modeling & visualization
  • Buildability, schedule & coordination advice