Tag Archives: stainless steel

Activating the fifth facade: Enhancing rooftop design with metal fabric

By Dale Payne, P.E.

With a lack of available space, developing the rooftop, or “fifth facade,” has become an essential solution. Facility managers and specifiers tasked with building and renovating office buildings, schools, and health care facilities prioritize health and flexible design while noting that outdoor spaces increase concentration, productivity, healing, and overall occupant well-being and satisfaction.

However, designing exterior architectural features can be challenging, as natural elements such as wind, rain, and snow test …

+ Read More

Designing With Stainless Steel: Bioclimatic hybrid façades

An international design revolution is incorporating both traditional and new concepts to create bioclimatic sustainable architecture. Building energy reduction is a key goal for new and renovation projects designed to these principles, but it must be balanced against occupant well-being and the desire for fresh air and natural light. Exterior walls are being transformed from relatively simple climate defensive mechanisms to more active membranes. Innovative hybrid second-skin designs incorporating shading systems are being used on award-winning projects around the world, and these concepts could be applied to a much broader range of buildings.

+ Read More