BUILDING FACADE COSTS INSIGHTS & CURRENT TRENDS
Introduction
Façade plays a vital role in any buildings, capable of providing energy efficient envelopes, sustainable requirements, enhanced functional and architectural designs. Façade cost used to be typically 10% to 15% of building cost, however this has changed significantly. In this post Covid scenario, we have been observing that façade costs has increased significantly to the level of 20- 30% of overall Building cost. Hence, it is very important for the Client / Architect /Designers to understand the cost impact and take a balanced approach on cost VS performances. This will lead to final outcome as per expectations with no compromise on quality and design intent.
Recent Impact due to global market
- Energy price increase
- Chaotic and broken supply chain
- Expensive and unreliable Logistics
- Raw materials price increase and uncertain supply
Analysis of a Typical Façade System
We wish to review widely used system “Unitised Curtain Wall” i.e. Pre-fabricated panelized facades globally used for all the types of buildings. This system involves several components that are assembled in a factory,
transported to site and gets installed on the building to get the enclosure. Although from the layman’s point of view, the façade looks like a grid of glass panes. But, there are several components contributing to build the envelope which may be glazing, cladding or any other architectural materials. We illustrate the impact of key components to understand the design VS cost implications.
