Build Sustainable Awards 2016

Build 2016 Sustainable Building Awards ntil recently the design and specification of building façades has relied upon engineers who have no formal scientific training in building envelope design. With the increasing demands set by architects and the need for high levels of performance and durability, this has stimulated the need for engineers to have the right academic underpinning; consequentially it was always difficult for clients to differentiate between the relative competencies of façade professionals. As a result, Chris Macey, CEO of Wintech Façade Engineering, was instrumental in the formation of the Society of Façade Engineering, a joint initiative of CIBSE, IStructE and the RIBA, aimed at accrediting the profession and improving standards across the industry. Macey stated that Wintech’s business operates with engineers who have at least a Master’s Degree in Façade Engineering as a specialist discipline and they are also accredited by the Society. In fact, approximately 17% of the staff at Wintech have PhD’s in relevant supporting subjects. Using the right people will always be a necessity. The façade is a visual manifestation of the architect’s design, can represent 30% of construction costs and is described by CIBSE as the primary environmental modifier. Since the façade is inextricably linked to the whole building performance and becomes a point of real sensitivity on sustainability and low carbon emission buildings, it is essential that building developers take appropriate independent professional advice in the early stages of design. We believe that businesses are responsible for achieving good environmental practice. Therefore, Wintech are committed to promoting a range of Façade Engineering services to minimise the environmental impact of both the production and operation of the built environment. Across the Group, Wintech provides expert services aimed at improving quality and durability and reducing cost and risk by the provision of a whole range of consultancy services including, for example, façade design, wind engineering and materials sciences. Wintech’s services extend from the initial conception stage with the provision of strategic advice right through to the eventual monitoring of the façade during installation on site. Macey says: “We are purely Façade Engineers; specialists in our discipline and possibly the largest independent façade engineering group in Europe. Our engineers and scientists are focused entirely on building envelope design, performance and durability with our core business centred on advising developers and clients in adopting the right cladding strategies. Wintech is viewed as a safe pair of hands for the delivery of major complex projects.” These projects include Istanbul’s new airport, which has nearly seven kilometres of façade, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur which was, until recently, the tallest building in the world, and the Evelyn Grace Academy that won its architect, the late Zaha Hadid, the Stirling Prize in 2011. In fact, Wintech have had an involvement in two of this year’s nominated buildings; Neo Bankside designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and the University of Greenwich Stockwell Street Building designed by Heneghan Peng Architects. If that isn’t enough, Wintech have also been involved in at least three of the 10 tallest buildings in the world. Within the Group, Wintech also has a separate, independent and accredited façade testing laboratory that provides CE marking for products as well as bespoke façade testing. “For any major building the façade engineering always offers a challenge, which might be further compounded by high complexity or the use of specific materials. We can however mitigate performance-based risks by running tests that can include the use of an aeroplane engine to dynamically scrutinise the performance of the building fabric,” explains Macey. “This is a way of validating the design before putting it on the building and then possibly finding there’s a problem. There is always the danger that there is insufficient knowledge and not a proper perception of the risks involved. “Unfortunately when things do go wrong we are often asked to provide forensic services to determine the mode of failure and identify remediation strategies. There have been instances in the past where the mechanical failure of some components has led to materials falling from buildings or developments being completed that prove difficult to keep warm in winter or cool in the summer, or just simply leak”. The extent of activities means Wintech often works in a consultancy capacity with developers and their architects by assisting in the selection of cladding strategies. With the business being over 30 years old and having the historical benefit of understanding what works where, Wintech can provide very useful advice to developers and architects allowing them to make properly informed decisions on this important aspect of building design. When asked about the opportunities that exist for the future, Macey stated that he felt this lies in creating buildings that use adaptive performance. “This is a technology that will eventually allow buildings to adjust their façade performance. For example, a large commercial building with a constant dominant cooling air conditioning load will benefit by the façade reducing its own insulation performance on cool days; conversely on very hot days it will adapt to a high insulation performance to assist in maintaining the cool temperatures within the building. There are other factors that will also help such as light transmission, solar shading and ventilation which, through adaptive performance, will significantly reduce future building energy usage. Wintech and Cambridge University are working in collaboration together on a research project in this very interesting field. Façade Engineering Consultancy of the Year - UK Wintech Façade Engineering are independent façade consultants based in the UK. Chris Macey, CEO, talks us through the firm and its innovative approach. U AR160030