Modern commercial real estate architecture increasingly relies on translucent structures as a key element of facade solutions. For developers and planners, this is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a tool to increase energy efficiency, facility liquidity and competitiveness. Alpika stands out among the companies implementing such projects, specializing in the design and supply of aluminum facade systems for facilities of various scales.
The role of facade glazing in modern projects
Facade systems today perform several functions at once:
- they form the architectural appearance of the building
- provide natural light
- they participate in heat and sound insulation
- affect the operating costs
For objects of class B+ and above (business centers, shopping malls, modern residential complexes), the facade becomes part of the building's engineering system, and not just a shell.
The main types of translucent structures
A classic solution for most commercial facilities. The structure consists of vertical racks and horizontal crossbars with double-glazed windows.
Advantages:
- high load-bearing capacity
- design flexibility
- the ability to integrate opening elements
Structural glazing
A technology in which the glass is fixed without visible pressure strips. This allows you to create visually "solid" facades.
Key Features:
- minimalism of appearance
- uniform load distribution
- increased requirements for installation and sealing
Semi-structural solutions
A combined version that combines elements of classical and structural systems. It is used when it is necessary to optimize the budget without loss of visual quality.
Engineering aspects of design
The design of facade glazing requires an integrated approach and consideration of many factors:
Loads and safety
- wind loads (especially for high-rise buildings)
- temperature deformations
- weight of double-glazed windows and subsystems
Calculations are performed at the KM and KMD stages, taking into account the joint venture and international standards.
Energy efficiency
Modern facades are designed with energy saving requirements in mind:
- the use of multifunctional double-glazed windows
- application of thermal fractures in aluminum profiles
- reduction of heat loss through junctions
This is especially important for objects with a high glazing area.
Acoustic comfort
Noise protection is critical for buildings located in dense urban areas. The solution is achieved by:
- multi - layered
