Exploring the latest trends and challenges in the façade industry

This discussion delves into the latest trends in the façade and fenestration industry and the challenges associated with the installation and maintenance of glass facades in high-rises.

Can you walk us through the latest trends in the façade industry?
Today, designing glazing has become more customised and accurate. Parametric façade design technologies allow us to select the façades, the material, and the design for a building. The overall façade design is made using scientific calculations, where one can also get the information related to the time required for installation. Designing facades has become easier and more accurate, especially in the case of high rises, where several challenges like wind load, material selection, and installation issues are addressed. 3D printing on façade glasses has facilitated the utilisation of building envelope advertisement portals. Another latest innovation is the self-cleaning glass, which does not have a high cleaning requirement like the normal glass and is thus easier to maintain.

What, in your opinion, are the problems associated with improper installation of windows in buildings, and what are your suggestions to overcome these?
Improper window installation can result in seepage, air, heat, and noise inside the building. The windows market as such needs to be more organised. So, even if the product is world-class, there could be installation issues if fabricators and installers need to be properly trained. It is important to follow standard operating procedures for installation. As a market leader in providing glazing and fenestration solutions, we have initiated a training program for the installers with multiple levels of training, like basic, initial, and advanced. We educate them on the best practices and overall SOPs and provide them with a checklist of what has to be followed and the desired result. But there is still a lot to be done since the industry is disorganised, and there is a need for rigorous standardisation. We have also come up with maintenance SOPs.

Do you think glass buildings suit the Indian climate? What are your product offerings?
Almost 75 percent of our country is hot and humid. Glass can be preferred because it reduces heat ingress and optimises light. Energy-efficient glasses and high-performance glasses are optimal choices. Glass is also preferred because it is easier and faster to install, light in weight, and is a green product. Glass products should also be chosen based on the window size. We offer two broad categories of products, AIS Open and AIS Ecosense, with several products in each. Our recently launched Ecosense Natura is useful in improving light-to-solar gain and helps optimise natural light and reduce heat ingress. 

What are the fire-resistant products that you offer? What are your thoughts on the essentials of fire safety in glass buildings?
Our innovative AIS Pyrobel product is a high-performing, fire-resistant glass that fulfils the EW integrity and radiation control requirements. Apart from fire-resistant glass, it is also important to make the fire rating of buildings more stringent. We are also increasing the awareness of this product among consumers and working with stakeholders on tightening the fire safety regulations.

Can you walk us through the certifications for which your products have been certified?
All our products are green-certified by IGBC GRIHA and EPD (Environment Product Declaration), which is required for the LEED rating. We are coming up with our own standards for coated glass in India. We follow the BIS standard, IS4553, for our toughened, processed, and tempered glass. We follow Indian standards for products that have them. For products that do not have Indian norms, we follow European standards and ASTM, as applicable.

For more details, visit: https://www.aisglass.com/

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