Ventilated Façades

A ventilated façade is a multi-layer system in which each component has a specific function. Depending on the project, the build-up can include the supporting wall, thermal insulation, wind protection layer, brackets and substructure, ventilated cavity and external rainscreen cladding.

The system is developed as a complete build-up, with particular attention to fixings, cavity depth, openings, corners, transitions, flashings and interfaces with windows, doors and other façade elements.

This coordinated approach allows the technical layers behind the finished façade to be developed together rather than treating the external cladding as a separate element.

The combination of insulation, a ventilated cavity and external rainscreen creates a façade system designed to provide thermal protection while effectively managing moisture and exposure to weather.

The insulation layer provides the required thermal performance, while the ventilated cavity allows air circulation behind the external cladding and supports moisture management within the façade build-up.

The external rainscreen protects the underlying façade layers from direct exposure to rain and weather while providing the building with its finished architectural appearance.

The supporting substructure is developed according to the cladding system, façade geometry, supporting wall and project-specific loads.

Depending on the project, we can develop the required brackets, profiles, fixing arrangements and connection details, taking into account the dimensions and weight of the selected cladding, wind loads, support conditions and installation requirements.

The substructure can also accommodate construction tolerances and variations in the supporting wall, allowing the required external façade plane to be established accurately before installation of the final cladding.

Ventilated façade systems provide considerable freedom in the selection of materials, formats, profiles, colours, textures and façade geometry.

Depending on the architectural concept, the external rainscreen can incorporate metal cassettes, aluminium or steel elements, composite materials, wood, Thermowood, profiled sheets and other suitable façade products.

Different materials, formats and systems can also be combined within the same elevation, providing flexibility to realise project-specific architectural concepts without compromising the technical façade build-up behind them.

The performance of a ventilated façade depends not only on the main façade areas but also on the correct detailing of windows, doors, corners, parapets, plinths, penetrations and transitions to adjacent building systems.

We coordinate these interfaces with the surrounding glazing, roofing, steel structures and other building-envelope elements, developing the required support, connection and finishing details.

Depending on the project scope, we can coordinate the technical development, supporting substructure, insulation layers, external cladding, flashings, supply and installation of the ventilated façade system.

Where the ventilated façade forms part of our wider building-envelope scope, it can be coordinated with glazing, roofing, steel structures and adjacent façade systems from technical detailing through to installation, providing one integrated approach to the building exterior.