Projects: Engineering, Coordination, Prototyping
An integrated workflow is implemented on projects which results in a facade system design that is optimised for global and local analysis, manufacture, fabrication and installation on site. Physical testing is used for validation of the design; key steps are small-scale material testing, component testing and full-scale mock-up testing for visual and system performance evaluation. Computational modelling and analysis are used from the initial design stage onwards and integrated throughout the process so that the final system design is optimised to meet performance requirements.
Selected UK projects:
Projects in other territories:
Physical testing
Innovative forms are realised through the exploration of new simplified assemblies, validation for the system is then provided through full-scale mock ups of typical assembly bays. The mock-ups allow all aspects of the system to be tested, the material quality and fabrication techniques are evaluated both physically and for their mechanical and performance properties. The assembly method is also interrogated to ensure the most efficient method is used making the construction feasible by reducing the assembly complexity and time scale.
Information from a detailed 3D model of the envelope system is translated to a physical mock up, this allows the assembly, material quality and construction sequence to be evaluated and developed. The performance of the assembly is assessed through a series of tests including; structural, thermal, acoustics and water and air penetration. The tests are conducted on full scale floor height mock ups which are fabricated using the same materials and metals as the final design, the provides an accurate representation of the final system performance and enables any necessary adjustment to be made to meet the required performance.
The generation of full scale mock ups allows the performance of the system assembly to be tested for both environmental and structural performance, providing validation of the computer analysis and the resulting systems performance. This process allows the true performance of the system assembly to be measured, comparing this with the simulated results then supplies validation or else highlights changes which are required in the material or fabrication to achieve the designed performance.
Full scale mock ups of assemblies provide a vital tool for critically evaluating the assembly, material quality and construction sequence for an envelope system design, from which the design is developed and validated. They allow the engineer and architect the opportunity to physically evaluate all aspects of the system, both the visual and technical elements can be interrogated. The mock up also enables the contractor to understand the system and its assembly, streamlining the later design stages and construction phase.
