Integrated façades Print


Desi​gn Checklist​

  1. ​​The façade is designed as an integrated part of the building​

​​It is essential that all elevations and their façade treatments are considered and designed as an integral part of the overall apartment building.

Better Design Practice

The façade is designed as an integrated part of the building

Ensure the façade displays an appropriate scale, rhythm and proportion through a hierarchical arrangement of elements. The façade should achieve this by:

  • ​Avoiding monotonous repetition of the same unit.

  • Having dimensions appropriate to the scale of the building and adjoining development.

  • Establishing vertical and horizontal lines and modules with features such as party walls, exposed downpipes, setbacks, string courses, cornices, balconies, eaves lines and door or window heads.

  • Clearly defining building entries with awnings, recesses, projecting bays etc. • Incorporating balcony types that respond to the street and building orientation.

  • Incorporating a well-proportioned solid-to-void ratio of openings along the facade.

Integrate material selection with the overall façade design and aim for low maintenance, robust materials that will weather well.

Materials are an important element to consider in responding to character and reinforcing or establishing sense of place. Use a materials board, including colours, to illustrate materials choice and how they work together.

It is important to understand any locally relevant or important character, and the design will either directly reference or contrast with this. The right response will depend on the context and design, however mimicking, or a pastiche, of character is never a good design response.

Integrate façade depth and shadow casting detail, including projecting elements, setbacks and expression of window reveals, to give visual richness and interest.

Coordinate and integrate building service elements, such as drainage pipes, grilles, screens, ventilation louvres and car park entry doors into the overall facade and balcony design.

Consider the position and attachment details of fixtures such as TV aerials and sky dishes in the early design stages.

Incorporating equipment to be shared by all occupants will avoid duplication by individual occupants.

Incorporate elements such as sun shades, screens, fins and blades to control the admittance of sunlight where required.

Consider façade arrangements that use a hierarchy, or layers, of elements.

Display a simple rhythm and coherent logic in the design and materials of all facades. Ensure the different elevations or facades respond to their particular orientation for optimal access to sunlight.

Integrate any required signage into the façade design.
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