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A Facade Design is a term derived from the French language, meaning "the outer shell of a building or the front architectural element." It is a fundamental concept in architectural design and decoration for residential and commercial buildings. Today, the term encompasses various architectural components such as windows, canopies, cornices, balconies, and openings, as well as intricate building decorations like pilasters, plaster designs, wall ornaments, sculptures, and door arches. These external elements collectively form what we refer to as the "Facade."
Beyond aesthetics and showcasing design concepts, facades play a crucial role in transforming the appearance of buildings, giving them a refreshed and modern look. More importantly, facades are engineered to control air leakage, manage humidity, prevent fire spread, reduce temperature and heat ingress from the external environment, and regulate natural lighting. They ensure that the interior spaces remain comfortable while protecting the building from external environmental factors. Additionally, facades help maintain a balance between the exterior and interior spaces, establish a unique architectural identity, and contribute to energy efficiency by lowering energy consumption.
Types of Facades and Popular Materials Used in Decoration
1. Double-Skin Facade
A Double-Skin Facade involves adding an additional layer to the exterior facade of a building, creating a small gap between the inner and outer walls. This design offers various benefits, including sunlight filtration, temperature reduction, and enhanced privacy. Double-Skin Facades are innovative solutions often employed in large-scale buildings such as high-rise glass towers and public structures.
The structure typically consists of steel or aluminum frameworks that support materials like brick, wooden slats, blocks, metal grilles, aluminum cladding sheets, aluminum louvers, glass, acrylic panels, vertical gardens, and curtain wall systems for skyscrapers. This layered approach not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also improves its environmental performance.
2. Building Form Facade
The Building Form Facade integrates both the wall and the building's outer shell into a single cohesive element, making it an integral part of the building's structure. Influenced by design movements such as the Modern Movement, this facade design emphasizes pure architectural forms and seamless integration with the building's plane.
Facade designs of this type focus on manipulating the building's shape by incorporating elements like openings, canopies, and balconies. These features are designed with projections or recesses to create shadow effects and add depth to the building's appearance. The materials used for Building Form Facades are typically harmonious with the primary construction materials, ensuring a balanced and unified overall look. However, some architectural projects may employ contrasting materials following the Deconstruction Concept to achieve a distinct visual impact.
Facade designs of this type focus on manipulating the building's shape by incorporating elements like openings, canopies, and balconies. These features are designed with projections or recesses to create shadow effects and add depth to the building's appearance. The materials used for Building Form Facades are typically harmonious with the primary construction materials, ensuring a balanced and unified overall look. However, some architectural projects may employ contrasting materials following the Deconstruction Concept to achieve a distinct visual impact.
FAQs
Why choose Alphabet Facade ?
At Alphabet Facade, we provide end-to-end services from conceptual design, structural planning, to material selection, ensuring your project achieves both aesthetic excellence and supports your brand image. We deliver solutions that meet your expectations within a reasonable time and budget, offering a tailored approach to facade design that enhances organizational identity while maintaining efficiency and value.
Isn't every facade provider the same ? Can't anyone do it ?
In the general facade market, most companies focus solely on production, requiring clients to find architects, designers, and contractors themselves. At Alphabet Facade, we offer a full-service approach:
- Design: We create realistic 3D models for clients to visualize.
- Production: With our factory and a wide range of surface materials, we provide expert advice on the best options.
- Installation: Our team handles structural design and on-site installation.
"We take full responsibility—no abandoned projects!"
How important is facade design to brand image ?
Most facade designs focus purely on client requests, but at Alphabet Facade, we go further. We ensure that the design not only meets the client's vision but also strengthens the company's brand image. Our facade solutions offer both functional and aesthetic benefits, enhancing the overall experience of the building while aligning with the company’s identity. This connection between design, brand image, and quality of life is what makes our approach unique and impactful.
Isn't facade design expensive ?
The cost of a facade depends on several factors:
- Material grade: Different structural and finishing materials have varying prices based on durability (e.g., 5, 10, or 20+ years).
- Installation: Costs vary depending on whether scaffolding, Elevated Work Platforms, or rope access systems are required.
- Design efficiency: Inefficient design can lead to material waste. For example, using only part of a panel may result in higher costs due to unused portions.
At Alphabet Facade, we optimize design and cost for the best value.
What is the budget for a facade ?
Facade projects can fit various budgets, depending on the design. Costs typically range from 3,500 to 9,000 THB per square meter, including installation. Factors such as design complexity, material selection, and the project’s scale affect the overall cost. Additionally, a site evaluation helps in accurately estimating the budget. At ALPHABET FACADE, we can tailor the design and project plan to suit your budget needs. Feel free to discuss your requirements, and we’ll help create a solution that works within your financial plan.
Do you take on projects outside of Bangkok ?
Yes, we provide services in other provinces as well. Our team of skilled workers is available to handle projects outside of Bangkok. You can contact us to discuss your project’s location, and we will arrange a site evaluation before proceeding.
What is the minimum project size ?
The minimum project size we accept is 50 square meters.
What materials are available ?
We offer a wide range of materials depending on the design. At ALPHABET FACADE, we continuously develop innovative facade materials. Some examples include polymer, innovative fabric, aluminum, aluminum composite, wood-grain aluminum, perforated aluminum, metal sheets, plaswood, and other exterior-grade materials. You can consult with us to tailor your facade design and material specifications according to your needs.
