Facade Consultancy

Building Facade Consultancy, Advisory Services

Why Engage a Facade Consultant?

Today’s building façades are becoming increasingly complex as architects push creative boundaries with bold geometries and innovative designs. Façade works can represent up to 20% of the overall construction cost, and they are a critical, high-risk component of a building’s successful completion. A well-designed façade must balance a range of interdependent—and often conflicting—requirements to ensure:

Weather tightness
Wind load resistance
Optimal daylight penetration
Heat gain reduction
Natural ventilation
Noise control
Fire safety compliance
And much more

At Envelopetechnik Facade Consultancy LLP, we bring deep expertise in managing these complexities across low-rise, high-rise, and super-tall structures. Our multidisciplinary approach combines:

Structural engineering
Building physics
Materials science
Weatherproofing technology
Architectural detailing
Construction management

We are backed by a proven track record of delivering high-performance façade solutions through an expert team of façade specialists, leveraging the latest technology and best industry practices.

Collaboration is at the heart of successful façade development. Envelopetechnik integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout all stages of design and documentation, enabling:

Cost reduction
Improved productivity
Conflict resolution
Minimization of rework and changes

Our strong relationships with material suppliers, fabricators, and façade contractors—combined with a deep understanding of their technical, financial, and quality performance—allow us to offer clients informed, reliable advice when making key decisions.

Early Engagement = Project Success

Engaging a façade specialist early in the design process significantly increases the likelihood of achieving your project’s design vision, budget goals, and performance expectations. With experience drawn from a wide range of complex projects, Envelopetechnik helps develop building envelopes that perform reliably for the life of the structure.

We are committed to providing honest, independent solutions that prioritize the best interests of the client and the project at every stage.

The Process

Schematic Design:

The Schematic Design stage forms the foundation for a successful façade system, ensuring that performance, cost, aesthetics, and construction strategies are aligned from the outset.

At Envelopetechnik Facade Consultancy LLP, we provide a comprehensive and collaborative approach at this stage, offering:

Concept Design Development: Preparation of schematic façade design concepts, 3D sketches, and preliminary construction strategies.
Cost Planning: Preparation of cost estimates across multiple design options to support informed decision-making.
Performance Analysis: Conduct real-time thermal comfort studies, sun path analysis, and shading assessments to optimize building orientation and shading strategies.
Daylight Analysis: Evaluate daylight penetration through typical façade sections, using contour maps and photorealistic visuals to illustrate natural light availability.
Specification & Standards: Establish façade performance parameters, draft material specifications, define fire safety requirements, and propose acoustic performance strategies.
System Proposals: Recommend suitable façade cladding and glazing systems, with detailed exploration of colour schemes, material use, finish schedules, and lifecycle cost analysis.
Value Engineering: Explore alternative systems and materials to optimize façade performance while minimizing costs without compromising quality.
Sustainability Coordination: Collaborate with LEED consultants where required to align façade design with green building certification goals.
Structural Coordination: Review the structural supports for façade elements, provide loading and reaction data for structural engineers, and advise on embedded anchors and plates.
Façade Access and Maintenance Strategy: Propose systems for façade access, cleaning, and maintenance, including lifecycle costing and maintenance planning.
Lighting and Signage Integration: Coordinate façade lighting intent and signage support, ensuring seamless integration into the overall façade design.
Collaborative Workshops: Conduct workshops with architects and coordinate closely with all relevant consultants to ensure an integrated design approach.
Digital Modeling (BIM): Preparation of a BIM LOD 200 model for the façade cladding to assist with detailed design development, coordination, and early clash detection.

At this stage, Envelopetechnik ensures that the façade design is technically sound, cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and visually aligned with the architectural vision — setting a solid foundation for the detailed design and execution phases ahead.

Detail Design Stage:

At the Detail Design Stage, Envelopetechnik Facade Consultancy LLP develops comprehensive façade solutions that integrate architectural vision, performance requirements, construction methodology, and compliance with local codes and international standards.

This stage translates schematic concepts into fully coordinated, constructible designs — setting the foundation for precise fabrication and seamless execution.

Design Development Drawings:
Preparation of detailed façade drawings including:
- System assembly arrangement
- Material identification and specification
- Line, level, and tolerance definitions
- Interface details with adjacent materials
- Typical anchoring and fixing details
- Air, water, smoke, and fire sealing strategies
- Construction sequencing considerations
- Penetrations and façade system integration
Performance Integration:
- Thermal and structural performance validation
- Lightning protection design
- Façade lighting integration and maintenance access
- Façade cleaning and BMU (Building Maintenance Unit) cradle tie-back coordination
Cost and Quantity Updates:
- Refined cost estimation based on detailed systems
- Updated Bill of Quantities (BOQ) reflecting material choices and specifications
Coordination Services:
- Detailed coordination of façade signage supports and integration
- Coordination with façade lighting consultants to ensure seamless design and access for maintenance

Tender Documentation

Clear and comprehensive façade tender documentation is essential to ensure a smooth, competitive, and transparent bidding process, leading to the successful appointment of the right contractor for your project.

At Envelopetechnik Facade Consultancy LLP, we prepare detailed tender packages that fully capture the design intent, technical requirements, performance standards, and commercial conditions — setting a strong foundation for project execution.

Why Tender Documentation Matters:

Clarity and Consistency: Well-prepared tender documents provide a clear and unified reference for all bidders, minimizing ambiguities and ensuring all parties base their proposals on the same set of information.
Technical Accuracy: By developing accurate tender drawings, technical specifications, and a detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ), we ensure that bids are technically sound, comprehensive, and comparable.
Risk Reduction: Complete tender documentation reduces the risk of errors, omissions, and disputes later during construction. It helps manage contractor expectations and reduces the chances of costly variations and claims.
Cost Certainty: A well-defined scope, material specifications, and performance requirements allow for accurate and competitive pricing, helping clients achieve better budget control and value for money.
Legal and Contractual Protection: The inclusion of contract conditions, instruction documents, and standard forms and templates ensures that contractual relationships are clearly established, reducing future legal risks.
Efficient Project Start-up: Detailed and coordinated tender packages enable contractors to mobilize faster, streamline procurement, and plan construction sequences more effectively — saving valuable project time.

At Envelopetechnik, we ensure that the façade tender documentation is technically robust, commercially fair, and practically implementable — enabling clients to make informed contractor selections and setting the project up for success.

Façade Tender Floating Support

Choosing the right façade contractor is critical for the success of any building project.

At Envelopetechnik Facade Consultancy LLP, we provide comprehensive support during the Tender Floating Stage to help developers and project teams identify, evaluate, and select the most qualified façade contractors.

Our objective is to ensure that the appointed contractor has the technical expertise, financial strength, manufacturing capability, and project delivery experience to successfully execute the façade works to the required standards.

Our Role Includes:

Contractor Shortlisting and Prequalification: Preparation of an approved list of capable façade contractors based on project-specific needs. We assess bidders’ credentials through rigorous prequalification evaluations, including technical expertise, track record, quality certifications, financial standing, and past project performance.
Tender Kick-off Meetings: Organize and lead kick-off meetings with all shortlisted bidders to explain the project requirements, tender procedures, technical specifications, and submission expectations — ensuring full understanding from the outset.
Vendor Query Management: Actively respond to contractor queries during the tender period, providing clarifications and ensuring a transparent and fair bidding process.
Technical Compliance Reviews: Assess submitted bids for technical compliance with tender requirements, identifying deviations, alternatives, and potential risks associated with proposed systems and materials.
Facility Audits: Conduct factory visits and audits of shortlisted façade contractors, if necessary, to verify manufacturing capabilities, quality control procedures, fabrication capacity, workforce competence, and financial robustness.
Contractor Recommendations: Provide comprehensive evaluation reports and make informed recommendations to assist clients in finalizing contract awards, ensuring that the selected façade contractor aligns with project goals in quality, cost, timeline, and safety.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Evaluate potential project risks related to each bidder and advise mitigation strategies to secure a reliable project delivery.
Support During Commercial Evaluation: While the commercial negotiation primarily remains with the developer/contracts team, we assist by highlighting technical exclusions, assumptions, and clarifications that could have financial or performance implications.

At Envelopetechnik, our expert involvement during the tender floating stage ensures that developers not only get the best value but also secure a technically competent and reliable façade partner, reducing project risks and setting a strong foundation for successful execution.

Sample Approval Process

At Envelopetechnik, we ensure that all materials used in the project meet the required performance specifications and aesthetic standards. Our comprehensive sample review process guarantees the highest quality and compliance with project requirements.

Our process includes:

Material Source Review: Verifying the origin of materials to ensure they are sourced from reputable suppliers and comply with industry standards.
Specification and Test Report Evaluation: Reviewing detailed material specifications and conducting an in-depth analysis of test reports to confirm that the materials meet performance criteria, including strength, durability, and environmental resistance.
Quality Assurance & Control Review: Assessing the supplier’s QA/QC system to ensure that consistent quality is maintained throughout the production and delivery process.
Aesthetic and Finish Review: Ensuring that the materials meet the project’s aesthetic requirements, including color, texture, and finish consistency, aligning with the design vision.
Warranty & Documentation Review: Examining warranty documents to confirm long-term performance guarantees and ensuring that the materials are covered for the intended lifespan.

This structured approach ensures that the materials used in the project not only meet performance standards but also contribute to the overall quality and visual appeal of the building facade.

Facade Visual and Performance Mock-up Review

At Envelopetechnik, we play a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing all aspects of performance testing for facade systems, ensuring that both visual aesthetics and performance requirements meet the highest standards.

Our comprehensive process includes:

Defining and Approving Mock-up Specimen Area, Type, and Size:
We work closely with the design and engineering teams to define the specifications of the mock-up, ensuring the specimen area, type, and size represent the real-world conditions of the building facade.
Reviewing and Approving Mock-up Drawings and Structural Design Calculations:
Our team reviews the mock-up design and structural calculations to ensure they align with the project’s design intent, as well as fire safety and other local regulations. This includes an evaluation of load-bearing capacities, material compatibility, and wind load resistance.
Inspecting Mock-up Fabrication and Installation at Test Facility:
We oversee the fabrication and installation of the mock-up at the test facility, ensuring adherence to approved drawings and material specifications. This step includes verifying that all construction processes follow quality control procedures.
Advising on System Improvements:
Based on mock-up testing and our extensive experience, we provide recommendations on potential improvements in the system to enhance both aesthetic appearance and performance. This could involve adjustments to material selection, assembly techniques, or structural modifications.
Witnessing Testing and Ensuring Compliance:
Envelopetechnik ensures that all testing is carried out according to the approved methods and procedures. We witness all testing activities, such as water penetration tests, thermal performance assessments, and structural integrity tests, to ensure compliance with project specifications and standards.
Verifying Test Results Meet Project Requirements:
After testing, we carefully analyze the results to confirm that the performance of the facade system aligns with the project’s performance criteria (e.g., air/water tightness, wind resistance, thermal insulation). We then ensure that the system meets the necessary aesthetic requirements and sustainability goals outlined in the design.

This approach ensures that both the visual appeal and functional performance of the facade meet the highest industry standards, providing a lasting and efficient solution for your building.

Facade Shop Drawings & Calculations Review

At Envelopetechnik, we ensure that all shop drawings, structural calculations, and other critical documentation are thoroughly reviewed to ensure the smooth execution of facade-related work. Our review process is essential for translating design intent into actionable construction details, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quality throughout the project lifecycle.

Our review process includes:

Review of Shop Drawings:
We meticulously review shop drawings for the facade system, which provide detailed representations of the design, materials, dimensions, and assembly methods. This step ensures that all elements conform to the approved design, industry standards, and safety regulations.
Review of Structural Design Reports:
Our team examines structural design reports to verify that the proposed facade system is stable and capable of withstanding environmental and operational loads, including wind, seismic, and thermal movements. This review ensures that the system is structurally sound and compliant with the project’s performance requirements.
Review of Logistic Plan:
We assess the logistics plan to ensure that all materials, tools, and equipment are efficiently organized and delivered to the site in line with the project schedule. Effective logistics are critical for minimizing delays and ensuring timely installation.
Review of Construction Sequence and Method Statements:
Our team reviews the proposed construction sequence and method statements to ensure that the installation process is safe, efficient, and aligned with the design goals. We assess the methodologies used to install the facade elements, ensuring minimal risk to workers and the environment.
Monitoring of Construction Schedule:
We track the construction schedule, making sure that all activities related to facade installation adhere to timelines, ensuring that any potential delays or issues are identified and addressed promptly to avoid project setbacks.
Resolution of Field Technical Issues:
As field conditions often vary, we provide on-site support to resolve any technical issues that arise during construction. Our goal is to quickly find solutions to any challenges while maintaining the integrity of the design and safety protocols.

Our facade shop drawings review process plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the building facade is not only visually stunning but also safe, functional, and built to the highest performance standards. With our expertise, we help deliver projects that exceed client expectations.

Visual Mockup, Field Testing

Envelopetechnik complement architects and the design team in reviewing visual mockup.

Our work includes:

Define mock-up area / location/size.
Review mock-up drawings.
Review mock-up along with client / architects / design team while making aesthetic choice.
Review workmanship compliance.
Advise on improvements in the system if any.
Conduct field testing such as anchor pullout etc.

Inspections

At the completion of installation, Envelopetechnik ensures that all snag checks and rectifications are carried out effectively, ensuring that the final facade meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Our inspection services are designed to ensure that the facade installation is carried out seamlessly, meeting both design expectations and performance standards. By focusing on quality, compliance, and efficiency, we help deliver a facade system that is not only functional but also visually impressive and safe.

Snag Listing & De-snag Inspections

Our snag listing and de-snag inspection services include:

Preparation of Snag List / Punch List:
We compile a detailed snag list (or punch list) identifying any issues or unfinished work that needs attention. This list serves as the basis for completing any outstanding tasks before project handover.
Discussion with Contractor on Course of Action for De-snag:
We coordinate with the contractor to determine the necessary steps for addressing each item on the snag list. This includes setting timelines and assigning responsibilities for rectifications.
Carrying out De-snag Inspection:
After rectifications are made, we conduct a thorough de-snag inspection to verify that all issues have been addressed. We ensure that the final facade installation meets the project’s aesthetic, safety, and performance standards.
Issuing Inspection Reports:
After completing the de-snag inspection, we issue comprehensive inspection reports detailing the status of the rectified issues. These reports provide a final overview of the work completed and ensure that all necessary actions have been taken to close out the project.

Closeout Documentation

At Envelopetechnik, we ensure that all required documents are thoroughly reviewed, organized, and handed over upon the completion of work. Our closeout documentation process is essential for providing the necessary information for the building’s ongoing maintenance, warranty management, and operational efficiency throughout its lifecycle.

Our closeout documentation services include:

Review and Organization of As-Built Drawings:
We ensure that all as-built drawings accurately reflect the final installation and construction of the facade system. These drawings are vital for future reference, maintenance, and any modifications to the building.
Material Reconciliation Statement:
We compile a material reconciliation statement, ensuring that the quantities and types of materials used match those specified in the project documentation. This is important for auditing, cost tracking, and confirming that all materials meet project specifications.
Approved Deviations in BOQ & NT Items Quantity:
Any deviations in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) or Non-Tender (NT) items are reviewed and documented. This ensures transparency and accountability for any changes made during the project, providing a clear record for future reference.
Up-to-Date Policies:
We ensure that all relevant policies are up to date and included in the documentation, such as Contractor’s All Risk (CAR) Insurance, Workmen’s Compensation Policies (WCP), Employee State Insurance (ESI), and Provident Fund (PF) Challans, which are crucial for compliance and post-project maintenance.
Signed Joint Measurement Sheets:
Our team verifies that joint measurement sheets are accurately signed by both parties, ensuring that quantities of work completed are agreed upon and properly documented for final payment and accounting purposes.
Handover and Takeover (HOTO) Documents:
We prepare and organize HOTO (Handing Over Taking Over) documents, which formally transfer the completed facade system from the contractor to the client. This documentation includes details about system performance, final inspections, and any remaining tasks to be completed.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
We provide comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance, operation, and inspection of the facade system. These procedures ensure that the building facade is properly maintained over time and that any necessary repairs or maintenance work is conducted safely and efficiently.
Warranty Certificates:
We ensure that all warranty certificates for materials, equipment, and installed systems are collected and provided to the client. These certificates confirm the manufacturer’s commitment to product performance and provide a framework for addressing any future issues or failures.

By carefully managing and organizing closeout documentation, we provide our clients with a complete set of records that are essential for the long-term operation and maintenance of the building facade. Our attention to detail ensures that all necessary documentation is in place for ongoing compliance, warranty management, and operational efficiency.