How fenestration systems influence architectural design

- Saket Jain

Business Head, Fenesta

To a significant level, architectural design is influenced by the fenestration and façade of a building. An inappropriate fenestration system can act as the biggest barrier to maintaining high levels of energy efficiency in varied structures - be they commercial, residential or institutional.

Choosing the most efficient fenestration system can contribute to conserving energy, thereby curbing operational costs. The right choices in these elements augment the aesthetic appeal of buildings while boosting the comfort levels of occupants.

Augmenting aesthetics and functionality

However, any structure's architectural framework must be based on a client or project's requirement coupled with the designer's vision. Even while these criteria are being fulfilled, the interior designer or architect also needs to consider the climatic conditions and site-specific elements during the planning stage. Fenestration products that complement the functional needs and aesthetics of the project can then enhance its architectural appeal.

Moreover, the focus must remain on fenestration systems that are both efficient and sustainable. This ascertains that indoor comfort levels are maintained without periodic and prolonged use of cooling or heating systems, despite extreme outdoor temperatures. Truly efficient fenestration solutions will help control heat gain during daylight hours while addressing glare issues too.

Sustainable fenestration products manage better outcomes by allowing maximum indirect sunlight, limiting direct radiation and maintaining indoor temperatures at comfortable levels through proper ventilation. Such solutions are also easy to maintain and create minimal complications.

In context, aluminium and uPVC products provide the most sustainable fenestration solutions in Indian conditions. Aluminium and uPVC's intrinsic strength permits a larger glazing expanse along with sleek frames. While providing excellent thermal performance, they offer cost-effective, recyclable options.

Aluminium and uPVC - Environment-friendly solutions

Both aluminium and uPVC are eco-friendly solutions that safeguard natural resources as they can be recycled multiple times. Such factory-made windows and doors are backed by a controlled waste and recycling management system to ensure the entire production waste returns to the raw material stage.

The environment-friendly credentials of uPVC come from the fact that it is a bad conductor of heat. While this characteristic reduces the energy loss of structures, proper sealing with gaskets and brush seals minimises air leaks, especially in air-conditioned structures. As a result, the energy consumption of a building falls, reducing its electricity and maintenance bills by up to 30%.

Nonetheless, it is essential to source such goods from brands that adhere to sustainability norms while producing environment-friendly products. India's No. 1 windows and doors brand Fenesta has been providing sustainable solutions that are available in more than a thousand designs and multiple colour options, including wooden finishes such as Light Oak, Walnut, Mahogany and more.

Salient features

Besides being sustainable and recyclable, these eco-friendly materials are renowned for durability and longevity. Occupants also benefit from their thermal comfort and efficient adsorption of outdoor noise and light. Some elaboration on the salient features will foster a better understanding of the benefits:

Excellent aesthetics: Thanks to their vibrant designs, uPVC and aluminium windows and doors are almost always eye-catching. Moreover, they are available in a range of hues to match the aesthetics of the surroundings and blend with the overall theme of the interiors. The above strategy works irrespective of the colour code of the interiors - vibrantly-coloured walls or those with brightly-patterned wallpaper and wall panels. Fenesta offers a warranty of 20 years for colour and form integrity of the profile.

Minimal maintenance: Aluminium windows and doors can remain completely free of any rust or discolouration. Consequently, maintaining them is cost-effective, convenient and quick, with cleaning needed once in six months only. Some soap, soft cloth, water and grease are all one requires to maintain such windows.

It is the same for uPVC windows that need minimum upkeep. The robust frames of uPVC windows are largely maintenance-free - resisting moisture, corrosion, chemicals, saltwater, termites and other external elements. A couple of times every year, one can simply dip a clean dusting cloth in a baking soda and water solution and scrub the windows gently, inside and outside. Any other recommended window cleaning solution would be equally effective.

Eco-friendly framework: In today's world of greater environmental awareness, fenestration solutions must not only have good designs, but they also need to be sustainable. Both aluminium and uPVC tick the right boxes for sustainability since they are 100% recyclable, which can help lower the carbon trail of homes and buildings.

Longevity and durability: In some ways, sustainability and durability are interlinked. After a one-time investment, aluminium fenestration solutions can last for many years. The durability and extreme longevity derive from their corrosion-free properties, which can withstand highly humid as well as arid temperatures. For people living in high-rises prone to gale-force winds, aluminium windows should be the first choice because they are structurally strong.

Similarly, uPVC windows are extremely versatile and extra durable option for residential or commercial buildings. Resilient to all-weather conditions, uPVC windows and doors will last you for decades. During this period, uPVC products won't corrode, rot or peel. Brands such as Fenesta offer uPVC windows and doors that are wind-load compliant as per the city, building height and structure. These products come with a special Hurricane Bar to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 km per hour.

Safety and security: Today, homes need to be safeguarded from dangerous external elements, natural or human. Since Fenesta uPVC windows are made with all quality standards in mind, they stand strong in the face of unwanted weather elements. Likewise, aluminium fenestration solutions don't crack if struck with a sharp object and are difficult to be sawn or cut like wooden frames. When aluminium and uPVC are used along with toughened laminated (safety) glass, these products provide all-round security. Furthermore, Fenesta's windows offer the property of rain insulation, which in turn provides protection against high winds. To monsoon-proof your abode, you may choose wind-resistant windows and doors.

Therefore, whether it is residential, commercial or institutional, owners can make their premises safe, secure, sustainable and energy efficient by using uPVC and aluminium fenestration solutions from reputed brands.

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