SFE News

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

SFE Hubs: what we have been up to Winter 2024

The SFE Hubs have had a busy end to 2024, providing the global façade engineering community with high quality technical content and a platform to network with individuals from across the supply chain. In 2024, the SFE hosted 23 events in 7 countries amassing over a thousand registrations with hundreds of attendees.

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

SFE Spotlight: In conversation with Chris Aspinall

Chris started his engineering career not in the construction industry but in large diesel and gas turbine engineering projects. From the age of 22 he lived outside of the UK in various parts of the world working on marine propulsion, power generation, oil and gas pumping schemes. He tells that in his early days the diesel engines he worked with powered Abu Dhabi which, in the 1970’s, was a small fishing village!

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

Spotlight Academia: Mechanical behavior of rainscreen walls subjected to fire load

Nowadays the construction industry is characterised by high multifunctional and complex buildings with innovative façade systems. Unlike a simple prescriptive approach according to standards and codes, a performance-based design allows to define safety levels and goals, to evaluate heat transfer to the structure and the structure response based on fire behaviour in order to reach the required level of safety. However, many recent fire events demonstrate that the need to improve the technical knowledge and practical procedures in building façade systems design, especially those concerning fire vulnerability, is still very strong. In this context, Davide Vairo’s thesis objective is to investigate the mechanical behaviour of a typical ventilated opaque façade system in case of fire, and to evaluate the influence of temperature on material’s mechanical properties along with the effects of thermal expansions on the stability of the façade itself.

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

Spotlight Façade Awards: L’Oréal, 14 Rue Royale

In the heart of Paris, within the confines of the historic 18th century L'Oréal headquarters, at 14 Rue Royale, a beacon of architectural brilliance has emerged, renamed 'Le Visionnaire' - Espace Françoie Dalle. This achievement represents a pinnacle of façade engineering and architectural brilliance. Completed in September 2023, the project showcases Bellapart’s expertise in combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and precision craftsmanship.

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

Spotlight Façade Awards: Barn Elms Ecological Kiosk

The Barn Elms Ecological Kiosk, an integral part of the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, exemplifies architectural innovation harmonising with nature while addressing critical infrastructure needs. As part of a £5 billion effort to reduce sewage pollution in the River Thames, the kiosk houses essential mechanical and electrical components to intercept the West Putney storm relief sewer overflow, ensuring untreated sewage is responsibly collected and managed. Beyond its functional purpose, the kiosk redefines infrastructure by integrating sustainability, biodiversity, and artistic expression into its design.

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

CWCT Update SFE Newsletter Winter 2024

Our AGM was held recently and was a great success! Following feedback from last year’s event, we had a bigger venue this year so that 300 people were able to join us for excellent presentations, important dissemination, discussion and networking.

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

Façade failures dissemination

In this Newsletter we present a case study of a rainscreen panel failure, where the cladding panel dislodged due to inadequate vertical structural movement allowance. While helping hand brackets are a cladding subcontractor’s staple and preferred panel fixing arrangement, the security of the hook-on elements is reliant upon adequate engagement, without restrictions.

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

Industry-wide recognition: Past SFE Chair Awarded CIBSE Medal

Past SFE Chair, Saverio Pasetto MSc CEng FCIBSE FSFE was awarded a CIBSE Silver Medal at the 2024 CIBSE Presidents Awards Dinner.

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

An introduction to the SFE Technical Committee

The Technical Committee consists of twelve members, including representatives from consultancy, contracting, industry, and academia, providing expertise to address challenges in the façade industry. The committee gathers current pertinent issues, offers seed funding, and facilitates research into relevant topics. It also serves as a point of contact for technical expertise requests, which are addressed through a register of expert members within each relevant field. Sub-committees are responsible for staying informed about developments and research in their areas and keeping members aware and involved.

Article category: News
Published on: 12 Dec 24

Society of Façade Engineering Alumni event feedback

In October, we hosted the SFE Alumni event at the The Marquis Cornwallis, Bloomsbury.

Article category: News
Published on: 26 Sept 24

Spotlight Article – A Case Study in Façade Remediation: Caro Point - Grosvenor Waterside

Our Grosvenor Waterside journey began early in 2021, prior to the implementation of the Building Safety Act (BSA), with the appointment of a professional team following the identification of unsafe cladding material by the building owner. Nearly 3 years later, Caro Point, the building featured in this article, he achieved practical completion in September 2023.

Article category: News
Published on: 26 Sept 24

Strengthening industry standards: SFE and CWCT collaboration

The SFE, in collaboration with CWCT, has provided essential guidance on the application of Regulation 7(2) banning combustible materials, while also contributing to key standards and government-led research projects aimed at improving façade safety. This partnership strengthens industry competence and ensures clarity in fire safety regulations