SFE News

Article category: News
Published on: 26 Sep 24

SFE Spotlight: In conversation with Bill Wolmuth

Bill Wolmuth studied Civil Engineering at Leeds University and then researched the underlying causes of structural failure, gaining his doctorate in 1980. He worked for Bovis from 1981-2, and for Mowlem from 1982-96, providing technical support to project teams on building technology related matters, increasingly focussing on the external envelopes of large commercial buildings. Whilst at Mowlem he was also responsible for conceiving, developing and implementing the company’s Technical Guideline system for use by project teams to avoid repetition of technical problems encountered in construction. In 1996, Bill went to work for STATS Ltd and then in 1998, he established his own consultancy, known as IBT, (Independent Building Technology Ltd) to provide technical support to project teams on the external envelopes of large commercial buildings at all stages of a building’s life, from the conceptual design stage through to Practical Completion and beyond. Since then he has worked on numerous new-build projects and on defect investigations often acting as an expert witness. He has also served on the CWCT’s Technical Committee for more than 25 years.

Article category: News
Published on: 26 Sep 24

Spotlight Academia – Freeform Curved Glass: A Novel Fabrication Technique

Architectural design is continually evolving, pushing the limits of materials and aesthetics to create innovative façades that redefine our urban landscapes, with glass playing a crucial role in this transformation. However, the full potential of using glass in architecture has not yet been realized, and recent experiments point to new prospects.

Article category: News
Published on: 26 Sep 24

Enhancing building safety: The role of competency in higher-risk buildings

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduces significant changes to building control and responsibilities in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, emphasising the need for competency among project participants. With the establishment of new duty holders and the introduction of the Engineering Council's standards for demonstrating competence, the Society of Façade Engineering is actively working to ensure that façade professionals are equipped to meet these new regulatory demands.

Article category: News
Published on: 06 Sep 24

Spotlight Façade Awards: Mass Timber 1

Mass Timber 1 is a groundbreaking project located in Sunnyvale, California, representing a significant leap forward in facade design and construction. The project was developed through a collaborative effort by several organisations, including Eckersley O'Callaghan as the facade engineer, Michael Green Architecture as the concept architect, and SERA as the executive/delivery architect. With XL Construction as the main contractor and Permasteelisa North America handling the cladding, this project is a true testament to innovative building practices.

Article category: News
Published on: 27 Jun 24

SFE Hubs: What we have been up to

The SFE Hubs have continued their busy schedule of events, providing SFE members with engaging content on an international scale.

Article category: News
Published on: 27 Jun 24

Welcome to the new SFE Newsletter

The SFE are delighted to launch the inaugural edition of their new Quarterly Newsletter.

Article category: News
Published on: 27 Jun 24

SFE Post nominals: show your standing in industry.

For SFE members who have achieved a professional grade of SFE membership, a key member benefit is the use of post nominals to highlight their achievements.

Article category: News
Published on: 27 Jun 24

Improvements to the Society of Façade Engineering Website

Article category: News
Published on: 27 Jun 24

New CWCT Technical Notes on condensation

The CWCT has recently published two Technical Notes on condensation: TN110 - Designing building façades to manage the risk of surface condensation and mould growth, and TN111 - Designing building facades to manage the risk of interstitial condensation.

Article category: News
Published on: 27 Jun 24

SFE Newsletter spotlight interview: Chris Macey

In 1983 Chris co-founded Wintech, now in its 40th year, the company has grown from a single client, to be recognised as one of the UK’s largest Façade Engineering Consultancy. Employing more than 100 industry experts in a range of specialist sciences and disciplines from all over the world. Wintech group are dedicated engineering specialists in the science of Façade Engineering, including Façade Access & Maintenance, Fire Engineering, MEP and Sustainability Consultancy services from the early phases of building delivery strategic development to completion. Chris has provided strategic direction, over the past 40 years for the Group operations that focus on the science and delivery of façade engineering. Chris is the founder member for the Society of Façade Engineering, past Chairman, a Fellow of the Society and is passionate about the further professionalism of the science of façade engineering and the specialist training needed to support this important discipline.

Article category: News
Published on: 27 Jun 24

Spotlight Academia: Retrofit design for grade-II listed Inland Revenue Centre in Nottingham

Our environmental façade module investigated a real-life study to evaluation the University of Nottingham Castle Meadow Campus, CMC. To review the historic vision of Modernism through the original concept applied by Michael Hopkins & Partners' 1994 Inland Revenue Centre and current listing achieved June 2023. Our façade program undertook measures to progress a 30-year design through the challenge to integrate new technological advances in materials science, pre-heat and heat recirculation’s systems for the UoN Business School.

Article category: News
Published on: 27 Jun 24

Group B: Spotlight Academia: “Retrofit design for grade-II listed Inland Revenue Centre in Nottingham”