Facade works start as the concrete frame rises and must finish before the building is handed over, which makes them one of the tightest items on any programme. The durations below are for a typical office project of 8,000–12,000 m².
- Tender and system proposal (2–3 weeks): System proposal and price based on drawings, specifications and quantities.
- Design development (3–4 weeks): Wind load calculation, glass design, anchor and bracket design, thermal calculation.
- Shop drawings and approval (3–5 weeks): Floor plans, elevations, sections and 1:1 details; approval by consultant and architect.
- Samples and mock-up (4–6 weeks, in parallel): Colour, glass and panel samples; laboratory testing where needed.
- Procurement (6–10 weeks): Orders for profile extrusion, bespoke glass and surface finishing.
- Fabrication and installation (12–20 weeks): Anchors fixed with the concrete frame, panels installed floor by floor.
- Testing and handover (2 weeks): On-site water testing (AAMA 501.2 method), snagging and the as-built file.
What affects the programme most?
Bespoke coloured or coated glass, profiles needing new dies and late shop drawing approvals extend the programme most. We therefore recommend finalising the glass selection during design development.