Facade Engineering

With facades being a key element of any building design, and typically making up 15% of construction costs , it’s important to get the design right first time, ensuring the facade meets the requirements set not only by the client, but also by British Standards and Building Regulations.

At PDS our approach is categorised by our experience in customisation of commercial systems and our ability to handle bespoke designs. Thanks to our knowledge and expertise gained through many years of experience and training we can limit the risk of issues arising in the design, manufacture and construction phase of a project. Our expertise lies in the following facade engineering services provided by PDS:

Precast Concrete:

  • Precast columns, edge beams, staircases and other grey products – Design development through to precast mould drawings, reinforcement drawings and schedules.
  • Precast backing panels for integrating with rain screen and other facings through to twin wall panel structures and sandwich panels.
  • Architectural precast – From structurally supporting Composite Panel structures through to architecturally dressed stacked and suspended façade cladding panels.
  • Brick, Stone, Terracotta and Ceramic panelisation.
  • Support and Restraint fixings design and detailing for precast cladding, backing panels and masonry.

Natural & Reconstructed Stone masonry:

  • Stone masonry layouts and cutting schedules for suppliers and fixers.
  • Specification of bespoke and proprietary masonry fixings including scheduling and fabrication drawings where required.

Structural Steelwork and Masonry Support Systems:

  • Masonry support systems – from design through to production detail, both bespoke and proprietary systems for use with brick, stone, ceramics etc
  • Structural Supports and Restraints design and detailing for architectural precast cladding and backing panels.
  • Design of secondary steelwork support systems, supporting calculations and manufacturing drawings.
  • Fabricated industrial and architectural structures and other commercial products.
  • Industrial fast track steel frame buildings – Design/detailing and specification of cladding systems such as Metsec etc.