Axalta and Reynaers Aluminium are close collaborators, creating design solutions for buildings across the world. We spoke to Tijs Van Boven, Products & Services Development Teams Manager at Reynaers, to find out the latest approaches to facade design. 

In the face of global sustainability challenges, facade design is evolving. The development of smart materials and finishes plus the implementation of new technology are paving the way for new design approaches. This is an exciting time as we move beyond the aesthetic to create buildings that enhance our lives and our world.

Can you tell us a little about your role?

As well as working with our products, I deal with the wider services we provide for individual customers and their projects. As well as being a supplier of state-of-the-art products, Reynaers offers fully bespoke design solutions. Another aspect of my role is to provide solutions to streamline the customer journey for our partners; this involves offering tools and software for visualisation, design, calculation and aftercare.

Architects are increasingly ambitious when it comes to facade design. Are there any current trends in facades?

As the facade is integral to every project, there’s definitely an increase in requests for bespoke solutions. Designing to the exact needs of the project, whether those are aesthetic or functional, can lead to cost savings which can be considerable on large facades. Architects may also want to design specific ornamentation or external fixings to curtain wall designs. This growth of bespoke requests underlines the importance of close collaboration between the manufacturer and design teams when it comes to facade design.

What are the main focus areas for facade designers currently?

Sustainability is one of the chief concerns for architects and this will only become more important in the future. This approach is echoed by manufacturers, who are increasingly focusing on reducing waste while maintaining a high-quality offering. Circularity, for example, is a key aim for Reynaers.

How are new technologies influencing facade design and manufacturing?

Industry 4.0 – also known as the 4th industrial revolution – uses technology to link the production steps together. Aluminium manufacturing is just one area that benefits from an industry 4.0 approach. The blurring of lines between the physical and digital processes permits a greater focus on the client’s specific needs at every stage, from quotation and design phase to the manufacturing and installation of the facade.

Identifying and responding to colour trends is key to Axalta’s approach. What do you think is influencing colour choice for facade elements?

We’ve not seen any particularly strong colour trends although decisions can vary from country to country. Colour specification in residential projects tends to be more consistent whereas with commercial projects, it often comes down to the unique creative vision of the architect.