A facade element is a prefabricated, complete facade component made in the factory and installed on site as a whole. Such an element usually already contains the frame, the glazing, the insulation and the exterior finish, allowing the facade to be closed quickly and to precise dimensions.
Application
Facade elements are widely used in larger commercial construction such as offices, schools and apartments. In a curtain wall the entire outer skin is built up from these elements and hung in front of the structure. Because the elements are produced under controlled conditions in a climate-controlled factory, quality is consistent and dimensional deviations are small. On site they are placed with a crane and fixed to the load-bearing structure (steel or concrete).
Characteristics
The major advantage is speed: a facade can be made wind- and watertight in a short time, shortening the build programme. Because little is finished on site, there are fewer errors and less dependence on the weather. Points of attention are accurate dimensioning, good connection details between the elements (with an expansion joint for movement), and airtightness and watertightness of the seams. The elements are ordered and designed early in the process.
Related terms
- facade
- window frame
- curtain wall
- glazing
- insulation
- expansion joint
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