Wintech is a leading facade consultancy that provides strategic advice for complex geometric facade designs on modern architecture. They utilize optimization algorithms to efficiently panelize complex surfaces and parametric design tools to realize architectural visions. Their multidisciplinary engineering team ensures facades meet structural, thermal, acoustic, and manufacturing requirements. A case study describes their solution for the curved towers of Villamar in Bahrain, rationalizing the panelization and developing a bespoke unitized system.

1. SE RV I C E
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FA ÇA D E TE CH N OL OG Y
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WINTECH
Complex Geometry Façade Design
Innovation to meet the aspirations of architecture

2. Complex Geometry Façade Design
Modern architecture is entering an exciting new phase. Traditional boundaries
limiting architectural vision and concept no longer apply. Contemporary state of the art
buildings require similarly advanced design techniques to successfully implement such
complex geometric facades.
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F A Ç A D E S T R AT E G Y
An envelope does not stand in isolation, it defines presence and purpose;
it is the expression of the creative process. In addition to the architectural
statement the façade breathes, it insulates and protects. Wintech believes
that balancing form and function should not be a constrictive process.
Offsite construction methods utilised to execute such complex facades
require highly accurate and carefully co-ordinated design information.
To maintain cost plans and the construction programme robust design
solutions must be employed which can be efficiently installed. Utilising
bespoke systems is often the only viable solution for highly complex
facades. An in depth understanding of façade system solutions, materials
and manufacturing methods is essential. Wintech is the market leading
façade consultancy providing strategic advice.

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FA Ç A D E E N G I N E E R I N G
The façade is often referred to as the skin of a building. It acts as a filter determining the internal environmental
conditions. It is the primary environmental modifier and can account for a significant proportion of the project budget.
A wide range of skills must be managed and co-ordinated in a holistic approach to ensure the façade performs
properly with regard to structural, thermal, acoustic, water ingress and air infiltration requirements. Our team includes
physicists, mathematicians, structural engineers, system design specialists, thermal specialists, acousticians and façade
engineering experts. Our expertise ranges from the initial concept through all stages of the design process from
strategic development through concept, design and monitoring of the final installation.
Our team provides a complete pallet of skills necessary to assist with the most ambitious complex geometry facades.
An integrated approach embodies architectural vision and aesthetics with practical experience of robust design
solutions and inspiration required to go beyond industry boundaries.
WINTECH

4. G E O M E T RY LIGHT
Facades admit daylight but
Irregular façade surfaces, single curved, bi-curved, twisted or free
control solar gain. Establishing
forms surfaces developed from discrete planar elements create the correct balance and utilising
complex geometry. At Wintech the goal of our research has been natural daylight is important
to develop methodologies to address these facades. in creating inner space and
minimising energy consumption.
O P T I M I S AT I O N O F F O R M
THERMAL
A key element of our research has been the optimisation System design is well established
of complex geometric surfaces. We have developed unique to create thermally efficient
optimisation algorithms to deliver the most efficient panelisation frame details. However interface
details continue to require
study possible for a given form. Available techniques can regularise
careful design. The effects
panels within irregular curved surfaces. Gradient similarities within of thermal bridges should
different sections are analysed to enhance the use of repeating be managed and if possible
alternate solutions sought.
panel configurations. Finite amounts of deviation from nodal points
may be specified to further optimise the façade construction.
STRUCTURAL
Deviation may be either limited to the surface plane only or
deviations in façade depth may also be allowed. In any complex facade structural
design calculations must be
undertaken to optimise the
PA R A M E T R I C D E S I G N system configuration. Structural
analysis is integrated into the
Parametric design techniques provide the ideal tools to compliment design philosophy.
the optimisation process and realise the architectural vision.
Following optimisation the façade model can be populated with M A N U FAC T U R E
intelligent parametric modules. These adaptive modules designed
Embedded manufacture
to meet the façade specification are embedded with the actual information can be transmitted
manufacture information necessary to complete the manufacture as a series of 2D drawings.
and installation of the final façade. This embedded information is However, we recommend
transmittal of this information in
permanently linked to the design model changing automatically
it’s pure digital form. Reductions
through design iterations. in timescales are achieved as
the digital information may be
used to generate CNC control
code to drive the manufacture
WINTECH process directly.

5. VILLAMAR, BAHRAIN
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C A S E S T U DY
Wintech were approached to provide a solution to the complex
geometry presented by the three curved and twisted towers of
Villamar at the Harbour, Bahrain. The requirement for a triangulated
panelisation was also to be replaced with quadrilateral units.
Following a geometry rationalisation process 85% of the 65,000m2
of unitised cladding panels to the towers could be provided by just
three repeating panel sizes rather than the thousands of types initially
envisaged. Wintech engineered a bespoke unitised system to meet
the exacting geometric constraints of the project. It was possible to
omit the central diagonal mullion bar by using a twisted carrier frame
with a flat glazing carrier unit set in an average plane position.

6. WINTECH
Wintech Limited (Head Office)
Wintech House 280 Woodend Road Wednesfield
West Midlands WV11 1YD
T: +44(0)1902 307 430
Wintech Limited (London Office)
Unit 2 44 St. Pauls Cresent Camden
London NW1 9TN
T: +44(0) 207 267 1234
www.wintech-group.co.uk
enquiries@wintech-group.co.uk
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FAÇADE TECH N OL OG Y
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