Facades engineering and design

At Ramboll, we understand the critical role façade plays in achieving a sustainable building design our Façades Engineering team brings decades of experience in delivering cutting-edge solutions for all types of building facades, and across multiple markets. Façades are essential to the overall performance and sustainability of a building, playing a critical role in energy use, occupant comfort, and environmental impact. Our façade solutions are designed to minimise embodied carbon through material efficiency, innovative design, and optimisation of building envelopes. By aligning with the architectural vision and addressing project-specific functional and environmental needs, we help clients reduce lifecycle emissions and enhance building performance, contributing to a sustainable built environment.

A façade goes beyond being a mere outer layer; it defines the initial perception of a building and significantly influences its overall performance and visual character.

Ramboll’s façade solutions for buildings ensure seamless integration with architectural and structural systems, optimising performance, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing operational costs while maintaining the aesthetic and functional demands of modern buildings. We prioritise circularity by incorporating refurbishment and reuse strategies to extend the lifecycle of materials and reduce embodied carbon.

Façade solutions should be designed to seamlessly integrate with outdoor environments and incorporate innovative elements.

Ramboll’s adaptable designs not only enhance the connection between the building and its surroundings but also support the circular economy, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience in response to changing environmental conditions. In the energy sector, we incorporate solar panels, shading devices, and high-performance insulation into our façade designs, reducing energy demand and upgrading existing façades to meet modern sustainability standards. Additionally, our façades promote environmental sustainability and occupant well-being through solutions like natural ventilation, daylighting, and the reuse of building components, contributing to both environmental and human health.

Adopting a digital-first approach and innovation in façade

Using advanced computation, parametric modelling, and digital workflows to meet the evolving demands of the industry. In collaboration with one of our key partners, we developed a digital workflow specifically targeted for the design of the modular façade for low rise construction. This optimised design process and created an interactive digital platform for seamless collaboration with various stakeholders.

We are always at the forefront of innovation; we lead the design development of a lightweight modular façade solution (ultrahigh performance concrete) for a project in Manchester UK. The solution not addressed the challenges of pre-existing basement but also unlocked potential to increase the building’s height providing added value to Client.

Ensuring safety and efficiency of façade access and maintenance solutions

Access and maintenance can be challenging especially for a highrise and complex building façade and the solutions can. Our detailed access and maintenance strategies ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term functionality. By integrating these strategies into the overall design, we minimise risks and deliver systems that meet both aesthetic and operational requirements.

With our collaborative approach, Ramboll’s Façades Engineering team ensures that all systems align with performance requirements, regulatory standards related to health & safety and the broader goals of sustainability and innovation across all market sectors to guarantee both safety and operational efficiency.