Façade engineering

When considering the health and experience of the user in a new way, we can create more beautiful and sustainable façades. A sensory transition between inside and outside rather than a hard barrier. This requires vision and boldness. ABT advises clients in the development and realization of pioneering façade solutions.

The Natural Pavilion

Conflicting interests such as fire safety versus sustainability require well-considered choices. In setting the course, we feel we can draw on our vast experience. We are not guided by limitations, but rather focus on possibilities. Our analytical ability, supported by advanced, digital simulations, will realize ambitious façade solutions within the original task.

© Ossip van Duivenbode

Parametric approach

If we take Depot Boijmans van Beuningen as an example, we succeeded in intertwining architecture and façade technology. Uninterrupted reflection of the environment requires precise design. The close tolerances and properties of double-curved glass are matched to the coarser dimensions of the concrete rear structure. Our parametric approach gave the architect the freedom to refine the design in a late stage.

Circular façade

Designing with residual value is by now our second nature. Where can we reuse materials? Or apply new materials in such a way that they retain value? This is where our knowledge of bio-based materials and circular and modular systems come in.

The challenges in The Natural Pavilion at Floriade were very special. An air conditioning system for this building proved unnecessary due to the use of a natural ventilation concept. In addition, we applied recycled glass.

© Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee

Second life for façade

Keep all that is good, and renew or improve only what is needed. By conducting early feasibility studies for existing buildings, we help our clients make the right sustainable choices. Good examples are the Earth Simulation Laboratory Utrecht or the Columbus Building Schiphol .

Portfolio

We are proud of our portfolio of appealing façade projects. In the top architectural designs of Naturalis and Forum Groningen, our passion and contribution in terms of façade technology played an important role in the feasibility and viability of the ambitions.

Experiments

At ABT, we love experiments. They often start off with a simple question or idea (Can you weld glass?). Sometimes the question is complex, as with the Crystal Houses Amsterdam project.

 

Image The Natural Pavilion: © Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee

Image Depot Boijmans van Beuningen: © Ossip van Duivenbode

Projects with façade engineering

View all projects

Amsterdam Court

Amsterdam Court

The new court in Amsterdam merges three worlds, which at the same time are to operate strictly separated: the judiciary, the detainees and the visitors. As partner of consortium NACH (New Amsterdam Court House), ABT signed on to design, build, finance, maintain and operate this imposing building on Parnassusweg in Amsterdam. It takes partnership to build an icon!

Depot Boijmans van Beuningen

Depot Boijmans van Beuningen

In November 2021, His Majesty the King opened the Valhalla of Art and Collection Management: Boijmans van Beuningen Depot. All 151,000 objects accessible to the public in one location and under one roof. A world first! Our façade consultants assisted MVRDV to find the best construction method for the spectacular façade. In addition, we supported the structural engineering of the entire building.

Forum Groningen

Forum Groningen

Forum Groningen is an iconic cultural complex consisting of eleven floors. Below the building is a five basement parking garage consisting of approximately four hundred parking spaces and 1,500 bicycle parking spaces. ABT played an important role in realizing the principles of the architectural concept.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Een iconisch museumgebouw, met een gevel die zo ontworpen en gemodelleerd is dat beton ‘zijdezacht’ lijkt. In opdracht van Neutelings Riedijk Architecten verzorgde ABT het bouwkundig ontwerp, de bouwdirectie, de 3D-digitalisatie en het technisch ontwerp van de uniek gevel van Naturalis. De betonnen reliëfsculpturen zijn naar ontwerp van Iris van Herpen.
The Natural Pavilion

The Natural Pavilion

The Natural Pavilion

In The Natural Pavilion, ABT and a consortium of nearly 20 Dutch companies have shown that it is possible to build fully circular, bio-based, energy-neutral houses, schools and offices on an industrial scale and in close connection with nature.