geveltechniek

Geveltechniek, or facade technology, is the discipline that designs, engineers, fabricates, and maintains the exterior envelope of buildings. It brings together structure, environmental control, energy performance, aesthetics, and durability. The focus is on protecting interiors from weather, regulating moisture and heat flow, controlling daylight, and ensuring long-term performance and safety.

Typical facade systems include ventilated rainscreens, curtain walls (unitized or stick-built), glazing facades, brick or stone cladding, metal panels, ceramic or terracotta façades, and timber envelopes. Materials used span aluminum, steel, glass, concrete, brick, timber, and composites. Key performance criteria are thermal insulation (U-values), solar gains (g-value), air and water tightness, fire safety, acoustics, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Design considerations include climate, orientation, energy targets, site context, construction logistics, and cost. Compliance with fire, structural, and environmental regulations is essential; European standards such as EN classifications and related testing guide many practices. A growing emphasis is placed on sustainability, life cycle assessment, and prefabrication.

Digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and virtualization support analysis and coordination, while prefabrication and unitized assemblies improve quality and speed. Advances include dynamic or smart facades, responsive shading, and integrated photovoltaics.

Maintenance involves inspection, sealant renewal, cleaning, and replacement of worn components to preserve performance. Geveltechniek sits at the intersection of architecture, structural engineering, and MEP services, impacting building energy use, comfort, and appearance.