Architecture

Facade Consulting

Facade consulting covers; providing conformity to the required specifications on behalf of of owner or contractor, checking the appropriate details, if necessary creating the details and controlling all the steps until the final hand over. Up to the contract deals, facade consulting can involve all or a few of the following services.

Tender preparation
Preparing of the Facade Technical Specification according to the architectural coordination meetings decisions (Scope of Work, Standards, Statical Requirement,
Material Approvals, Scope of Shop-drawing & As-Built Projects, Work Descriptions,
Facade Cleaning System and Maintenance Units, Method of Statements, Site
Mobilization
Coordination Meetings with Architectural Group and Employer
Estimated Cost Analysis
Specification preparation
Controlling the shop drawings and technical details and if necessary, forming them
Controlling the production process
Controlling the assembly process
Acceptance of the facade done

Facade Engineering

We provide independent technical advice at each key phase of the facade design and procurement. Professional facade engineering consultancy services offered:

To Architects

We support the design objectives from early schematic stage, offering independent advice on material and system selection, and working to ensure technical feasibility of the aesthetic concept within the budget. We offer an integrated approach to building envelopes based on thermal performance, acoustic compliance and structural soundness, brought together into well proportioned elements, clean lines and fine detailing that contribute to the architectural quality of the completed project. Our work is coordinated with all related disciplines to integrate external lighting, building maintenance, signage, etc into the design. We support the design objective from early schematic stage to ensure technical feasibility of the aesthetic concept within the budget.

To Developers

A good quality end product on optimum investment is achieved by working alongside the architect and producing fully comprehensive tender documentation by the end of design stage, which allows for accurate pricing and apple-to-apple comparison. We offer independent professional assessment of tenders, claims, site works, and witness testing, to ensure the end product is delivered as per best specification. We carry out value engineering and third party design reviews, forensic assessments, building pathology.

To Main Contractors

Design & build projects, fast track developments are best procured based on a suitable performance specification and progressed with the input of a professional team. Shorter assignments may include re-documentation following design changes, advice on special structures, QA/QC inspections, handover inspection.

To Facade Contractors

Assistance with tender submissions via pragmatic detailing for base bid pricing and finding cost efficient alternatives. Specification review services. In post contract stage, we can assist with full engineering submissions and system concept.

To Project Managers

Third party design reviews, tender assessments, contractor pre-qualifications, scope interface coordination assistance, technical risk assessment, scope completion verifications.

Complex Geometry, BIM & 3D

Complex freeform geometries are for sure one of the most striking trends in contemporary architecture, but eventually come with a list of technical challenges that need to be addressed to achieve a winning design.

MAFF GROUP has a dedicated team able to handle these challenging topics: we successfully designed and engineered several projects featuring free-form masses and single/double curved surfaces, taking care of the geometry as well as the structural and manufacturing issues.

We utilize parametric design in our everyday tasks, such as modulation studies, curvature analysis and optimization, giving definition for non-repetitive non-typical elements. The results assist the design development process, or even give direct input to computer assisted fabrication processes. Our team is capable of handling BIM models too, and is experienced in participating in collaboration schemes.

On several projects, we have provided certain stages of in-house architectural documentation. These may include parametric analysis and geometry set-out of complex 3D facades, revised elevation drawings, documentation following design change, as-built documentation, or concept options of new facade alternatives.