MARKET SURVEY REPORT

ON

Collection Of Samples of Various Building Claddings,

Available In Markets in Mumbai
For
Building Construction

ABCM – SEM 05
Group – 03

2022 - 23
MATERIAL MARKET SURVEY REPORT
ABCM SEM-05 ADITYA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

PROJECT: Market survey of ‘Various External Building Cladding’ available in the market for building
construction

Date of Visit: 5th July, 2022

Place of Visit: True Wall Specialties Pvt. Ltd.

Address of shop: 71/73 Botawala Building, 2nd Floor, Opp Bombay Stock Exchange, Fort.

Visitors/ Members:
▪ DHRUV BAHETI (005)
▪ AKANKSHA JAIN (017)
▪ CHAHAK JAIN (018)
▪ TULSI KHANDELWAL (023)
▪ AKHILA NAIR (034)
▪ SAKSHI PARMAR (039)
▪ LATIKA POOJARI (044)

Samples Collected:
⎯ Unitized curtain wall
⎯ Semi-unitized curtain wall

⎯ Undercut stone with honey comb panel

⎯ Stone pa nel with undercut system

⎯ DG glass

⎯ SGU glass

⎯ Honey comb Panel

⎯ ACP sheet with fixing system

⎯
NAME PHOTO
STRUCTURAL GLAZING
(FULLY UNITISED / SEMI- UNITISED /
CONVENTIONAL STICK TYPE CURTAIN
WALLS)

PHOTOVOLTAIC FACADES
(BIPV FACADES)

METAL CLADDING
(RAINSCREEN SYSTEMS)

DRY STONE CLADDING SYSTEMS

(ALU-STONE / CONVENTIONAL)

HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE/ WPC

CLADDING SYSTEMS

LOUVERS, FINS AND SHADING DEVICES

TERRACOTTA CLADDING& BAUGUETTE

LOUVER SYSTEMS

HIGH END WINDOWSYSTEMS

STAINLESS STEEL BLUSTRADES /ALUMINIUM
FRAMELESS BALUSTRADE SYSTEMS
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
(HANDRAILS & OTHER FAÇADE FEATURES)

GLASS REINFORCED
CONCRETE
(GRC)

SKYLIGHTS
INTRODUCTION
ABCM- SEM 04 ADITYA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

What is a Building Envelope?

Building Envelope is largest building element Which separates the interior of the building from the
external environment.
Other than Conventional Masonry & Plaster, it may comprise of: -
1. Windows.
2. Curtain Walls (Unitized, Semi- Unitized, Conventional Stick type & Bolted Facade)
3. Dry Stone Cladding Systems.
4. Glass Reinforced Concrete Facades.
5. Metal Cladding Systems.
6. High Pressure Laminated Cladding.
7. Terracotta Cladding.

Importance of Building Envelope

Building Envelope Systems are of Prime Importance.
They Should be Selected, Planned and Designed for the Following: -
1. Aesthetics
2. Performance relating to:
a. Aesthetic Performance.
b. Structural Performance
c. Thermal Performance.
d. Fire Performance.
e. Service Performance.
f. Ventilation Performance.

Selection of Building Envelope

Building Envelope Systems are of Prime Importance, and they play an important role defining the
Status of the Building, the Owners & Occupants.
Selection of the facades is generally dependent on the following: -

1. Type of Aesthetics Designed by Architects.

2. Use of Building – (whether Commercial, Residential, Public, Institutional, Mixed Use etc.)
3. Locations and Environment where the structure is being built. (Nearness of Sea, Types of
Weather conditions, tropical climate or likewise)
4. Performance Criterion Desired. (Min or Max)
5. Commercial Budgets and Market considerations.
6. Various Performance Criterions desired and the Codes.
Type of Aesthetic Building Envelope
• CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM
1. CONVENTIONAL CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS
2. STICK TYPE SYSTEM
3. SEMI-UNITSED GLAZING SYSTEMS
4. UNITSED GLAZING SYSTEMS
5. BOLTED GLAZING SYSTEMS
6. FACTORS GOVERNING THE PRICING OF CURTAIN WALL.

• DRY STONE/TILE CLADDING SYSTEMS

− GLASS REINFORCED CONCRETE

• METAL CLADDING SYSTEMS

Terminology Used in Facades
1. Vertical Structural Members- Mullions.
2. Horizontal Structural members- Transoms.
3. Sash – It is an Intermediate Aluminum frame over which glass is fixed. (Used for Semi-
unused glazing, Even the Operable Shutters are called Sash)
4. D/s Tape –It is short form for Double Sided Tape. It is used to create space between Glass
and the Sash for accommodating the structural sealant.
5. Structural Sealants – Sealant used to hold the Glass to the Main Frame or Sash.
6. Pressure Plate – Aluminum member used to continuously hold Glass to the Structural
members (Mullions or transoms.)
7. Cover plate – Aesthetic Aluminum Clip on used to fix over the Pressure plate.
8. Spider Fitting: - They are SS fittings used for holding bolted glass in location.

About Conventional Curtain Wall Systems

1. 1St Generation Glazing Systems.
2. Aluminium Mullions and Transoms are fixed in location at Site and the the Glass is fixed in
location.

• Glass Held in Location by the Virtue of Mechanical Pressure Plate

3. and Cover Plate.
• Quality Highly Depends on the Skill of the Workers.
4. Pressure Plate and Cover Plate Visible from Outside.
• Prevention of water penetration due to Gaskets only.
5. Usually only 2 lines of protection from ingress of Water.
• Practically Obsolete for High End Projects.
6. Cheapest Form of Glazing.
Some Details and References of Conventional Curtain Wall Systems

About Semi-Unitized Structurally Curtain Wall Systems

2nd Generation Glazing Systems.
•The Mullion and Transoms fixed in location at Site.
•Glass is Factory Glazed on a Sash and the glazed & cured Sash is
•Mechanically fixed to the Mullion and Transoms fixed in location at Site.
•Glass Held in Location by the Virtue of Structural Sealants –
Hence the name – Structural Glazing System.
•Only 12 to 16mm Groove visible from outside.
•Pressure Plate and Cover plate can be fixed on the Grooves
• (Horizontal Or Vertical) but they will only be for aesthetic purposes.
•System can be Pressure Equalized or Sealed System.
•Usually, 3 lines of protection from ingress of Water.
•Most Commonly and extensively used system. Very Reliable.
Some Details and References of Semi- Unitized Structurally Glazed Curtain Wall
Systems

Some More Reference Pics of Semi-Unitized Structurally Glazed Curtain Wall

Systems
 About Unitized Structurally Curtain Wall Systems
1. 3rd Generation Glazing Systems.
2. The complete units comprising of male/female mullions- each floor-including the glass are
manufactured at factory, transported to site, lifted by winches and locked on prefixed
brackets- on the slabs/beam fascia- No Scaffolding required.
3. Glass Held on the aluminum units (each Floor- one Grid) by the Virtue of

Structural Sealants – hence the name – Structurally Glazed unitized System.

4. Structural Glazing can be 2 sided or 4 sided structurally glazed Unitized systems.

5. Only 16 to 25mm Groove visible from outside.
6. The system is essentially Pressure Equalized- i.e., sealing by only gaskets which help in
equalizing the pressure between exterior and interior of the building.
7. Usually, 3 lines of protection from ingress of Water.
8. It is being extensively used where there is very little space at site even for erection of
scaffolding.
9. It is a very reliable form of Curtain Walling.
Some References of Unitized Structurally Glazed Curtain Wall Systems
Some References of Unitized Structurally Glazed Curtain Wall Systems

About Bolted Glass Façade Systems

• Bolted Glazing System is the one in which glass is bolted to the Sub Structure/Supporting
Structure.

• Based on the type of Supporting structure the Bolted Glazing system can be subdivided into
the following categories: -

→ Glass Fin System:

− The fascia Glass is fixed on the suspended Glass fins, which act as Mullions, by the help of
Spider Fittings & Bolts.

− It is commonly known as Spider Glazing on Glass Fins. Usually costs about 8000 to 9500
Rs/Sq.mt.

→ Tension Rod System:

− The fascia Glass is fixed on the suspended Tension Rod Truss, with the help of Spider Fittings
& Bolts.
− It is commonly known as Tension Rod Spider Glazing System.

− Usually costs about 17000 to 19000 Rs/Sq.mt.

→ Cable Net System:

− The fascia Glass is fixed on the suspended Tension Cable Net, with the help of Spider Fittings
& Bolts.

− It is commonly known as Cable Net Spider Glazing System.

− Usually costs about 22000 to 25000 Rs/Sq.mt.

− This type of glazing system is suitable where the inner part of the building needs to be
displayed or shown from the outside.

− Mostly the Fascia Glass is 12mm Clear toughened.

− Use of laminated Glass such as 6 mm Clear Toughened + 1.52 mm PVB + 6mm Clear
Toughened is used.

− The Glass fins should be laminated, i.e., 10mm Clear Toughened +1.52mm PVB + 10mm
Clear Toughened.

− All the spider fittings and Bolts are made of SS316. The Cabel net and Tension rods may be
SS304.

− The only barrier against water is clear weather proof sealant, which is filled between
grooves of glass panels.

− It is very popular and is extensively used for Shop Fronts, Atriums of Buildings and likewise.

− It is a very reliable form of Glazing.

Some Details and References of Bolted Glass Façade Systems
Factors Governing Pricing of Glazed Façade Systems.
Some of the major factors which govern the pricing of Curtain Wall are as follows: -
Type Of System– Depending on the Type of System, the cost is determined. Unitized being the
costliest & Conventional Curtain wall being cheapest. The price for Unitized Glazing System shall vary
from 8500 Rs/Sq.mt to 11500 Rs/Sq.mt, for Semi- Unitized, it may vary from 6500 Rs/ Sq.mt to 8500
Rs/Sq.mt. & Conventional Curtain wall may vary from 5500 Rs/Sq.mt to 7500 Rs/Sq mt. (Architectural
Features like Beaks, Brellois, Sunscreen etc. Additional)

Grid of Aluminum – The Smaller the Grid, the higher the consumption of Aluminum, Accessories,
Sealants, etc. per Sq.mt. – Hence higher shall be the price & vice versa.

Floor Height – The higher the floor height, the deeper & hence heavier mullion is required. Hence
if the Floor to Floor is small then it shall be cheaper than the system of same grid for higher flr to flr
span.

Coating on Aluminum- Anodizing and Powder coating costs cheaper than PVDF finishes of
aluminum sections.

Optimization of Glass - Glass is available in Specific Sizes universally. Glass of 3210mm X 2250mm &
3660mm X 2550mm are most commonly available- Which are European Sizes. And Pilkington and
American Standard Manaf mostly provide sheets of 3300mm X 2170 mm.

Specification of Glass – price depends on the use of DGU or SGU. Depending on the aesthetics &
performance data the glass price varies from 1000 Rs/ Sq mt. For Single Glass to 7000 Rs/ Sq mts.
(Performance, Processing, make, coating type, availability, etc.)

Design Data – Depending on the location & dimensions of the building, the topography design wind
speed is calculated and hence the design wind pressure. In most cases

1.5Kpa to 1.6 Kpa is the most practical design loading in Mumbai, for a wind speed of 44 m/s.
Type of Fabricator - Fabricators having better infrastructure, Qualified and experienced team, better
know how, resources – have higher working cost and hence may charge higher than fabricators not
having the above.
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted by physically visiting the factory. and the information about each
Sections is an amalgamation of the knowledge gained from talking to the vendors and information
available online.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Curtain Wall:

It is equally important to know about the merits and demerits of such types of walls. This is very
vital for the proper installation process.

Advantages of the curtain wall system.

o It has already been known to many that before the ancient period various types of materials
such as cement or mud were used to make this type of wall. These made the whole wall
very heavy and the passing of light was perhaps impossible. But with the emergence of
curtain walls, transparent materials have been introduced. Now, one can easily observe the
sunrays and similar other objects.

o Apart from preventing the building from air or rain or even moisture, the walls are equally
safe and protective from spreading the fire between the floors of the building. Suppose if a
fire is caught on one floor then it would take a long time to reach the other floor. In the
meantime, many lives can be saved.

o These types of walls require very little maintenance. They can be easily washed by simple
water. A simple water wash can make the walls look glossy or shiny at the same time. They
always shine in a single wash and make the whole building very attractive.

o If there are horizontal winds then these types of walls can protect the entire building from
any type of severe damage. In short, there are various advantages of erecting these types of
walls in many buildings.

o Due to its ample advantages, most of the commercial buildings are relying upon and prefer
to use these types of walls. In other words, the look of the newly constructed buildings has
been changed with the introduction of curtain walls.

Disadvantages of Curtain Walls

o The main and important disadvantage of using this type of wall is that it always demands
regular maintenance. This is mandatory work that must be carried out by the workers.

o The installation process of the curtain wall is presumed to be a time-consuming one.

Sometimes, it also becomes very costly to erect such walls. So all the detailed information
on this subject must be gathered before the installation process.

o While cleaning the cleaners must be very aware, especially of the anodized materials as they
may be removed with the touch of water. Those areas must be avoided as much as possible
or cleaned in a cautious manner.
 o Sometimes it is observed that the walls are not at all durable and hence it needs to be
removed within a short time. So regular inspection is mandatory in such a condition for
judging the condition of the walls.

o It has been seen that curtain wall is really a very important product in the present time.

o Keeping in mind the advantages and disadvantages there are other beneficial features that
make this item an important one. Even, the participation of the curtain wall materials is
equally important.

EXAMPLES
❖ L&T Realty
A.M. Naik Tower ( L&T Business Towers) Location : Powai, Mumbai
Principle Client: M/s L&t Realty Architect: M/s Calison, USA Client: M/s L& T
Construction Ltd. Value Of Work: 31 Crores
Types Of Façades:
Unitized Curtain Wall – 15000 Sq mts, ACP Cladding– 14000 Sq mts, Framelss Patch
Facade– 750 Sq mts.
Terracotta Cladding– 1000 Sq mts. Canopies – 1000 Rmts.
 ❖ BASF, Navi Mumbai
Location : Turbhe , Navi Mumbai. Client: M/s BASF
Principle Client: M/s Basf
Architect: M/s Venkatramanan Architects And Associates Pvt. Ltd. Value Of Work: 19 Crores
Unique Project Features: -
This Is A Highly Complicated Composite –
Double Skin Façade With 21 Different Façade Elements and Highly Complex Sequence Of
Fixing. Extremely Unique Project.
Types Of Facade:
• Semi-unitised curtain wall: 4500 sq.mts
• HPL - Fundermax cladding: 2000 sq.mts
• Honeycomb panel cladding: 6650 sq.mts.
• Aluminium & clip on louvers: 3000 sq.mt
• Vertical aluminum aerofoil fins: 3500 sq.mts.
• Vertcial aluminium box fins (450 x 50): 300 rmts
• Terracotta cladding: 450 sq.mt.
• Terracotta bugget louvers: 250 sq.mts.
• Skylight: 400 sq.mts.
• Spider glazing and canopy: 350 sq.mts.
• SS woven mesh façade: 450 sq.mts
• Tensile fabric roof: 225 sq.mts.
 ❖ Shell NTCB, Bangalore
Location: Bangalore.
Principal Client: M/s. Shell- India.
Architect: M/s. Mott Mac donald, USA Main Contractor: M/s L&T Construction Ltd. Value
of Work Order: 27 Cr.
Unique Project Features: -
Hook-on Dry-Stone Cladding with Aluminum System & Under Cut Technology - Modularly
Integrated with Unitized Glazing System.
Types Of Façade:
• Unitized Curtain Wall – 8500 Sq.mts
• Dry Stone Cladding – 5500 Sq.mts
• Suncreens – 650 Rmts.
• Rainscreen – 3mm Solid Aluminium PVDF Coated – 12000 Sq.mts.
• Skylight – 850 Sq.mts.
Aluminium Fins – 450 Rmts
CONCLUSION
→ Market survey gives us a better understanding about the material surveyed in a better way.

→ Curtain walls can provide durable, high-performance, and energy-efficient enclosures and a
wide range of aesthetic choices.

→ However, regardless of the style, cost, or type of system, good performance can only be
achieved if care is taken by the designer working with the manufacturer on detailing,
specification, testing, and inspection.

→ While curtain walls can be extremely beneficial, they sometimes come with extra expenses
and complexity.

→ Despite these challenges, the benefits of curtain wall design often outweigh the additional
costs and complexity associated with them.

→ Reduced energy use and added durability may decrease operational costs over time.
→ The primary conclusion which can be reached is that in order to achieve an integrated,
comparable and innovative design response in the interfacing of the exterior façade system
through understanding of the complex array of potential conditions of building size and
curtain wall cost.
→ The basic determinants of optimal enclosure solutions begin with considerations of climatic
zone, site charact- eristics, orientation of the building massing, and window- to-wall ratio.

REFRENCES
▪ TRUE WALL BROCHURE
▪ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/curtain-wall
▪ https://constructionor.com/curtain-wall/
▪ https://eprints.usq.edu.au/3883/1/Wong_Wan_Sie_2007.pdf
▪ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328733163_CURTAIN_WALLS
_HISTORY_AND_A_CONTINUING_CHALLENGE