Façade and Building Envelope
We engineer customized systems that involve combinations of materials. We collaborate with the architect in the selection of cladding materials, providing guidance on how exactly these design choices (and their assembly) will affect insulation values, moisture management, and durability of the building envelope.
A well-designed façade has visual impact while simultaneously addressing function. Our design solutions are attractive and dynamic while simultaneously providing a protective barrier to shield occupants from external environmental conditions. We consider window placement and carefully select glazing, shading, and cladding materials to achieve your energy goals, such as targets for heat gain/loss, thermal comfort, and natural lighting.
High-performing enclosures, with many layers and systems, benefit from DeSimone’s integrated interdisciplinary approach. We understand that effective building envelope consulting and construction administration must balance disparate project requirements.
Site-specific façades and resilient building envelopes come together as high-performing systems capable of improving overall building performance. DeSimone is experienced with active adaptive façade systems that incorporate sensors, actuators, and control systems to respond to real-time operational needs and changing environmental conditions. Our expertise ranges from intelligent control systems for dynamic building envelopes to customized façade solutions, such as smart glass, adjustable louvers, operable windows, and solar panels.
The implementation of these technologies necessitates experience with site-specific construction methods. We understand the key design drivers and the requirements needed to engineer, fabricate, construct, and operate façade systems with integrated performative mechanisms.
Our focus for the façade is aesthetics, function, and visual impact, while our strategies for the building envelope involve technical considerations and tactics for energy efficiency and environmental control. Our shared objective, of course, is achieving a more sustainable, resilient, and visually engaging building. In designing façades and building enclosure systems, we employ the latest local codes, industry standards, and best practices.
- Façade System Design
- Façade System Engineering
- Façade System Analysis
- Façade Shop Drawing Documentation
- Fabrication Documentation
- Design Assist and Design Review
- Testing and Mock-ups
- Site Inspections
- Building Maintenance Systems
- Failure investigation and repairs to existing assets
- Expert advisory and Expert Witness services
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About us
In an industry in which consolidation has become the norm, DeSimone stands apart from large engineering practices. The diversification of our services enables us to support a global clientele experiencing complex challenges. We remain independent so that we are able to provide bespoke and personal solutions, wherever your vision takes you.
Structural engineering is where we began, and it is still the core of our practice. But through the years, we have expanded the services we offer our clients, from façade and building envelope to vertical transportation to steel detailing and fabrication-ready modeling to advisory services.
