Accessories

Each accessory implies a direct cost, as each accessory is to be purchased, transported, stored and installed.

Furthermore, each accessory yields a potential technical risk and, by consequence, a non-controllable financial risk. The more accessories – the more technical and economic risks.

In contrast to traditional curtain wall systems, Fassada H60 only has a limited number of accessories. Hence, the technical risks and economic costs are reduced to a minimum.

Acoustics

The acoustical performance of a curtain wall is defined by

• The performance of its infill elements; and
• The performance of the profiles of the curtain wall system

As the Fassada H60 hybrid system

• has no external pressure plate and no screws (knowing that each screw holding the pressure plate is a noise bridge);
• has a thick and heavy exterior shell for static reasons, which is also favourable for the acoustic performance (the famous mass law):

it is obvious, on condition of the same infill elements of course, that it will be always more performant than any conventional facade.

Air tightness

The Fassada H60 system does not directly fall within the scope of either window standards or curtain wall standards, as it combines the best elements of both. Hence the test results are reported for both types. Window systems are evaluated as follows:

• Airtightness (test method EN 1026, classification EN 12207): Class 4
• Watertightness (test method EN 1027, classification EN 12208): E2100
• Resistance to wind loads (test method EN 12211, classification EN 12210): C5

Curtain wall systems are evaluated as follows:

• Airtightness (test method EN 12153, classification EN 12152): AE1650
• Watertigthness (test method EN 12155, classification EN 12154): RE2100
• Resistance to wind loads (test method EN 12179, classification EN 13116): deflection < 1/200 up to 2000 Pa*

*test was only conducted up to 2000 Pa.

No conventional system comes close to all essential technical performances of H60….but there is even more. These unique results are perfectly under control as:

• not depending on silicone, by definition not durable
• not depending of the tension of the screws in the pressure plate, as there are no screws in H60.

Architectural freedom

H60 is a hybrid technology, which allows optimum freedom of design for the architect.
Even though there is a standard set of profiles, we can easily modify the design for specific projects.

The interior shape of the profiles is almost unlimited.
As the mullion is an insulated profile, and as the cap is the exterior shell of the mullion, it can also have any shape. Let the design be guided by the creativity of the architect.

Furthermore, as the mullion is an insulated, monolithic profile (not assembled on site with profile -  interior mullion – pressure profile – screws - exterior cap) any specific device can easily be inserted in the mullion in the workshop.
Such a device allows the fixation of any kind of additional external structure, such as louvres, neon lighting, walkways, ….without any risk for the water tightness and without any problem of execution on site.

Broken glass replace

Forget costly scaffolding and cradles.
For both spandrel panels as well as standard glazing, replacement happens from the inside of the building. This can be the case of accidental damaging, but even for a complete refurbishment of the glazing in the future.

If for what reason ever, the replacement of the infill elements would be required from the outside, there is no problem.

Burglary protection

In contrast to conventional systems, Fassada H60 has no pressure plate with screws on the outside. In traditional curtain walls the exterior cap can easily be removed which exposes the screws. In the Fassada H60, there is a thick and heavy exterior shell that protest the IGU.

Cost & economies

In the assumption

1. that the material cost of Fassada H60 system would be equal to the cost of a conventional system, quod non; and
2. of the same preconditions (façade modulation, glass, raw material costs, …)

the conclusion on the total cost aspect is as clear as simple :

• significant savings (up to 20% or more) in the production costs
• impressive savings (up to 30-40% or more) in the installation costs
• no rental costs of vertical access equipment (in Europe approx 20 €/m² façade)
• and last but not least : reduced technical risks = reduced financial risks

Double skin facades

Knowing that

• the mullion of the H60 system is a monolithic, insulated profile and not a screwed assembly of a 2, or 3 or more profiles
• in the workshops – which implies perfect quality control - a special device can easily be inserted in this mullion
• such a device allows the fixation of any kind of additional external structure
• the thermal break is designed to transfer exterior loads towards the interior structure

H60 is the first curtain wall system allowing a standard double skin construction.

Drainage system

Unlike conventional systems, the evacuation and drainage of infiltration water does not happen following the well-known cascade principle from the transoms into the mullions.

Fassada H60 functions with the principle of field drainage where every field of the curtain wall is drained as a simple fixed window.

Simple, superior performant and perfectly controllable.

External structures

see animation movie "architectural freedom"

H60 is a technology, which allows optimum freedom of design for the architect.
Even though there is a standard set of profiles, we can easily modify the design for specific projects.

The interior shape of the profiles is almost unlimited.
As the mullion is an insulated profile, and as the cap is the exterior shell of the mullion, it can also have any shape. Let the design be guided by the creativity of the architect.

Furthermore, as the mullion is an insulated, monolithic profile (not assembled on site with profile - interior mullion – pressure profile – screws - exterior cap) any specific device can easily be inserted in the mullion in the workshop.
Such a device allows the fixation of any kind of additional external structure, such as louvres, neon lighting, walkways, ….without any risk for the water tightness and without any problem of execution on site.

The technology of the H60 perfectly allows double skin construction.

Geometric survey

As H60 is easily installed from the inside, it is beyond any discussion that the job for the surveyor becomes much easier to do, and as a consequence, at a reduced cost.

Glass reflection distortion

The deformation of coated glazing due to the tension and tightening of the screws is a well-known phenomenon.
As H60 has no screws and glazing is installed by classic glazing beads, this problem can never occur.

Heavy load glass

Forget difficult and dangerous working from a scaffolding with glass units of 4 and more m² large.
The installation of large, heavy glass volumes has never been so easy, so precise and so fast…as it all happens from the inside of the building.

High rise buildings

Obviously, the combination of the concept of the H60 technology (foolproof installation from inside of the building) and its outstanding performances, H60 system is appropriate for low, mid-rise as well high-rise tower buildings. Certainly for higher buildings the cost-cut for scaffolding can be significant.

Based on the laboratory test results for airtightness, watertightness, and resistance to wind loads, the Fassada H60 hybrid system can be adopted in any environment, regardless of the height of the building.

Inertia of the profiles

To make an objective comparison with conventional stick systems, there are 3 aspects to be considered

1. The rigidity of the profiles, or the I-value for equal weight per meter

2. The ability to transfer vertical loads from the exterior to the mullion

3. The mechanics of the transom/mullion connection

Knowing that H60

• is a composite insulated profile, assembled by a polyamide thermal break, instead of 2 or 3 profiles (mullion, pressure plate and cap) kept together by screws
• the exterior shell of the H60 mullion has a very large wall thickness

the I-value of H60 mullion, for the same weight/m of profiles, will always be a multiple compared to a conventional system.

As the area moment of inertia relates to the height of a profile to the third power, it is clear that the Fassada H60 system embraces the full potential of the height, whereas in traditional systems the pressure plate has no contribution to the mechanical performance.

In contrast to traditional stick systems, the Fassada H60 comprises a rigid thermal break connecting the exterior profile to the interior one, which allows to transfer significant vertical loads. By consequence, installing specific elements such as louvers or even a double skin is possible.

Regarding the mechanics of the transom/mullion connection, see the corresponding topic, never a more performant, more logic connection has been realized in stick system technology.

These three aspects result in not just outstanding performance of the profiles, but also for the integral mechanics of the hybrid system.

Innovation

The light bulb was not invented by optimizing a candle. For real innovation to occur one needs to start from a white sheet and start over, omitting the existing solutions.

That is exactly what Fassada H60 does: it provides a whole new perspective on the design and construction of curtain wall systems, using technologies that have proven their resilience in different applications. It aspires nothing less than disruption, as it brings a new generation of curtain wall systems to the market.

Installation

As H60 curtain wall is installed foolproof from the inside, the installation of a curtain wall system has never been easier and faster to do.

Installation of large, heavy glass volumes has never been so uncomplicated, thanks to inside installation. Forget difficult and dangerous working from a scaffolding with glass units of 4 and more m² large.

Lab testing

All official test reports can be requested through the contact form. 

The Fassada H60 system does not directly fall within the scope of either window standards or curtain wall standards, as it combines the best elements of both. Hence the test results are reported for both types.

Window systems are evaluated as follows:

• Airtightness (test method EN 1026, classification EN 12207): Class 4
• Watertightness (test method EN 1027, classification EN 12208): E2100
• Resistance to wind loads (test method EN 12211, classification EN 12210): C5

Curtain wall systems are evaluated as follows:

• Airtightness (test method EN 12153, classification EN 12152): AE1650
• Watertigthness (test method EN 12155, classification EN 12154): RE2100
• Resistance to wind loads (test method EN 12179, classification EN 13116): deflection < 1/200 up to 2000 Pa*

*test was only conducted up to 2000 Pa.

No conventional system comes close to all essential technical performances of H60….but there is even more
These unique results are perfectly under control as

• not depending on silicone, by definition not durable
• not depending of the tension of the screws in the pressure plate, as there are no screws in H60…

Labour skill

As the H60 system is a foolproof concept for engineering, manufacturing and installation, the main part of the work is fit for low or non-skilled workers. To do the installation in a proper way, a large manual is not required. Using animated movies, the different steps can easily be shown to the installers.

Finally, the Fassada H60 allows for a significant cut in labour costs due to ease of installation.

Louvres

As the mullion is an insulated, monolithic profile (not assembled on site with profile - interior mullion – pressure profile – screws - exterior cap) any specific device can easily be inserted in the mullion in the workshop.
Such a device allows the fixation of any kind of additional external structure, such as louvres, neon lighting, walkways, ….without any risk for the water tightness and without any problem of execution on site.

Maintenance

As in the H60 system no silicone is applied, there will be no maintenance for that.
In case of a broken glass, no special tools are required.

The replacement of a broken glass happens exactly the same way as for a simple window in your own private residence.
Glazing bars are removed, broken glass is replaced, glazing bars are replaced and you're done.

The use of cradles and the huge cost of it is history for once and for all.

Operable vents

llustration drawing coming soon

Any operable part can be installed in the H60 curtain wall.
2nd half of 2019, a fully integrated, non-visible turn & tilt, without visible hinges will be presented.

Outside glazing

animation movie coming soon

The H60 technology has been developed for full installation and glazing from the inside of the building.

If for what reason what so ever (for example shop fronts), the installation of the glass from the outside would be preferable, this can be achieved as well.

Pressure equalization

Good pressure moderation and equalization is key for reducing the water ingress over the exterior gasket into the system.

Contrary to traditional curtail wall systems the Fassada H60 comprises a compartmentalized approach. This allows for instant (<0.02seconds) and optimal (<90%) pressure equalization. In traditional systems the interconnection of the mullions also covers vertical pressure gradients at the eaves, lowering the effectiveness of the pressure equalization at the most vulnerable location.

Pressure plate

Contrary to all conventional systems, H60 has no pressure plate with screws every 15 – 20 cm. Traditional system with screws require (according to the installation guidelines) a uniform load on all screws, which in turn requires that all screws must be checked twice with a torque control. No wonder problem arise in practice. This equal pressure by the screws should allow for a uniform pressure on the gasket. When this pressure varies too much, the airtightness and watertightness is compromised.

This implies that for the H60 system the risk of bad airtightness and watertightness, caused by a bad torque of these screws, has been eliminated.

Production

The production process of a curtain wall has never been so simple:

• glazing beads are cut straight
• transoms are cut straight
• the cut outs in the mullion groove gasket features can be either milled or punched

For a typical façade modulation of 1,20m field with and a story height of 3,50 m, the total production time per m² will be less than 10 minutes.

Quality control

• As full installation happens from the inside of the building; and
• As the performance of the system does not depend on the delicate screwed connection of the milled transom to the mullion
• as silicone, which per definition requires periodic control and maintenance, is not used in H60 system

the quality control of the executed works becomes a pleasure compared to conventional systems.

Research

Good design is ultimately a combination of understanding what the market needs, what technology can deliver, and how the underlying physics affect the performance. In order to tackle the challenges ahead, we rely on in house specialists in different fields, in close collaboration with top Universities and Research institutes that provide state-of-the-art information. The main difference with traditional companies is that we are not held back by any existing products or market positions. The Fassada H60 hybrid concept was studied profoundly in different fields (e.g. dynamic mechanics, watertightness, pressure equalization…), and the combination of experience, academic research and intensive laboratory and field testing provide the basis for this success.

Risk: technical and economical

All conceivable risks in the different stages of curtain wall construction are strongly reduced, such as:

• tendering (e.g. more precise budgeting of the cost component for installation: reduced fall out of installation caused by bad weather, exclusion of scaffolding costs)
• engineering (e.g. strongly reduced number of accessories means reduced engineering risk)
• manufacturing (extrusion, coating, and handling are all done in one location)
• installation: the installation is so simple and the number of accessories is so limited (which means an equal limited technical risk) that the entire risk of installation is almost non existing anymore
• quality (installing the H60 is possible for low or non-skilled workers)
• …

This means that the economical/financial risk for the curtain wall contractor is strongly reduced equivalently.

Scaffoldings

As H60 system is installed foolrpoof from the inside of the building, the costly rental of scaffoldings or any other vertical access equipment belongs to the past.

The economy on just the renting, not the increased productivity of installation, may be estimated at about 20 $/m² of façade.

Screws

Contrary to all conventional systems, H60 has no pressure plate with screws every 15 – 20 cm. Traditional system with screws require (according to the installation guidelines) a uniform load on all screws, which in turn requires that all screws must be checked twice with a torque control. No wonder problem arise in practice. This equal pressure by the screws should allow for a uniform pressure on the gasket. When this pressure varies too much, the airtightness and watertightness is compromised.

This implies that for the H60 system the risk of bad airtightness and watertightness, caused by a bad torque of these screws, has been eliminated.

Security

2 different aspects have to be considered, in particular

• from outside to inside, referred to as security protection or burglar resistance
• from inside to outside, referred to as the shock resistance

please refer to the respective items, H60 has a superior security compared to conventional systems.

Seismic zones

Detailed seismic analysis of H60 system is planned soon.

Considering the specifics of the transom-mullion connection (see that topic) and the fact that the TPE endpieces are fully blocked in the grooves of the mullions, it may be expected that the seismic serviceability and safety limit will be outstanding.

Shock resistance

As for the same weight per m, the H60 mullion is by definition stiffer than any conventional mullion, and as the transom of the H60 is pinched at both ends in the slots of the mullions and not mechanically fixed by just 2 tiny screws as in most conventional systems, the shock resistance of H60 is superior.

Silicone

In traditional curtain wall systems silicone is applied at the interface of the transom and the mullion, as well as the connection of the interior gaskets. However, this silicone connection was not engineered to be durable, as it cannot facilitate any thermally or mechanically induced movement. In the Fassada H60 system there is a precast TPE end piece with specific injection openings for butyl polymer. This was specifically designed for robust performance. The geometry of the end piece allows some movement and flexibility without inducing significant shear stresses.

Smart glazing

animation movie coming soon

In any conventional system, drilling holes in the mullion to allow passage for cables to the inside of the building is a must. These holes need and can only be sealed using silicone.

A simple calculation example gives a good common sense view on this approach: assume a building with a façade counting 1.000 glass units. This project would then have a potential risk of 1.000 leakages. There is no solution to get this connection tight. Note that additional problems arise when the cable is moving during the installation, typically tearing the silicone connection. Assuming 970 miracles made possible, which would mean only 3% cable inserts are not perfect…or 30 leakages….the curtain wall would then be a real catastrophe for its prior and main function : creating an air and watertight shield between the outside and the inside of a building.

The H60 patented solution is clear :

1. No perforation of the curtain wall mullions
2. No silicone : installation independent from the weather conditions
3. No risk for air and/or water leakages and infiltration
4. Installation from the inside: independent from the weather conditions
5. Installation from the inside: perfect quality control for BMS system
6. The cable connectors are situated at the inside of the building and not in a wet glazing pocket of the curtain wall
7. In case of glass breakage: replacement from the inside and not costly pose/depose working from scaffoldings at the outside

In case of technical failure of the cable or connector system: inspection and repair from the inside of the building and not costly working from scaffoldings at the outside

Statics

To make an objective comparison with conventional stick systems, there are 3 aspects to be considered

1. The rigidity of the profiles, or the I-value for equal weight per meter
2. The ability to transfer vertical loads from the exterior to the mullion
3. The mechanics of the transom/mullion connection

Knowing that H60

• is a composite insulated profile, assembled by a polyamide thermal break, instead of 2 or 3 profiles (mullion, pressure plate and cap) kept together by screws
• the exterior shell of the H60 mullion has a very large wall thickness

the I-value of H60 mullion, for the same weight/m of profiles, will always be a multiple compared to a conventional system.

As the area moment of inertia relates to the height of a profile to the third power, it is clear that the Fassada H60 system embraces the full potential of the height, whereas in traditional systems the pressure plate has no contribution to the mechanical performance.

In contrast to traditional stick systems, the Fassada H60 comprises a rigid thermal break connecting the exterior profile to the interior one, which allows to transfer significant vertical loads. By consequence, installing specific elements such as louvers or even a double skin is possible.

Regarding the mechanics of the transom/mullion connection, see the corresponding topic, never a more performant, more logic connection has been realized in stick system technology.

These three aspects result in not just outstanding performance of the profiles, but also for the integral mechanics of the hybrid system.

Sustainability

Traditional curtain walls are manufactured as follows:

• profiles are extruded by company A
• are then coated by company B
• are then shipped to warehouse of the curtain wall system, company C
• and finally handled in the workshop of the contractor, company D

Fassada H60 renders all the unnecessary transport obsolete by implementing a LEAN approach: extrusion, coating, installing thermal breaks, is all done on a single location, ready to be shipped directly to you.

This approach not only reduces logistics and transport, but also reduces the need for keeping large stock with inherent material degradation and elimination.

It goes without saying that H60 is the most eco-friendly, sustainable curtain wall system on the market.

Thermal performance

The global thermal performance of a curtain wall depends on

1. The insulation performance of the infill elements
2. The thermal performance of the frame, i.e. the curtain wall

Knowing that

1. H60 has no screws, and knowing that each screw creates a thermal bridge
2. H60 has the largest polyamide thermal break (Ensinger) available on the market

For the same infill elements, a curtain wall constructed with H60 system will always have a superior performance than any conventional system

Tilt window integrated

Any operable part can be installed in the H60 curtain wall.

​Animation movie coming soon

​A tilt window, fully integrated in the 60 mm of the mullion and the transom, without visible window handle but automated may be expected around mid-2019.

Water tightness

See also the topic "lab testing"

No conventional system comes close to the performance on water tightness than H60….but there is more

• The unique performance is perfectly under control as
• not depending on silicone, by definition not durable
• not depending on the tension of the screws in the pressure plate, as there are no screws in H60…
• there are no delicate screwed connections between the milled transom and the mullion.

It is also important to underline that this unique performance is not the result by putting pressure on the gaskets by a screwed pressure plate but by the combination of

1. a well-functioning pressure equilibration; and
2. a field drainage instead of the classic cascade drainage in the mullions

Weather dependence

The installation AND the glazing of H60 happens easily from the inside of the building, which means that bad weather (rain, heavy wind, strong sunshine, …) making good installation impossible, belongs for once and for all to the past.

Over and out for non-controllable extra costs due to non-wanted interruption of installation.

Transom - mullion connection

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