FMDC have significant experience in the new-build market, across multiple sectors, but mainly focused in the commercial and residential markets, in Central London. We are often involved in schemes where refurbishment or heavy ‘cut and carve’ options are explored for developments, but after careful consideration these are found to be unviable for various reasons, making new-build the optimum solution. This allows ultimate design and performance flexibility for new facades and can deliver best in class results for operational carbon. Our new-build portfolio includes many medium and high-rise schemes, with the later maximising site density and delivering great value for our clients. FMDC have market leading experience in all important façade build methodologies and will carefully assess project drivers and pros/cons, before promoting a preference based on a detailed comparison matrix. The vast majority of our projects are built, which gives us a valuable precedent information bank, to inform design decisions, based on how projects are actually delivered on site.
Our pre-contract service is key to exploring options, which unlocks potential and ‘gets the question right’, early in the process. We participate in workshops with Architects and other key players, examining drivers from first principles and turning these into solutions, which can then be assessed comparatively for best-fit in project specific situations. We sketch, model on computer, prepare detailed interface sections, explore materials options and think about construction and procurement. We understand how facades are designed, bought, manufactured and installed in the UK market and bring this knowledge to provide solutions and solve problems.
Our post-contract service then takes the design through to completion on site, striving to ensure that the end product is compliant with the tender buy and aligned with client expectations. We attend facade workshops and review drawings, calculations and other technical submissions. We visit factories, review mock-ups and witness off-site testing. We also undertake site inspections to assess build quality and to spot issues before they become problems.
We have found that the best way to get a clear understanding of the client’s expectations is to work closely with the architect and design team, continually asking questions to help distill and clarify thinking. Our ‘design workshops’ help to explore and develop creative ideas and solutions. Our approach relies heavily on free hand sketching, allowing quick exploration of options that can be further developed in to 3D computer models or project specific CAD drawings if required.
3d modelling Our expertise in 3D modelling allows us to explore building forms at micro scale, examining key elements and interfaces on an individual component basis. It also allows us to rationalise complex building forms, and without losing sight of the original design intent, make subtle changes to the envelope to either address a design challenge or reduce fabrication and installation costs.
We make full use of both 2D and 3D computer analysis programs to accurately model and assess the performance of the design as it develops. Doing so helps to limit the risk of condensation and the effects of cold bridges in the facade and ensures that specified performance requirements can be reliably met in practice.
Ensuring the specification is correct is fundamental to the success of the project at tender, construction and after completion. We can produce outline specifications at early project stages to engage with the industry for initial cost feedback. These can then be progressed to full performance specifications for tender.
Our in-depth knowledge of the industry allows us to provide expert advice. We have developed a first-class knowledge of the industry in general and have an enviable insight and appreciation of the capabilities of the majority of cladding contractors. This allows us to critically evaluate the project tender list and either recommend suitable contractors or provide an informed opinion about those suggested.