Fit and Resilience: The Design Logic of Facade Systems in Australia Architecture in Australia Begins with Environmental Considerations When designing buildings in Australia, many decisions are driven less by aesthetics and more by environmental realities. Wind loads, prolonged sun exposure, temperature fluctuations, and the persistent risk of bushfires in certain regions often shape the building’s façade and system selection from the very early stages. These conditions are not extreme, yet they are constant and unavoidable. As a result, architectural design prioritizes long-term controllability and durability rather than short-term visual impact. Environmental Wisdom Translates into “Avoidance and Control” Indigenous construction practices rarely sought to confront nature directly. Instead, they emphasized orientation,

2026 Façade Systems: From Visual Expression to Long-Term Performance Observations on Façade Technology, Operation, and Maintenance The turn of a new calendar year is often marked by illuminated skylines and landmark façades in cities around the world. On New Year’s Eve, façade lighting is rarely switched off once the countdown ends. In many cases, it continues to operate well past midnight. This extended operation is more than a seasonal gesture. Longer lighting hours place additional demands on system reliability, thermal management, and long-term maintenance planning. It is a reminder that a façade is not only a surface to be seen, but an engineering system that must perform reliably under real

Warmth in the Frozen North: Advanced Façade Thermal Insulation Technologies As the Christmas season approaches, northern cities are dusted in snow and sparkling lights. Cold winds sweep between high-rises, and façades catch the winter sun. Beneath this beauty, façades face a serious challenge: extreme cold, wind, snow, and ice demand consistent performance. In these conditions, high-performance façades are essential. They provide thermal comfort, protect interiors, and reduce maintenance. Working in freezing conditions, as we did on Montreal’s Tom Condos, the UN150 Unitized Curtain Wall proves itself. Each factory-built module clicks into place, insulation holds back the cold, and the building stays cozy no matter how low the thermometer drops. 1.