Facade consulting
New traditional facades over modern construction, designed for a 100-year life.
Many new buildings are given their facade at the end, when the money has run out. We start with it.
We design new traditional facades over modern construction. Behind the facade, the building is as modern as any other: insulation and services designed to meet current energy standards, and the amenities that buyers and tenants expect. We design for a 100-year life, and we choose materials and details that can be maintained and repaired rather than replaced.
People will tell you that this kind of building is no longer possible, or no longer affordable. Our work is to make it possible, and cost-effective: the right ornament level for the place and the budget, details that builders can price, and a facade with a clear place in the business case.
We work with three kinds of project:
New build. A new traditional building on an empty or cleared site.
Facade retrofit. A new traditional facade on an existing modern building.
Renovation with facade retention. Lisbon style: we keep the historic facade and rebuild everything behind it new, with modern structure, insulation, services and layouts.
We work alongside your architect and your builder, from the first sketch to the construction details. Early is best. Ornament is far easier to plan than to add.