In recent years, we’ve all been witness to a number of high profile and heartbreaking fires in medium- and high-rise residential buildings caused by flammable or non-compliant façade systems. Tragic events such as these have rightly focused an overdue spotlight on the importance of compliant materials and appropriate designs in external façade systems (1). In the fire safety engineering industry, we have seen a reassuring and significant change in the approach to external façade system assessment, design and remediation in the built environment as a result of the inquiries into these fires, with the construction industry ready and prepared to address issues relating to compliance to building safety codes and standards. 

The important role of fire safety engineers

External façade systems form an integral part of any building design and, beyond mere aesthetics, must always be a significant consideration in relation to fire safety. Across the built environment there has been a universal drive to improve fire safety, and façade design is a key focus in the UK, driven by the terrible events which ushered in the introduction of statutory controls as a consequence of the Building Safety Act 2022 (2). The importance of such systems, from a fire safety perspective, increases with façade complexity (3) and building height. Fire safety design input is, therefore, critical in assessing the potential risks associated with external façade designs and ensuring a compliant and safe system for all projects that protects and promotes the legitimate interests of developers, builders, asset and home owners/tenants alike.

A crucial early step in assessing existing building façade systems and identifying the scope for non-compliance is to seek advice from specialist fire safety engineers, who will conduct, desktop reviews along with on-site inspections to determine compliance and, if needed, advise on the particular remedial works necessary to upgrade the building to meet its required safety standard. For new schemes, fire safety engineers should be involved at the early stages to ensure the correct methodology and compliance is achieved for the façade system from a fire safety perspective. Project services include the review of new/remediation designs and information to ensure a building’s design meets tolerable risk levels and relevant legislation. In support of this process, specialist engineers will attend the site to review materials to assess compliance and will continue to visit the site on a regular basis to monitor the delivery of remedial projects/new projects, ensuring that all works are completed to an appropriate standard and as per the agreed specification.

Our experience

At Joule Group, we are privileged to have accumulated over time a wealth of technical experience in the new building façade compliance and remediation sector, having delivered façade consultancy services in support of projects around the world, including in the UK and Middle East. Our experienced and expert team of fire safety engineers, led by our own chartered engineers, utilise best-in-class global industry practices to deliver robust, relevant and effective services to façade projects, which include design, construction and remediation. Our approach is always informed and driven by our core belief in proactiveness, responsiveness and accountability to our clients throughout the design, construction, remediation and operation stages of each project.

Our highly expert team draw on their strong technical backgrounds, gained through decades of experience in the fire safety industry, to provide confidence to asset owners, building managers and tenants that external façade systems will always meet the required statutory and regulatory standards in local jurisdictions and, where appropriate, to advise on the timely delivery of remedial projects swiftly, efficiently and safely.

Joule Group has an impressive technical background in the façades sector, having provided façade design and remediation services to large portfolio clients, and we have been privileged to be invited to advise government organisations and bodies in relation to external façade systems and the development of specification documents for cladding risk, and complex high-rise mixed-use developments. 

Our services in the façade consultancy sector include:

• Strategic governance in relation to façade systems for large portfolio clients;
• Government body strategic advice for façade guidance;
• Fire risk appraisal of external walls;
• Input during all RIBA stages with specific focus on façade system design and components;
• Initial desktop studies and site investigations of existing façade systems;
• EWS1 assessments and associated services;
• Remediation design reviews;
• On-site inspections to review existing façade build-ups, and milestone inspections during construction to follow design implementation;
• Risk assessments and performance-based engineering for façades requiring a bespoke engineering approach; and
• Liaison with public authorities in relation to required approvals.

We are fortunate to possess a truly first class understanding of international building codes, and we monitor the latest research in the field of façade engineering and associated areas such as vertical greenery and photovoltaic panels. Taken together, we believe this helps us ensure our advisory services in and in relation to these areas are at the forefront of the industry. This also means that our clients may have the utmost confidence and peace of mind that their assets enjoy the necessary protections and are supported by state-of-the-art remediation techniques and solutions.

To learn more about how Joule Group’s fire safety expertise and solutions can help you with your existing and prospective façade projects, please get in touch with us at info@joule-group.com for an informal discussion.

References

1. ‘Grenfell tragedy: Minister admits cladding guidance was ‘faulty and ambiguous’’, Architects’ Journal. https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/grenfell-tragedy-gove-admits-cladding-guidance-was-faulty-and-ambiguous

2. ‘Fire safety guidance strengthened for new high-rise homes’, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fire-safety-guidance-strengthened-for-new-high-rise-homes

3. ‘Industry guide for living walls as cladding released’, Fire Protection Association. https://www.thefpa.co.uk/news/industry-guide-for-living-walls-as-cladding-released