Façade System

A façade system is an engineered envelope that shapes a building’s identity while providing protection and energy efficiency.

In the Middle East’s harsh climate, aluminium façades offer durability and design freedom. TECHNAL systems combine advanced engineering and sustainable materials for lasting performance and architectural excellence.

What Is the Purpose of a Façade System?

A façade is a building’s environmental shield, as well as shaping the aesthetics. 

Its key functions include:

• Weather protection: Preventing air, water, and heat ingress.

• Structural balance: Managing wind and dead loads.

• Thermal and solar control: Reducing energy demand and improving comfort.

• Design and identity: Reflecting brand, culture, or architectural intent.

In hot climates, façade systems with thermal breaks and sun-shading solutions reduce cooling loads, improving energy efficiency. 

TECHNAL integrates these elements seamlessly, ensuring buildings remain efficient and visually distinctive year-round.

Types of Façade Systems and Examples

Façade systems are available in several configurations, each designed to meet specific architectural, structural, and climatic needs. 

TECHNAL offers a wide range of aluminium façade solutions, including both stick-built and unitised systems, engineered for performance and creative freedom.

The TENTAL façade system exemplifies this versatility:

• available in 50 mm and 60 mm profile modules 

• with glazing infills up to 12.25 m² and panel weights of up to 850 kg. 

Its modular design supports:

• flat or faceted façades (±10°), 

• as well as large glazing formats 

• and integrated operable units such as windows and doors.

Aesthetic variations include:

• Horizontal or vertical line façades for visual rhythm

• Flat cap profiles for minimalist designs

• Structural glazing (SG) and structural silicone glazing (SSG) for frameless transparency

• Bead glazing (BG) for a refined, balanced appearance

• Sloped glazing options for skylights or inclined façades

TECHNAL systems can also integrate external cladding, sun-shading fixings, or decorative screens directly into the façade grid. They enhance both performance and design impact.

Examples of application include:

• airport terminals, 

• commercial towers, 

• and cultural buildings.

Façade systems are highly versatile and adaptable. Façades serve both an environmental and architectural function. They combine strength, precision, and aesthetic continuity across complex geometries.

Performance and Design Flexibility

TECHNAL’s façade systems balance architectural freedom with high structural performance. 

There are two main construction methods, stick-built and unitised façade. They both offer distinct advantages, depending on project scale and logistics.

Stick-built façades

• They are assembled directly on-site

• They provide flexibility for complex geometries and design modifications during installation. 

• They offer precise alignment and easy integration with other façade components.

• For more information, explore options we offer under the TENTAL family.

Unitised façades 

• They are factory-preassembled in modules.

• They allow for faster on-site installation and consistent quality control.

• They are ideal for large-scale, high-rise projects.

Both systems deliver exceptional performance, including:

• High wind load resistance for tall or exposed structures.

• Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation improves comfort and energy efficiency.

• Accommodating glass thicknesses and in fills for varied aesthetic and functional needs.

TECHNAL façades also integrate operable units, doors, and window modules within the same system. This maintains visual harmony while ensuring ventilation, access, and adaptability for diverse architectural applications.

Technical Components and System Performance

A façade works best when all of its parts fit and perform perfectly.TECHNAL’s aluminium façade systems offer structural strength with sophisticated detailing. This ensures lasting performance and smooth integration.

Each system is built from high-quality mullions, transoms, anchors, pressure plates, and gaskets. Each part works together with thermal breaks, drainage channels, and infill panels to deliver optimal weather resistance and load transfer.

Certified to international standards, TECHNAL façades achieve excellent results in:

• Thermal insulation through advanced thermal break technology.

• Air and water tightness, maintaining comfort, and protecting interiors in all weather conditions.

• Acoustic insulation, reducing external noise for enhanced occupant wellbeing.

• Large module dimensions, supporting expansive glazing areas without compromising strength or stability.

The system’s interface with the primary structure is designed to accommodate tolerance adjustments, bracket alignment, and load path optimisation, ensuring smooth on-site assembly.

For precision in design and coordination, digital tools such as MyTECHNAL and Techtip provide access to CAD files, BIM models, and installation details. This helps architects and fabricators maintain accuracy from design to execution.

Sustainability and Lifecycle Performance

TECHNAL’s façade systems are designed with sustainability at their core. Each system uses aluminium with a high recycled content and is fully recyclable at the end of life. They support circular construction practices. 

By contributing to LEED, BREEAM, and Estidama certifications, TECHNAL helps architects and developers meet green building standards across the Middle East. 

Durable finishes and corrosion-resistant profiles ensure a long service life with minimal maintenance, even in harsh climates. 

Over time, this reduces both energy use and operational costs, delivering real lifecycle value alongside environmental responsibility.  

Regional Performance and Environmental Adaptability

Façade systems in the Middle East need to perform under some of the world’s toughest conditions: 

• intense heat,

• high UV exposure, 

• sand, 

• humidity, 

• and coastal air. 

TECHNAL’s aluminium façade systems are engineered to handle these challenges through corrosion-resistant finishes, specialised gaskets and sealants, and enhanced drainage and ventilation designs. 

Structural allowances for thermal expansion ensure long-term stability. While UV-resistant coatings protect surface colour and integrity over time. 

These adaptations guarantee that façades retain their appearance, performance, and safety standards across desert, coastal, and high-rise environments.

Cost Drivers and Budget Planning

Accurate budgeting starts with understanding the main façade cost drivers, including:

• Material selection – glass type, metal grade, or composite choice

• Geometry and depth – complex designs increase fabrication effort

• Anchorage and substructure – affects engineering and load transfer

• Surface finishing – anodizing or powder coating impacts durability

• Installation labor – site access and sequencing influence time and cost

Value engineering through optimized spans and module repetition improves efficiency and reduces waste. A façade is a long-term investment in performance and durability, not just an upfront cost.

Fabrication, Installation, and Technical Support

A Controlled Installation Process

To ensure seamless integration, every project follows a rigorous, data-driven workflow:

• Preparation: Utilisation of BIM data and detailed shop drawings for precise planning.

• Frame setting: Modular assembly with built-in tolerance coordination.

• Glazing & sealing: Expert application of infill panels and weatherproofing.

• Quality assurance: On-site QA testing to verify airtightness and structural integrity.

Expert Regional Support

Our commitment extends beyond the product. TECHNAL provides dedicated resources to ensure lasting performance:

• Technical guidance. On-demand consulting for complex geometries and site-specific challenges.

• Professional training. Specialised programs for fabricators and installers to maintain high quality standards.

• After-sales service: Long-term support to assist with maintenance and lifecycle management.

Why Choose TECHNAL Façade Systems

TECHNAL combines innovation, sustainability, and global expertise to deliver high-performance façade solutions.

Key advantages include:

• Proven reliability in extreme climates and demanding applications

• Sustainable aluminium production with high recycled content

• Comprehensive system families for all façade types Advanced digital design support, including BIM and CAD

For more information, contact TECHNAL or download our technical data sheet. With a strong record across airports, towers, and cultural landmarks, TECHNAL delivers façade systems that balance aesthetic excellence, efficiency, and durability.