Facades

TECHNAL aluminium facades combine slim sightlines, design flexibility and robust performance. They are designed to maximised natural light, support architectural expression and provide reliable weather, thermal and acoustic performance. In addition, TECHNAL’s facade systems are developed with a strong focus on sustainability and circular design, helping to reduce embodied carbon in the building envelope.

TECHNAL systems can be configured to help projects meet current UK and Irish building regulations, including requirements related to Part L / Conservation of fuel and power, as well as emerging net-zero and low-energy standards. U-values, glazing specifications and facade build-ups can be optimised to support the overall energy strategy of the building. Designers should always confirm compliance using the latest regulations and project-specific calculations.

TECHNAL is part of Hydro, a global leader in low-carbon and circular aluminium. TECHNAL products are made with Hydro CIRCAL® 75R as standard - aluminium made with at least 75% recycled post-consumer scrap. This helps reduce embodied carbon by 80% when compared with the European average for primary aluminium production, while maintaining high levels of performance and design freedom. Choosing TECHNAL facades supports the transition to a net-zero built environment without compromising architectural quality.

Yes. TECHNAL facade systems are widely used on refurbishment, recladding and retrofit projects as well as new builds. Lightweight aluminium construction and flexible fixing options mean facades can often be integrated with existing structures, helping to improve thermal performance, reduce operational energy use and refreshing the architectural appearance of older buildings. Early engagement with TECHNAL’s team is recommended to review structural interfaces and programme constraints.

TECHNAL offers a wide variety of design aesthetics, including:

• Capped, structural silicone and toggle-fixed glazing options
• Horizontal or vertical emphasis to suit the architectural rhythm
• A broad palette of powder-coated and anodised finishes, including dual colour options

This flexibility allows architects to tailor the facade expression to the project context, from civic buildings in city centres to coastal developments and rural schemes across the UK and Ireland.

Yes. TECHNAL facades are designed to integrate seamlessly with TECHNAL window, door and sliding systems. This allows specifiers to maintain consistent sightlines and finishes while incorporating project-specific ventilation and access requirements. Integration details including drainage and thermal breaks are engineered to maintain the facade’s overall performance.

TECHNAL provides dedicated project and technical support for facade design in the UK and Ireland. The team can assist with:

• System selection and early-stage feasibility
• Thermal, acoustic and structural considerations
• Detailing around interfaces and movement joints
• Specification documents and performance data

This collaborative approach helps architects and specifiers develop coherent facade strategies from concept design through to tender and construction.

For many systems, TECHNAL provides BIM objects and digital design resources to support coordination for the wider project team. These assets help architects, engineers and contractors integrate TECHNAL facades into 3D models, improve clash detection and streamline documentation. Availability of BIM content can vary by system, so design teams should contact TECHNAL for the latest resources for their project.

Yes. TECHNAL encompasses systems designed for mid- and high-rise buildings, as well as facades with complex geometries, slopes and corners. With appropriate engineering and system selection, designers can achieve large spans, generous glazed areas and articulated forms, while maintaining structural and weather performance. For tall or technically demanding schemes, early dialogue with TECHNAL and the facade engineer is essential.

In busy urban locations across the UK and Ireland, controlling noise ingress is a key requirement. TECHNAL facades can be configured with appropriate glazing specifications and framing solutions to support the project’s acoustic strategy. Performance will depend on the chosen system and glass build-up, so specifiers should refer to acoustic test data and project-specific calculations when assessing compliance with local planning requirements and internal comfort criteria.

Project teams can access further information on TECHNAL facade systems, performance data and case studies by exploring the website or by contacting the local technical and specification team. Whether it’s early-stage concept design or a live project requiring detailed support, TECHNAL can collaborate with architects, specifiers, contractors, fabricators and building owners to develop the right facade solution. Contact our TECHNAL UK & Ireland team to discuss facade specification support for your next project.

Yes. TENTAL 50 and TENTAL 60 are certified by the Passive House Institute for use in a cool, temperate climes, which covers the UK and Ireland. This certification confirmed that TENTAL can achieve the thermal insulation, airtightness and envelope efficiency required for Passive House-aligned design when installed in the approved configurations.

The system’s optimised thermal breaks, high-performance glazing interfaces and airtight construction help reduce heat loss and support low-energy building strategies. TENTAL is also made with Hydro CIRCAL® 75R as standard, aluminium with at least 75% recycled post-consumer content, reducing embodied carbon while maintaining architectural freedom.

A façade system is the external envelope of a building. In commercial construction, modern façade systems balance architectural design with technical performance. They help regulate heat transfer, manage moisture, improve occupant comfort. façade systems can be either structural or non-structural.

• Structural façades: Contribute to the building’s load-bearing framework
• Non-structural systems: Attach to the primary structure without supporting it. They provide environmental protection and architectural expression.

Façade systems are crucial, forming the first line of defence against external conditions. They help buildings remain energy efficient, weather resistant and comfortable throughout their lifecycle.

Key functions of a façade system include:

• Protection: Protecting the building against wind, rain and external weather exposure. This supports long-term durability.
• Energy Efficiency: Improving thermal insulation and reducing unwanted heat gain and heat loss.
• Interior Comfort: Supporting acoustic performance, managing natural daylight and improving occupant wellbeing.
• Visual Appeal: Enhancing the architectural appearance and identity of the building.

Façade systems work as a series of interconnected components. These elements fix to the main building structure, creating a high-performance external envelope. System designs vary depending on the project. Most commercial façade systems include:

• Aluminium framing or support structures
• Glazing panels or external cladding materials
• Insulation layers
• Fixings and anchoring systems
• Gaskets, seals and drainage channels
• Ventilated cavities or pressure-equalised zones

Combined, they manage weather protection, thermal performance, structural movement and air tightness. Modern façade systems are also designed to integrate with wider building elements, including:

• Opening vents and window systems
• Solar shading systems
• Door systems and entrances
• Drainage systems
• Acoustic and thermal insulation systems

Commercial façade systems are available in a range of configurations. TECHNAL offers several façade system types across the UK and Ireland for:

• Commercial, Office & Retail.
• Education facilities.
• Healthcare projects.
• Tourism, Leisure and Transport.
• Residential developments.
• Student Accommodation.

Visible Grid façade Systems

Visible grid curtain wall systems use externally expressed aluminium caps. This method create a defined grid appearance across the building elevation.

Flat Cap façade Systems

Flat cap façade systems offer a more refined external appearance. They offer slimmer horizontal and vertical lines, compared with traditional visible grid façades. Architects can achieve a cleaner, more contemporary architectural finish. Thermal, acoustic or weather performance is not compromised.

Feature-Line façade Systems

Feature-line façade systems create stronger horizontal or vertical emphasis across the building envelope. Typically applied on high-profile developments where visual identity is a key design consideration.

Sloped Glazing Systems

Sloped glazing systems are for angled applications rather than standard vertical façades. Typical use cases are atriums, glazed roofs, and entrance canopies. These systems maximise natural daylight while maintaining weather resistance, drainage performance and thermal efficiency.

Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency

Thermal performance is a major consideration during façade specification. High-performance façade systems help reduce operational energy demand. Key specification considerations include:

• U-values
• Solar control
• Thermal bridging
• Airtightness performance

Acoustic Performance

Acoustic control is particularly important in urban developments, healthcare facilities and education environments. This contributes to occupant comfort and internal building performance.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Commercial façade systems must perform under long-term environmental exposure. Specification reviews should consider:

• Wind loading
• Water tightness
• Air permeability
• Corrosion resistance
• Maintenance requirements

Long-term durability is especially important for high-rise and exposed developments.

TECHNAL supports projects throughout design, specification, fabrication and delivery stages. We help project teams align with performance, sustainability and construction objectives.

Supporting Sustainable Building Design

TECHNAL aluminium façade systems support sustainable construction through:

• Low-carbon aluminium solutions
• Recycled content integration
• Circularity principles
• Whole-life performance considerations
• Passive House Certification (TENTAL 50 and TENTAL 60)

Technical Support for Architects, Consultants and Contractors

TECHNAL provides technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle, including:

• Design assistance.
• Engineering support.
• Specification guidance.
• Project reviews.
• Fabricator collaboration.
• Product-specific trainings.
• Value engineering support.

BIM Objects, Digital Resources and Specification Tools

Digital specification support is important during project planning and coordination. TECHNAL provides access to:

• BIM objects.
• CAD resources.
• Technical documentation.
• Product data.
• Digital specification tools.
• NBS Chorus Specification Available.

These resources support more efficient workflows across design and construction teams.

Design Flexibility for Complex and High-Rise Projects

TECHNAL systems support demanding architectural requirements across commercial and high-rise developments.

System capabilities include:

• Large glazed spans
• Complex geometries
• Integrated windows and doors
• High-rise applications

TECHNAL also offers a wide range of façade aesthetics, including:

• Capped, structural silicone and toggle-fixed glazing options
• Horizontal or vertical façade emphasis
• Powder-coated and anodised finishes, including dual-colour options