Facade Engineering

In contemporary architecture, the façade, the first point of judgment of a building, is an essential component of an architectural project. This is where facade engineering comes into its own: the challenge is to achieve a "functional design" within a budget and a program.

With several patents registered, BIFF SA works with architects from the competition phase to provide the innovative ideas needed to make the architect's project a reality. By presenting a global conception of the envelope, specific and optimized in the start-up phase, the architect's project has every chance of being differentiated by the client.

Image 3D d'une façade rideau

Facade engineering starts in the first phase of a construction or renovation project, where we support architects in designing façades with optimal technical solutions. The design principles are established according to the architectural intention and in function of the use and maintenance considering additional parameters such as feasibility and profitability.

Following the definition of the project basis, an in-depth study with variants is developed. From then on, BIFF SA starts the preparation of the technical details and controls the dimensioning of the systems as the project progresses. In the variants proposed, BIFF SA ensures the choice of materials and optimal solutions with fairness thanks to the experience of its employees in the design of facades and its knowledge of the market.

BIFF SA offers a wide range of services related to facade design, including statics, building physics, logistics and assembly planning, time planning for project development and execution, budget estimates for the basic concept and the proposed variants, etc.

The BIFF SA team prepares the plans and the tender documents. The content is clear and precise, allowing a good understanding without limiting the competition. The BIFF SA team then carries out technical and economic comparisons before the awarding phase, maintaining objectivity and independence to advise its clients.

Analyse de pont thermique

Détails de façade avec peau rideau extérieure

Simulation de déformation et résistance d'élément de façade

Schéma de mode opératoire de pose

BIFF SA's practical experience in facade measurement is the key to preparing accurate price estimates that are very close to those articulated by the facade designer. During the bidding phase, our knowledge of prices and market trends is fundamental to anticipate the reactions of bidders.

The experience of BIFF SA's facade engineers allows us to decipher the bids by detecting possible omissions or inaccuracies in order to better advise our clients.

Every facade deserves to be properly maintained in order to guarantee its visual and qualitative durability. Whether it is during the design of facades, following renovations or as a precautionary measure on existing facades, the specialists at BIFF SA propose and develop maintenance and upkeep solutions for all types of projects.

Lack of maintenance can lead to deterioration that puts the perimeter of buildings in a dangerous situation or involves significant damage that can have an impact on other elements of the construction. BIFF SA assists project owners in presenting renovation measures for the restoration of the building envelope.

Point d'ancrage pour l'entretien et maintenance des éléments verriers

A prototype is very useful to specify the architectural concept (color, structure, appearance, etc...) and to allow all parties involved in the project to study the product provided. This way, the person in charge of the maintenance will be able, for example, to anticipate the planning of his interventions.

The proper realization of the prototype is essential to get a fair representation of the finished work and to evaluate the different alternatives that would bring added value to the project in terms of price or time.

Before the execution phase of any large and/or complex project, it is wise to ensure that the product ordered will meet the expectations of the project parties. Facade engineering is a profession in which precision and mastery are key words.

At different phases of the project, BIFF SA has the skills to define and provide its customers with real prototypes. This phase can initiate the selection process of the facade engineer.

Réalisation d'un prototype de façade

Détail prototype

The engineers at BIFF SA will do everything in their power to give you the best technical advice, regardless of the problems and materials involved. Steel, glass, aluminum, stainless steel, wood or concrete are materials that our engineers deal with, but many other elements (insulation, seals, plaster, paints, mortars, etc.) are also part of the building envelope and therefore part of our engineers' daily work. The ideal material for each application is carefully researched and studied.

We regularly act as advisors for customers looking for a solution to a specific problem. They find in us the trusted partner to solve it with the guarantee of obtaining concrete and optimal technical answers.

Glass is at the heart of the building envelope. It is no longer used only to make windows, it has become efficient in terms of acoustics, heat, aesthetics and structure. As such, it is necessary to study and master its design perfectly in order to take full advantage of its capacities and avoid disorders due to a bad use of the material.

With their many years of experience and knowledge in the field of glass, the facade engineers of BIFF SA will assist and advise you in :

• Choosing the type of glass products.
• Determining and optimizing thicknesses.
• Optimizing glass performance.
• Choosing coatings.

As a design office specialized in the building envelope, BIFF SA is at the service of locksmith companies to support them in the realization of construction details and calculations necessary for the proper dimensioning of metal constructions.

Our work is not limited to doors and windows, but extends to all metal structures of the building: railings, stairs, doors, canopies, sub-constructions, secondary frameworks, posts and crossbeams, windows, canopies, sheet metal work, etc.

In order to assist you in the realization of your projects, we offer the following services : 

• Facade engineering.
• Static dimensioning of metal structures.
• Dimensioning of glass.
• Optimization of technical solutions.
• Realization of technical drawings/design.
• Principle plans of execution.
• Manufacturing drawings.
• List of material orders.
• Installation plans.

We support you in all phases of your projects, from the first concepts to the implementation.

Send us your requests for a free return of offers, within 48 hours.

Our goal is to support the local economy and to put our skills at the service of companies to save time and optimize their projects.