Bridging New Construction and Retrofit: Comprehensive Facade Access Solutions for Every Building

Marrying new construction with existing buildings can be challenging for architects and contractors—especially when it involves a façade access retrofit. Depending on the project, teams may be adding access systems as part of historic building renovations, large-scale development plans involving phased construction, or updates to ensure their buildings comply with fall safety regulations. In the course of that work, they will need to not only balance architectural aesthetics and access systems’ functionality, but also plan retrofits with a building’s existing conditions in mind. They may even find themselves in the position of having to make a brand-new retrofit merge with existing façade access systems.

These can feel like daunting obstacles to navigate. However, including Façade Access Solutions North America’s (NAM) Integrated Design Services (IDS) experts at your project’s design stage can help alleviate the difficulties by synthesizing each build’s specific needs and returning with unique, safety-compliant recommendations for combining old and new.

Expert Assistance to Enact Architectural Vision

When pairing a brand-new access system with existing construction in a façade access retrofit, one priority is to help both the new and existing structures be aesthetically pleasing together. Some may find it difficult to pair new elements with existing features, as original curtain wall materials age, general wear and tear of use exerts its toll, or surface colors change from long-term exposure to the elements. This task can also raise questions about material choices that may make architects feel forced to choose between aesthetic appeal and functionality. 

When you contact Façade Access Solutions NAM’s IDS experts, though, you gain access to professionals who know how to listen to your needs, use the particulars of your existing construction, and return with recommendations providing:

• Creative Design Solutions: In collaboration with architects, IDS experts can develop custom façade access solutions that include materials, finishes, or placement strategies that help new and existing structures aesthetically complement each other.
   
• Safety Compliance Expertise: With up-to-date knowledge on the latest building codes and safety regulations, IDS experts help architects develop strategies for seamlessly integrating compliance into systems without compromising on visual design needs.
   

Integrated Design Services to Keep Contractors Safe

For curtain wall, glazing, and façade repair contractors, practicality and safety are paramount in custom façade access solutions. Your contractors need to know that a building’s access systems can help them reach any area for maintenance, even if the structure is old or designed using shapes that create a more complicated work site. When working at height, they also need to be confident that the system, as well as their operational procedure when they’re on the system’s walking or working surfaces, coincide well enough to minimize fall hazards as much as possible.

To ensure their confidence in a building’s façade access solutions, they can benefit from teaming up with IDS expert who offer:

• Access System Education: For contractors conducting routine maintenance, training on how to use access systems can help workers arrive at the site ready to use your building’s custom façade access solution with minimal risk. IDS experts may also be able to advise teams on the most effective emergency response procedures for an access system to help teams maximize safety at a project’s design stage.
   
• Process Planning: For contractors installing façade materials, including curtain wall and glazing professionals, planning procedures ahead of work starting can help workers map out details like how to effectively load people, tools, and material onto the access system on the ground. Workers also need to know how they’ll be able to access points of interest so they can strategize how they will lift and maneuver materials when operating at height. Collaborating with IDS experts can help contractors develop these strategies in advance, and even give contractor teams influence in what experts recommend in their custom façade access solutions.

When you contact Façade Access Solutions NAM’s IDS experts, they can help your contractors feel confident in their operations before installation and maintenance begins, and secure knowing that compliance with fall safety regulations is woven into the project at its earliest stages.

Complete Your Façade Access Retrofits with Façade Access Solutions NAM

A façade access retrofit project doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect. By integrating Façade Access Solutions NAM’s IDS experts in early conversations, you can make the task of combining existing construction with new access systems a success for everyone on the project team. With proven expertise in designing and implementing custom façade access solutions that are rigorous in ensuring safety compliance without compromising on aesthetic vision, the IDS team is the bridge between all your needs and stakeholders to produce exceptional results.

To begin your successful retrofit project, contact us today.