FACADE CONSTRUCTION, ENERGY AND THE FUTURE: 'STOP DICKING AROUND'

The war in Ukraine, skyrocketing energy prices, shortage of skilled labor,...and more such doom and gloom, we hear and read every day in the media. For the profession of façade construction, only a single answer can provide solace. And, this answer consists of only three words: Stop. With. Dicks.

The major challenge for the "curtain wall of the future" has four components.

The shortage of skilled labor is a giga problem. It is also an illusion to think that the future will bring improvement. Make the product accessible to low or non-skilled workers.

Everyone talks about insulating, but the biggest problem regarding energy consumption and the linked carbon footprint, at least in our climate, is keeping out the sun. Stop building fully glazed energy-guzzling behemoths. Go for the Green deal with deeds instead of words.

It has always been true in construction, but in the coming years more than ever: the real invasion from the low-cost countries is still ahead of us! This issue can only be tackled on the condition that we start using better and more ingenious technology. 

Traditional curtain wall systems imply far too great a risk, both technical and financial, for facade builders, who as a result go bankrupt faster than they can start up. Again, this issue can only be tackled by better and more ingenious technology.

It can be done, but one has to want it!  

Therefore: stop. With. Dicks.