FAQ | realising complex façade constructions

specialist for bespoke building envelopes – services at a glance

From Design Assist and façade engineering to in-house fabrication, testing, logistics, installation and predictive maintenance – this FAQ answers the most important questions about realising complex façade constructions. The highest quality is achieved when these core competencies come from a single source, particularly for technically or geometrically challenging designs. As an experienced façade specialist, seele offers the full range of services required to bring complex building envelopes to life.

Planning & Design Phase

When should a façade specialist be involved in the planning process?

A specialised façade contractor should be integrated into the planning process as early as possible – particularly when it comes to complex building envelopes, custom façade solutions, sophisticated glass façades, movable façade elements or specific requirements relating to materials and building physics. Experience shows that design changes in the early stages can be implemented with significantly less effort than during later execution phases. seele specialises in conducting feasibility studies at these early stages.

How can a façade contractor support the design phase?

An experienced façade specialist supports the design phase by translating ambitious façade concepts into technically feasible solutions. Design objectives, functional requirements, material options, structural considerations, building physics and economic parameters are evaluated together from the outset. seele brings together in-house expertise in façade engineering, material development, fabrication and installation – including specialists in structural design and building physics.

What is a Design Assist and what are its benefits for façade planning?

A Design Assist is an iterative process that begins during the early design phase, before the actual execution stage starts. It involves jointly evaluating, developing and optimising the design, technical feasibility, costs, risks and constructability.

The key benefits include:

  • Technical feasibility and optimisation proposals – custom façade solutions and free-form geometries are assessed early for feasibility. 
  • Material consulting – suitable materials are selected based on appearance, performance and surface quality. 
  • Cost transparency – reliable cost estimates are available before the tendering phase. 
  • Clear project definition – design changes in later project phases are reduced. 
  • Risk management – critical interfaces are identified at an early stage. 
  • Improved collaboration within the project team – all stakeholders work from a shared planning basis.
A section of a 3D model of a steel node. Faded in from a production drawing of this component.

Construction and Façade Engineering

How is data continuity ensured from planning through to installation?

Data continuity in façade construction projects is ensured through digital 3D planning, where relevant project information is used consistently from façade engineering and construction through to fabrication and installation. seele operates according to Open BIM principles and supports common formats such as IFC.

  • Data-rich 3D and BIM models: These form the basis for multidisciplinary coordination, collaboration and technical alignment. 
  • Parametric Design: Architectural specifications, geometric rules and dependencies within complex building envelopes are mapped and varied using parametrically controlled scripts. 
  • Real-time shop drawings: Fabrication teams access digital component data directly, ensuring information remains up to date.
  • Precise component execution:The digital workflow ensures that the digital model and the physical component match precisely – an important foundation for efficient on-site installation.

How large can movable façade elements be, and what wind loads are possible?

Through its specialised kinetIQ division, seele realises large-scale kinetic façade constructions that offer maximum precision and operational reliability, even under extreme wind loads. For these solutions, seele provides a comprehensive range of services, from design and engineering to fabrication, installation and commissioning.

What tests are conducted for complex façade constructions?

seele tests complex façades at its own testing and inspection centre in Gersthofen using full-scale mock-ups – in accordance with national and international standards such as EN 13830, EN 14351, ASTM E283, ASTM E330 and AAMA 501.5, as well as project-specific testing scenarios.

Tests include, among others:

  • Load and performance tests 
  • Thermal cycling tests 
  • Pendulum impact tests 
  • Hurricane tests 
  • Light and optical tests 
  • Installation and functional tests
A view inside the machining area of a large milling machine at seele. Inside is a large steel component being milled.

Fabrication, Logistics and Installation

How are custom façade solutions and unique façades manufactured?

Complex custom façade elements and special façade constructions require a fully integrated manufacturing environment. seele fabricates in-house at its locations in Gersthofen, Germany, and Pilsen, Czech Republic – using collaborative robots, autonomous systems and AI-supported algorithms. Digitalised processes ensure consistency between the digital model and the real-world component.

Which materials are used in high-end façade construction?

High-end façade construction uses premium materials such as glass, aluminium, stainless steel, bronze, brass and copper. Depending on the design and technical requirements, different surface processing and finishing methods are applied, including milling, blasting, polishing, patination, anodising and coating. Reference examples include the Eaton Centre Bridge and the Peninsula Hotel, where all brass elements were individually fabricated and surface-finished.

What are the advantages of a high degree of prefabrication in complex façade construction?

A high degree of prefabrication ensures that complex façade elements are precisely prepared, tested and measured during fabrication. This reduces on-site effort and makes installation more efficient, safer and easier to plan. For international projects, it also reduces dependency on local labor availability. seele’s deep vertical integration – from steelwork to CNC machining and surface finishing – allows even geometrically demanding elements to be prefabricated entirely in-house.

How are logistics and installation planned for international façade projects?

Logistics and installation are planned on a project-specific basis, considering site conditions such as urban locations, restricted access, extreme altitudes or specific climates. Transport routes, intermediate storage, customs requirements and construction schedules are coordinated in advance. On-site, an experienced installation team with a supervisor and specialised equipment ensures a smooth workflow. For projects like Chadstone in Australia or the Sphere in Las Vegas, components were completed on-site.

A glimpse into the production facilities of façade specialists seele in Gersthofen. Pictured are a large lorry bearing the seele branding and a forklift truck loading crates onto the lorry. The transport crates also feature the seele logo.

Maintenance and Predictive Maintenance

How is the long-term functionality of a façade ensured?

The long-term functionality of façades is ensured through regular maintenance, inspection and digital condition assessment. During the annual inspection of Moynihan Train Hall in New York, for example, glass, silicone joints, roof covers and drainage systems are systematically inspected and documented. seele performs regular maintenance for approximately 100 projects worldwide. Targeted maintenance significantly extends the lifecycle of a façade, making a concrete contribution to sustainability.

How does predictive maintenance work for façade systems?

Predictive maintenance in façade construction means that smart sensors continuously capture relevant condition data, including temperature, humidity and air pressure. Algorithms evaluate this data and detect deviations before damage occurs.

This enables:

  • Early intervention before damage occurs or spreads 
  • Targeted maintenance planning instead of reactive repairs after damage has occurred 
  • Long-term quality preservation across the entire life cycle