Sustainable Design Symposium

Sponsored by Cosentino, Rieder Facades, Steel Tube Institute, Slipnot and Sto Corp.

May qualify for learning hours through most Canadian architectural associations.

Building Green: Sustainable Façade Solutions & Advantages of GFRC

Date: October 16, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM EDT

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Learning Objectives

Explore the benefits and performance of GFRC and rainscreen systems, including their impact on the safety of buildings.
Recognize sustainable facts about GFRC facades and rainscreen systems and their role in energy efficiency and environmental protection.
Identify the importance of proper design and point out numerous possibilities for customized facades.
Compare various GFRC products and discuss innovations and holistic solutions for building envelopes.

The development of extruded glassfibre reinforced concrete was inspired by Rieder's vision of a concrete cladding panel that is both stable and lightweight. The material convinces with its range of benefits when it comes to design: The elements with only 13 mm thickness come in a variety of colors, textures and surface finishes, thus offering numerous possibilities for the creative use of structure and form. The malleability of the panels allows them to be smoothly shaped around corners and edges. World first: With the goal of ensuring the preservation of the world for future generations, the façade specialist developed a cement-reduced concrete matrix. The cement in the Rieder façade panels will gradually be replaced by natural pozzolans. As a first step, 50% of the cement was substituted, which resulted in a CO₂ saving of 30%.

In addition to durability, low maintenance and total fire resistance, the material excels in its environmental benefits: It goes without saying that Rieder uses non-toxic products (free of crystalline silicon dioxide) and reduces its use of primary energy in production to a minimum. The longevity of GFRC panels further enhances their eco-friendly profile, as their extended lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements and minimizes resource use over time. In line with the zero-waste policy new products and strategies were developed and will be discussed in the webinar.

This course will highlight the numerous benefits, sustainable aspects, and high performance of GFRC facades. We will also explore the material’s flexibility, various design options, current façade trends, and bespoke building solutions.

Photo courtesy of Rieder Facades / Ditz Fejer

James Butler has 16 years of experience in facades, having worked with a wide range of products and fixing systems, collaborating with architects, developers, contractors, and manufacturers on projects including govt. infrastructure, sports stadiums and landmark mixed use schemes. James set up and ran a facade specification, design, fabrication and supply company in the UK called Pura Facades specialising in GFRC. This led to an MD role for the wider facade manufacturing and distribution group, Vivalda PLC. However he had always been a big fan of the Rieder GFRC materials having worked closely with them whilst at Pura. James jumped at the chance earlier this year to join the company and develop the international markets, spreading the knowledge on GFRC.

1 AIA LU/HSW, 0.1 ICC CEU

Blending Aesthetics and Functionality

Date: October 16, 2024

Time: 1:00 PM EDT

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Learning Objectives

Examine the qualities of, and manufacturing process for, glass as a building enclosure.
Analyze the relationship between opaque glass cladding and the rainscreen system.
Provide an overview of the control and system layers that make up a complete rainscreen system.
Identify some critical design considerations specific to an opaque glass rainscreen system.

This topic combines creativity and performance in the form of an opaque glass, drained and back ventilated, complete rainscreen system. The main objective is to illustrate that the use of opaque glass is a robust rainscreen solution for architects, façade consultants, and design professionals.

Photo courtesy of Sto Corp.

Jason Rivera has over 20 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. He has been involved in all aspects of project development, including pre-planning, financing, permitting, land acquisition, site development, design, construction, and start-up. Jason has worked on high-profile international projects, including mining operations in Peru, the Panama Canal Expansion, roadway infrastructure projects across more than a dozen countries, and vertical construction projects in Florida and New York.

In his current role at Sto Corp., a leading manufacturer of construction materials, Jason has gained extensive experience with a wide range of projects, including big-box store construction, industrial facilities, hospitality venues, casinos, retail centers, commercial spaces, and high-rise residential towers. He brings a well-rounded background in root cause analysis and material selection, ensuring the chosen solutions are suited to the property's end use. Jason is also well-versed in Florida building codes and maintains a vast network of design professionals, serving as a technical expert on exterior building cladding solutions.

1 AIA LU/HSW, 0.1 ICC CEU