SPEAKER INTERVIEW: NAOKI WOODWARD

60 seconds with Naoki Woodward, Associate, Koltay Facades

Naoki Woodward will be speaking at Windows, Doors and Facades Event next September. He shared with us some insight on the top trends in the facades industry. He is the Associate at Koltay Facades and will be talking on Window and door performance in high rise buildings at the Middle East Facades Summit.

 

How do you improve the window and door seal quality for high rise buildings?

One of the key challenges is working within the boundaries of proprietary systems, as it is not commercially practical for many projects to design a fully bespoke window (or door) solution. Improvements can be made to existing base systems, however it depends on the opening type and function of the vent itself. Additional locking points can be added to achieve better compression, in combination with additional gasket lines and drainage provision. New profiles can be extruded to ensure frames are stiffer and deflection is controlled due to higher wind loads.
However in the early stages of the building design the facade consultant should discuss suitable opening types with the Architect/Client based on sizes required, wind pressures and location (i.e. are the vents exposed on the 50th floor in a corner area or recessed on a balcony). Selection of suitable opening type given the specific conditions is paramount in the first instance not only from a weathering performance point of view but also safety/usability.

What role does fiberglass play in high rise building?

GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic), which is currently being used in window/door system design - generally as thermal breaks. It's an interesting material, however doesn't really have an 'Architectural' finish so its use is limited to concealed components at present.

What are the factors to consider for high-rise window glass?

The same considerations apply as for general glass within high rise construction, however safety requirements (in terms of post breakage behavior) along with thicknesses and resultant weight must be specifically considered to ensure usability of the window.

According to you, what are today’s top 3 trends in the facades industry?

The drive for slimmer framing profiles still exists - specifically for sliding doors. However this doesn't necessarily suit high rise developments due to structural and building movement requirements.
Perhaps not necessarily applicable to the UAE market however complex geometry (curved glass) is increasingly a requirement on projects.
The third key trend is for large format glass or opening elements. We have a project in Dubai that has large 3.6m high x 1.4m leaf width folding/sliding doors in a bespoke steel system, and we also frequently come across requirements for large straight sliding door systems. These types of requirements really push technical limits in terms of structural performance and usability of the elements in question due to resultant leaf weights.

Why are you participating at the Windows, Doors & Facades Event and what can visitors expect to learn at your session?

This is a key event for the region and we are proud to be part of it. These types of events are critical to the development of the local market and an excellent opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues.
 Those attending our session will learn about the key challenges relating specifically to the use of windows & doors in high rise buildings, how they affect safety in use and end design. It is intended to promote some further thought into the suitable selection and subsequent testing which can be done to mitigate some of the associated risks.

 About Naoki Woodward -

Naoki has over 11 years experience in facade design, testing, specification and project management. He is currently involved with a number of high profile projects in Dubai from design through to delivery stages, and builds on significant experience gained within the European facade market working for both supplier, consultant and main contractor.

His two masters degrees in Facade Engineering and Product Design demonstrate his interest and appreciation for innovative technical design. Naoki is also a member of the Society Of Facade Engineers

About The Big 5

The Big 5 is the construction event providing leading-edge innovation, knowledge, and business opportunities for industry players around the world to connect, grow, and succeed.

Taking place annually in Dubai since 1979, the event has launched hundreds of thousands of products boosting the expansion of emerging markets. It has facilitated partnerships, advanced knowledge and industry best practices, while serving as the gateway for international companies to access the Middle East, Africa and South Asia regions.

The Big 5 covers the full construction cycle; not only does it showcase products across dedicated sectors, it also runs alongside nine specialised events enabling industry professionals to source building solutions from around the globe for every stage of the construction projects: The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, the Urban Design & Landscape Expo, and FM Expo.

The event includes high-level summits, practical seminars, CPD-certified workshops, and The Big 5 Impact Awards to foster collaboration, support best practices, and provide effective solutions to today’s industry challenges.

The Big 5 is organised by dmg events and is free to attend for all pre-registered visitors. 

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To know more, visit www.thebig5.ae


About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.

We aim to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant communities to create vibrant marketplaces and to accelerate their business through face-to-face events.

dmg events organises more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com.

About DMGT

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1 billion.