While Duratec is known for its building facade remediation services, the business’ capabilities in the facade arena are far more comprehensive. New-build facades, for example, are also a specialty.
The facade of a building not only provides a first impression but also contributes to the performance of building operations, makes a visual impact within its surrounding environment, provides comfort to users and plays a key role in the way people interact with the building. With these factors in mind, the specialists who form Duratec’s in-house building and facade division understand all facets involved in the successful delivery of a facade project.
Since its inception in 2010, Duratec has honed its expertise in the remediation of building facades, from the refurbishment of concrete-and-steel structures to the replacement of non-compliant cladding. Along the way, through close collaboration with existing clients, Duratec identified a need within the sector for new-build facade services. This led to the strategic development of a full
suite of specialist facade capabilities.
When it comes to new-build facades, Duratec’s services cover every aspect of the process, from design and engineering to procurement, assembly and installation. That removes headaches for clients who are able to engage just one contractor for the entirety of the project.
While there are experts in the individual disciplines of design and engineering, and specialist providers of procurement, assembly and installation, Duratec is unique in that it offers the full complement of services under the one roof.
The company’s end-to-end new-build facade delivery program starts with concept design and finishes with installation and project delivery. Duratec’s in-house facade specialists accompany the client every step of the way, offering advice and collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure optimal project outcomes.
These highly experienced individuals have successfully delivered facade projects across Australia and comprise designers, draftspeople, engineers, procurement experts, project managers, site supervisors and installation specialists, all focused entirely on facades.
The new-build facade journey
1. Concept design and drafting
The first step in the new-build facade journey is the concept design phase. Duratec’s in-house designers and draftspeople work with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life in illustrative form. They are able to provide guidance to ensure the built facade aligns with the architectural intent and its constructibility does not compromise on aesthetics.
While the team is highly capable in concept design, Duratec’s draftspeople are more than happy to review existing designs and turn them into a full set of construction drawings.
2. Engineering
The main purpose of the engineering phase is to ensure the constructibility of the design, which includes coming up with construction methodologies that are best for the project from a performance point of view. Factors to be taken into consideration include access methodologies, safety, quality, value-for-money, efficiency, sustainabilty, compliance and certification, and logistics.
3. Procurement
Duratec’s building and facade team has established supplier and subcontractor relationships across Australia and internationally. With 21 branches around the country, the business has a local presence but a national reach, allowing it to select the most suitable suppliers when sourcing materials for projects.
4. Assembly
Duratec offers a systematic approach to facade system assembly. One of the biggest advantages of trusting the entire new-build facade project to Duratec is that the team’s intimate knowledge of the design and engineering leads to a seamless assembly process. This positively affects all project outcomes and guarantees quality, safety and value-for-money.
5. Installation
As a registered builder in all states, Duratec adopts a self-performing and solutions-driven approach to delivering new-build facades. The company brings a head contractor mentality to such projects, while retaining the agility of a subcontractor through its self-performing delivery model. This is achieved through well-thought-out access and construction methodologies, aligning stakeholder communication with design and technical innovation, and adopting a rigorous approach to safety.
