SFE Italy
In May, the SFE Italy Hub presented to students at Politecnico di Milano to the ins and outs the discipline of Facade Engineering, during the course of Advanced Building Envelope held by Professor Paolo Rigone.
Chiara Tosi and Simone Starnini, representing the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) – Italy Hub, showcased examples from their recent experience in Italy and internationally with case studies focusing on architecture, performances, technical aspects, sustainability, safety, re-use and recycling, and all-round technical competence.
SFE Italy Hub founding member Camilla Rigamonti moderated a panel discussion titled 'Material Reuse and Recycling Opportunities' during the first ever ZAK World of Facades Conference hosted in Rome, collaboration with Focchi, the SFE Italy Hub hosted their first ever facade walk in Rome will focusing on the Torri EUR project.
Lorenzo Angelilli (Design Manager) and Francesco Semprini (Project Manager) of Focchi took attendees through the buildings, and shared their expertise, highlighting the key engineering challenges behind the facade design and construction of this remarkable project.
In March, SFE Italy hosted ' Timber and modularity, innovative prefabrication solutions'. The presentation with Wood Beton and Deerns, featured experts discussing innovative technologies and compelling case studies on the use of prefabrication in envelope design. The session explored the key advantages of design approaches based on factory preassembly, as well as the challenges of the current market.
SFE Scotland
At the end of May SFE Scotland Hub hosted a technical presentation titled 'Curtain Wall Spandrel Panel Testing' with Siderise. Siderise presented a talk on fire safety and façade engineering, focusing on curtain walling spandrel panel testing and current industry challenges.
As part of the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) Scottish Hub programme, this event explored industry expectations surrounding EN 1364 / EN 1366 testing, practical considerations, and emerging challenges. The session will encourage discussion and questions addressing key issues and future challenges within the sector.
SFE Birmingham
In collaboration with Wintech, SFE Birmingham co-hosted a visit to a glass processors focusing on a range of glass processing methods used within the façade industry.
The event featured guided tours of two glass processing facilities in the West Midlands, offering valuable insight into modern manufacturing methods, sustainability initiatives, and quality‑assurance processes.
SFE Greece
SFE members in Greece continue to build momentum. SFE member Anna Ioannidou-Kati presented at the 4th ELIPYKA International Conference in Athens, which gave her a platform to represent the SFE and share the work being done to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing in facade engineering across Greece.
SFE India
In February, SFE India held their first ever event in Mumbai. With over 160 registrations, they presented the SFE, the aims of the Hub and the benefits of SFE membership before giving details of how participants can join the SFE.
After some words from our sponsor Schueco, Russell Cole, Director at Arup, presented the characteristics, pros and cons of different curtain wall systems and where they should be used in different locations on buildings.
SFE London
Hosted by Ramboll, the SFE were delighted to host their first ever speed mentoring event. With over 30 sessions and ten mentors, the event was an opportunity for mentees to receive advice from someone with different experience in the industry. In order to represent a diverse range of experiences, mentors included consultants, contractors, clients, architects and manufactures.
In April, the SFE hosted their Annual General meeting (AGM) followed by a technical presentation at CIBSE's brand new event space at Saffron Hill, London.
The AGM provided an excellent opportunity for members to hear updates on the Society’s activities, achievements, and future plans, while also engaging with fellow professionals from across the facade engineering community.
This was followed by a technical presentation by Alberto Consolaro, of Maffeis Engineering, whose Zardini project won the SFE Project of the Year New Build (International) at the SFE awards. Titled Sinuous Stability: Managing Interaction in Large-Scale Curved Facades, the presentation explored the engineering challenges associated with the project’s concave and convex geometries.
SFE ANZ
In Victoria, SFE Australia Hub hosted a technical presentation titled, 'Façade Building Integrated PV', showcasing real projects, emerging products, and pathways for adoption in Australia.
This workshop, hosted by Prof Rebecca Yang (University of Melbourne, Australian PV Institute) and Eugene Quek (AGC Asia Pacific) at the University of Melbourne, the Hub explored the latest developments in façade Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), including product innovations, performance considerations, case studies, and the key challenges facing wider adoption in Australia.