Installing external facade systems for commercial buildings : a economical approach

The significance of cost effective in sustainable design has heightened over the past ten years due to the need to reduce building operational expenses and reduction in environmental quality. This paper determines life-cycle-cost over a 20-year period for eleven external façade systems from seven major Australian capital cities. Factors affecting life-cycle expenditure in implementing external facade systems of commercial buildings are considered, including construction cost, space heating and cooling cost, maintenance cost and rental loss due to the thickness of external facade systems. The most cost-effective external façade system is identified for each city. Double-glazing façade is found to be the most cost-effective system in Sydney; however masonry-veneer facade performs the best overall. This paper can provide insight for commercial design teams in designing buildings with cost-effectiveness and sustainable throughout its life-cycle and highlight the importance of a holistic cost review at the design stage to ensure client satisfaction.