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FENESTRATION
TOPIC 13
GROUP 2

Presented by: CAMAROTE, CAÑOTAL, CERNITCHEZ

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WHAT IS
FENESTRATION?

• From Latin word “fenestrae”, means window

• In architecture, fenestration refers to the openings in building’s facade,
most notably the doors and windows. Basically, they are anything that
allows for passage from outside to inside.
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Fenestration and
Practical Concerns

H AV E YO U E VE R SEE N A N
A NC IEN T RO M AN T EM PLE ?

They have an impressive entryway, but not

much in the way of windows. Why?
It is because fenestration can weaken the
stability of a wall.
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Steel frames-

which are stronger and distribute

weight differently, we can create larger
and more numerous openings in the
Ancient builders struggled to
facades of large structures.
erect large structures with
many fenestrations, but  This doesn't mean, that constructing
modern architects have it fenestrations doesn't provide challenges to the
much easier. modern architect. Besides those elements of
design we always need to consider, there are
practical concerns. For starters, fenestration
can greatly impact the functionality of a
building.
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Fenestration is usually viewed as an

aesthetic feature, but it also affects
the performance of the building. For
example, a strategically placed
window can considerably increase
natural lighting, reduce the usage of
indoor lighting fixtures, and thus save
electricity. They can also be used for
passive solar heating for reducing the
workload on space heating systems.
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TYPES OF
FENESTRATION

1. C urta in Wa l l s

• Curtain walls are thin and they typically use aluminum frames, containing in-fills
of glass, metal panels or thin stone. The framing is attached to the building
structure, but it does not carry any floor or roof loads. These walls are subjected
mostly to wind and gravity loads, which are transferred to the building structure
at the floor line. Curtain walls can vary from manufacturers’ standard catalog
systems to specialized custom designs.
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Curtain walls can be classifi ed into two

categories based on their fabrication and
installation method:
 Stick systems: The curtain wall frame, also
known as mullions, and the glass or panels
are installed piece by piece. 
 Modular system: The curtain wall is made
of large units (modules) that are assembled
and glazed in the factory, then assembled
on site.
T Y P E S O F F E N E S T R AT I O N 2. WINDOWS 08

Windows are wall openings, usually fi tted

with glass frames to admit light and air, while
providing a view for occupants. Some
common window frame materials include
aluminum, fi berglass, vinyl, steel, wood and
PVC. Aluminum frames are the most popular,
and they provide design fl exibility by being
available in many shapes, designs, and
colors. In residential construction, wood,
vinyl and fi berglass frames are the most
common.
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Windows can be fixed, operable or a combination of both.

 Fixed windows consist of a frame with an infill sealed

together. They offer better resistance to air and water
infiltration, and also require less maintenance.
 Operable windows allow natural ventilation. They consist
of a frame and sash that are sealed by weatherstrips, in
addition to the infill being sealed to the sash.
 Operable windows can be broadly classified into sliding
seal or compression seal windows. Compression seal
windows tend to provide better resistance to air and
water, since they reduce friction and wear of the
weatherstripping.
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3 . E XT E RI O R DO OR

Doors serve as the main entryways

and exits in buildings, and they can
be used as public accesses or
private service entrances.

There are three main types of doors:

 Revolving doors, serving entrance
and exit functions.
 Swing doors, serving entrance
and exit functions.
 Industrial doors, serving material
handling and security functions. 
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Some commonly used door materials include

steel, aluminum, wood and glass. Doors used in
commercial storefronts typically use aluminum
frames with glass in-fi ll or all glass. Industrial
doors are used for material handling, not
pedestrian access, and their main function is to
provide security. This system is not frequently
designed for building envelope performance,
and security grates are typically installed in
commercial applications that require public
access.
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4 . Sky lig h ts

• Skylights, also known as sloped glazing systems, are used for

providing daylight. According to the WELL building standard,
daylight has a positive effect of psychology of the occupants, and
also provide energy saving measures.
• They have 2 basic components; supporting members and infill
panels.
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• There are several design considerations regarding

skylights. For example, these elements experience a
significant solar heat gain during summer and heat
loss during winter. For this reason, thermal
considerations must be accounted for in HVAC design.
• Another important aspect is moisture protection,
since skylights are part of roofs. They are exposed
to large amounts of rainwater, and much more
susceptible to water leakage compared with
vertical fenestration. A drainage system must be
incorporated, to collect leakage and condensation,
and rainwater harvesting is also a viable option.
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5. GLAZING

• Glazing is a term used for “glass”, which

is a part of building fenestration.

• Glass is a common construction

material, which has been used for
centuries to provide daylight and
weather protection in buildings.
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There are a lot many options for covering the voids

formed for or by various fenestrations. The most
commonly used method is glazing. Glazing is used as
it mainly provides permeability for the light to enter
and is also covered with a Protective Skin. The glazing
used are mainly based on the impact of it on the
environment. They maintain the thermal comfort along
with the heat gain on site or inside the structure..
Types of Glazing 16

1. Double Glazed Windows

Double glazed glass is two glass sealed around
the edges with an air space between the two to
form a single unit. The insulating air / gas
between the two layers of glass improve the
thermal performance along with reducing the heat
gain or the heat entering through the glass inside
the structure.

These are generally used in green rated or energy efficient buildings.

They can also be used where there is direct contact of sun that is
along the southern façade to reflect back the harsh light.
2. Triple Glazed Glass Windows 17

Triple glazed glass is three glass sealed around

the edges with an air space between the two to
form a single unit. The insulating air / gas
between the three layers of glass improve the
thermal performance along with protection
against very harsh sunlight.

These are a step ahead then the double glazed

glass with a more surplus due to the triple
layering of the glass. Here the glass thickness
can be reduced and these are more effective
when there is seamless exposure to the sun and
its harsh light.
3. Low E-glass (low emissivity glass) 18

Low-e glass has a microscopically thin, transparent

coating—it is much thinner than a human hair—that reflects
long-wave infrared energy (or heat). Some low – e’s also
reflect significant amounts of short-wave solar infrared
energy to protect the interior spaces from the harmful rays.

There is mainly a thin coating which helps to reflect the

particles and various wavelengths. This Low – e glass can
be used double or triple glazed as per the requirement
according to the surrounding climatic conditions.

This technique is the most effective for glazed buildings to

maintain the thermal comfort as well as for huge glass
curtain walls.
need and Role of fenestrations
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Fenestrations are basically
the required transparency on
a façade to attach ourselves
with the external environment
or the exterior world. They
play a dual role of bringing
the out in and the in out. The
process has a similar
function but a lot many ways
to bring this process in
action.

These fenestrations serve well to create an ambience with variety of light and shadow
inside as well as serve an impactful elevation to the facade. The decision for the design
and selection of the windows is not based on the only aspect of they providing light or they
creating ambience, it is also based on how well they respond to the surroundings as well
as how efficient they are to the environment around.
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Thus, fenestrations play an important role in maintaining the solid

void ratio of the building along with making the building porous
enough to breathe and reduce its carbon footprint on the surrounding
environment. In this way fenestrations serve as a boon for light,
ventilation and also scenic panoramic views from the structure along
with creating an impact on the end user viewing it through the
exterior or just passing by.
 THANK YOU!
GROUP 2