MetroPlace

We focus on the details and the interfaces between them. Our expertise comes in our appreciation for the construction process and the interaction between materials and assemblies provided by varied design and construction team members. We combine formal and informal consultation to support the design team in identifying and articulating integration of the building enclosure assemblies. Our review also includes identification of additional details needed to convey the design intent.

Our façade engineering services provide a distinctly advanced and more detailed level of design for the building façade and complements our typical building enclosure engineering scope of services.

Our façade engineering skills are utilized on projects where advanced, custom, or completely new building enclosure systems are being considered. Our role is to pro-actively lead the design and prepare drawings and specifications for these systems so that they are sufficient for the work to be tendered. We consider performance issues beyond heat, air, and moisture such as acoustics, structure, cost, impact of construction schedule, global procurement, risk mitigation, and availability of materials. We work closely with manufacturers and have people available to assist with quality control for offshore systems. Our façade engineering team has always been successful at reducing project costs.

Many façades, and often those that include off-shore components, present an opportunity for owners to obtain high performance systems that meet their design demands at considerable cost savings. Through our worldwide network of business partners, we provide early stage guidance to help select and procure appropriate components and systems based on the specific project risk tolerance and design requirements. We proactively vet manufacturers, their process, material supply chains, and final product development on behalf of the design and construction team prior to owner engagement. Our team also assists in organizing third-party verification, which is a critical step in ensuring the quality of the façade system.

Our field review work supports the quality assurance process through regular and strategic observation to help ensure that the construction meets the design intent. Our field review personnel are qualified and experienced, having a track record of successful projects and an interest in working cooperatively and collaboratively in a team environment. We are solution-oriented with an interest in progress toward practical and cost-effective methods that meet performance expectations.

As an extension of our field review services, we regularly perform various quality assurance tests, including:

• Water penetration testing of glazing assemblies
• Adhesion testing
• Membrane thickness testing
• Whole building and assembly air leakage testing
• Thermographic scanning and ultrasonic testing if required to help confirm the performance of new assemblies

Planning and developing strategies for the long- and short-term needs of your building is essential to protecting your building assets and investments. Our team will work with you to establish maintenance and renewal plans that address the lifelong needs of key components in your building.

These services include reserve studies, façade inspection reports, depreciation reports, maintenance plans, facility condition assessments, and more. With over 20 years in the industry, we’ve put together over 2,000 reports for owner groups across North America. To help our clients identify funding requirements for significant future projects, we’ve developed customized systems that include dynamic modeling of anticipated costs, planning options, and funding approaches to help you prepare for future needs.

Warranty Reviews

Different components of your new building may be required to have a warranty. Prior to the expiration of each warranty’s coverage period, you should have a warranty review conducted to identify any concerns or deficiencies that may be covered by the warranty. Our team creates warranty review reports by reviewing drawings and related construction documents, conducting a visual review onsite, and meeting with your representatives to understand their concerns. In addition to warranty items, our reviews will also identify items that are not covered by the warranty but which should be corrected.

Warranty Claims & Litigation Support

Our comprehensive support services for warranty claims include identification of items of concern, assistance with warranty claims, and mediation or litigation support.