Hexalace – By Studio Ardete

Brief

This blog is about understanding the design of the a given façade system and explore it through the scripting language of grasshopper and rhinoceros 3d.

The given renders and animations shows the process of façade development.

Hexalace as reference

Hexalace is an open-plan commercial building made primarily for leasing purposes. In a tight commercial plot with challenging building norms, it became perceptible from the beginning that the concept would have to be manifested from the façade. Considering the arduous climatic conditions involving extreme heat, and the building front facing west, the façade emerged as a buffer of stratifying elements. 3 inches thick concrete layer with hexagonal interstices has been used as a shading element.

To better preserve the sanctity of shade, the screen flows organically creating an artistic visual dilemma from both insides as well as outside. Another layer of hexagonal silhouette made of metal frames is superimposed horizontally across the semi-permeable concrete screen which doubles up as a balcony fence. Furthermore, the main curtain wall has been recessed to leave pockets of air between the screen and the main building to increase the time lag and subsequently reduce the heat gain. Therefore, the façade by its inherent virtue of convergence acts as bronchi oles for the structure.

Design understanding

Animated Video

Animated Systems// Hexalace India is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia developed in the Master of Advanced Architecture 2020/21 by Student: Aniket Sonawane and Faculty: Rodrigo Aguirre, Ashkan Foroughi Dehnavi.