Why Every Complex Building Envelope Demands a Bespoke Engineering Approach 

By Rodolphe Asmar 

Recently, I had the honour of speaking at the very first Zak World of Façades Cyprus, where together with the Alusteel team we presented three projects from our international portfolio under the theme Engineering the Building Envelope: From Complex Geometry to Long-Term Performance. I also joined fellow industry professionals for a panel discussion reflecting on the rapid evolution of the façade and construction industry over the past decade. While each session focused on a different aspect of our profession, they all reinforced one observation that has become increasingly clear throughout my career: no two engineering challenges are ever the same. 

Rather than following a standard process, every project begins with a different set of constraints. The architectural vision, structural requirements, environmental conditions, construction methodology and long-term performance expectations all influence the engineering decisions that follow. The role of an engineering team is to understand those variables and develop an approach that responds to the specific needs of each building. 

Different Projects, Different Solutions 

The three case studies we presented during Zak World of Façades demonstrate this in different ways. At City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol, the challenge centred on achieving structural transparency through an engineered glass system, while maintaining the performance expected of a landmark development. The Misk Foundation Headquarters in Riyadh required an engineering solution capable of translating an ambitious architectural concept with complex façade geometry into a practical, buildable façade system. Meanwhile, Landmark Nicosia demanded a completely customised approach to accommodate one of the region’s most sophisticated triple-skin façades. 

Bringing these three projects together showcases the breadth of expertise that exists across Alusteel’s engineering teams. Working across different sectors and international markets has given our engineers extensive experience responding to varied climatic conditions, construction methods and project requirements. This enables them to analyse complex requirements and develop practical solutions that can be manufactured, installed and perform exactly as intended. 

A Fast Evolving Industry 

Another theme that emerged during the panel discussion was the pace at which our industry continues to evolve. Clients rightly expect more from building envelopes today than ever before. Architectural ambition is only getting bigger, sustainability expectations are increasing and building envelope systems are expected to deliver ever greater levels of performance. As those expectations change, engineering must continue to evolve alongside them. This does not necessarily mean reinventing the way we work but continually refining our thinking and remaining open to new ways of solving increasingly complex challenges. 

For me, that remains one of the most rewarding aspects of our work at Alusteel. Every completed project represents a different engineering journey, shaped by its own technical requirements and the people working together to overcome them. Looking back at the three projects presented at Zak World of Façades, I see decades of engineering experience applied in three completely different ways, each responding to the unique demands of the project. Together, they reflect Alusteel’s ability to respond to highly complex technical challenges while remaining focused on developing solutions that make ambitious architecture possible. 

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FADI ROMANOS

MANAGING PARTNER, ALUSTEEL GROUP DIRECTOR

With over 17 years of mechanical engineering experience, Fadi Romanos has honed his expertise through his work on a wide range of prestigious projects in both Lebanon and internationally. As a managing partner and Alusteel Group Director, he taps into this expertise by efficiently managing and scheduling all phases of the group’s projects, monitoring production and ensuring a high-performance workflow based on daily reports. He is also responsible for controlling cost and cash flow, coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers, as well as maintaining contractual records and contracts.

ROLAND ASMAR

MANAGING PARTNER, ALUSTEEL GROUP GENERAL DIRECTOR

Roland Asmar brings a wealth of expertise to his role as a managing partner and Alusteel Group General Director, honed over 19 years of experience working within the building envelope industry. He has overseen the group’s portfolio of standout projects as head of operations, managing the day-to-day activities across the global network. Ensuring Alusteel consistently works according to the highest standards of quality and performance, Roland manages quality assurance programmes for the group. While his continuous research into new technologies and alternative methods of efficiency, ensures expectations are exceeded, always with a commitment to peak standards, from design to build environments.

RODOLPH ASMAR

MANAGING PARTNER, ALUSTEEL GROUP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

A success-driven innovator, Rodolph brings over eight years of experience developing and executing business development strategies, to his role as a managing partner and Alusteel’s Group Business Development Manager. With a background in international affairs, operations and human resources, Rodolph has an in-depth understanding of what each client needs. Which he backs up with proven ability to present and plan technically oriented solutions, all while maintaining seamless communication and superior standards of excellence. Responsible for identifying new market opportunities and developing strategies for further expansion, Rodolph also ensures project scopes and milestones are well defined, to successfully meet all client requirements.

RICHARD ASMAR

MANAGING PARTNER, ALUSTEEL GROUP HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Overseeing and managing all workshop operations and activities at Alusteel, Richard Asmar guarantees the high-quality of all materials and ensures company targets, goals and objectives are consistently met in terms of both time and budget. In his role as a managing partner and Alusteel Group Head of Operations, Richard has worked on a number of landmark projects, maintaining the company’s role as leaders in the building envelope industry through state-of-the-art engineering and operational proficiency. A specialist in Auto-Cad, Revit, Opticut, Office, MS project/Primavera, Chaccal, Logikal and Orga data, Richard also holds a BA in Computer Engineering and System Information.

DR. ROY ASMAR

MANAGING PARTNER, ALUSTEEL GROUP CHAIRMAN

Having built an impressive career in Material Physics and mechanics, Dr. Roy Asmar has amassed vast expertise in the production and implementation of metallic and glazed façades. He also brings a wealth of scientific building envelope engineering know-how and technical proficiency to the role, garnered through previous experience working as a professor of Material Physics, with particular specialisation in the material fabrication and characterisation fields of metals, alloys and glass. With a Ph.D. in Material Physics from Montpellier II University, Dr. Roy has been published in a plethora of acclaimed international journals. He has also been on the committee of a selection of reputed workshops and has won a number of international awards for his innovative practices, broad research and high-quality products.