Façade Engineering

Symetrix delivers structural and façade engineering solutions that unite performance, durability, and architectural intent. We work closely with project teams to resolve technical challenges, coordinate details, and design systems that respond to real-world conditions.
Our engineers apply advanced modelling, material expertise, and environmental analysis to develop façades that are thermally efficient, weather-resistant, and built for long-term resilience. We provide design, peer review, and certification services in line with New Zealand and international standards.
Our capabilities include:

  • Structural engineering and compliance certification
  • Material behaviour and system performance analysis
  • Wind pressures and Building movement studies
  • Thermal performance and condensation assessment
  • Laboratory and On-site test witnessing
  • On-site inspections and construction phase monitoring

Façade Consultancy

Our façade consultancy services unite architectural vision with precise engineering outcomes. We support project teams from concept through to construction, ensuring each building envelope is carefully detailed, coordinated, and designed for dependable performance. Our involvement spans concept development, material and system review, detailed engineering, and site-stage verification, and our design and early-stage services include:

  • Preliminary assessment of cladding for wind pressure and structural movements
  • Preliminary structural assessment and analysis of cladding systems
  • Weatherproofing strategy development and solutions
  • Preliminary thermal performance modelling and analysis
  • Condensation risk assessment
  • Glass and glazing design assessment
  • Performance-based design documentation and reports
  • Technical performance specifications
  • Shop drawing review

We design façades that deliver long-term durability, strong environmental performance, and full regulatory compliance. Using advanced modelling and environmental analysis, we create building envelope solutions that enhance energy efficiency, interior comfort, and overall system resilience.
Partnering with Symetrix gives clients access to specialist façade engineers, modern digital tools, and a collaborative approach that ensures the building envelope elevates the overall quality and performance of the project.

Remediation and Diagnostics

Building envelopes deteriorate over time due to weathering, material fatigue, and legacy construction methods. Symetrix provides targeted diagnostics and remediation strategies to restore façade performance, resolve defects, and extend the service life of existing assets. Our team assesses existing systems— including heritage façades— and develops upgrade solutions that improve structural integrity, weather protection, and compliance without altering architectural character. Our services include:

  • Detailed façade condition assessment
  • Heritage envelope investigation and compliance review
  • Structural performance review and risk analysis
  • Water-ingress diagnostics and verification testing
  • Material degradation analysis and durability forecasting
  • Forensic façade engineering and expert reporting

Wind tunnel Testing

Understanding wind behaviour is essential to the performance and safety of building façades and external envelopes. Through our collaboration with MEL Consultants, Australia, we provide specialist wind engineering analysis and testing services to support design verification and optimise façade performance under real-world conditions.
Our joint capabilities include:

  • Wind load assessments, dynamic response analysis and damper design
  • Determination of cladding pressures for façade and roof systems
  • Wind tunnel testing of scale or full-size models
  • Evaluation of façade movement, noise, and fatigue under wind actions
  • Pedestrian wind comfort and pollutant dispersion studies
  • Advice on mitigation strategies for pedestrian safety/comfort
  • Wind turbine siting and assessment of wind-driven snow accumulation

These services allow our clients to make informed design decisions early, reducing risk and ensuring compliance with structural and environmental performance standards. By integrating wind engineering insights into façade and envelope design, we deliver solutions that are both resilient and efficient.