Micha Pawelka, managing director at Priedemann Façade Engineering told a recent panel discussion organised by Drees & Sommer (D&S) that UAE developers spend 75% less per sqm than they do in Europe on façades. As a result, the most common reasons for a façade refurb are government enforcement or failures.

Energy efficient practices are now leading the construction industries in the region and sustainability targets are now being implemented for every element that goes into the creation of a structure. Technology has crept into the workings of the construction industry, and façades have greatly benefited from this advancement. Pawelka additionally argued that revitalisation projects on older buildings could protect their value in the long-term.

“Currently only 10% of buildings across the Middle East comply with the standard air leakage rate allowance. In addition, over 20% of hotel rooms are unusable due to damage, usually structural or MEP-related. Statistics like this really hit home the consequences of poorly constructed properties. Revitalisation would resolve these issues and return capabilities to acceptable ROI-generation levels,” concluded Pawelka.