Façade HUB 2026: Industry Insights from This Year’s Event

The Façade HUB returned on 19 February for its second year, bringing together leading voices from façade engineering, fire safety, architecture and manufacturing. Hosted by Valcan and sponsored by RCI Magazine, the event offered a day of technical insight, regulatory updates and practical guidance on delivering safe, compliant and high‑performance building facades.

Alan Lamming, Founding Director of Valcan, opened the day by reflecting on the company’s progress over the past year and outlining its strategic direction for “2026 and Beyond.” He highlighted strengthened certifications, increased adoption of A1 systems and upcoming developments including product streamlining, new finishes, enhanced digital tools and continued investment in testing and innovation.

Valcan Façade Consultant Toby Green then delivered a technical overview of the company’s A1 and A2 product portfolio, covering rainscreen systems such as VitraDual, Ceramapanel, Evverlap and the Vitrafix subframe. His session clarified fire classifications, fixing methods and the rigorous testing that underpins Valcan’s system performance for both new‑build and remediation projects.

David Metcalfe, Director at CWCT (Centre for Window and Cladding Technology), provided an important update on Technical Note 116 and its relationship with TN113 and TN114, offering delegates clarity on assessing fire performance across built‑up wall constructions. He also shared insight into forthcoming guidance and the need for competent, coordinated fire‑engineered design.

Further emphasising the importance of collaboration, Camille Destres, Director at BB7 explored the connection between fire engineering and façade design, demonstrating through case studies how unclear information, incorrect assumptions or missing fire‑stopping measures can compromise life safety. She reinforced the value of intrusive investigations, accurate strategies and early engagement.

Jonathan Crossley, Technical Director at Pitman Tozer Architects continued the theme with a look at façade remediation under Gateway 2, highlighting the common gaps in legislation, information and existing building conditions. His message centred on early team onboarding, strong documentation and coordinated workflows to reduce risk and avoid delays.

After delegates enjoyed a networking lunch, Darren Brennan, Specification Director at Siderise discussed the impact of the Building Safety Act on specification and installation, explaining why early engagement is now essential. He outlined the enhanced support Siderise offers, including specification assistance, drawing reviews, training and UKAS‑accredited project‑specific testing.

The programme concluded with a global perspective from Emanuele Calabrò of CBRE Turner & Townsend, who explored the realities of managing complex façade projects internationally—from regulatory pressures to programme challenges and the need for rigorous quality assurance.

The event closed with a relaxed drinks reception, giving delegates the chance to network and share reflections from the day.

Reflecting on the event, Alan Lamming said:

“Façade HUB 2026 has been an outstanding success, bringing together a level of technical expertise and collaboration that our industry genuinely needs. The conversations today reflected how committed we all are to raising standards in safety, performance and compliance.”

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Façade HUB 2027 next February!

For speaking or sponsorship opportunities, please contact claire.gould@valcan.co.uk 

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