Cyclone-Resistant Façades : Best Practices in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and the Philippines

Over the past decade, the Asia-Pacific region has seen unprecedented growth in terms of its economy and its urban population. As growth in this area occurs, the demand for additional high-density residential and office space has also increased, resulting in record numbers of high-rise buildings being constructed, concentrated primarily in urban areas. The urban growth in this region has largely occurred in coastal areas, which unfortunately are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyclones and typhoons. This research report presents the norms and standards of the major tall building markets in 12 jurisdictions within the Asia-Pacific regions (including Australia and New Zealand), for the impact of flying debris on curtain walls during strong wind events in the urban environment. It provides a critical and urgent summary of the gap between the level of risk and the level of regulation concerning façade resilience in these vulnerable, highly populated regions. This report will serve as an indispensable reference document for industries and professionals in the design and renovation of curtain walls, and as a means of presenting tangible examples of the existing best practices in the Asia-Pacific region to developers and building owners.