Nitin Mehta is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of ALCOI, one of India’s leading suppliers of eco-friendly high–performance fenestration solutions. With his futuristic outlook and innovative leadership, Nitin has led the growth of ALCOI into an industry leader in the realm of premium fenestrations. Under his leadership, ALCOI has transformed into a one–stop solutions provider for the design, manufacturing, installation and servicing of precision–engineered fenestration systems in India and abroad.
How important are windows in any structural unit? How does it elevate the workspace experience?
In architecture, fenestration is defined as the design and arrangement of openings in a building’s facade or envelope. Depending on their size, the area and placement, fenestrations can significantly alter the perception of space and enhance aesthetics. For instance, a strategically placed opening or window can increase natural ventilation and daylighting, reduce the need for indoor lighting and lower the need for mechanical systems for cooling. They can also be used for passive solar heating and or reducing the need for air-conditioners or heating devices.
Fenestrations cover a wide range of design elements such as doors, windows, skylights, glazing and curtain walls, etc. and can be one of the most notable features of the building. Whilst they are usually viewed as an aesthetic element, fenestrations play an important role and can affect the thermal performance of a building. They also play a major role in setting the tone of workspaces, defining the external appearance of a structure and can impact the functionality of the building. It is not just the thermal performance that must be considered, but the installation process and materiality should be kept in mind as well. Aluminium windows are a lightweight fenestration solution that offer superior quality and strength. They can be cut and fabricated to specific shapes and sizes, and provide all-weather protection.
How do you ensure aesthetics when designing workspaces?
ALCOI is dedicated to fulfilling client aspirations of achieving the maximum outputs while ensuring aesthetics. Aesthetics form one of the most important aspects to be considered when selecting the design and equipment for window systems for workspaces. The fenestration material that one chooses is directly related to the design, functionality and longevity of the building and the interior spaces. The core structural composition, interior material, finishes and external cladding contribute to the appearance, structural stability and performance of the window systems. Other aspects that must be considered include the nature of end-use and the location of glazing for the selection of glass.
A significant trend in architecture today focuses on fenestration systems that are minimal in design and facades that feature an all-glass aesthetic. Technologies such as wood fiber-polymer composites for clean, minimal lines mimic the natural beauty of wood. High-density fibreglass exteriors and aluminium interiors ensure a modern aesthetic and the ability to achieve high performance in extreme climate geographies. The advancements in technology to engineer, manufacture and finish those products have kept pace with the demands of the consumers.
How are the factors that make ALCOI unique?
ALCOI is one of India’s leading suppliers of environment-friendly and high-performance fenestration systems. The company is a one-stop solutions provider for designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing of precision-engineered residential and commercial fenestration systems for homeowners, contractors and architects.
Leading the forefront of green construction, ALCOI provides fenestration solutions in the commercial, residential, and hospitality sector. Our wide range of design systems extend from curtain walls, slim sliding systems, pivot, tilt & turn, casement, sliding folding available in aluminium.
With an in-depth knowledge of the Indian industry, and a focus on architectural finesse and user-centric design, ALCOI has revolutionized the industry through a unique ‘systems’ concept and has been recognised as a building envelope specialist providing solutions throughout a project’s cycle.
Following are some features that create a benchmark for us-
Composite window system: This system is made up of sliding, fixed and casement panels in its single window system. All the fixed, sliding and casement features are an integral part of the ALCOI Window System and can be installed as one unit.
Covered Track: This is on the outside and inside of the window. ALCOI has introduced a cover track so that dust does not settle on the tracks and to cover exposed profile grooves for better aesthetics.
Concealed Weep Holes: Weep holes are designed to be in concealed locations because plastic cover parts are no longer required; moreover, they give a clean and refined finish.
Flush Look: There is a flushed outer frame that gives a uniform look as there is an option to conceal it from the inside and outside.
Reinforced Mullion: Reinforced mullion is provided to withstand higher wind pressure with an option of slim and classic interlock mullions.
Screwless corner cleat: ALCOI provides an aluminium corner cleat that connects the horizontal profile with the vertical profile without screws.
Multipoint locking: Multipoint locking by inlaid locks integrated into the lateral upright without any visual fixation. Multiple designs and coloured handle options with or without cylinder key locking operation. The sliding Shutter is provided two-point locking with cylinder key locking operation.
Anti lift plug: ALCOI provides this accessory against theft guards and absorbs the shutter impact over the outer frame.
SS 304/ Aluminium (Mill finish) rail: ALCOI provides SS or aluminium rail to maintain the lustre of the rails and keep them durable for a longer period. It offers smooth sliding movement due to INOX sliding tracks, shutters provided with self-adjusting double nylon or SS rollers and theft guards.
How does ALCOI create sustainable fenestration to make workspaces future-ready?
We pride ourselves on having the expertise to develop site-specific solutions that meet modern-day expectations and lifestyle, by developing premium fenestration solutions that are sustainable, and positively impact people and their surroundings. Sustainability is an essential aspect of the new age construction. Materials such as aluminium that are recyclable are an excellent option for frames and work better when combined with energy-efficient glass. For an architectural project being conceptualised from scratch, the correct orientation can augment the building’s sustainability values while placing a window. The right kind of window placement and fixing will also further help reduce the costs of building energy. An easier way of determining the suitable materials can be looking out for NFRC and Energy Star labels. They can help analyse the solar transmission, light transmission and air leakage of the window product, thus making it easier to choose environmentally friendly materials.
At ALCOI, we are constantly developing new and innovative methods to improve the energy performance of our products. We are committed to providing eco-friendly fenestration systems for sustainable habitats.
What is the future of Fenestration? How does it contribute to the future of workspaces?
Sustainability is an essential aspect of the new age construction. Today, fenestrations are continuously being developed into the ‘fenestrations of tomorrow’. Architects and designers are driven towards designing and installing dynamic façades to enhance aesthetic values but at the same time taking measures for improving the overall energy performance of buildings. The concern for the environment is raising the bars of thinking about the future of façades where environmental sustainability is of utmost importance. Eco-friendly and sustainable design is not an aesthetic concept anymore, but it is the only way to design for the future.
Sustainable fenestration solutions at workspaces can easily be incorporated using double glazed windows to insulate the interior spaces, thereby reducing the overall energy consumption. It is essential to note that high-performance windows with new technologies such as special coatings, air-tight construction, nonconductive framing materials, etc. can account for a huge difference in creating sustainable spaces. Materials such as aluminium that are recyclable are an excellent option for frames and work better when combined with energy-efficient glass. The right kind of window placement and fixing will also further help reduce the costs of building energy. An easier way of determining the suitable materials can be looking out for NFRC and Energy Star labels. They can help analyse the solar transmission, light transmission and air leakage of the window product, thus making it easier to choose environmentally friendly materials.
With increased comfort level and energy efficiency, workspaces can become more productive and smooth running in the future. Offering a steady increase of daylight and solar energy utilization and control, fenestrations are fast becoming a necessary ‘climate screen’ for workspaces to effectively conserve energy and enhance the performance of employees.
Elaborate on your design approach. How do you combine science, color, and craftsmanship in your design?
ALCOI stepped into the Indian market through a unique ‘systems’ concept and has been recognised as a building envelope specialist providing solutions throughout a project’s cycle. The systems are conceptualised through a nuanced design approach rooted in ‘Science, Colour and Craftsmanship’. The production constitutes state-of-the-art European machinery and specialised in-house design and development of Aluminium Building Systems
The design creates the exceptional, where Science and Art break to create seamless boundaries, blurring the fine line between the indoor and the outdoor. ALCOI has the capacity to design and provide engineering solutions for a variety of fenestration projects. With our commitment to eco-friendly and energy efficient solutions, ALCOI’s systems are conceptualized through a combination of engineering and a nuanced sense of design. Our products have uniquely powerful design elements that meet changing demands like safety, heat and noise insulation of smart buildings and residences.