INFORMATION NETWORKING PLATFORM FOR ROOFS
De Vijfde Gevel (Dutch for the The Fifth Facade) is a networking platform for the exchange of information about roofs between professionals in architecture, building owners, academic organizations and contractors.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ROOFS
Knowledge is shared mainly through the various events that are being organized. The speakers are experienced building professionals who present technical subjects on two levels: clear and accessible for building owners and investment groups, while delivering in-depth, technical insights for contractors and engineering firms. Each event inspires participants to get more value from a roof. After the session, participants are invited to a networking reception accompanied by a light evening dinner.
CLIMATE ROOFS
The Fifth Facade networking platform empowers the message of climate roofs: yellow roofs (energy savings), green roofs (sedum roofs, roof top gardens, urban farming, …), blue roofs (water management) and red roofs (optimal use of space for working, parking, leisure, …).
A wide range of topics is covered, including architectural design and technical guidance on insulation, waterproofing, and wind load performance. Additionally, discussions extend to sustainability and circularity, mitigating urban heat island effects, enhancing biodiversity, aesthetic considerations, and roof safety, an essential component of any roof design.
KNOWLEDGE AND SOLUTIONS
AN INITIATIVE BETWEEN ACADEMICS AND MANUFACTURERS
Fifth Facade networking platform is an initiative by academics and a selected group of manufacturers, that supply different kinds of solutions for roofs. These suppliers, including XSPlatforms, equip roofs with the most innovative solutions of their kind.
FALL PROTECTION IN
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS: EXAMPLE EVENT BY ‘DE VIJFDE GEVEL’
‘De Vijfde Gevel’ organized an evening event which was entirely dedicated to the contents of construction specifications. These can vary considerably from project to project, so there was plenty to talk about – including the importance, the stringency and the legal implications of specification texts. Over two hundred attendees joined the event, a good mix of established professionals and aspiring specialists.
XSPlatforms shares the vision that sensible investments in the roof of a building can bring added value to both its owner and its users.
“Building owners can benefit tremendously from a well-considered investment in a permanent fall protection solution on their roof. Our aim is to raise awareness about the relevance of fall protection in construction specifications.”
XSPlATFORMS SPECIFICATION TEXTS
XSPlatforms creates innovative fall protection systems for people working at height. In order to provide a suitable solution that matches the architecture of a building, it is very important that fall protection is considered early in the design process.
As a service to architects, XSPlatforms has a number of specifications on file, which can be used to include fall protection solutions in the design of a building. They can be found on this website under specifications.
THE FIFTH FACADES’ EXPERTISE
AN INITIATIVE BETWEEN ACADEMICS AND MANUFACTURERS
The expertise shared by De Vijfde Gevel – including essential topics such as roof safety – is made available both online (at devijfdegevel.be, in Dutch) and through a series of engaging events. Exceptional roof designs are highlighted to inspire and inform professionals across the industry.
EXPERIENCE XSPLATFORMS FALL PROTECTION AT THE DEMO ROOF
The demo roof is the result of a number of interesting cooperation’s between the different parties involved. The Partners of De Vijfde Gevel have joined hands to build an innovative demo roof, using the knowledge and experience they share.
XSPlatforms has equipped the demo roof with a number of permanent fall protection solutions: guardrails, lifelines and anchor points.
This demo roof gives XSPlatforms the opportunity to offer architects a demonstration about the roofs of the future.
