FAIR FACE
“Fair face” in the context of building construction refers to a finished concrete or masonry surface that is left exposed and untreated (or minimally treated) because its appearance is considered aesthetically acceptable and even desirable. The term emphasizes the intention to achieve a visually pleasing surface directly from the construction process, without the need for plastering, rendering, tiling, or painting to conceal imperfections.
Think of it as showcasing the raw beauty and texture of the concrete or masonry work. The quality of the formwork (for concrete) or the craftsmanship of the laying (for masonry) becomes paramount in achieving a successful fair-face finish.
Key Characteristics of Fair Face Construction:
- Exposed Material: The primary material (concrete or masonry units like bricks or blocks) remains visible as the final surface.
- Emphasis on Quality: High standards of workmanship are required during construction to ensure a uniform texture, consistent color, and minimal defects.
- Formwork Precision (for Concrete): For fair-face concrete, the formwork must be meticulously designed and constructed to create the desired surface finish. This includes the material of the formwork (timber, steel, plastic), the jointing details, and any patterns or textures intentionally incorporated.
- Precise Laying (for Masonry): For fair-face masonry, the units must be laid with consistent mortar joints, accurate alignment, and careful selection of units with uniform color and texture.
- Minimal Post-Treatment: Ideally, the surface requires little to no additional treatment after the formwork is removed or the masonry is laid. Minor repairs or cleaning might be necessary, but extensive finishing is avoided.
- Intentional Design: Fair-face is often a deliberate design choice, aiming for a modern, industrial, minimalist, or natural aesthetic.
Materials Commonly Used for Fair Face Construction:
- Concrete: This is perhaps the most common material for fair-face finishes. Various techniques can be employed to achieve different textures and appearances, including:
- Smooth Formwork: Creates a sleek, uniform surface.
- Textured Formwork: Uses patterned liners in the formwork to impart a specific texture to the concrete.
- Board-Marked Concrete: Uses timber formwork to leave the grain pattern and joint lines visible.
- Exposed Aggregate Concrete: The surface layer of concrete is removed to reveal the aggregate.
- Colored Concrete: Pigments are added to the concrete mix for a colored finish.
- Brickwork: Fair-face brickwork showcases the natural color and texture of the bricks, along with the mortar joints. Different bonding patterns and mortar colors can create varied visual effects.
- Blockwork (Concrete Blocks): While sometimes rendered, concrete blocks can also be used for fair-face construction, often with textured or colored blocks for visual interest.
- Natural Stone Masonry: When stones are carefully selected and laid with consistent joints, the resulting surface can be considered fair-face, highlighting the natural beauty of the stone.
Advantages of Fair Face Construction:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Can create a unique and visually interesting architectural style.
- Reduced Finishing Costs: Eliminates the need for plastering, painting, or tiling, potentially saving on material and labor costs.
- Durability and Low Maintenance: The exposed materials are often durable and require minimal ongoing maintenance.
- Honest Expression of Materials: Celebrates the inherent qualities of the construction materials.
- Faster Construction Time (potentially): Eliminating finishing processes can speed up the overall construction schedule.
Disadvantages of Fair Face Construction:
- High Initial Quality Control: Requires meticulous planning, skilled labor, and strict quality control during construction. Any errors or imperfections will be visible in the final finish.
- Repair Challenges: Repairs to fair-face surfaces can be difficult to blend seamlessly with the original finish.
- Potential for Staining and Discoloration: Exposed concrete and masonry can be susceptible to staining from environmental factors. Sealants can be used to mitigate this.
- Thermal Performance Considerations: The thermal properties of the exposed material need to be considered in the overall building design and insulation strategy.
- Sound Insulation: The sound insulation properties might need to be addressed separately if the exposed material doesn’t provide adequate acoustic performance.
Fair Face in the Context of Dhaka, Bangladesh:
In Dhaka, the use of fair-face concrete is becoming increasingly popular in modern architectural designs. It offers a contemporary aesthetic and can be well-suited to the tropical climate if proper concrete mixes and protective sealants are used to address issues like humidity and potential for biological growth. Fair-face brickwork has also been a traditional building method and continues to be used for its aesthetic and durable qualities.
When considering fair-face construction in Dhaka:
- Material Selection: Choose concrete mixes and masonry units that are durable and can withstand the local climate.
- Workmanship: Emphasize the importance of skilled labor and strict quality control during construction.
- Protection: Consider applying sealants to concrete and masonry surfaces to protect against staining, moisture ingress, and biological growth.
- Thermal Comfort: Integrate appropriate insulation strategies to address the thermal conductivity of exposed concrete or masonry in Dhaka’s hot climate.
In summary, building fair face is a construction approach that values the inherent beauty and texture of the structural materials, requiring high-quality workmanship to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and durable exposed finish. It’s a deliberate design choice that can offer unique visual appeal and potentially reduce finishing costs, but it demands meticulous execution.
