Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

FacadeFlo

2026-11-10T11:32:52Z

Aaron@aecsolutions.uk: Added Specflo formation date (August 2026)

[[File:FacadeFlo_logo.png|link=File:FacadeFlo_logo.png]]

== Introduction ==

FacadeFlo is a browser based [[Facade|façade]] design and [[Estimating|estimating]] platform developed by Specflo Ltd, a UK software company formed in August 2026. It brings the planning, measurement, panel layout, material optimisation and pricing of [[Cladding|clad]] façades into a single application.

FacadeFlo is aimed at professionals involved in the design, specification, estimating and delivery of façade projects, including [[Architect|architects]] exploring design options, [[Specialist_contractor|façade contractors]] preparing quotations, [[Main_contractor|main contractors]] evaluating project costs and [[Manufacturer|manufacturers]] supporting customers with their products.

== Background ==

On many projects, the work between a design stage façade drawing and a fabrication ready panel schedule is carried out across several separate packages: a [[Building_information_modelling|BIM]] or CAD model, a panel cutting or nesting program, a quoting spreadsheet and sometimes a 3D visualisation tool. Each handover between these packages takes time and introduces the risk of errors in panel sizes, quantities and costs.

FacadeFlo was developed to replace these disconnected steps with one continuous façade workflow, so that a façade can be laid out, optimised, prepared for production and priced in one place.

== How it works ==

Each FacadeFlo project runs through a series of connected workspaces, with the same geometry and panels carried from one stage to the next:

* Façade layout: the façade geometry and its openings are created, either by tracing over an existing PDF drawing or by importing DXF geometry from a CAD drawing.
* Optimisation: the traced geometry is turned into coordinated slab or panel layouts, with the aim of making the best use of standard material sizes.
* Panel design: the final appearance of each panel is assigned, and cut plans are produced.
* Production preparation: completed panels are carried into automatic [[Nesting|nesting]] and preparation for manufacture.
* Project costing: design and production decisions are brought together into a single estimate. Users can apply their own material pricing, including per panel prices and a margin percentage, with totals split between material cost and total cost including margin.

Finished façade drawings can be exported as a PDF for clients to open, check and comment on.

== Materials ==

FacadeFlo is being developed to work with a wide range of cladding materials, including porcelain, [[Fibre_cement|fibre cement]], high pressure laminate (HPL) and [[Metal_cladding|metal panels]]. Manufacturer specific product dimensions, limitations and installation requirements can be built into the platform so that layouts and estimates reflect the product being considered. By optimising panel layouts and showing material quantities early, the software is intended to help reduce [[Construction_waste|material waste]].

== Relationship with CAD software ==

FacadeFlo runs in a web browser and needs no installed software or specialist equipment beyond a compatible device and an internet connection. It is designed to complement existing design workflows rather than replace CAD software entirely. CAD and BIM platforms such as [[Revit|Revit]] and AutoCAD remain the tools for detailed architectural and technical drawings, while FacadeFlo concentrates on façade planning, panelisation, material calculations and commercial estimating.

== Development and availability ==

FacadeFlo was developed by a founding team that combines façade engineering, commercial and sales experience in the building envelope sector with specialist software development, with founders based in the UK and Sweden. Specflo Ltd was formed in August 2026, and FacadeFlo was first released later that year as a private beta, available by invitation to users with a registration key, during which manufacturers and contractors tested the software on live projects and provided feedback.

Version 1.0 is due for general release, with a waiting list open ahead of launch. Licences are planned for individual users and for multiple users within the same company, with tailored enterprise options for larger organisations and manufacturers.

== Professional responsibility ==

Designs produced in FacadeFlo are intended to support design, estimating and sales work. As with other design software, outputs should be checked and signed off by an appropriately qualified independent professional before being used for construction, particularly with regard to [[Structural_engineering|structural]] and [[Fire_safety|fire safety]] requirements under the [[Building_Regulations|Building Regulations]].

== Related articles on Designing Buildings ==

* [[Building_envelope|Building envelope]]
* [[Building_information_modelling|Building information modelling]]
* [[Cladding|Cladding]]
* [[Curtain_wall|Curtain wall]]
* [[Estimating|Estimating]]
* [[Facade|Facade]]
* [[Facade_engineering|Facade engineering]]
* [[Rainscreen_cladding|Rainscreen cladding]]
* [[Revit|Revit]]
* [[Specification|Specification]]
* [[Ventilated_facade|Ventilated facade]]

== External references ==

* [https://www.facadeflo.com FacadeFlo], official website.
* [https://specflo.uk Specflo Ltd], developer of FacadeFlo.

[[Category:DCN_Software]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:BIM]]

Facadeflo

2026-11-10T11:30:54Z

Aaron@aecsolutions.uk: Redirect to FacadeFlo (correct capitalisation)

#REDIRECT [[FacadeFlo|FacadeFlo]]

FacadeFlo

2026-11-10T11:30:21Z

Aaron@aecsolutions.uk: New article: FacadeFlo, browser based façade design and estimating software by Specflo Ltd

[[File:FacadeFlo_logo.png|link=File:FacadeFlo_logo.png]]

== Introduction ==

FacadeFlo is a browser based [[Facade|façade]] design and [[Estimating|estimating]] platform developed by Specflo Ltd, a UK software company. It brings the planning, measurement, panel layout, material optimisation and pricing of [[Cladding|clad]] façades into a single application.

FacadeFlo is aimed at professionals involved in the design, specification, estimating and delivery of façade projects, including [[Architect|architects]] exploring design options, [[Specialist_contractor|façade contractors]] preparing quotations, [[Main_contractor|main contractors]] evaluating project costs and [[Manufacturer|manufacturers]] supporting customers with their products.

== Background ==

On many projects, the work between a design stage façade drawing and a fabrication ready panel schedule is carried out across several separate packages: a [[Building_information_modelling|BIM]] or CAD model, a panel cutting or nesting program, a quoting spreadsheet and sometimes a 3D visualisation tool. Each handover between these packages takes time and introduces the risk of errors in panel sizes, quantities and costs.

FacadeFlo was developed to replace these disconnected steps with one continuous façade workflow, so that a façade can be laid out, optimised, prepared for production and priced in one place.

== How it works ==

Each FacadeFlo project runs through a series of connected workspaces, with the same geometry and panels carried from one stage to the next:

* Façade layout: the façade geometry and its openings are created, either by tracing over an existing PDF drawing or by importing DXF geometry from a CAD drawing.
* Optimisation: the traced geometry is turned into coordinated slab or panel layouts, with the aim of making the best use of standard material sizes.
* Panel design: the final appearance of each panel is assigned, and cut plans are produced.
* Production preparation: completed panels are carried into automatic [[Nesting|nesting]] and preparation for manufacture.
* Project costing: design and production decisions are brought together into a single estimate. Users can apply their own material pricing, including per panel prices and a margin percentage, with totals split between material cost and total cost including margin.

Finished façade drawings can be exported as a PDF for clients to open, check and comment on.

== Materials ==

FacadeFlo is being developed to work with a wide range of cladding materials, including porcelain, [[Fibre_cement|fibre cement]], high pressure laminate (HPL) and [[Metal_cladding|metal panels]]. Manufacturer specific product dimensions, limitations and installation requirements can be built into the platform so that layouts and estimates reflect the product being considered. By optimising panel layouts and showing material quantities early, the software is intended to help reduce [[Construction_waste|material waste]].

== Relationship with CAD software ==

FacadeFlo runs in a web browser and needs no installed software or specialist equipment beyond a compatible device and an internet connection. It is designed to complement existing design workflows rather than replace CAD software entirely. CAD and BIM platforms such as [[Revit|Revit]] and AutoCAD remain the tools for detailed architectural and technical drawings, while FacadeFlo concentrates on façade planning, panelisation, material calculations and commercial estimating.

== Development and availability ==

FacadeFlo was developed by a founding team that combines façade engineering, commercial and sales experience in the building envelope sector with specialist software development, with founders based in the UK and Sweden. It was first released in 2026 as a private beta, available by invitation to users with a registration key, during which manufacturers and contractors tested the software on live projects and provided feedback.

Version 1.0 is due for general release, with a waiting list open ahead of launch. Licences are planned for individual users and for multiple users within the same company, with tailored enterprise options for larger organisations and manufacturers.

== Professional responsibility ==

Designs produced in FacadeFlo are intended to support design, estimating and sales work. As with other design software, outputs should be checked and signed off by an appropriately qualified independent professional before being used for construction, particularly with regard to [[Structural_engineering|structural]] and [[Fire_safety|fire safety]] requirements under the [[Building_Regulations|Building Regulations]].

== Related articles on Designing Buildings ==

* [[Building_envelope|Building envelope]]
* [[Building_information_modelling|Building information modelling]]
* [[Cladding|Cladding]]
* [[Curtain_wall|Curtain wall]]
* [[Estimating|Estimating]]
* [[Facade|Facade]]
* [[Facade_engineering|Facade engineering]]
* [[Rainscreen_cladding|Rainscreen cladding]]
* [[Revit|Revit]]
* [[Specification|Specification]]
* [[Ventilated_facade|Ventilated facade]]

== External references ==

* [https://www.facadeflo.com FacadeFlo], official website.
* [https://specflo.uk Specflo Ltd], developer of FacadeFlo.

[[Category:DCN_Software]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:BIM]]

Facadeflo

2026-11-10T11:29:05Z

Aaron@aecsolutions.uk: Expanded article with details from facadeflo.com, added logo, categories and external references

[[File:FacadeFlo_logo.png|link=File:FacadeFlo_logo.png]]

== Introduction ==

FacadeFlo is a browser based [[Facade|façade]] design and [[Estimating|estimating]] platform developed by Specflo Ltd, a UK software company. It brings the planning, measurement, panel layout, material optimisation and pricing of [[Cladding|clad]] façades into a single application.

FacadeFlo is aimed at professionals involved in the design, specification, estimating and delivery of façade projects, including [[Architect|architects]] exploring design options, [[Specialist_contractor|façade contractors]] preparing quotations, [[Main_contractor|main contractors]] evaluating project costs and [[Manufacturer|manufacturers]] supporting customers with their products.

== Background ==

On many projects, the work between a design stage façade drawing and a fabrication ready panel schedule is carried out across several separate packages: a [[Building_information_modelling|BIM]] or CAD model, a panel cutting or nesting program, a quoting spreadsheet and sometimes a 3D visualisation tool. Each handover between these packages takes time and introduces the risk of errors in panel sizes, quantities and costs.

FacadeFlo was developed to replace these disconnected steps with one continuous façade workflow, so that a façade can be laid out, optimised, prepared for production and priced in one place.

== How it works ==

Each FacadeFlo project runs through a series of connected workspaces, with the same geometry and panels carried from one stage to the next:

* Façade layout: the façade geometry and its openings are created, either by tracing over an existing PDF drawing or by importing DXF geometry from a CAD drawing.
* Optimisation: the traced geometry is turned into coordinated slab or panel layouts, with the aim of making the best use of standard material sizes.
* Panel design: the final appearance of each panel is assigned, and cut plans are produced.
* Production preparation: completed panels are carried into automatic [[Nesting|nesting]] and preparation for manufacture.
* Project costing: design and production decisions are brought together into a single estimate. Users can apply their own material pricing, including per panel prices and a margin percentage, with totals split between material cost and total cost including margin.

Finished façade drawings can be exported as a PDF for clients to open, check and comment on.

== Materials ==

FacadeFlo is being developed to work with a wide range of cladding materials, including porcelain, [[Fibre_cement|fibre cement]], high pressure laminate (HPL) and [[Metal_cladding|metal panels]]. Manufacturer specific product dimensions, limitations and installation requirements can be built into the platform so that layouts and estimates reflect the product being considered. By optimising panel layouts and showing material quantities early, the software is intended to help reduce [[Construction_waste|material waste]].

== Relationship with CAD software ==

FacadeFlo runs in a web browser and needs no installed software or specialist equipment beyond a compatible device and an internet connection. It is designed to complement existing design workflows rather than replace CAD software entirely. CAD and BIM platforms such as [[Revit|Revit]] and AutoCAD remain the tools for detailed architectural and technical drawings, while FacadeFlo concentrates on façade planning, panelisation, material calculations and commercial estimating.

== Development and availability ==

FacadeFlo was developed by a founding team that combines façade engineering, commercial and sales experience in the building envelope sector with specialist software development, with founders based in the UK and Sweden. It was first released in 2026 as a private beta, available by invitation to users with a registration key, during which manufacturers and contractors tested the software on live projects and provided feedback.

Version 1.0 is due for general release, with a waiting list open ahead of launch. Licences are planned for individual users and for multiple users within the same company, with tailored enterprise options for larger organisations and manufacturers.

== Professional responsibility ==

Designs produced in FacadeFlo are intended to support design, estimating and sales work. As with other design software, outputs should be checked and signed off by an appropriately qualified independent professional before being used for construction, particularly with regard to [[Structural_engineering|structural]] and [[Fire_safety|fire safety]] requirements under the [[Building_Regulations|Building Regulations]].

== Related articles on Designing Buildings ==

* [[Building_envelope|Building envelope]]
* [[Building_information_modelling|Building information modelling]]
* [[Cladding|Cladding]]
* [[Curtain_wall|Curtain wall]]
* [[Estimating|Estimating]]
* [[Facade|Facade]]
* [[Facade_engineering|Facade engineering]]
* [[Rainscreen_cladding|Rainscreen cladding]]
* [[Revit|Revit]]
* [[Specification|Specification]]
* [[Ventilated_facade|Ventilated facade]]

== External references ==

* [https://www.facadeflo.com FacadeFlo], official website.
* [https://specflo.uk Specflo Ltd], developer of FacadeFlo.

[[Category:DCN_Software]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:BIM]]

File:FacadeFlo logo.png

2026-11-10T11:27:28Z

Aaron@aecsolutions.uk: FacadeFlo logo, supplied by Specflo Ltd for the FacadeFlo article

FacadeFlo logo, supplied by Specflo Ltd for the FacadeFlo article

Facadeflo

2026-11-10T11:17:50Z

Aaron@aecsolutions.uk: New article: FacadeFlo, web based façade cladding design and pricing software by Specflo

== Introduction ==

FacadeFlo is a web based software tool for the design, setting out and pricing of [[Facade|façade]] cladding, developed by Specflo, a UK registered software company with Swedish cofounders. It is aimed at the people who turn an architect's façade intent into something that can be manufactured, priced and installed: [[Cladding|cladding]] manufacturers and distributors, [[Specialist_contractor|specialist façade contractors]], fabricators and [[Estimator|estimators]].

FacadeFlo runs in a web browser and does not require [[Building_information_modelling|BIM]] or CAD software such as Revit or AutoCAD to be installed. This distinguishes it from many existing façade tools, which are supplied as plugins to those platforms.

== Background ==

On many projects, the work between a design stage façade drawing and a fabrication ready panel schedule is carried out across several separate packages: a BIM or CAD model, a panel cutting or nesting program, a quoting spreadsheet and sometimes a 3D visualisation tool. Each handover between these packages takes time and introduces the risk of errors in panel sizes, quantities and costs.

FacadeFlo was developed to bring these steps into a single environment, so that a façade can be laid out, scheduled and priced in one place by users who are not necessarily CAD specialists.

== Features ==

Features of FacadeFlo include:

* Layout of cladding panels across building elevations, including joints and openings.
* Generation of panel schedules and material quantities.
* Pricing tools, including per panel price entry, a margin percentage, and project totals split between material cost and total cost including margin.
* Shared projects for teams working within the same organisation.
* An energy workspace for façades that incorporate energy generating elements, offered as an optional module.

== Development and availability ==

FacadeFlo was developed through a beta programme in 2026, during which selected manufacturers and contractors tested the software on live projects and provided feedback. Version 1.0 is due for general release, with subscriptions planned for individual users and organisations and a waiting list open ahead of launch.

Designs produced in FacadeFlo are intended to support design, estimating and sales work. As with other design software, outputs should be checked and signed off by an appropriately qualified independent professional before being used for construction, particularly with regard to [[Structural_engineering|structural]] and [[Fire_safety|fire safety]] requirements under the [[Building_Regulations|Building Regulations]].

== Related articles on Designing Buildings ==

* [[Building_information_modelling|Building information modelling]]
* [[Cladding|Cladding]]
* [[Curtain_wall|Curtain wall]]
* [[Estimating|Estimating]]
* [[Facade|Facade]]
* [[Facade_engineering|Facade engineering]]
* [[Rainscreen_cladding|Rainscreen cladding]]
* [[Specification|Specification]]
* [[Ventilated_facade|Ventilated facade]]

== External references ==

* [https://specflo.uk Specflo]

User:Aaron@aecsolutions.uk

2026-11-09T20:16:01Z

Aaron@aecsolutions.uk: