Specify for year fifteen, not for launch day

Two facades built on the same street can look identical at handover and completely different five summers later. The difference is rarely cost; it is the choice of finish, joint and detail.

We favour materials that weather rather than fail: through-body stone and precast over applied render, anodised or powder-coated metal over painted steel, and deep reveals that keep glazing out of direct sun.

Dust is the second design constraint after light. Horizontal ledges, open joints and pale untreated surfaces all read as neglect within two years in Cairo regardless of the maintenance budget.

The test we use is simple: could the building be cleaned by a two-person team with a ladder? If not, it will not be cleaned.