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Architectural concrete columns and beams can be used structurally to form a primary frame in their own right or not. The casting orientation (horizontal and vertical cast) of the columns will be determined by a number of factors such as dimensions, visible faces, cast-in features or inserts, production restrictions etc. It should be noted that units cast vertically will have a slightly different appearance to those cast horizontally. 

Precast concrete balcony units are generally cast in their in-situ orientation to ensure the best (architectural) finish to the visible underside and edges. The top face is trowelled smooth, often to falls which allow water run of to preformed / integrated gutters and outlets. This trowelled top face can additionally have an acid-etched, grit-blasted or retarded finish. Alternatively it can be left un-treated for a site applied finish or covering. 

Spandrel panels generally span between column positions and can be either structural (transfer of floor-slab loads to the columns) or non-structural.

Perform purely an aesthetic function and can be used for a number of shapes and forms such as mullions, spandrels, parapets, columns casings etc. A suitable primary support structure (steel or concrete) will need to be provided for this type of element. This will need to extend (at floor and column locations) to within close proximity of the rear face of the cladding and to achieve this some secondary steel work may be required. 

It is also possible to stack a limited number of sandwich panels on top of each other on the front of the structural frame. The sandwich panels are simply restrained to the frame. The bottom panel is loaded onto a continuous foundation. The joints between inner skin of the upper panels are hard pointed to transfer loads to the panel below. The outer leaf is purely decorative and must have freedom to move in any direction. Soft joints should be used.

Sandwich panels are a composite form of construction incorporating both the internal and external leaves of a cavity wall with a layer of insulation 'sandwiched' between. The two leaves are connected to each other by a proprietary system which has been developed to avoid cold bridging issues. An internal finish may be required to the hand trowelled rear face. The outer leaf (minimum 80mm thick) is purely decorative whilst the internal leaf performs the structural function of the element. They can be either non loadbearing or loadbearing.

Loadbearing sandwich panels are elements that in addition to their aesthetic function fulfil a structural or supporting role as part of the primary structure.  The thickness of the inner skin and reinforcement content etc. will be designed in consultation with and based upon information provided by the engineer.

Non structural single skin elements perform purely an aesthetic function and can be used for a number of shapes and forms such as mullions, spandrels, parapets, columns casings etc. A suitable primary support structure (steel or concrete) will need to be provided for this type of element. This will need to extend (at floor and column locations) to within close proximity of the rear face of the cladding and to achieve this some secondary steel work may be required. 

It is possible to stack a limited number of cladding panels on top of each other on the front of the structural frame. The bottom panel is loaded onto a continuous foundation. The joints between the upper panels are hard pointed to transfer loads to the panel below. The panels are simply restrained to the frame.