It鈥檚 what鈥檚 on the outside that counts, as manufacturers lay out an array of solutions for the discerning specifier, from facade sealants to stainless steel shingles

Movers and Makers

  • Aluminium facade specialist, Wicona, has launched an iPad app for its Wicona Finder architectural database. The new app, which can be downloaded free, allows users to receive fast and direct answers to their specification queries. The database gives access to a library of images, background information on each project and detailed information on Wicona product ranges.
  • International projects depicting the Kalzip FC rainscreen system are featured in a new 20-page colour brochure, which is also available to download. Kalzip鈥檚 quick-fit FC rainscreen system is installed on vertically fixed modular click rails. The brochure covers all aspects of the FC rainscreen system including design options, components and panel installation details.
  • Roofing and cladding manufacturer Marley Eternit has launched a BIM service for fibre cement slates called BIM Space, to make life easy for customers from design detailing to material specification, component placement and structural performance. Marley Eternit also provides BIM details for its facade materials, with detailed specifications for facade type, framing and fixing systems.
  • Hunter Douglas is to open a new operations base in August 2013. The company is to transfer all sales and production at its Hednesford office to the Hunter Douglas Faber site in Northampton. The base will focus all Hunter Douglas Architectural Project activity in the UK at a single site.
  • Walltite CV 100, closed cell polyurethane foam from BASF, has now received BBA certification for insulation and stabilisation of masonry cavity walls. Walltite CV 100 is designed to be injected into cavity wall structures and is typically used in both new build and refurbishment projects.

Curtain walling system

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Technal鈥檚 GEODE-MX curtain walling system has been used to create a transparent design for a new police headquarters in Madrid. The Fuencarral-El Pardo police building has a double skin envelope which comprises an inner glass facade constructed from Technal鈥檚 aluminium GEODE-MX curtain walling. Anodised aluminium panels form the outer skin. These mesh screens have random perforations to help control the depth of field and light penetration, providing a degree of privacy and solar shading during the day, while allowing uninterrupted views out. The space between the curtain walling and the mesh screens provides a ventilated service area running around the whole perimeter of the building for cleaning, maintenance and as an additional measure to conserve energy.

Technal

Commercial building facade sealants

Global building product manufacturer Sika has launched two new joint sealing solutions to add to its range of commercial building facade sealants. The new SikaHyflex joint sealants have been specially developed by the company鈥檚 team of technicians to accommodate movement between a variety of substrates as well as ensuring a permanent bond. The SikaHyflex 250 Facade is suited to masonry application including precast concrete panels while the SikaHyflex 260 Facade can be used where high UV resistance is paramount such as the sealing of metal facade components or the perimeter sealing around windows. The company said both products ensure airtight building envelopes permanently at minimal initial cost and thus contribute to the reduction of heating and cooling energy of buildings.

Sika

Aluminium facade

Benchmark Karrier Engineered System with ACM and Aluminium Facades were specified to create a sleek, modern exterior for Kelway鈥檚 new operations centre on Artisan Development鈥檚 Opus Business Park in Peterborough. Benchmark Karrier is a high performance insulated panel system specifically designed to support a wide range of facades. The systems provides the high levels of thermal performance and airtightness required for the BREEAM 鈥渆xcellent鈥� rating, with air leakage rates of less than 6m3/hr/m2. David Railton from Artisan stated that the Benchmark products were chosen because they 鈥渆nsured a smooth installation process and offered a great deal of flexibility in terms of colour and finish鈥�.

Kingspan Benchmark

Cladding and shop frontage

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Facades and shopfront specialist, DML Group, has been chosen by main contractor John Sisk & Son for a 拢2.5m project at London Designer Outlet, currently under construction as part of the major development at Wembley. The Leeds-based firm will design, manufacture, supply, install and test common area curtain walling, shop front cladding and metal pilasters. The company offers a total capability fa莽ade solution from design and build to bespoke entrances.

DML

Exterior facade panels

Astley, a UK creative signage manufacturer, chose Vivix exterior facade panels by Formica Group for the building frontage of the Morrisons Kiddicare stores across the UK. With a decorative surface on both sides, Vivix panels offer opportunities to play with colour and shape. Developed in consultation with leading architects, Vivix architectural panels are available in plain colours with sophisticated neutrals and striking accents, nature-inspired abstract patterns and rich woodgrains. The panels can easily be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes to express a whole variety of design concepts.

Formica Group

Stainless steel shingles

Aperam Ugitop stainless steel shingles have been specified by RMJM Architects to clad four towers at the Medical Research Council鈥檚 Laboratory of Molecular Biology at Addenbrookes hospital, Cambridge. A 0.7mm thickness was established for Ugitop for the project and the company says the shingles were also chosen for their durable matt surface finish, high corrosion resistance, low coefficient of expansion and flatness.

Aperam 

Brass facade

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Specialist external envelope contractor Prater has recently provided a curved brass facade at The Fold, in Sidcup for main contractor United House. Prater was selected to provide a complete external envelope package along with an in-house hard metals (copper, brass and zinc) design capability. The building鈥檚 facade is manufactured from 63/37 alloy separated by a TECU gold feature band on the exterior.

Prater

High clamping force Hollo Bolt

Lindapter has launched its High Clamping Force (HCF) Hollo Bolt, an enhanced version of its original expansion bolt for SHS, optimised for structural connections. The Hollo-Bolt HCF is available as standard in sizes M16 and M20 and features Lindapter鈥檚 patented HCF mechanism which, the company claims, produces a typical clamping force three times higher than the same sized product without the mechanism. The CE marked fastener is recognised by the BCSA/SCI as a primary structural connection and is ideal for other safety critical applications such as securing steel canopies, roofs, glazing and cladding.

Lindapter

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