Solid Surface Cladding

On the opaque parts of a facade, outside the glass, ventilated rainscreen cladding provides thermal, acoustic and moisture control and gives the envelope its finish.

A controlled air cavity of 30–50 mm is left between the outer panels and the main wall. Warm air rises through that cavity. The stack effect carries moisture and vapour out of the wall, limits condensation and keeps energy use down.

Cladding Materials and the Supporting Frame

Aluminium composite panels (ACP, A2 / FR) have an aluminium sheet on both faces and a mineral core. They are installed as cassettes or with joint profiles. On tall buildings the panels are mineral-core, class A2-s1, d0, in line with the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings.

Porcelain ceramic and Sinterflex use large, thin porcelain sheets, typically 1000×3000 mm or 1200×3600 mm and 3 mm to 5 mm thick. A fibre mesh on the back and aluminium hangers, agraffe or concealed clip, lock the sheets to the frame. The surface resists sunlight, frost and chemicals.

Compact laminate (HPL) panels are resin-impregnated wood fibres pressed under high pressure and heat. They are fixed to the aluminium subframe with visible rivets, a concealed agraffe hanger, or a polyurethane structural adhesive, as the design requires.

Natural stone and granite are not stuck to the wall. Heavy stones are carried on stainless steel L anchors, adjustable arms and pin fixings, so the cladding can move under earthquake and wind load.

Floor Fire Barrier and the Insulation Layer

The chimney effect in a ventilated facade needs a fire stop at every floor. Hydrophobic stone-wool boards, class A1, at least 110–150 kg/m³, with or without a black glass fleece, are fixed to the wall with large-head insulation anchors. At each slab, a horizontal barrier of galvanised steel sheet and intumescent gaskets stops smoke and flame from jumping to the floor above.