Most architects and construction designers agree that cladding the outside of a structure has to be aesthetically pleasing, but, ideally, should also be functional. Although there is a diversity of materials to choose from, metal is, nowadays, the most popular choice.…
Nowadays, architects frequently use metal facade panels on buildings and other structures. The exterior metal panel has become probably the most widely used material for external cladding, especially in Australia. However, there are certain essential considerations to take into account for proper mounting.
During the last few years, there has been a lot of publicity and many discussions about the necessity to clad buildings. Part of the debate is around questions of whether it is needed to clad stone, brick and plaster surfaces for any other reason than aesthetic effect. The emphasis of this article will be on the dilemma regarding the material itself – whether it is compliant or non-compliant with Australian building and fire regulations.
The cladding of buildings is regarded as a very old art form. However, through the ages the materials used have developed. It started with clay, stones, as well as bricks, and nowadays consists of technologically advanced material. For the last few decades already aluminium composite material is setting the trend. This article briefly gives the cladding history and how these panels have become trend setters.
In Australia, aluminium is more and more being used for exterior cladding instead of traditional timber and weatherboard. However, there are two types of aluminium facade panels and architects and their clients should know how to distinguish between the two and how to decide which to use. They must decide whether they are going to work with pure metal sheets or install composite cladding. Everyone involved in designing and creating a structure must understand the difference between the two types to make an informed choice.
n the realm of the unknown, mysteries captivate the human imagination, sparking curiosity and leaving us with more questions than answers. Darkness, a symbol of ambiguity, is a powerful element associated with mystery.
Join us in the shadows, where darkness is celebrated for its allure. As we explore ALUCOBOND facades, we discover that beneath the surface lies not only a reflection of design but a canvas for individual imagination. In this article, we unveil the secrets woven into some of these architectural marvels, exploring the deep connections between darkness, design, and the promise of the unknown.
ALUCOBOND products are chosen for their outstanding characteristics, such as:
Durability
Flatness
Formability
Versatile color options, including very dark and black shades, which assist architects in developing inspiring facades and other design concepts.
Let’s look at two buildings where dark ALUCOBOND cladding was not just used as a covering, but was ingeniously applied by architects to create architectural designs that capture the imagination.
In winter, a gray sea fog envelops the city in the Spanish seaport of Gijón. This changes dramatically when the sun breaks through the mist, creating silvery, shimmering raindrops. With this beautiful natural phenomenon in mind, architects designed and built a building near the beach featuring a facade composed of dark metallic “curtains.” Looking at the facade, it appears as though the “curtains” are moving and reflecting light from other buildings on the narrow gray street.
The architects placed a large glass facade behind the “curtains” to open up the interior living space to the outside. Inside the building, they also used dark surfaces but incorporated other materials to create points of light for contrast.
This building is an excellent example of how dark ALUCOBOND cladding, combined with artistic design, can be incredibly striking. The structure withstands the elements and projects a mysterious imagery even under low natural light and during raging storms.
Darkness is not always associated with mystery; it can also bring clarity and tranquility through contrasting light. An example of this is a structure in Asturias, Spain.
An Asturian company wanted to create a space where all its employees could work together transparently, communicatively, and efficiently. They built their administrative center using an abandoned reinforced concrete shell. To complete the structure, the appointed architects designed a black-and-white building. Light floods into the building through glass walls and an atrium. Because an overly bright working environment can become exhausting over time and cause eye strain, the incoming light is filtered and balanced by dark metallic facade mullions, dark ALUCOBOND floor slabs, and black built-in furniture.
In this structure, the architects successfully created an “unexpected” environment where darkness alternates with light filtering through the blue glass in front of the facade.
Although the two examples in this article are located in Europe, ALUCOBOND cladding is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, particularly the dramatic combination of darkness and light.
In the realm of contemporary architecture, the significance of thermal insulation in building facades cannot be overstated. Architects, builders, and engineers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to enhance the thermal performance of buildings. Let’s have a look at what thermal insulation is, what can be used as insulation material and why are aluminium composite panels so popular.
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