Polycarbonate cladding - Sustainable and Innovative Architecture

An innovative building material, that is how polycarbonate cladding can be described. Durability, lightness and energy efficiency are the main advantages of polycarbonate cladding. This versatile material is suitable for many types of projects, from school facades and sports facilities to industrial applications.

Polycarbonate systems : 5 main benefits

The advantages of polycarbonate cladding and roofing compared to traditional building materials :

  • Lightweight : Being much lighter than glass, polycarbonate allows for easier installation.
  • Durability and Impact Resistance : Polycarbonate panels have high impact resistance. This makes them suitable for areas with harsh weather conditions.
  • Thermal Insulation : Offering superior insulation compared to glass, polycarbonate cladding contributes to energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling expenses.
  • Design Flexibility : The ability to easily mold and shape polycarbonate allows for innovative architectural designs and imaginative applications.
  • UV Resistance : Polycarbonate panels come with a UV-resistant coating, which prevents discolouration and deterioration due to sunlight exposure.

Possible applications for polycarbonate systems

Thanks to its unique properties and versatility, polycarbonate cladding can be used in various applications, such as:

  • Building Facades : Polycarbonate panels can be used to create visually striking and leading to structural savings.
  • Greenhouses : Greenhouses are well-suited buildings for polycarbonate because of its light transmission, insulation properties and impact resistance.
  • Skylights and Roofing : Polycarbonate panels can be used to create skylights and roofing systems that provide natural light while maintaining insulation and weather resistance.

Polycarbonate cladding and its properties

When selecting polycarbonate cladding for your project, it's essential to consider the following factors:

A. Polycarbonate solutions

Polycarbonate panels can be connectable or interlocking, each with its unique properties and applications. Some popular panel types include:

  • Translucent Cladding Systems

  • Straight, curved, or conical façades, arcoPlus® connectable translucent architectural façade systems can adapt to the most varied shapes and colours.

  • Interlocking Translucent Glazing

  • arcoPlus® interlocking translucent cladding is a complete range of 40mm and 60mm thick systems for all types of buildings.

  • Translucent Roofing Systems

  • arcoPlus® Connectable Architectural Translucent Roofing Systems provide a solution for all types of roofing (flat, curved, wave, radiating, suspended).

  • Opaque Ventilated Rainscreen

  • This innovative system allows the implementation of light facades (maximum 4.4kg/m² panels + connectors), with a careful treatment of the finishes, angles, and joinery trims.

  • ArcoTherm®

  • ArcoTherm® is a multi-wall Translucent Architectural Facade system specifically designed for projects requiring high-performance thermal and or acoustic insulation.

  • Brise-soleil

  • The ArcoPlus® vertical and horizontal sunshade systems consist of connectable arcoPlus® panels and lacquered or anodized aluminum profiles specially designed and adapted to your project.

  • Polytop | Polytherm | Polyglass

  • Specially designed for the renovation and the replacement of sheds and glass roofs, the Polytop, Polytherm & Polyglass systems enable efficient and rapid intervention on projects.

B. Thickness and Insulation

Panel thickness affects the insulation properties of polycarbonate solutions. Thicker panels generally provide better thermal insulation, which can contribute to energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling costs. However, thicker panels may also be more expensive and heavier, so it's essential to balance these factors when choosing the appropriate thickness for your project.

C. Light Transmission and Colour

Polycarbonate panels are available in a range of colours and light transmission levels, allowing you to control the amount of natural light entering your space. Transparent panels offer maximum light transmission, while translucent or coloured panels can provide privacy. IR specific treatment can reduce considerably and reduce greenhouse effect.

D. UV Resistance and Treatment

Polycarbonate panels are typically treated with a UV protective treatment to prevent yellowing and degradation due to sun exposure. Ensure that the panels you choose have adequate UV protection to maintain their appearance and performance over time.

Case Study: Poly-Pac's Expertise in Polycarbonate Cladding

Poly-Pac is a leading supplier of polycarbonate cladding solutions, with a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of various applications. Some of their successful projects include:

A. The Silverstone Experience

Architect Cube Design opted for a polycarbonate cladding with our opaque ventilated Rainscreen 626 system, which wraps the external walls in a crystal clear envelope that fully reflects the light. On the inner face of the arcoPlus fibre-free panels, the Absolut AR treatment ensures that the masonry or insulation behind the façade is not visible.

B. Centre Mess of Westonbirt Arboretum

In 2016, the Wolfson Tree Management Centre at the Westonbirt National Arboretum was opened. The Westonbirt Arboretum was planted in the mid-19th century and now has approximately 15,000 trees from around the world (China, North America, Chile and Britain).

The installation of arcoPlusⓇ interlocking facade on the Centre Mess allows for a slight contrast with the exterior without distorting the project. The translucent side allows for privacy while providing natural light.

This project was awarded the RIBA National Award 2017, RIBA South West Award 2017, RIBA South West Sustainability Award 2017 and RIBA South West Client of the Year 2017.

C. The Beacon of Light

The Beacon of Light is a project born out of Sunderland AFC's charitable aim to create better opportunities and support the community.

A project of great magnitude both in its ideology and architecture. The polycarbonate cladding here is essential as Multiwall polycarbonate panels were the only solution capable of realising such an ambitious project. arcoPlus was the system that was able to guarantee translucency of the entire durable envelope and ease of installation.

Conclusion

Polycarbonate cladding and roofing solutions are a versatile and innovative building material that offers numerous benefits, such as durability, lightweight, and energy efficiency. By carefully considering factors such as panel type, thickness, and UV resistance, you can select the ideal polycarbonate cladding solution for your construction projects. With industry leaders like Poly-Pac providing high-quality products and expert guidance, the possibilities for incorporating polycarbonate cladding into your designs are virtually limitless.

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