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THE CHANGING PROFILE OF TODAY’S BUILDINGS The sort of intricate and decorative architectural detailing which was once commonplace is often now considered a thing of the past. But as Sto UK’s Technical Director Gary Bundy explains, modern solutions mean that this need not be the case.
There is often a desire among architects to create buildings which reflect the grand styles of the past, with the sort of intricate cornices and ornate window detailing that is so prominent on many of our older buildings. This can be especially appropriate where a proposed new building must sit alongside existing properties, but all too often the need to meet tight budgets and even tighter construction schedules thwarts that desire. Fortunately, there are now some excellent products on the market which can help bring the architect’s vision to life, while still satisfying budgetary and time constraints. Manufacturers can now supply a huge range of modern façade panels and profiles which can be used to create virtually any type of architectural detailing, or to recreate existing façade features. Keystones, plinths, arches, ledges, cornices or any other forms of façade detailing can all be produced. Once installed on a building they are indistinguishable from similar features fashioned from traditional materials such as stone, making these modern panels
and profiles perfectly suited to refurbishment work as well as new-build projects. The secret to this modern solution starts with the remarkable Verolith material from which the panels and profiles are created. Derived from a naturally occurring volcanic glass material, the Verolith is processed using pressure and heat to create the basic panels. Although these panels are available in standard size, width and thickness formats, bespoke versions can also be produced to meet individual requirements. These are then machined using state-of-the-art CNC milling machines to create the desired threedimensional decorative panels, sculptural shapes and profiles. The resulting panels and profiles are lightweight, easy to handle on site and very quick to install. Mitre cuts can be produced to create perfect joints and preserve the lines and contours of the overall design, and a smooth finished surface gives the completed profiles a seamless appearance.