Cladding & Glazing
High-Rise Cladding and Glazing Systems
The Opus, Dubai, by Zaha Hadid Architects
10
WFM | SEP - OCT 2020
T
he cladding aims to withstand external weathering and offer durability and sustainability to the building façade. The choice in design and material of a façade is determined by factors such as the size and type of building, its geographical location, weather conditions it is exposed to etc. Energy efficiency is the main concern, besides its appearance. Today, the market offers a variety of materials for façades with abundant choices in designs and patterns. Large size porcelain tiles and highpressure laminates are in trend for their aesthetic value and sturdiness. Exterior Clad Laminated (ECL) high pressure laminates, and porcelain wall clads are used for majority of structures. The products have anti-graffiti properties and offer flexibility in installation. These are high grade and high-pressure compact laminates. Inspired by the colours and patterns of natural wood, the 6mm thick, laminates come in over 200 designs in grainy bark style or plain wood patterns. Mount matt finish laminates give an antique, subtle appearance of the façade. The UV coating of the full bodied ECL gives extra protection against the harsh solar rays and extreme climates. For overall façade design, the following general parameters should be considered: • Architectural requirement • Thermal performance to be achieved (U-value, g-value, layer temperature) • Flexibility (adjustable performance) • Interaction strategy with HVAC systems (extract rate, natural ventilation)
