CIRCULAR ASPECTS OF FACADE

Reusability vs. Durability

The choice for aluminum cladding has several sustainable benefits compared to the concrete option. But while aluminium has a much better reusability, concrete has much longer lifespan and ages more aesthetically then the aluminium cladding.

A benefit of the thin aluminium facade is that it leaves more room for insulation, improving the Rc value of the whole facade. It also leads to less heat accumulation within the outer facade cladding and reducing heat radiation which can cause an Urban Heat Island effect. Another benefit of the lightweight aluminum elements is that they are easily replaceable. Making maintenance on the facade less of an effort. Faulty panels can be easily switched out without deployment of a construction crane.

Although the aluminium cladding is easier to recycle the question remains if the building will uphold its aesthetic standards in the long run with this choice of material. The aluminium facade which is made up of four times as many elements as the concrete option is vulnerable to shifts due to thermal expansions and wind load. With almost no tolerance for movement put in place this could mean that the neatly structured facade becomes messy overtime making it less appealing and will need more maintenance.

The question remains what is more important in the near future reusability (aluminium) or durability (concrete)?