Cover Story
“Kinematic Façades are the Future”
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hat are the 4 key trends in exterior wall cladding? Modern and innovative materials such as exterior grade laminates (as per EN438-6), fibre reinforced concrete, metal claddings (zinc, copper, and steel) are creating a healthy disruption in the market apart from available traditional materials. Exterior grade laminates (such as Max Exterior from the original FunderMax) offer 121 decors, which gives high design freedom for people who create. They are also available in various surfaces like matt, glossy and textured. The installation follows the sustainable and acclaimed rear ventilated principle that can help keep the heat at bay and enhance the occupant comfort of the building. With the current trend towards passive architecture, we see the growth of usage in sun-shading systems. Systems like FunderMax’s new shading system - Max Lato, which
is a louver system - are specifically aimed at improving daylighting, glare mitigation and energyefficiency, without compromising on occupant comfort. How would clever use of cladding technologies and materials regulate daylight and ventilation as well as provide privacy? Most buildings today seek certified products and prefer green-rated buildings with innovative designs. They are willing to explore and experiment to learn about newer cladding systems and this will significantly increase the market demand for efficient cladding materials. Sun path analysis, wind loading patterns, dynamic sun shading, and thermally efficient materials are some of the factors that are computed to achieve the best functional output from a façade.
Letting in the sun: Project – Navodaya Education Trust, Raichur
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WFM | SEP - OCT 2020
ASHWANI KHANNA AVP Marketing, Fundermax
Technology also plays a very important role in the manufacturing stage. The original FunderMax panels are manufactured using patented NT technology and are in accordance with EN438-6 and CE certified. The panels are installed following the rear ventilated principle using the installation system developed by the company.
