MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RCM, IAN QUINTON, DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFYING THE RIGHT FAÇADE SOLUTION TO DELIVER NOT ONLY THE CREATIVE INTENT BUT TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE AND MEET THE DEMANDING REQUIREMENTS OF BUILDING REGULATIONS.
The facade is one of the most important visual aspects of a building – making a design statement to the outside world.
The structure, in most cases, remains hidden and it is the facade which makes a building truly distinct. But there is more to a facade than meets the eye - this element of a building is not purely about aesthetics - facades have a purpose.
There are a myriad of facade solutions available today which present designers and specifiers with a dilemma. The what, where, how and when is an increasingly difficult process to navigate. Ensuring a system is ‘fit for’ purpose - enhancing the performance and the architectural integrity - has to take into consideration many factors including aesthetics, energy efficiency, acoustics and build costs.
The facade forms the outer protective shell of a building - a thoughtfully designed envelope can make a new building work more effectively for its owners, occupants and the environment. A innovate facade can also transform the style and performance of an existing building.
Good design starts with inspiration, exceptional vision and innovative thinking. A building comes to life with great materials and finishes. Facade systems are suitable for use on most types of structures.
Typically, the investment in the facade is comparable to that of the building’s structure. A well-designed facade can enhance durability, energy savings and add value to new and existing properties. As the interface between interior space and exterior environment, the building envelope plays a crucial role in heat and light exchange. Its performance in that role affects occupant comfort and productivity, energy use and running costs.
A facade is the first, and often the only, impression we have of a building. It can be a key design feature with multiple functions - linking the internal environment to the external - communicating an architectural concept or creating an identity for the brand or business.”
RCM have developed a comprehensive range of facades, including ACM panels, HPL’s, and weatherboard rainscreen cladding. Their portfolio includes products from market leading brands from the likes of Trespa, Swisspearl, Formica, AlupanelXT, Vitrabond and Rockpanel.
RCM works closely with architects and specifiers to ensure the right solution is available for the right project. For example, KKA Architecture’s vision of a ‘pixelated’ building became a reality when we supplied the Vitrabond ACM panels and Trespa® Meteon® HPL.
Installing these has given the hotel its unique ground-breaking pixelated appearance. Vitrabond is a lightweight aluminium composite cladding panel, ideal for external facades, fascia and cladding. Its benefits include cost effectiveness, low maintenance, robust durability, its lightweight nature and its availability of an unlimited colour range. Trespa® Meteon® cladding panels bring compelling aesthetic and nearly limitless design possibilities with various colours, rhythms and depths to next-generation architectural claddings.
RCM were appointed to supply the cladding, as well as the aluminium frame and fittings to the construction of the new Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham.
