To understand the benefits brought by the application of polycarbonate on the facade of buildings, it is first important to mention that this plastic material is by far the best performing in terms of resistance to impact and temperature changes, reaction to fire and transparency.
To confirm this thesis, tests such as the Izod impact test, an ASTM-approved method for determining notch toughness, and the Charpy test, which involves two clampings, have been conducted over time. These tests showed that polycarbonate is able to maintain its mechanical strength characteristics unchanged at temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C.
In addition, the material obtained a B-s1 d0 fire classification according to the European standard EN13501, which regulates the reaction-to-fire classification of construction products and elements.
How to use polycarbonate on the façade: PolyPiù for the Marseille Airport
In its application on the façade of buildings, polycarbonate can be used as a cladding for load-bearing structures, creating continuous surfaces with a very clean aesthetic. This is achieved by extruding a single element up to lengths of 24 meters, and thanks to the tongue-and-groove joint that eliminates the need for visible profiles.
An example of the virtuous use of polycarbonate for this type of application is the renovation of the Marseille Airport. The project involved the use of PolyPiù sheets of different colours for the glazing of the walls of the structure: thanks to the extraordinary translucent characteristics of polycarbonate and the possibility of making sheets of any colour shade, the main facade of the airport was in this way renovated with special focus on the aesthetic value of the intervention.
Polycarbonate in façade for the Golinelli Foundation in Bologna
The advantages guaranteed by the use of polycarbonate in façades are also clearly visible in a second project in which PolyPiù solutions were the protagonists: for the construction of the Bologna cultural complex Fondazione Golinelli, the architectural firm Mario Cucinella Architects used this material for the façade of the Arts and Sciences Center, defined as a “space of imagination and experimentation” with an extension of about 700 square meters.
The modular multiwall polycarbonate system signed by PolyPiù has, also for this intervention, ensured the achievement of all project objectives: high light transmission value, excellent thermal insulating properties, aesthetic effect of maximum visual impact thanks to the elimination of joint profiles.
An opaque finish was chosen for the Golinelli Foundation, so as to ensure very homogeneous light diffusion without sacrificing the transparency typical of polycarbonate. The result is a linear and elegant building capable of standing out for its unique look during the night hours.
ADDWind: ventilated facade solution
ADDWind, Isopan’s innovative system, makes it possible to integrate the glazing of a building with an exterior skin.
Thus, in a single system there are two functions, on the one hand the building enclosure and the thermal insulation guaranteed by the wall made of Isopan sandwich panels, and on the other hand, in addition to an aid in weather protection, the aesthetic and architectural characterization ensured by the cladding.
Among Isopan’s partners in the ADDWind project, Polypiù is responsible for the translucent skins, by virtue of its experience in the design and production of polycarbonate sheets and panels and all the accessories necessary for their proper assembly.