Why use translucent polycarbonate on building facades?

Why use translucent polycarbonate on building facades?

Whether you want discreet integration or strong emphasis, the façade is the medium through which we relate to the architecture of a building. Not only does it provide a unique visual experience, it must also be practical, sustainable and able to effectively manage daylighting and ventilation needs. As a point of contact with the outside, the façade has the task of dampening sound and providing protection against climatic conditions such as wind, rain, heat and humidity. In essence, the façade is an architectural story, which can set the tone for the rest of the interior, but it must also perform essential functions to ensure the comfort and safety of users.

When designing a façade, it is crucial to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. There are many materials that successfully meet these criteria, but when it comes to creating a light-filled, comfortable environment that offers strength, ease of installation and versatility, the properties of translucent polycarbonate panels seem unbeatable.

Source foto: Arch Daily

Given that polycarbonate has proven to be as effective and versatile as it is attractive, it’s no wonder that it has gone from a simple man-made polymer used predominantly in greenhouses to one of the most popular choices today. The reasons are simple – polycarbonate’s exceptional properties and simple installation methods, which we’ll show you:

Polycarbonate is a translucent thermoplastic with 250 times the strength of glass. In addition, it is tough, amorphous and durable, like most plastics made by distilling hydrocarbon fuels into “fractions”, which are then combined with other catalysts.

Polycarbonate can be shaped by various processes, such as injection moulding or extrusion, and in its raw form is completely transparent.

It is a lighter, more flexible and stronger alternative to glass and offers different levels of translucency, while also being fully recyclable, flame retardant and a good insulator.

Source foto: Arch Daily

Quick and easy to install

Thanks to its low weight, transporting and handling this material is a simple and straightforward task. But remember, before installation, it is important to choose the right type of panels: either double-walled polycarbonate, consisting of two layers, or multi-walled polycarbonate, consisting of three or more layers. Although they have the same properties, they offer different levels of insulation.

Despite the fact that installation methods can vary, the most common remains fixing the frame profiles to the structure by sequentially placing the panels.

Source foto: Arch Daily

Very versatile

Translucent polycarbonate not only offers high performance but also aesthetic versatility, allowing the creation of facades that are as unique as they are spectacular. By transforming direct sunlight into a diffused glow, these filtering surfaces can be used to give the environment the power to induce a particular mood, depending on the project in question.
Polycarbonate can be used to create a relaxing atmosphere, but also a dynamic one, as the material has this ability to add layers of brightness depending on the final environmental effect sought.

Source foto: Arch Daily