Facade Systems Archives

Façade Materials Let Daylight In, Keep Weather Out

Posted on September 16, 2019September 2, 2019 by Danpal

Most of us have mixed feelings about the weather. We dread the onset of winter and the cold weather that it brings. We’re none too enthusiastic about rain, even though we welcome it so that our gardens and water supplies are replenished. We don’t like windy days because there’s always a risk if the wind is gusting at a powerful rate, that the force may bring down power lines or tear off roofs. We like warm days without excessive humidity, but we don’t always get weather like that. One thing on which we’re all in agreement, however, is that natural light is one of the best features of the natural world. Who doesn’t appreciate the better illumination that it provides, along with the instinctive improvement in our moods? Danpal, a company with half a century of experience in the building industry, had come up with a product, façade materials, that allows us to enjoy the best of weather—the light—while protecting us from the worst.

ENJOY DAYLIGHT WITH FAÇADE MATERIALS

Natural light is one of our favorite aspects of the outdoors and Danpal has blended our appreciation for daylight with its building manufacturing to pioneer “daylighting architecture.” That’s a form of building that permits the presence of natural light into our buildings, both homes, and offices.

Natural light provides illumination that doesn’t just help us to see better; it also helps us feel better. We know from scientific studies that people are more productive and more optimistic in natural light. Façade materials aren’t attempting to replace artificial light, but they give us the ability to enjoy the light that nature created for us.

FAÇADE MATERIALS NEED TO BE STRONG AGAINST WEATHER

What kind of building material is strong enough to withstand the never-ending onslaught of the elements? How can a company create a product that is able to endure the battering force of storm winds, the fury of a downpour of rain, an attack of hail, a heavy snowfall?

Weather doesn’t let up; it simply changes seasons. But Danpal, with a skilled crew of engineers, has relied upon research and development to manufacture façade materials that are strong.

Thanks to microcell technology and a snap-lock connection system, Danpal façade materials keep the weather outside. The higher load resistance comes from our double-click locking seam. We have excellent thermal insulation thanks to the cell structure of the Danpal façade materials. Our façade materials even have UV protection so that the intensity of the sun won’t cause damage.

FAÇADE MATERIALS AND FLEXIBILITY ARE A TEAM

It may seem surprising that our façade materials are so flexible. We don’t always associate strength with flexibility but the ease of installation is a known characteristic of Danpal manufacturing.

Façade materials need to be strong so that they won’t be damaged by the weather. They must also be light in weight so that they’re easy to work with. We’re pleased to say that our façade materials meet our expectations in both regards.

Façade materials add to a building’s performance

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Danpal

What are the things that we notice about the buildings where we work and sleep, shop, exercise and seek entertainment? Do they serve the function for which they are designed? Are they warm in the cold weather and cool in the hot weather? Is the lighting sufficient for our needs? Are they built with our comfort in mind? There are other things that we don’t notice immediately. We may not notice if they’re built out of sustainable materials or if they conform to the most current environmental standards. We are unlikely to notice if there is mold or dampness in parts of the structure where we don’t go. We might not always notice the behind-the-scenes concerns that are part of a building’s hidden performance.

But what’s the first thing that you notice about a building? You notice how it looks.

FAÇADE MATERIALS ACCENTUATE A BUILDING’S APPEAL

A traditional style of architecture for a building located in a trendy hot spot would seem out of place, just as a cutting-edge design would be ill-suited in a neighborhood of stately eighteenth century structures. Danpal’s façade materials allow a building to take on an appearance that can be customized to suit its environment, while adding marvelous color and texture options that give the structure a unique flavor. Lighting is an option that can be enhanced with façade materials. If you’d like to supplement the look of your building with depth to its perspective, you can layer different shades of color. Choosing from Danpal’s columns and brick stacks gives even more options. Design a building that people will notice by choosing façade materials.

FAÇADE MATERIALS LET LIGHT SHINE IN

Studies have shown that people, whether in the workplace or in their homes, feel better and are more productive when they are in an environment which adds natural light to the setting. But you don’t need a study to tell you that. You already know that you see better, for one thing, when natural light is available. You feel better; your mood improves and you benefit from an attitude that takes its cues from the uplifting atmosphere of natural light. Façade materials benefit from Danpal’s pioneering daylighting architecture, which is an architectural way to include sunshine as part of your decorating design.

STRENGH COMES WITH FAÇADE MATERIALS

Now that we’ve accounted for the many features of façade materials that you’ll notice in a building, it’s time to concentrate on what you might not notice right away, and that’s the strength. A building has to meet the expectations of its function; if it’s an office, a medical facility, a workplace or a residence, it conforms to the intended usage for which it was designed. But strength is a factor that contributes not only to the function, but also to the building’s stamina and life span. Danpal’s microcell technology has dramatically increased the strength of our building materials. That means that weather, one of the most powerful and potential damaging threats to a building’s wellbeing, is held at bay. That’s because our snap-lock connection system is designed to prevent snow, wind, hail and rain from invading your interior space. The impressive quality of our thermal insulation can do its job the right way, which allows your energy usage to perform the way it’s supposed to. Façade materials keep your insulation dry, which in turn keeps your energy usage efficient and your year-round temperature constant.

What you may not notice about a building is important. That’s why Danpal notices these things for you.

Welsh National Sailing Academy. Land, sea and sky.

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Danpal

Situated on an exposed North Wales peninsula between the Irish Sea and the Afon Erch river estuary, the stunning Welsh National Sailing Academy building is both an international centre of excellence for sailing and a multi-purpose event space for the local community.

Working with the Sailing Academy and the Gwynydd County Council, Ellis Williams Architects of Liverpool based the building’s unique design on the classic principle of ‘form following function’.

A unique spiral building design is centered on a large circular main hall, enabling fully rigged boats to be towed in and out with ease while being protected from the location’s strong coastal winds. Curved public terraces overlooking sailing competitions in the bay are situated to the more sheltered north western side, with a glazed café area offering stunning panoramic views of both the bay and the Snowdonia National Park beyond.

On the opposite side, a bar and terrace looks out towards the marina and estuary. A critical design criteria for the project was to maximize the amount of natural daylight entering the circular hall to assist in the preparation of sailing boats and their close scrutinizing by competition judges. To meet this requirement, Ellis Williams specified Danpalon® translucent polycarbonate panel cladding system for both the curved hall façade and the round hall roof.

To harmonize with the project’s extensive use of natural stone gabions, sea grass banking and treated softwood building materials clear (uncoloured) Danpalon® panels were selected and pre-treated with Softlite coating to limit light glare and achieve a subtle matt finish.

The translucent panels also enabled a variety of attractive night time building illumination effects to be achieved using energy-efficient coloured LED lighting, while its excellent thermal properties mean the central hall is able to function as an unheated event space.

With its unique and stunning aesthetic appearance, the Welsh National Sailing Academy has won a series of national architecture prizes including the RIBA Regional, LABC, ICE and CEW awards.

Gaining Heat in a Windy City

Posted on February 21, 2019February 21, 2019 by Danpal

For a large swimming pool complex, high winds and cool temperatures outside make thermal efficiency targets that little bit harder to attain. Add in the need to maximize the amount of natural light poolside, and achieving required heat gains presents a challenge. Translucent Danpalon® façade systems are providing building designers with an elegant solution.

Pachuca in Central Mexico is a very windy city and by Mexican standards is also quite cold, with an average temperature of 16ºC throughout the year. When Alberca Universidad Politécnica Metropolitana came to rebuild its swimming pool complex the building’s thermal efficiency was a key design criteria.

At the same time, the project needed to reuse as much existing infrastructure as was possible. With the swimming pool then largely determining the building’s orientation, façade design played a vital role in maximizing natural light and heat gain on the inside while handling the high winds on the outside.

The architects, Instituto Hidalguense de la Infraestructura Fisica Educativa (INHIFE) also had to face the challenge of building in sandy soil conditions that offered a relatively low weight resistance. With the weight and movement of the swimming pool being a significant part of the structure’s overall loading, the use of lightweight façade materials was vital. Turning to translucent Danpalon® polycarbonate façade systems, the INHIFE architects found an aesthetically pleasing and technically robust solution capable of meeting the project’s competing demands for light diffusion, thermal insulation, physical strength and low material weight.

A full-height Danpalon® façade constructed using 16mm Ice panels runs the complete length of one side of the swimming pool on a steel frame, while a further Danpalon® façade using a combination of 22mm 3DLite metallic grey and red panels sits at one end of the pool.

INHIFE architect Edgar Baca said, “The fantastic level of light diffusion that these two complementary façades achieve creates a truly unique ambience, with high quality daylight for the interior and a wonderful luminosity for the exterior at night.”

He continued, “Danpalon® has added a huge amount of character to the building thanks to the interaction of material, light and surroundings. At no point does it ever look the same. The hue, texture and appearance depends on where it’s viewed from and the weather conditions. It has given the project real life and personality.”

The new swimming pool complex is a unique wedge-like form composed of gentle slopes, elegant curves and striking lines. A heightened façade wall to increase the natural light diffusion and enable optimization of roof span and pitch was aided by the use of extra long Danpalon® panels, which also avoided the need for horizontal jointing. Panel installation was rapid, taking just a few days from delivery to completion.

Baca added, “Considering the enhanced thermal efficiency the new swimming pool building has attained, and the tremendous functionality it is now providing, this is a project that to date has not once caused us to think that any kind of design adjustment was merited – it really is working to perfection.”

Polycarbonate Sheets: Today’s Building Material Choice For Strength and Flexibility

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Danpal

Fifty years as leaders in the building industry have provided Danpal with a reputation for innovation and expertise. We operate on five continents so, in addition to our decades of experience, we have a global presence that enhances our ability to live up to our motto, Global Vision, Local Focus. As the market’s expectations change to include materials that are stronger, lighter, more energy efficient and easier to work with, Danpal has been in the forefront of the transformation in the industry. Our reputation as leaders in the manufacturing of building materials has been solidified by our commitment to cutting-edge products that meet customer expectations.

Not all companies have been able to keep up the pace of change that has resulted from technological advances, and not all of the products that were once popular in the industry have been able to maintain their edge. Polycarbonate sheets are one of the new products on the market; they are so strong, flexible and attractive that they are replacing more traditional building materials such as glass.

Polycarbonate Sheets Don’t Surrender To Weather

No matter what weather pattern we’re in, we can be sure that weather will continue to be a force with which to be reckoned. Snow, rain, wind, and hail haven’t changed. Fortunately, technology and efficiency have changed. Polycarbonate sheets, which are available in two different forms, are part of the technological innovation that is redefining how buildings are designed and built. You may choose multiwall polycarbonate, which is a structured sheet with hollow air chambers, or solid polycarbonate, which is a clear, flat sheeting that resembles glass in looks but is much stronger and lighter.

Polycarbonate Sheets Are Flexible

If a product is lightweight and easy to work with, as polycarbonate sheets are, it’s going to be popular with architects and clients. That’s because installation is going to be smoother as well, causing less disruption for the client and the workplace. When time is saved, money is saved. The flexibility of polycarbonate sheets has already won over clients who manufacture farming machinery, windshields, security screens, and moving machinery parts. Polycarbonate sheets actually bend, making them so much more versatile than glass. If you have an arching roof, a larger polycarbonate sheet is particularly well suited. The larger the size of the sheet, the greater is the bend’s radius.

Polycarbonate is hardened so that its strength is 200 times that of glass but only half as heavy. And yet, polycarbonate sheets are virtually unbreakable. It’s plain to see why architects choose polycarbonate sheets to work with.

The Danpal Ventilated Rain System (VRS) Uses Polycarbonate Sheets

Danpal’s Ventilated Rain System’s polycarbonate sheets keep insulation dry thanks to the air gap that provides natural ventilation. Keeping insulation dry is a vital consideration in the life span of a building because once insulation is compromised, so is the building, even if problems don’t show up immediately.

By using polycarbonate sheets, you’re giving your building all the protection that it needs in order to be able to fight off weather and prevent moisture from penetrating. You’re benefitting as well, because polycarbonate is one of the most popular materials in the industry.

Façade Materials: What a Difference Daylight Makes

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Danpal

You’d think it would be obvious: add daylight to the inside of a building for better lighting and enhanced atmosphere. It is obvious, but only Danpal has recognized how much daylight inside a building can transform a structure. With a half-century of experience in the building industry, Danpal has been a pioneer in daylighting techniques, holding fast to the belief that a well-designed building should offer as much natural light as possible. That’s why Danpal façade materials are such an advance in building products. Danpal, the first company to develop the Danpalon® translucent panel standing seam system, has three decades of experience in providing façade materials that are used all over the globe. Danpal proves that daylight travels well!

How Daylighting Techniques Make a Difference in Façade Materials

Buildings are for people. Filling the living and working spaces with natural light gives people a workplace that’s more conducive to productivity because people are spending their day in a happier, healthier environment. Danpal’s philosophy is that developing solutions that meet visual, thermal, and energy needs should not exclude holistic benefits. Danpal feels that building designs should begin with an understanding of how the sun shapes our experience. Creating façade materials that follow through on this vison makes Danpal a leader in what we might describe as “user-friendly” buildings.

Knowing What There is to Know About Daylighting

The excitement that is created when daylight becomes part of the building toolkit has inspired a new perception about architecture. Natural light is regarded as usable square footage internally, which expands ways of capitalizing on the uses of the building project. What we’ve found is that light has a genuine effect on how people feel, think, and work. Imagine the possibilities if a building can actually be part of the wellness process that generates an improved attitude and sense of optimism.

Technology Shapes the Effectiveness of Danpal Façade Materials

Danpal façade materials are highly regarded for their ability to resist weather as well as for their support of daylighting techniques. Danpal’s Microcell technology has a double-click locking seam that promises higher load resistance, with a snap-lock connection system to make weather stay where it belongs, which is outside, not inside. The cell structure of the façade materials possess high-quality thermal insulation. This means that façade materials made by Danpal can fight back when weather is at its most destructive.

Another advantage to Danpal’s façade materials is the fact that they’re light in weight. This makes them easier to work with and to install. When a process is easier and simpler to accomplish, the end result means less money spent and less inconvenience experienced.

Façade Materials Create a More Beautiful Building

Daylighting is one of our most famous esthetic features, but it’s not the only one. Color is another way of making your building stand out. Whether you decide to layer different shades of color, or alternate dark and light colors, you’re giving your building the opportunity to show just how much façade materials expand your creative options. Knowing the community in which your building will be located is the first step in determining what your building’s appearance should be. A building with a contemporary look in a block of traditional structures will indeed stand out, but perhaps not in the way that you would like. With a little research, you can design the building that looks just right!

Use Facade Materials from Danpal to Build with Daylight

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Danpal

It’s no surprise that buildings which are constructed to incorporate natural light into the design have an advantage over the traditional structure that relies on artificial light for illumination. Natural light doesn’t just help us to see better; it also helps us feel better. Danpal’s facade materials show how cutting-edge technology and the ageless, timeless appeal of natural light can give a building the architectural edge.

How Light Architecture Works in Facade Materials

With glazed panels and tight spacing between the ribs, light is evenly diffused so that it’s exactly what the customer wants, not too much and not too little. The design is created so that the amount of light can be controlled. The integration of the conventional glazing can, depending upon preference, either reveal visual contrasts in the building or conceal a building’s less attractive features. Mother Nature provides the daylight, of course, but Danpal provides facade materials in a stunning array of colors. effects, finishes, and textures that architects enjoy working with. It’s a perfect match!

Weather Can’t Beat Danpal Facade Materials

No matter what season it is, the weather has quite an arsenal of weapons to challenge a building’s durability. What happens when it’s raining buckets? Or when there’s a heavy snowfall? What about wind? How about hail? You’re worried about leaks, impact, and damages, but with our facade materials, you don’t need to worry. The snap-lock connection system prevents air and moisture from penetrating the defenses of the facade materials. Microcell technology is designed to withstand the impact of hail. Danpal’s extended UV protections protects the building from the damage that sunlight can cause.

Facade Materials Boost Energy Efficiency

The question of a building’s energy efficiency is one that is on an architect’s mind well before he or she begins designing the structure. Danpals’s facade materials possess superior thermal insulation and improvements in the “V” and “R” values contribute as well to the overall high marks of the energy efficiency.

Facade Materials that are Easy to Work with

The strength and beauty of Danpal’s facade materials are so impressive that customers sometimes forget about the other advantages of the products. For example, the panels are very light in weight, which makes them so much easier to work with and install.

Danpal, which has been in the business for 50 years, has put its half century of experience to good use by emphasizing the importance of research and development. Operating on five continents, Danpal has five regional subsidiaries which contribute to the company’s state-of-the-art production process. That accounts for Danpal’s success in terms of its international market, but what’s just as important is the company’s commitment to global concerns. Paying attention to the environmental concerns that are a priority for today’s public has given Danpal an understanding of what customers want for the buildings in which they live and work. Our customers rely on us to deliver products that match their belief that a sustainable life is the best one for the generations to come. We build our buildings to last and we’re doing everything we can to make sure that our planet lasts too.

Facade Systems Bring Beauty, Sustainability and Durability to Your Building

Posted on October 8, 2017October 8, 2017 by Danpal

Sometimes, the most modern building trends are so successful because they make use of something that’s been around well before architects started designing. We’re talking about natural light, of course, that element that can totally transform the appearance of a building. If you’re searching for a design that employs natural light in a way that no other construction method can, you should consider a facade system.

Facade Systems Build With Natural Light

Natural light doesn’t just enter a designed building without careful advance planning. The architect who designs a building deliberately considers the placement of the light by accommodating the angles where the sunlight will appear in the structure at various times during the day. By tapping into the bounty of natural light, that wonderful resource that is available virtually on demand, the architect channels its beautify and its usefulness into a well-planned design.

The Strength of Facade Systems

A facade system will bring a level of beauty to your building that other exteriors can’t match. But at the same time, facade systems are durable. They have to be if they’re going to protect a building from the impact of weather. Rain, snow, wind, hail, and even sun all have the power to weaken and damage the structure over time. But facade systems are designed with strength in mind so that they stand up to everything that Mother Nature can send. Different climates will call for different facade systems; what works for a building in a hot, sunny region won’t suit a building in a damp, rainy location. But the versatility of facade systems means that there’s one that’s just right for you.

Facade Systems Are More Popular Than Ever

Buildings have specific functions that require conforming to the template of the structure’s purpose. A gymnasium isn’t going to have the same purpose as a library, and the two buildings won’t be identical. Any building needs to meet certain regulations and codes and as environmental issues have become more of a universal concern, these requirements are reflected in the way buildings are designed and constructed. Facade systems please the public because their energy efficiency is a vital part of the sustainable life style that people practice.

But there’s one area where codes and rules aren’t the driving force behind the design and that is in the creativity that facade systems unleash. If you’re bored by the way so many buildings seem to be designed with a cookie-cutter format, each one looking the same as the one before it, you’re going to appreciate the unbelievable freedom that facade systems offer. With facade systems, the function of a building doesn’t trap it inside a boring format that just repeats what everyone else is building. Functionality is vital for any building, but it doesn’t need to inhibit the potential of a structure to be visually appealing. Danpal’s facade systems allow a structure to perform its intended function while nurturing the people who work and live inside it.

Every building, whatever its intended purpose, is part of a neighborhood and that neighborhood is a community. People who go about their daily business are uplifted when they have the opportunity to enjoy beauty that improves the environment in a holistic way. By choosing a Danpal facade system, you’re making your part of the world a better place.

Building for Style with Facade Materials

Posted on September 28, 2017September 28, 2017 by Danpal

Façade Materials Inspired by Style

If you’re on a quest to find something new in building materials, inspirations for exciting and innovative designs are as close as the nearest housing development. Before you lock yourself into the monotony of designing a building that looks like every other one, why not take a ride around the area to see what’s being built around you? You’ll be amazed to find the range that is available, particularly if you’re in a neighborhood where there’s a building that’s made out of façade materials. Never mind the same, boring old structure that’s build out of the same old boring materials. Danpal façade materials, because of the amazing array of colors that is offered, give a house a dazzling look. If it’s hard to imagine a building that delivers a sense of style, you’re in for a treat, because facade materials deliver remarkable, unique beauty.

Facade Materials are a Smart Economic Investment

However, facade materials aren’t just esthetically attractive. Façade materials offer one of the most versatile investments that can be made in the housing field. The unique cell structure of Danpal facades generates superior thermal insulation that significantly enhances a building’s energy efficiency. The Microcell structure of the panels offers the highest possible resistance to damage caused by hail and impact. This resistance is maintained despite the light weight of the materials, which gives them an impressive lifetime of service. Thanks to the snap-lock connection system, air and water aren’t able to penetrate the building’s exterior. The building enjoys higher load resistance as a result of the high security offered by the double “click” locking seam. With the top quality of its co-extended UV protection, the facade materials deliver a longer life. Installation is quick and simple, making the overall price cost effective for your budget.

Facade Materials Have Style

The novelty of living and working in a building that reflects its own unique image has made facade materials a dynamic form of architectural self expression. The colors that you choose will depend on personal preference and the style of the structure’s design. Also, it’s a good idea to choose colors that are easy to clean. Remember that facade materials give you a versatility that other traditional materials lack. You can use different shades of a particular color to produce a layering effect that creates an impression of depth. Or, if you want to make a statement, you can opt for a bold look that contrasts darks and lights along with different textures.

The building needs to create harmony within its surroundings. That’s easy with facade materials; you can choose enhancements such as columns, feature lighting, and brick stacks so that your structure stands out.

Facade Materials and Light

Natural light is an inherent feature of facade materials, much more so than it is in buildings that are designed from a traditional material. Thanks to the glazing panel’s unique structure, natural light is evenly diffused. Because of a design that’s created with architectural daylight applications in mind, the tight spacing between the ribs of the panels produces an appearance that appeals to the esthetic senses.

Esthetics, affordability, durability and efficiency are all hallmarks of façade systems. Take a look at what’s in store for you!

Translucent Facade for a Strong, Flexible, Attractive Building Exterior

Posted on September 11, 2017September 11, 2017 by Danpal

Translucent Façade for a Stronger Exterior

When we think of a construction product, we start out with an image of an architect creating the design for a building that fulfills the purpose for which it was intended. Our next scene tends to be that of the construction site: heavy machinery and workers in hard hats, laboring in a noisy setting. Finally, we see the building rising where once there was nothing. It all seems so easy.

The truth is that a building is a much more complicated enterprise and every detail must be considered before the architect even begins to create the model. That’s one of the reasons why Danpal’s translucent facade exteriors are the smart choice for a building. Danpal has already done a lot of the preliminary work because the company’s research has created products that are specifically manufactured for particular needs. A building, before a single nail is hammered into place, has a location. If that location is in a rainy climate, the building material must be watertight to prevent leaks. If the building is going up in a landscape that’s prone to high winds, the structure must be able to absorb the impact. Lots of sunlight can be just as powerful a foe to a building as the rain, and we haven’t even mentioned snow or hail yet. But you get the idea. The architect isn’t the first one on the scene when it comes to designing a building. Danpal is, because their expert engineers and specialists have already researched and vetted the materials that will be chosen for construction.

Translucent Façade: More Powerful than Weather

You’ve heard people say that there’s no use complaining about the weather because there’s nothing we can do about it. While it’s true that no one can stop the rain from falling or tame a wild wind, there are ways to defend a building so that it can withstand weather.

There’s weather, and then there’s Danpal weather-resistant translucent facade. Danpal’s translucent facades won’t fail you because Danpal’s reputation is built upon producing materials that last for decades. You won’t have to worry about cracks, scuffs and breaks showing up a few years after the building is completed because Danpal translucent facades are durable. Weather can’t be altered, but translucent facades don’t surrender to it.

Translucent Facade for Flexibility

Danpal delivers the strength. Danpal also delivers translucent facades that are nimble enough to allow freedom when meeting the design specifications. Danpal has managed to achieve that exquisite balance between strength and flexibility thanks to the translucent facades that deliver the best of both worlds.

The Beauty of Translucent Facade

Last, but certainly not least, the esthetics of translucent façade blend the strength of the exterior with the flexibility to create a final effect that makes a building worth looking at. It lasts a long time because Danpal’s products are designed for long-term effectiveness. It’s flexible because the ease of installation shapes the façade to match the esthetic preferences of the client.

Protection and beauty all in one eye-catching, enduring exterior; that’s what you get when you choose translucent facade for your building project.

Cubby House Challenge

Posted on August 24, 2017August 24, 2017 by Danpal

Grimshaw is one of five practices selected to design and build a cubby for the Kids Under Cover 2017 Cubby House Challenge. The five cubbies were auctioned at a VIP event at the 2017 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, raising AUD$162,000 for the Kids Under Cover’s Studio Program, an early intervention strategy which helps to prevent youth homelessness.

MySpace, the cubby designed by Grimshaw, fetched AUD$21,000 and was the recipient of the Kids Choice Award, and the Most Imaginative and Interactive Award. We are honoured to have been a part of the 2017 Cubby House Challenge.

Through MySpace, Grimshaw has reconceptualised the traditional cubby, transforming the rigid building form into one that allows children to create their own space by manipulating various sized blocks across four levels. How they enter the cubby and arrange the interior is up to them – it is a non-static space that children can make their own and reinvent as they desire.

The moveable blocks have multiple uses to reinforce this sense of ownership and flexibility. They can be used to fill voids or provide openings, as furniture or storage and to house secret treasures and trinkets.

Two key workshops were held to develop the concept for MySpace. The first invited children to contribute their ideas of what constitutes the ultimate cubby. A space for flexibility, creativity and retreat were recurring themes, with orange a popular choice of colour.

The second workshop was a design charrette which offered Grimshaw’s architects the opportunity to recall their childhood cubby house dreams. The ideas were harnessed into a single concept with a strong connection to one of the architect’s memories of playing with the wooden crates in his father’s fruit and vegetable warehouse; crates were positioned to create voids to hide in or used as stepping stones to create a flexible oasis akin to a human-scale Lego set.

This concept was developed through the ethos of Grimshaw’s architectural practice; strong conceptual legibility, innovation and a rigorous approach to detailing, all underpinned by the principles of humane, enduring and sustainable design.
In turn, MySpace has been realized as a bespoke shelter which encourages confidence and creative play while offering a finely crafted installation fit for the most urbane of backyards.

Conceived as an elegant piece of joinery, the cubby’s frame has been built using 75mmx75mm Tasmanian Oak hardwood timber beams. Each member has been machine cut and routed to form a cross profile that integrates horizontal rails, allowing the boxes to be safely and easily maneuvered. With each member dowelled and glue joined to form a rigid connection there are no visible fixings. This ensures that the frame can facilitate safe vertical and horizontal movement and provide railings that may be easily held on to by small hands. Rubber matting is incorporated in the floor as a further safety measure.

The boxes within the cubby are fabricated from pine plywood. Each box is wrapped in high density foam, then covered with an external-grade colored fabric.

With a translucent polycarbonate (Danpal) roof and façade, MySpace provides a shelter which offers children a sense of concealment while providing visibility to the outside. The polycarbonate cladding system provides a clean façade finish by concealing all screw fixings. To complement the notion of a safe hideout, a yellow periscope peaks out from the roof to allow children to keep watch and observe their surroundings. Page 1 of 2 Lighting is another key feature of the cubby. Our design incorporates LED strip lighting into each internal corner of the frame to illuminate the interior and allow the cubby to ‘glow’ at night.

Grimshaw has worked closely and collaboratively with the builder and suppliers to deliver a cubby that is of the highest quality while offering a reconfigurable space to keep children intrigued – a true team effort for the benefit of the children that may make MySpace their own as well as those whom it may prevent youth homelessness for.

Architect’s Statement

There was always something exciting about creating your own cubby house as a kid. Whether stacking cushions from the family sofa, draping bed sheets over the ironing board or arranging cardboard boxes to form enclosures, it allowed a sense of freedom to create and play, to be the master of one’s own universe.

This freedom of creative play is actively explored with MySpace, a cubby house designed by Grimshaw for Kids Under Cover, a not-for-profit organization which raises funds to help prevent youth homelessness.

Through MySpace we have reconceptualised the cubby, transforming the rigid building form into one that allows children to create their own space by manipulating various sized blocks over three levels. How they enter the space and arrange the interior is up to them – it is a space they can make their own and reinvent as they desire.

The second workshop was an in-house design charrette offering our architects the opportunity to recall their own childhood cubby house dreams. In keeping with Grimshaw’s architectural practice, the cubby was developed from a strong concept, with the final design resulting from a deep interest in adaptable and flexible architecture and craftsmanship.

MySpace encapsulates childhood aspirations as well as a desire to empower children through their own creative play.

Facade Systems are the Popular Trend That’s Built to Last

Posted on August 16, 2017August 16, 2017 by Danpal

Escape the Same Old Design with Facade Systems

When you first decided to enter the design field, there’s a good chance that you did so because you wanted to give your imagination free rein. You didn’t want to be locked into the same tired old traditional building styles. You wanted to create structures that fulfilled the function of a building, but without neglecting the beauty that brings a design out of the cookie-cutter assembly line of boring sameness. That’s why facade systems, the popular trend in building, have become so popular with designers and clients alike. They maintain the functionality of a building, but they are able to stay true to their purpose without ignoring the fact that a building can be a source of inspiration for the people who live and work within it, and an enhancement to the neighborhood.

Why Facade Systems are the Smarter Building Choice

Transparent facade systems aren’t just a building’s pretty face. They’re actually its protective armor because they offer superior protection from the weather and high-impact resistance, along with optimal thermal dynamics. Weather rules the outside world and a building that’s constructed well needs to be able to stand up to whatever comes out of the sky. You’ll be amazed by how the quality of a facade system endures for years without needing to be replace. The energy efficiency and durability of facade systems make them the smart choice; our Danpal framed facade is one of the most popular options for buildings.

Keep in mind that facade systems aren’t one-size-fits-all for buildings. The type of façade that you select needs to suit the climate of the region where the building will be located. If you’re building in an area with an abundance of rain and wind, the facade system will have different specifications than a system that’s designed for a sunny climate. Another factor to consider is the style of the building. The façade systems should blend with the right facade, so that they complement one another. Otherwise, an ill-suited choice could ruin the overall effect. When you’re building with a facade system, you have so many more options for color, finishes, and special effects that you want to make sure that everything is just right.

Facade Systems and Light

Perhaps the most popular feature of a facade system is the way that it makes use of natural light. Your design should accommodate the angles at which the sunlight will strike the building at different times during the day, so that you can adjust for it. Factoring this into your calculations gives you the freedom to immediately improve the quality of the building’s interior with natural light.

If you’ve never thought about the wonderful opportunities for creativity that are yours when natural light is included in your design, you’re in for an amazing revelation. Natural light isn’t usually categorized as a building material, but translucent facades have changed the rules for design. Imagine the originality that you can work with when the pattern of light on your building façade comes from nature and your inspiration.

Translucent Facades: Building with Nature in Mind

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Danpal

Fighting the Harmful Effects of Weather with Translucent Facades

Take a look around at the buildings in your city or town. Notice anything? You probably can’t detect the slow, steady damage that weather is causing to the buildings that we see every day. There’s no way to shield a building from the effects of the sun, the rain, or the wind. Buildings are located outside; that means that they have to expect to take the punishment that weather dishes out. But that doesn’t mean that nature has the upper hand. Translucent facades are the expert way to answer the challenge that nature poses and deliver a building product that endures. Not only that, but translucent facades know how to make the most of the daylight, bringing the best of the day into the building while shielding those inside from its negative effects.

How do Translucent Facades Protect Buildings from Nature

A translucent façade creates a seal so that water and air can’t penetrate. The façade’s durability makes it strong enough to withstand the punishing impact of hail and anything else that nature sends its way. Its flexibility with regard to the changing temperature of a building allow the translucent façade to expand in the heat and contract in the cold.

Building Daylight into the Translucent Façade

Now that we’ve told you how translucent facades protect a building from the harmful effects of nature, let us explain to you how our product can actually work with and enhance the natural environment. The benefits of sunlight are familiar to all of us. Not only does capitalizing on the natural light ease energy costs in buildings, but there’s a more personal benefit as well. Incorporating light into public buildings helps to create a positive atmosphere on the people within as they work, conduct their business, and interact with one another. A translucent façade uses daylight as one of its core building materials.

Why Translucent Facades are Better than Glass

Glass windows, although they allow daylight to enter, also let in the glare. Depending on the time of the day, often at daybreak or at dusk, the lower angles of the sun’s rays can be piercing in rooms where the windows face east or west.

That’s why large glass windows on one side of a room aren’t the solution. Flooding the space with uncontrolled bright light increases the level of heat in the room as well. Glass windows need blinds, shades, or curtains in order to minimize the adverse effects of the light; the result is often a room that’s much darker than it needs to be in order to reduce the penetrating glare from outside. There’s a cost factor to this as well, especially in warmer climates where the reduction in energy expense is cancelled by the air conditioning that’s needed to compensate for the excessive solar gain. Ironically, even in the winter, glass fails to offer satisfaction in energy efficiency, because the heat that comes in from outside during the day also escapes during the night.

If you’re looking for a building product that’s efficient, economical, and pleasing to the eye, consider translucent facades and bring in the daylight.

Danpal® Facade Systems: Pioneers of Light Architecture

Posted on June 13, 2017June 13, 2017 by Danpal

Danpal® Facade systems come in a variety of colors, finishes and special effects, providing a dazzling array of creative options. These translucent, dry-glazed systems are available in a wide range of configurations suitable for various types of structures. Lightweight with superior flexibility, Danpal® facades provide high-impact protection from the elements in a variety of climates, particularly in comparison to glass. Transparency, combined with the balance of light and thermal dynamics for any facade, creates an appearance that’s esthetically pleasing and tough enough to handle the outdoor elements.

What are the Benefits of the Danpal® Facade Systems?

Natural light pleases the eye but Danpal® facade systems takes beauty one step further with glazing panels that evenly diffuse that light while accommodating the architectural application of daylight through tight spacing in between the ribs. The artistry of the colors, textures, finishes, and effects delivers a glorious palette of options that illuminate by day and turn into light boxes at night. Being tough enough to handle the great outdoors means that the panels, with their Microcell structure, are built to resist damage from hail. And while we’re talking about the elements, you’ll appreciate the fact that the Danpal® facade system boasts co-extended UV protection that guarantees a longer system life. Mother Nature doesn’t always play by the rules, but that’s okay, because with the snap-lock connection system, air and water won’t be able to penetrate the building. The structure is versatile enough to adapt, with concealed joints that create a flush external that can twist if necessary.

Beauty counts, but so does comfort, and the façade system’s superior thermal insulation improvements in ‘U’ and ‘R’ values enhance the building’s overall energy efficiency. The design can control the amount of light, conceal building features, or reveal fascinating visual contrasts, thanks to the integration with conventional glazing. Installation is easy and cost-effective and the system complies with SO9001 and CSTB requirements.

Danpal® Single Glazed Facades: Different Systems for Different Needs

The Thermal Advanced AirPT System provides integrated subsoil and frame and thermal break to deliver advanced performance.
The Advanced NM System is an advanced face system with an integrated frame.
The Traditional TP system is an economical façade system that delivers basic performance without a sub frame.

Danpal®: Pioneers in Light Architecture

With 50 years of expertise and innovation in light architecture, Danpal® can be confident that it has not only blazed the trail that others can only follow, but its façade systems have also remained on the cutting edge. The company’s vision guides everything it does to create state-of-the-art systems that make it possible for architects to transform both artificial and natural light into an architectural tool to enhance creativity. A global company that operates on five continents, Danpal® and its five regional subsidiaries employ global distribution and operation to supply the world with the latest in tailor-made daylighting for façade systems. Even the world’s best architects appreciate the inspiration that the Danpal® façade systems generate as the panels turn daylight itself into a creative building tool. Whether it’s the engineering, the design, the comfort or the esthetics, Danpal® solutions meet the most stringent requirements, as well as energy efficiency, to help conserve the world’s natural resources.

What exactly is translucent facade?

Posted on May 22, 2017May 22, 2017 by Danpal

There seems to be confusion in some circles relating to the translucent facade, and it’s purpose. Considering that, we wanted to release a blog post that will set the record straight. We’ll highlight the type of professionals who might use the product, and some of the benefits they can expect. Hopefully, this post will encourage more people to make better use of the solution. As you will learn, it can add alluring design elements to any building while also providing structural advantages.

So what is a translucent facade?

Translucent facades are glazing panels used on the exterior of buildings. They help to protect the construct from weather damage, damp, and erosion. They come in a broad range of different colors and styles to suit every job. Many architects use them to improve the aesthetics of their design. By fixing them in place, it’s possible to hide unsightly building elements and create the perfect finish to any property. The products can assist in protecting people from harmful UV rays. They also ensure maximum thermal conduction. Individuals who use them will notice a reduction in energy bills because they use the sun’s natural light to heat and illuminate buildings.

So what are some of the other benefits?

We already mentioned that a translucent facade could help to protect buildings from weather damage. That is because the product creates a seal that stops penetration by water and air. They are also durable, and so they can withstand impact from hail and other unwanted elements. The materials offer super flexibility, and that is why they can last for many years. As a building becomes hot or cold, the products will expand and contract. They also come in many different styles and shades to suit almost any building design. Danpal® Facades provide an array of finishes and effects that offer dazzling creative options.

Are translucent facades cost-effective?

Compared to glass and other commonly used solutions, translucent facades offer much better value for money. They will stay in good condition for longer, and they’re highly secure. Unlike some other options, users won’t have to replace them very often. Indeed, they can remain in perfect condition for years. They also offer an environmentally-friendly alternative that doesn’t harm the planet. For more information, new clients just need to take a look at our brochure which is available on this site. You can then contact the team for advice and quotes.

Our state-of-the-art systems were created with architects and designers in mind. That is why the products we bring to the market always meet expectations. The professionals working for our brand have decades of combined experience in this industry. We listened to the complaints of designers and building specialists before coming up with the perfect solutions. Make sure you take a look at our range and consider all the benefits before taking a single step further. Those who still decide to use glass or an inferior material will never achieve optimum results. Just take a look at some of the most attractive buildings in any city. We’ll bet at least some of them use translucent facade products.

Essential info regarding facade materials

Posted on April 26, 2017April 26, 2017 by Danpal

Danpal® offers a range of single glazed translucent facade systems for architects and designers. In this article, we’re going to discuss the beneficial elements and all the advantages of using those products. Hopefully, the information will assist professionals in making the right choices. These solutions are much better than glass for a variety of reasons we will discuss in just a moment. Also, they’re cost-effective and environmentally-friendly due to their long-lasting nature. Our items can assist in delivering the perfect balance of light into any building.

Benefits of our facade materials

Weather protection and high impact resistance

Alongside other advantages, those who opt for our facade materials will benefit from weather protection. The products also offer excellent resistance to the impact of hail and other projectiles. They are designed to expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall. So, they won’t crack or break like many inferior solutions on the market. They offer super flexibility that ensures they will stay in working order for many years. That is the primary reason architects and designers around the world turn to use when looking for the best facade solutions. The optimal balance of solar and thermal dynamics isn’t easy to achieve, but our products help to achieve that goal.

Superior air and water tightness

Leaks and damp can cause many issues for designers and architects. For that reason, we wanted to create a product that eliminates those problems entirely. Danpal® facade materials do that without breaking the bank. The snap-lock connection system ensures air and water cannot penetrate into the building. That means concerns relating to damp are no longer an issue. If air and water can’t get under the materials, owners will never encounter that hindrance. When selecting cheaper solutions, the same isn’t always true. That is why many people have to replace their products sooner than they otherwise would have done.

An extensive range of colours, textures, and finishes

Our team understands that designers often want to ensure all elements of their buildings match. For that reason, we offer a broad range of different colours, textures, and finishes to suit any job. The products will illuminate by day, and turn into light boxes at night. To see a full range, just take a look at systems section and Download link on the top. There are brochures available that cover all the ins and outs. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements. We strive to provide quotes and deal with requests as quickly as possible. So, you won’t have to wait around too long for a reply.

Our unique facade materials provides architects with an endless source of creative possibilities. Compared to many competitors, we offer superior products made to cutting-edge designs. We also employ the latest microcell technology to ensure everything we supply meets requirements. If you need a product that’s stylishly created a build to last, look no further. Contact us today, and let us know how we can assist.

Extension Building of Global Standard Technology (GST) Plant

Posted on April 20, 2017April 20, 2017 by Danpal

The main business of GST is to manufacture and assemble semiconductor, Icd, medical appliance and electronic device. GST choice the new material for the factory building. Furthermore, the building is designed to present beauty of sculpture and symbolic language to emphasize the company and its environment-friendliness in terms of selecting Danpalon as material of Façade

A distribution oriented line up: Considering the easy access for shipment, the working area is located on the 1st and 2nd floor to facilitate the flow of working. So it enables to do stocking, assembling, testing, and shipping products on the ground floor. Employee parking lot is on the 3rd floor (top floor).

Environment-friendly material for façade, Danpalon: Danpalon, which is a semi-transparent polycarbonate system made of 6 layered panels, can maximize daylighting effect by spreading light through diffused reflection under the daylight and save energy by decreasing the amount of CO2 produced by artificial lighting. With its excellent quality and amount of lights, it doesn’t create shadows inside from the structure as it provides even diffused light instead of direct light so productivity and safety of employees can be maximized. After sunset, the light inside of extension building is spread outside creating the image wall representing GST so it gives symbolism to building on Dongtan industrial complex 6gil as a lighting box.

Communication and connecting spaces: It is planned to connect existing building and extension building by using a bridge as a medium.

External space: Cooperative company area and reception area are separated while exit and entrance are combined to unify them as one building.

Based on our experience in building extension plant of GST, we would like to make a new design guide (Danpalon) for building a new plant considering environment-friendliness, convenient construction, light structure and various lighting by studying interior as well as exterior space design.

How future facade systems will pay a major environmental role

Posted on February 8, 2017February 8, 2017 by Danpal

One of the key buzzwords when you are looking at the design of a building in this day and age is sustainability. This is sustainability in terms of environmental impact, energy efficiency, as well as durability.

The owner of a structure wants to get the best bang for their buck in terms of the costs they are going to be paying for energy, as well as meeting and exceeding the environmental requirements that have been set out by the relevant authorities.

One of the more exciting trends in the field of facade systems has been the development of certain facades that have the ability to eat smog.

This is achieved through a treatment of a thin layer of titanium dioxide, which is a liquid or powder that can be applied to a facade system such as ours at Danpal and when the sun strikes this chemically treated surface, the process of oxidization begins of organic matter, meaning that pollutants will be transformed into carbon dioxide and water vapour.

This exciting new development has already been experimented with in certain projects, such as that of the Manuel Gea Gonzalez Hospital located in Mexico City. This is near the top of the list when looking at the most polluted cities in the world.

This is an exciting development and looks set to have a large impact way into the future. What stops us from coating complete cities is the material? This could be a stepping stone for all facade systems having air quality improvement features built in them during the manufacturing process, which could help to transform the environmental impact our buildings are currently having.

When looking at the environment on a global scale, up to 40{5b578bc8adcb4430178b10faf0e9aa5adf0d58c8ca73fed93934f78c0e900111} of the energy consumed is by building, so this could go a long way towards decreasing the damage that is being inflicted by these structures.

At Danpal, we have been focused on providing facade systems that are environmentally friendly. By using translucent faces, we are able to achieve a superior light diffusion. This means that not as much energy will have to be consumed when lighting up the interior of a structure.

The high thermal insulation and great R values of our system means that less money needs to be spent cooling and heating up a building, as the facade system naturally takes care of lot of these issues automatically.