Façade Materials Let Daylight In, Keep Weather Out

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.

Facade Materials 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.

Celebrate the Uniqueness of Each Individual Building

A Key Element in Presenting Your Architectural Vision

The internationally renowned architect, Diego Garteiz Mina, recently collaborated with Pal Plastic’s, very own Marketing and Sales Manager, Gorka Goikoextea Retana. Together, they attended technical conferences on architecture, organized by Danpal Mexico, and hosted in the Torre Mayor building, Mexico City.

The Vizcayan architect began his speech explaining some of the most relevant projects developed throughout his extensive professional career. In addition, he exemplified with images, his particular vision during the construction process of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The complexity of the project modified his initial concept during the development of architectural design.

DanpalFrom his professional experience, his main idea has always been to represent the uniqueness of each building. He does this via new concepts, such as capturing the simplicity and essence of each space, and integrating the structures with their surroundings. He can then use this as a differentiating element, the effects being produced by the interplay of sunlight on each surface.

Unique Spaces

This is how he came up with the concepts that would later become another of his main projects; the Bullring of Illescas, in Toledo, whose structure stood out at the time as the largest mobile roof in Spain. Another feature that makes this space unique, is the incorporation of elements, usually only found during the production process. Although they may not be functional, they become a differentiating element of design, as observed in images of the bullring in Illescas.

In this concrete architectural project, Diego Garteiz, chose to use the Danpalon® based system, combining it with metallic structures. He managed, not only to create a dynamic exterior effect and color, according to the solar incidence but a special interior transmission created by light at different times of the day.

The solar transmission which characterizes the architectural works of Garteiz, can also be observed in the building of warehouses, constructed in Alaves Lanciego. Here, he incorporated one of the very elements used during the process of winemaking. Other elements are also integrated into the structure of the facade. These materials, combined with the Danpal® system, manage to create a unique effect, both on the outside and inside of each surface, by generating unique light effects.

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Danpal, Trust and Long-Term Guarantee

I have been collaborating with Danpal for over 20 years, a company that has my complete and total confidence. In this sense, Garteiz explained, “We have been working a lot with Danpal products throughout Spain. The material, not only guarantees durability over the passage of time but also, an extreme lightness that encourages speed of construction during assembly on site. In addition to cost savings, the construction of unique structures in which energy efficiency and the transmission of sunlight are spectacular. The definition of spaces created by natural daylight, allow us to achieve unique areas of high quality for everyday use.” – the architect concluded.

 

Welsh National Sailing Academy. Land, sea and sky.

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.

Pwllheli-Wesl-National-Sailing-AcademyOn 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.

Translucent Facade for a Strong, Flexible, Attractive Building Exterior

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 FacadeTranslucent 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.

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

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.

FACADE SYSTEMsWhy 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

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

Translucent FacadesA 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.

What exactly is translucent facade?

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 facadeTranslucent 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.