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Redevelopment of 155 WEST

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Danpal

155 WEST quickly became singled, out as a landmark project for us at Danpal in South Africa. This prestigious redevelopment, located on Sandton’s commercial axis, is close to major transport routes and key attractions. 155 West Street has been cleverly redefined through an ideal fusion of form and function. The landscaping includes serene pause areas under already established trees. The 25 000sqm of prime mixed-use office space, is fully customizable and intelligently integrated with world-class facilities and amenities.

The building, originally the headquarters for the Discovery Group in South Africa, was earmarked to be substantially upgraded for its new main tenants. As a part of the upgrade, the architectural team at Paragon Group had envisioned an end result, which included the use of more natural daylight. The team spurred on by Stephan Potgieter from Redefine Properties, also wanted to create a brilliant nighttime light-box effect.

The team of developers and architects then turned to Danpal, in a bid to find out exactly what it is we could deliver. Fortunately, we had already established a good relationship with key members of this team, and so, we could start the process of design and development with confidence. Together with our specialist installer, we provided a specification that could not be matched elsewhere.

The specification included 1200 sqm of both DP22600 and DP22900 delivered in 12m, 15m, and 22m lengths. The framing elements made use of our AirPT system, the connections relied on our free-expansion connectors and a special combination derived from our VRS corner was developed. To help create the lightbox effect required, we decided upon a combination of Ice with SoftLite on the exterior of the panel. This color/finish choice, also enabled the introduction of the asked for natural daylight, whilst still minimizing the potential heat gain.

So what makes this project so special..? Well, the fact that all of the above details were a first for Danpal in South Africa! The fact also, that this property is recognized by Redefine Properties as a Flagship, which they entrusted to us – over a glass-based glazing solution. Finally, the fact that Danpal produced, delivered and provided technical assistance in record time, ultimately saving the project.

Client: Redefine Properties
Architect: Paragon Group
1200sqm Danpalon 22mm Ice with SoftLite DG

Danpal’s Roofing Systems Lead The Way

Posted on June 20, 2018June 20, 2018 by Danpal

You might think that your roofing system is solely confined to the building beneath it, and that all roofing systems are the same. But at Danpal, where our motto is Global Vision, Local Focus, we know that roofing systems are all part of the structural environment of our world. At Danpal, we design products and materials that provide the best protection a roofing system can deliver for your building. Our products are also developed with the goal of protecting the environment. This twofold approach may be unique in the building industry, but it’s how we do business.

Roofing Systems Stand Up Against Weather Damage

Your roof is the first point of contact when weather strikes, and just as frontline troops bear the brunt of an attack, a roofing system is where the battle between weather and your building begins. Remember that, while weather can deliver a varied assault that consists of scorching sunlight, or pouring rain, damaging winds or freezing snow, a building must be able to withstand all of these different weather forces while using the same, unchanging defense. Your roofing system has to be able to keep the different manifestations of weather from penetrating the inside of the building.

Danpal roofing systems, with their double-tooth, grip-lock connection, have the strength and endurance to resist the hail, winds, rain and snow that attack it. Outside of the building, a battle is raging, but your roofing system has the means to defeat the foe. Inside, you’re dry and comfortable.

Regulations and Your Roofing System

The roofing system’s role in the mission to protect the environment has become much more proactive since stricter regulations have been imposed by federal governments. Those regulations determine the choices that are available in adhesives, sealants, and coatings, and they’re a direct result of greater awareness of how our role as stewards of the environment decides what products are safe to use. The R-value of a material is the measure of its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating power of the material. The “R” values of roofing insulation have almost tripled in recent decades, showing how technological advances, combined with today’s tougher standards, have redesigned roofing systems that don’t hurt the environment.

Danpal has a business presence on five continents, making us aware firsthand of the fragility of the land upon which we live. That awareness is a driving force in our commitment to serve our customers with products that meet their needs and don’t inflict damage on the planet. It’s important to remember, when making your building material choices, that if you buy quality products, you’ll end up with a quality performance from your roofing system. It might be tempting to purchase cheaper products of inferior quality, but if you do, you’re merely postponing problems. Those are the kinds of problems that lead to repairs, which are going to end up costing much more money in a short time. When selecting the roofing system that will last, you benefit from opting for quality and superior performance. The results will save you money.

Modern Architecture Solves Local Need

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Danpal

The Lusitania Paz de Colombia located in Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia, is a model of modern architecture. Lead architect, Camillo Avellaneda, explains the rationale behind the structural design.

Lusitania Paz De Colombia is very much in keeping with these goals. Nestled in the curve of the hills on one side, and presenting a modern façade on the street side, this lovely building incorporates basic geometric shapes – circles and a rectangle – that blend with the local terrain and accommodates the climate. Environmental considerations were paramount in the design since it connects with a large park and is very near a major waterway.

The building, which uses materials from Danpal, incorporates white and translucent façade, relieved by splashes of strong color. One of the unique attributes of the Danpal Façade System is its ability to admit natural lighting while diffusing it to admit natural light without glare and without excessive solar heat gain. This allows architects to play with the way light behaves inside the building while providing shade against the strongest hours of sunlight.

The rectangular classroom, which attaches to the top of a circular section that nestles into the natural curve of the hills, is shaded by a translucent shell with created of an open-work of geometrical shapes made from 16mm Danpal Opal Carbonate panels. Medellin is located near the equator where strong sunlight is a factor in architectural planning. The Danpal Façade System makes it possible to provide shading and the opportunity for breezeways without sacrificing natural lighting in classrooms.

The central part of the building, a stack of three circular levels that house the administrative and instructor offices, the libraries and a laboratory preschool, is topped with a recreation area. A central well is drilled down through the circular layers of this structure and affords an open area for sheltered greenspace as well as an interior stairwell. Off-centered is another round structure that houses the auditorium and cafeteria. The playground can be approached from this side of the building or it can be accessed via a sweeping stair from the park side.

A video, “Seguimos entregando mejores espacios para aprender” from the National Education Ministry shows a beautiful view of the completed building. It also features interviews with parents and children who are enjoying the new facility. The excitement on their faces leaves little doubt of the success of this beautifully designed learning space.

Colegio Lusitania Paz de Colombia is an example of architecture incorporates local geography with an advanced design to create efficient solar and thermal performance. The combination of polycarbonate and glass provides an inviting space for learning and for community activities. The school provides educational and cultural activities for hundreds of youngsters living in the city. The excitement the community feels about their building can be seen in the art work students have created to celebrate the school’s first year anniversary. The bright, diamond-like shapes of the façade are prominently featured in their drawings.

Danpal® to Attend UIA 2017 Seoul World Architects Congress

Posted on June 18, 2017June 18, 2017 by Danpal

As architects from all over the world flock to South Korea for the UIA 2017 Seoul World Architects Congress, Danpal® is proud to announce that Mr. Han Young Keun, the Chairman of the Korean Institute of Architects, will appear at the conference as an invited speaker.

From September 3-10 at Seoul’s COEX Convention Center and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an estimated 30,000 participants from all over the world will take part in the Union of International Architects (UIA) World Congress, a forum for professional and cultural exchange for the men and women who design the buildings that define the globe’s structural landscape. The conference will be held at the convention center’s 3F Hall C; the Danpal stand is F15.

Launched in 1948, the congress, which was first held in Lausanne, Switzerland, has been held 25 times; Seoul was honored with the hosting of the 26th UIA World Architects Congress. Each event focuses on a particular theme that has been inspired by eminent international representatives from the architectural, construction, and planning fields. The theme for the Seoul conference is Soul of the City.

The choice of Seoul as the site of the congress is a reflection upon the city’s unique features which blend the legacy of its 5,000-year history with its dynamic modern identity. Seoul has been recognized as a Creative City of Design by UNESCO for its rich cultural heritage and the creative policies which support architectural development.

With more than 30 years of experience in offering esthetic solutions for architects, Danpal® is particularly well suited to take part in this year’s conference. Our company, serving architectural needs on five continents, has supported a multitude of innovative projects all over the world. By choosing Danpal® for your architectural vision, you are choosing from a rainbow of light to select just the right paneling system possessing peerless diversity and a level of creativity that inspires architects and their clients alike. Danpal® is well regarded in the industry for the quality of its products and we look forward to seeing many of the architects, owners, and contractors at the conference that we’ve had the pleasure of working with in the past.

For the attendees, the congress is a unique opportunity to network with colleagues, friends, and students, who come to share in the debates, enjoy the exhibition, and take part in the various tours and festivals that make the UIA the perfect meeting place.

The International Union of Architects is a non-governmental, global organization comprised of the national associations of architects. The goal of the UIA is to unite the architects of the world. The history of the past conferences demonstrates the success of this mission. From the 27 delegates who attended the founding conference in Lausanne in 1948 to its current roster of organizations from 124 countries and territories, UIA now represents more than one million architects of diverse nationalities and backgrounds. As the world becomes truly global, so do its buildings and the creative impulses that mark a structure in one part of the world can eagerly be adapted to suit the geography of another region. Architects are diplomats with blueprints and the world that they build is one which reflects the latest research in sustainability, environmental awareness, and the timeless beauty of the structures in which we work, study, entertain and live our lives.

Looking forward to see you in Danpal stand – F15 at the convention center’s (3F, Hall C).

Curtain wall systems by Danpal

Posted on February 5, 2017April 5, 2017 by Danpal

Curtain wall systems are coverings that are placed over the exterior of your building to offer them the protection and security they need. These systems are not structural, but they can play a very important role in keeping your building in the condition you want it to be kept in. On top of that, the right curtain wall system, such as the ones we offer here at Danpal, can make your building look better than it ever has before.

Here are some of the things that you can expect from our curtain wall systems if you choose to have them installed.

Lightweight

First of all, they are very lightweight and translucent. The fact that they’re lightweight doesn’t stop them from being protective. The materials used to create our curtain wall systems are strong, durable and flexible. They can be installed very quickly and easily because of the lightweight and flexible nature of the structures. The concealed joints used mean that the exterior will remain flush and can adapt to whatever shape necessary.

Freedom of Design

You will have control over the curtain wall system that you order from us. We have a huge variety of colours on offer for you to choose from, and the finishes and special effects provide you with an even greater level of freedom and flexibility. You can choose a curtain wall system that is as simple or as creative as you want it to be. As mentioned above, the shapes of the systems are also adaptable, so it should be no problem meeting your particular needs.

High Impact Resistance

Because the curtain wall system you put in place will be the first line of defence against the elements, it needs to be strong and able to resist impacts. Our systems do exactly that, boasting a very high impact resistance because of the microcell structure our products are designed with. Impact and hail damage will all be resisted by the structure, offering peace of mind for you as the owner of the building. The overall strength of the curtain wall system you choose will be top rate.

Highly Secure

Security is another important thing to keep in mind when choosing a curtain wall system for your building. It has to be able to remain secure, in place and deal with a high load resistance. Our systems are able to do this thanks to the double click locking seam that we use to install the curtain wall system you choose. This simple mechanism also makes the systems easy and fast to install. The installation will be cost effective, and no major disruption will be caused, which can be very important for many people.

About the Company

For the last 50 years, we’ve been creating and installing innovative roofing systems and solutions for various architectural creations. Our company is the creator of roofing systems that offer optimal thermal and solar comfort. Today, we design, manufacture and distribute roofing solutions, such as skylights, roofs, facades and more, for a variety of applications.