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This makes it an ideal material to choose for projects seeking to be more sustainable.
Thanks to these properties, we are seeing it commonly used in standard daylighting products such as rooflights. However, modern vertical wall light solutions are now emerging in the market, showing how polycarbonate can be used to create real architectural impact in the form of sleek, modern designs.
What comprises a unitised translucent polycarbonate wall system?
Unitised translucent polycarbonate wall systems have been designed specifically for buildings where providing daylighting without glare or reduced thermal performance is key. They consist of double-skin, dense-cell polycarbonate insulated panels that are joined by a mechanically interlocking aluminium structure that eliminates the need for wet seals and adhesives. These units are designed to provide excellent light transmission of up to 33% and U-values as low as 0.49 W/m2K. They can also be supplied with additional acoustic or thermal performance enhancing insulation where required.
These systems can be used to create a variety of glazing features, such as clerestory bands along the top of a space, to create sightlines or intermittent/targeted views, or even for full ‘light-box’ style applications. The panels are scalable and able to span long distances between supports with minimal visible substructure and a wide range of skin colours and combinations. This gives architects complete creative freedom to design unique and striking facades, especially when used in conjunction with backlighting, adding drama and presence even if the building is not in use. Due to the way they are fixed, these systems can also benefit from Removable Skin Technology (RST). This enables just the outer skin of the system to be removed and replaced, providing easy future renovation or repairs throughout the building’s lifecycle. As it is mostly made from polycarbonate and aluminium, the system
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components can be recycled at end of life. These polycarbonate wall systems have proven success in
the USA, where they have been used on projects in sectors such as education, public sector, sport and leisure, offices, and even industrial buildings. Below is one example, from education.
Case study: Eagle Centre Public Charter School, Washington DC
Home to more than 900 students, the Eagle Centre is the first early childhood public charter school in Washington DC. Its design aimed to create an intellectually stimulating environment with excellent sustainable credentials. Meanwhile, the urban city location also meant physical security was crucial, and vandalism prevention was a key concern. Shinberg Levinas Architectural Design specified over 1,200 m2
of
Kingspan UniQuad 120 unitised translucent curtain walling system for the project. The facades were designed without any exposed aluminium connectors and included blue and white panels to reflect the school colours. The outside panels were matte finished for added security and daytime privacy. “We picked a system that would give them the daylight they wanted without having to use windows. The UniQuad 120 provides an interesting effect inside, durable material, and a great aesthetic,” explained project architect Carlos Talero. Additionally, the panels’ Removable Skin Technology (RST) allows the exterior panel to be replaced as needed in the event of vandalism. The project received LEED Gold, with the UniQuad 120 supporting the achievement of points for both daylighting and glare control. Its excellent airtightness and weatherproofing were also key benefits for the project, protecting the internal environments from draughts and water ingress.
Alex Cooke is managing director at Kingspan Light + Air UK and Ireland
ADF MARCH 2022
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