A1 facades are dynamic building envelope systems that are capable of adapting to changing conditions. They enable a high level of functionality in the building and are attractive for developers, architects, engineers and users. The motivations for AF are manifold and vary across the stakeholders, but there are some motivators that can be derived from existing research on AF:
These are aesthetic a1cladding.co.uk aspects such as illuminance, shape and colour, but also functional aspects that play an important role in human well-being, such as protection against glare, adequate lighting, temperature and visual privacy. Adaptive facades can address these aspects more specifically than conventional facades, and they therefore are an attractive design option for the future occupants of buildings.
A1 Facades LTD offers a wide range of cladding panels including fibre cement and aluminium decorative rainscreen cladding boards. These are available in different sizes and thickness. They are used for a wide range of applications and are supplied in varying colours. Some of these decorative panels are manufactured using a fire rated weatherproofing system, which helps to protect the structure of the building.
Fire rating is an important aspect when selecting a facade cladding. The most common fire rated facade cladding materials are aluminium composite material (ACM) and fibre cement boards. Both of these have been tested for their fire resistance properties and have been found to be compliant with the required fire safety standards. The ACM cladding has been found to have excellent fire resistance and a low smoke production, while the fibre cement boards have good water penetration resistance but the fire tests did show some falling off elements of the facade which would be hazardous for evacuating people.
The fire resistant cladding is available in a variety of colour options and the facades can be finished in a range of textures and finishes to suit the design aesthetic. Depending on the finish, the facades can also be coated with anti-graffiti coatings to help reduce maintenance costs.
An additional advantage of the fire resistant cladding is that it can be fitted to the structure of the building without removing any of the original facade or internal walls. This makes the installation process more efficient and reduces costs compared to other cladding systems. This is particularly true for the A1 Fire rated steel standing seam facade system developed by Tata Steel, which is now being used on several new build projects. This system is suitable for high-rise residential buildings and is a great alternative to aluminium ACM cladding. It is a pre-finished product that requires minimal labour when installing and offers the benefit of increased durability and longevity, with the colour being guaranteed for the lifetime of the building. It is available in 29 different colours and is compatible with a wide range of building types and designs. The system is being installed by some of the country’s leading façade contractors and can be customised to meet project requirements. The system is manufactured from Colorcoat Prisma pre-finished steel and has a Galvalloy metallic coating to offer exceptional corrosion protection, and it is supported by the EFFISUS FastFrame fixing system and Plasticlad accessories.