Why Unitised?
The Benefits
Unitised curtain walling brings all the advantages of off-site construction to
the building envelope. These include:
On site
- reductions in time on site of up to 70 per cent
- improved safety – fewer operatives are required on site, the need for scaffolding
is eliminated and there are reductions in working at height
- earlier fitting out as the building envelope to each floor is completed
- construction is less affected by inclement weather
- storage of cladding materials and glass handling on site can be completely eliminated
- a major advantage for constrained city centre sites
- more efficient control of materials, including less wastage, loss and damage
- the construction programme is more predictable and delays on site are less likely
- the façade panels are manufactured off-site and craned into position, making
this a highly efficient solution where site access is restricted.
Quality and Performance
- significantly improved quality and performance because the façade panels are
completed off-site in a controlled factory environment
- higher quality interfaces because design responsibility for the complete envelope
is with one team, led by Wicona
- accurate installation using a range of adjustable fixing systems
Cost Effective
- there are cost savings on site preliminaries and scaffolding
- the option of standardisation for economies of scale and material optimisation
- suitable for both new build and refurbishment
- the system can be supplied from stock for fast track projects
- faster programme times leading to earlier occupation and a faster return on investment
for the developer.
Aesthetics – Complete Freedom of Expression
Unitised curtain walling offers architects and specifiers complete freedom of
expression, with any combination of profiles, infills, external feature caps and
glazing specification.
The system can be adapted to specific project requirements and new designs can
be developed for more complex façades.
The curtain walling combines all the benefits of off-site construction with the
possibility of aesthetic variations, incorporating:
- stone cladding
- metal, composite or polycarbonate panels
- windows, doors and fixed light glazing
- brise soleil sunshading
- photovoltaic panels.
Options include:
- slim-line sections with overall site lines of 70mm or 90mm
- different fixing configurations giving specifiers the option of façade panels
which are flush to the floor
- panel sizes of up to 4m by 4m can easily be accommodated.
Construction
The unitised system is fully glazed and sealed off-site. Gaskets and glazing
beads are installed in factory controlled conditions before the complete units
are moved to site for fast and easy installation onto pre-prepared fixings.
The panels can be fixed to steel or concrete frames for further design flexibility
and installed using a platform or hoist, eliminating the need for scaffolding.
Testing and Certifications
The Wicona unitised system is fully tested to the most stringent European standards
for air permeability, water tightness under dynamic and static pressure, and wind
resistance. Reference IFT Rosenheim Test Report No: 108 29634e*, 10 May 2005.
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Click here to view the Test Report Part One
