The homes of our future are already built

It is imperative that the materials used comply with current fire safety regulations. For certain buildings exceeding a height of 18 metres, Euroclass A2-s1,d0 or A1 is required for the external wall – not only for new buildings but also if a building undergoes a change in use. Rockpanel recommends that non-combustible materials (including insulation and cladding panels) be used in the external walls of all high-risk build¬ings, including: all buildings taller than 11 metres; all buildings having more than three storeys; Vulnerable occupancy buildings of any height, including hos¬pitals, schools, sheltered housing, care homes and entertainment venues.

Time is money. Opting for materials that are easy to work with and can be mounted quickly and easily will lower cost of installation. When renovating, it is also important to minimize the impact and inconvenience for residents. Facade materials that are fast and easy to install require no need for temporary rehousing and disturbance is kept to a minimum.

The less time and money that are needed for maintenance and care, the better. Select a facade material that does not need repainting or other regular treatments. When comparing prices, make sure to also include maintenance costs to get a full overview of the true cost of ownership.

Durable buildings are built to last. Durability is not limited to functionality, but also involves aesthetic durability. Aspects such as dimensional stability, resistance against wind and water, fire safety and colour fast¬ness are all important focus areas to keep maintenance costs low.

When futureproofing buildings, sustainability plays an important role. Go for non-depletable, recyclable materials to support a circular economy.

The facade material must be able to withstand the elements both visually and mechanically. In order to secure low maintenance costs, rain and humidity should not cause rot, change dimensions or affect a building in any other way.

In order to not only technically, but also visually renovate a building, a facade material needs to offer sufficient design options. It should be able to meet any design needs – whether you want to closely match an existing facade or create a totally new expression.