These huge 13 x 3m façade elements have been used for constructing the new Enexis building in Zwolle, Netherlands. The low panel weight resulted in a fast and easy installation. In addition, the specific shape of the panels will contribute significantly to the low energy consumption of this energy neutral building. DSM, composite manufacturer NPSP Composieten, and speciality resin supplier Büfa have introduced composite façade elements with large sizes that can be mounted in a very short period of time. In collaboration with construction company BAM more than 100 of these elements were installed on the new office of energy company Enexis in Zwolle. Façade elements made from composite materials have a significantly lower weight than their counterparts in concrete (in this specific case less than 10% of the concrete equivalent). Because of their low weight and a specially developed and patented aligning anchor/ hook system, the panels could be mounted in only 5 minutes per panel. The panels were manufactured with a vacuum infusion process based on DSM’s Synolite 1967 resin, Büfa’s Firestop 6815-N-3 resin/S272-SV gelcoat, and a PUR foam core. The inherent design flexibility of composites enables manufacturing of components with unique shapes. The panels used for the Enexis building are reflecting sunlight because of their specific shape and prevent heating up of the building in summer. Also, because of their excellent insulating properties they keep the heat inside in winter. “DSM is strongly promoting the use of composites materials in construction applications”, stated Ad de Koning, R&D director of DSM Composite Resins. “For architects the design versatility of composites combined with their excellent inherent insulation performance makes them a very interesting alterative to steel and concrete.” Installation of the façade elements at the Enexis construction site (Photo: Ben Vulkers) www.dsmcompositeresins.com
