Det ails

I. Backing wall,typically concrete

2.Thermal insulation
3.Terracott a rainscreen
4. Extruded aluminium carrier frame
5. Support clip, typically aluminium
6.Aluminium window surround
7. Metal framed window
8. Internal plasterfinish or dry lining/
Construction sequence of
drywall
terracotta rainscreen cladding
9.Vapour membrane system
I0. Roof construction
I I. Metal coping
12. Coping support
13. Stone paving

concealed with aluminium tri ms, sometimes

at the corners but typically around win-
dow openings. Alternatively, special corner
shapes can be formed by hand to match the
standard extruded tiles, made by a press-
ing method,usual ly with a maximum length
of 150mm on one leg and 300mm on the
other. Large corner pieces are made by hand (2)
by joiningtwo sections together, but these
currently produce less reliable results that
can lacka straight and crisp edge. In addition,
manufacturers often provide extruded cill
sections for parapet s and window sections
to suit wall constructions of 300mm to
500mm wide.
Fired ter racotta is either left in its natural
colour or is glazed. A glazed finish can give
the material a refiective finish which provides
better protection from surface staining.
However, water absorption of regular ter-
racotta panels is between 3%and 6%, with
a densit y of around 2000kg/m3, making the
use of glazes not essential for excluding rain-
water but important more for visual reasons.
Panels are fixed to support rails which are

MCH 181
W alls 02
Masonry rainscree ns

Details
I . Backing wall. typically concrete
2.Thermal insulat ion
3.Terracotta shingle
4. Ext ruded aluminium carrier frame
5. Support rail. typically aluminium
6. Rigid insulat ion
7. Glazing suppo rt
8. Met al wind ow casing
9. Metal framed w indow
10. Inte rnal plaster finish or dry lining/drywall
I I .Vapour membrane

o I,

I:
I
Ii
I

I
3-D view of t erraco tta shingles hung on hori-
zo ntal ra ils with proje cti ng w ind ow

I
I

set either verticallyor horizontally, made around ISOOmm long x 600mm wide x come with the development of this facade
from aluminium for their abilityto be formed 40mm thick,requiring a more substantial alu- system.Thinner terracotta panels of 30mm
precisely as extrusions for ease of fixing. minium support section behind the panels. thickness are used, in sizes with a maximum
Vertical rails are well suited to 'stack bonded' The aluminium extrusions, set at the ends length of around 800mm and corresponding
terracotta, where joints form a rectilinear of each panel, sometimes project forward of maximum height of 300mm.These thin-
grid of continuous vertical and horizontal the terracotta as structural fins to provide ner panels have maximum corner panels
joints. Horizontal rails are suited to staggered the rigidity to the support framing without of ISOmm on one leg and 300mm on the
bonds of panels that imitate the stretcher requiringgreaterdepth in the cavity zone other leg.The minimum sizes that can be
bond used in traditional wall construction behindthe terracotta.Where used, the pro- accommodated with the vert ical rail system
where vertical joints are not continuous. At jecting fins give the facade a characteristic are terracotta panels around 200mm long
least twice as many vertical rails are needed appearance of vert ical bays of panels, where x 200mm high, with a thickness of 30mm
as those for a stack bond arrangement. Since only vertical backing supports are used, to 40mm.Windows and doors are set into
horizontal joints are continuous, horizontal divided by the visible edge of the aluminium terracotta rainscreen cladding by fixing them
rails are used to fix courses of terracotta. support. Corner pieces can be made in sizes to, and sealing them against,the backing wall.
Jointwidths vary from 2mm to around of 2S0mm x 300mm high, which often do Aluminiumtrims used at corners and edges
IOmm, depending on the size of panel and not correspond with the maximum length of the panels can also be used to close the
type of fixing system chosen. that can be manufactured for the planks, gap between terracotta and window, with
The largest panels are planks up to but this constraintwill no doubt be over- the trim on the bottom edge of window

MCH 182
 ~l

I> V
~
'\7
~

CD
W1
I> CD ~
'\7
CD
~
CD ~ 0
I

W alsallArt Gallery, UK Architect:Caruso St John

Architects

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CD
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CD
WJ
openings useid to provide a cill. W indows
1>'\7
~
and doors are positioned to form a continu-
ity of weather proofing, and are typically set
rD
back from the face of the terracotta panels,
CD bJj
with the t rim providing a crisp edge from a
V CD
visual point of view.Typically. trims are made ~
from either folded aluminium or rolled steel
channels.The flat, planar nature of terracotta
has led to the increased omission of reveals I> W1
around window openings by pushing the ~
window frame forward to align wit h the
face of the terracotta panels, with insulated
panels closing the gap between the window '\7 ~
and the backing wall.Where terracotta is
introduced as the material to form a reveal,
corners are mitred with open joint s if special
corner panels are not used.
I> \
Vertical section I:20.Terracott a shingles fixed to
concrete load bearing wall

MCH 183
 Det ails
I .Translucent Polycarbon ate cladding panel.
insulated
2.Thermally broken extruded aluminium
framing
3.W indo w inserted int o framing
4. Insulated comer panel
5. Ad jacent wall

3-D detail of composite cladding panel

corner assebly

3-D view of window assembly within

composite panel

System design
The use of plastics is based on both However;like aluminium it deflects consider- way t o glass) with a secondary support ing
proprietary systems and tho se developed by ably under high loads and requires stiffening, structure behind, or alternatively by set -
manufacturers for specific projects. Plastics but is more rigidthan other plastics. GRP is ting thermally broken aluminium extrusions
are resinous, polymer-based materials, used not combustible and can reach one hour fire within the depth of the panels.That allows
in facade systems asthe primary material in resistance in some cladding applications. GRP them to be fixed together in the manner of
both sealed cladding panels and rainscreen panels are formed by laying glass fibre cloth composit e metal panels. Panels are also stiff-
panels.As sealed cladding panels their use into a mould and coating it with resin and ened internally wit h aluminium I-sections or
has been enhanced by the successful use of catalyst, or alternatively spraying a mixture of T-sections where large scale panels are used.
proprietary systems which combine lightness glass fibre and resin into a mould.The face of The arrangement of the framing can provide
in weight with high levels of thermal insula- the mould is coated with a releasing agent differing amounts of translucency across a
tion with panels of visuallyelegant appear- to allow the GRP to be removed when it panel, where some of the framing is either
ance. Concerns about the long term weath- has set hard. partl y visible, or completely concealed.
ering aspects of plastics,with their t endency GRP panels are characterised by their In addition to proprietary panels, GRP
to det eriorate noticeably with time, have lightness in weight combined with being and polycarbonate (discussed in the next
been largely addressed by manufacturers. manufactured by moulding,allowing t hem to section) can be used to form larger scale
The materials used are principally glass rein- be made in large panel sizes, up to 6000mm panels which are made by fabricato rs for
forced polyester (GRP), polycarbonat e and x ISOOmm. Panel thicknesses are usually individual projects.Thesetypically comprise
UPVC.This section discusses the use of GRP 70-7Smm t o provide structural stability and two sheets of either profiled GRP or poly-
in sealed cladding panels which is the most high levels of t hermal insulation. In common carbonate fixed eit her side of met al framing
common material used. GRP is a composite wit h metal composite panels, GRP panels spanning floor to floor;or full height with
material made from thermosetting polyester have undergone much development in some additio nal restraint, to suit individual
resins, which set hard and do not melt when the use of adhesives t o avoid delamination projects.The main issue from the visual point
re-heated,that are mixed with glass fibre between the outer skins and the insulation of view is the choice of thermal insulation,
mat.This composite mat erial has high tensile, core. GRP cladding panels can be made which can provide either translucency or
shear and compressive strength combined either as separate panels glazed into an alu- opacity.W here translucent sheet is used, the
with lightness and resistance to corrosion. minium pressure plate system (in a similar insulat ion itself can form the primary visual

MCH 184
Exploded view of polycarbonate composite
panel construction

--; ....._-+-- --+- -

-....---+-- ---+- --

Horizontal section I:IO. W all assembly show-

ing typical details
Dance studio,Tooting & Mitcham Football Club,UK,Architect:Clash Associates

MC H 185
 Walls 02
Plastic I: plastic-based cladding
-----. .- - - ,;;...- _ .......

3-D detail showing connection between composite

panel and cavity wall

Composite panel junction detail

Details
I.Translucent polycarbonate cladding panel, insu-
lated
2.Thenrnally broken extruded aluminium framing
3.Window inserted intoframing
4. Insulated corner panel
5.Adjacent wall

expression of the facade panel rather than around a window, Integrating the window or;alternatively, framing for stickglazing
the plastics, Natural materials such as straw frame into the extrusion that supports the curtain walling. Some manufacturers provide
bales and wool have been used to this effect, GRP panels avoids the risk of leaks associ- extruded I-sections, similar to those used in
ated with single silicone-sealed butt joints GRP cladding, to clip the twin wall sheets
System details when a separate window frame and panel to provide a completely lightweight system.
When formed as translucentpanels, alu- frame are fixed together.The integrated This is a very economic form of cladding
minium framing is set within the panel form- window frame allows water to be drained which can be screen printed to create visu-
ing a visible grid resembling that of tradition- from the frame, GRP panels can be glazed allydramatictranslucent facades.As with
alJapanese Shoji screens.These internal ribs into large structural openings, from floor to profiled polycarbonate sheet, other standard
are typically set out on a grid of between ceiling for example, or can form a complete components are not usually manufactured,
around 300mmx300mm to 300mmx600mm glazed wall, restrained by a secondary steel and folded aluminium sections are used for
centres.The void between the two skins frame.When glazed into an opening, the drips and parapet copings instead of polycar-
of the panel can be filled with translucent edge T-section aluminium profiles are sealed bonate sections, which are expensive to pro-
insulation quilt to increase thermal insulation, against the adjacent concrete floor slab with duce as new profiles. Although plastic-based
while still allowing a diffused light to pass silicone,at both top and bottom.When panels are usually made as panels fabricated
through the panel. Lighttransmission with- fixed to a secondary support frame, panels in a factory and fixed together on site in an
out additional thermal insulation istypically are supported at each floor level on metal extruded aluminium glazing system, they can
around 15%, with a U-value of I.5W/m 2 OK, brackets in either aluminium, mild steel (if also be formed on site by fixing plastic-based
similarto an argon filled double glazed unit, internal) or stainless steel (if exposed to the sheeton either side of metal framing sup-
and a shading factor of 20%, which provides weather).Cills and copings are formed with ports.The cladding may be formed into pan-
a high level of shading for a glass-based wall. the methods described in the section on els or asa continuous wall structure.The use
Windows can be glazed into the panels, giv- metal composite panels. of translucent insulation as an infill material
ingthe possibility of a rich mix of windows, Where twin wall polycarbonate is used that is not fully bonded to the supporting
doors andtranslucent panels without the in conjunction with other plastic-based plastic skins provides considerable possibili-
need for complex framing.Window frames panels, the material is fixed with either con- ties for innovation.
can form part of the T-section extrusion ventional aluminium framing for windows

MCH 186
,.0"",. ",aM og
panels \n poI Y " - '"
a typ\cal , n5trucot\, "p o , «
facade co o
n
Walls 02
Plastic 2: plastic rainscreens

I
I
I
I

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I

3-D section detail of polycarbonate rainscreen

@
Det ails
I. IOmm plywood sheathing
2. Breather membrane
3.Vertical timber battens
~ I 4. Reflective foil breather membrane
I
I 5. Profiled polycarbonate cladding (orientated
I
I
vertically)
6.Composite timber joist
7.Thermal insulat ion
8. Internal dry lining
9.Timber framed window
10. Horizontal t imber battens
I I. Screw fixing with plastic spacer
12.Aluminium window surround
Vertical section I : 10. Polycarb onat e rainscreen cladding I 3. Roof construction

MCH 188
3-Dcutaway details of polycarbonate rainscreen

System design
Plastic-based rainscreens are use in a is used in cladding for its translucency and though the visual effects of dust settling
variety of types reflecting the overall range transparency, achieving up t o around 90% on the rear face of the rainscreen, and any
made in other materials: flat panels, cassette light transmission.The material is extruded periodic cleaning they may require, varies
panels, profiled sheet and shingled tiles. Plas- or moulded (from polymer-formed gran- between facade applications.
tic panels are used as either outer screens ules) to form sheet materials that are flat
to glazed walls, typically as solar shading,or or profiled. Polycarbonate has a tendency System details
as rainscreen panels to an opaque wall.The to yellow with age, which can be overcome Single layer polycarbonate sheet sizes are
materials used are either polycarbonate or with an acrylic coating. It is also used for its around 2000mm x 3000mm and 2000mm
glass reinforced polyester (GRP).The use high strength and impact resistance,ductility x 6000mm, in thicknesses from around
of GRP is discussed in the previous section. and lightness in weight However;because 3mm to 8mm. Profiled sheets are produced
Acrylic and UPVC,while softer than both the material is combustible, its use in facades in lengths up to around 10 metres, around
these materials, are used for window frames is limited. It is also less durable than glass, 1200mm wide,with thicknesses around
and special moulded elements. In addition, scrat ching easily which makesthe surface Imm.Whe n opaque colours are used, rather
composit es are used for cladding panels, dull with t ime,and has highthermal expan- than the translucent or clear types, hook-on
made from thermosetting polymer resins sion, up to 20% more than glass. Opaque flat fixings can be secured to the rear face of the
mixed with cellulose fibres to provide sheet sheet is fixed as rainscreen cladding panels, panel, secured t o vertically- or horizontally-
materials with high durability which fade made in a wide range of colours, Sheets are set rails without the fixings being visible. Pro-
little in sunlight.In common with rainscreens fixed either at their corners with an alumini- filed sheets are fixed with selftapping screws
in other materials, panels or sheets are um clamp on both sides, or with visible point sealed with a weathertight washer and
fixed wit h either visible point fixings, verti- fixings. Generally, plastic panels can be used lapped on all sides, in the manner of profiled
cal/horizontal rails with partially concealed with the full range of rainscreen configura- metal sheet.This technique creates a shadow
framing members, or partially interlocking tions of other materials, including the lapped where they lap, which can be masked by
panels where there is no view through the construction of timber boards and shingles. the support structure behind, or may even
joints. Polycarbonat e is a thermop lastic,that Like sealed plastic panels, plastic rainscreen contribute to the overall visual effect. Cill,
is to say it melts at high temperatures,which panels have the benefit of translucency. drip and coping profiles are made from

MC H 189
 Walls 02
Plastic 2: plastic rainscreens
----
,. Details
I.Opaque polycarbonate cladding panel

, 2.Thermal insulation
3.Concrete loadbearing wall
4. Internal plaster finish or dry lining

I
I
5.Waterproof membrane
6. Extruded aluminium carrier frame
7.Thermal break

I
Reiss store, London, UK.Architect: Squire & Partners

anyof the typical materials used: extruded ods as flat sheet with thicker sheets being x 1800mm in thicknesses from around Smm
aluminium, extruded UPVC or GRP. Profiled supported up to around 1800mm centres. to 12mm. Corner panels and parapets are
sheetcan be curved to a minimum radius of Panels can be curved by setting them into a also manufactured in the same material. Plas-
around 4000mm for a sheet of 50mm thick- pre-formed aluminium edge frame, when the tic-composite flat panels can be fixed with
ness, making it possible to create complex material can be curved to a minimum radius visible fixings or concealed point fixings.
geometrieswith an economic translucent of 1500mm for twin wall sheets and around Polycarbonate is generally a rnore
material. Profiled polycarbonate sheet is 4000mm for the thickest sheets. expensive material than GRP, making GRP
also made in a translucent white colour to Plastic-composite flat panels typically rnore suitable for lower cost applications.
provide a light transmission of around 45% have a mixture of around 70% softwood However, GRP has one advantage over all
and in grey colours with light transmission of fibre and 30% resin, manufactured at high the other plastic-based materials, which is its
around 35%. Multi-wall polycarbonate sheet temperature and pressure to provide abilityto be moulded easily and economi-
can also be used for rainscreens, where its coloured panels of smooth and almost cally for small scale applications.When used
main advantage is the abilityto provide large, impervious surface. Although the finish as rainscreen panels the material needs a
flat panels as well as its inherently high level colour is formed by using pigmented res- top gel coat to avoid its fibres being seen.
of thermal insulation.Thicknesses range from ins as a top coat in the mould,the colour The abilityto see the fibres through the
4mm to 32mm in sheet sizes from IOOOmm extends allthe way through the material, material make it very unsuitable for transpar-
x 6000mm to 2000mm x 7000mm.The allowing cut edges to be visible. Plastic- ent or translucent panels, but for moulded
material can be screen printed or coated to composite panels have high UV resistance, rainscreen panels it is possible to introduce
provide a wide variety of colours on a large high colour stability, high fire resistance and some 3-D modelling into the facade panels.
format sheet. As with flat sheet, the material can be cut and drilled eaSily, allowing them GRP can be bonded to honeycornb panels
can be coated to give UV protection on one to be used as overlapping shingles.Their high formed in the same material to produce
side or both sides to avoid yellowing.The impact resistance makes them well suited to large panels with high fire resistance.
sheet material is used in increasing numbers conditions susceptible to damage.The mate-
of walls, from twin wall to five or six walls rial is made in sheetsizes from 3600mm x
thick.Panels are fixed using the same meth- 1800mm, 3000mm x 1500mm and 2S00mm

MCH 190
3-D view of opaque polycarbo nat e panels
fixed to concrete loadbearing wall

3-D fixing detail of opaque polycarbonate panel

MCH 191
W alls 02
Timb er I: timber frame

Framing

Sheathing

Harmood Children's Centre,London, UK, Architect: Greenhill Jenner Architects

Boarding arrangements
A. Feather edge boarding
B.Tongue-and-groove boanding
C.Tongue-and-gnoove boanding Cladding
with inserts
D. Shiplap boanding
Assembly sequence

® © @

System design
There are two enduring generic forms exposure and location, but mostly these pan- escape t o allow the timber wall t o release
of loadbearing timber frame that use small els are clad with an additional material on and absorb moisture with changes in the
section timbers to form framed loadbearing the outside to provide weather resistance. weather. O uter t imber cladding boards are
walls: the platform frame and the balloon Another system, where plywood is bonded then fixed on the outside of the breather
frame. Both the platform frame and the bal- t o each side of a rigid insulation panel, called membrane,Traditionally, timber cladding was
loon frame are based on softwoo d sawn structural insulated panels, or 'SIP' panels, used to st iffen the structural frame by fixing
t imber sections.The platform frame compris- provides a solid panel where the insulation the boarding directly to the frame, with a
es studs spanning from floor to floor,with holds the structural plywood sheets in place, breather membrane set between the frame
the timber floor structure being supported allowing timber wall construction to be thin- and the timber boards as a weatherproof
at each storey height set of timber frames. ner and lighter. layer. More recent ly, the timber cladding is
The balloon frame,which is now used to a Timber frames comprise studs (vertical fixed to battens set forward of the breather
much lesser extent, is enjoyinga revival in sections) fixed to rails (horizontal members) membrane, or waterproofing layer, to ensure
light gauge steel sections.This method has which are clad wit h plywood sheathing to that the timber is ventilat ed on both sides.
vertical framing members which are con- provide lateral bracing,typically 12mm- The inside face of the timber framed wall
tinuous, with the intermediary floors being 18mm thick,depending on panel size and has a continuous vapour barrier set (in tem-
supported by t he wall running continuously loads.Timber boards can also be used as perate climates) on the warm-in-winter side
past it.A recent development has been in sheathing, but this is an expensive solution. of the wall.The inner face of the wall is then
'solid' construction rather than the framed Framing members are typically formed from finished with a dry lining,
type. Laminated structural timber has been IOOxSOmm softwoo d sections at 400mm Solid laminat ed structural timber
developed to makewall panels as complete vertical centres which are nailed together. is made in panels up to approximately
proprietary systems where the material is Voids between the framing members are 16000mm long,3000mm wide and to a
glued together t o make full t imber panels. filled with thermal insulation.A breather maximum thickness of around SOOmm, vary-
Thermal insulation is added to one side of membrane is then fixed to the face of the ing between propriet ary systems.The main
these panels, with the possibility to expose sheathing layer.This provides a waterproof benefit of the system is that it provides an
eit her t he outside or inside, depending on barrier which also allows the vapour to alternative t o steel and concrete frames for

MCH 192
Vertical section I :20. Roof junction

Details
I.Timber boards
2.Timber battens
3. Plywood sheathing
4.Timber studs
S.Timber rail
6. Breather membrane
7. Engineered floor joist
8. Damp proof course
9.Vapou r barrier
10.Timber floor
I I. Concrete ground slab
12. Internal plasterfinish or dry lining/drywall
13.Thermal insulation quilt set within timber
frame
14.Timber framed window
IS.Timber cill
16.Air gap
17. Roof buildup

/
I
/
/
I

Vertical section I:20 showing typical details

3-D cutaway section showingtypical wall construction

MC H 193
 ails 02
Timber I : timber frame
Details
I.Timber boards 9.Vapour barrier
2.Timber battens 10.Timber floor
3.Plywood sheathing I I. Concrete ground slab
4.Timber studs 12. Internal plaster finish or dry lining/drywall
5.Timber rail 13.Thermal insulation quilt
6. Breather membrane 14.Timber framed window
7. Engineered floor joist 15.Timber cill
8. Damp proof course 16.Air gap

3-D cutaway section showingtypical wall construction

Vertical section I:20. Flat roof connection

Plan detail I:5. Outward opening window

Plan detail I:5. Inward opening window

MCH 194
.. @
 r.

Examples of vert ical and horizontal cladding anrangements Privateresidence, London, UK.Archit ect: Lynch Architects

largerscale projects.This panel system has to provide support between pads.W here brick wall.The void beneath the timber floor
recently been used for buildings up to eight an expression of a concrete floor slab is is ventilated wit h air bricks that encourage
storeys high, providing loadbearing walls in a required, the edge of the slab is covered cross ventilat ion.This avoids stagnant air in
single material which is light in weight. Struc- wit h thermal insulation,wit h an additional the void from damaging and eventually rot-
tural insulated panels, with integral insulation, outer protection,typically a thin concrete ting the timber floor.
are made in panels up to approximately facing panel.The timber wall frame is usu- Corners, both external and internal
6S00mm long, 1200mm wide and in thick- ally set on a continuous timber section at type,are formed typically with a timber
nesses up to around ISOmm, depending on ground level, which is first fixed to the con- bead set so that the timber boards on both
the manufacturer. Curved wall panels are crete slab to provide a level surface to set sides butt into it. If a breather membrane is
madeto shallow radius.They are used typi- the timber in place.A damp proof course used behind the cladding, then an additional
cally as a direct alternative to traditional tim- (OPC) is set beneath the continuous tim- waterproof flashing is added to the corner.
ber framed construction, and like laminated ber base plate usually extending down the This is formed in a durable polymer-based
timber panels, are set to become more vertical face of the concrete slab where it sheetor metal sheet. Alternatively, the
widely used in timber construction. connects with the damp proof membrane boards can be allowed to makea corner
(OPM) beneath the concrete slab or the with a butt joint, and an additional L-shaped
System details vertical face ofthe basement wall.The OPC timber trim , formed from two separate
For all these timber wall types,the tim- is also made continuous wit h the OPM set timber sections, is added on the face of the
ber cladding is terminated at ground level on top of the concrete slab.Where concrete corner to protect the exposed end grain of
at a minimum of ISOmm above external foundation pads are used,the timber beam one of the sides forming the corner. Boards
ground level.The cladding is usually sup- is set into stainless steel shoes fixed to the can be joined with a mitred joint (45°)
ported at ground level on a concrete slab or pads.Timber can also be supported on brick without any cover strip but the timber used
edge beam that forms part of the concrete walls set at a minimum of 150mm above must be of the highest quality to avoid the
wall.Alternatively,the wall can span between external ground level and be support ed on joint opening up with moisture movement. A
concrete pads at 3000mm-5000mm centres, a concrete strip foundation or ground beam. waterproof layer or flashing is set behindthe
with timber beams at the base of the wall An insulated raised floor is then set into this mitred joint.

MCH 195
 al s 02
Timber 2: clad ding panels

Exploded diadram show ing assembly

of timber cladding panels

System design
Timber cladding panels have been more windows set into the panel behind.This can inner chamberformed between two adja-
widely used in recent years as a method of create a visually rich mix of timber panel cent panels. Any rainwaterthat penetrates
cladding steel and concrete frame buildings assemblies that usea single timber species. the outer seal, which is also kept open in
with prefabricated, factory made panels that However; the highermoisture movement some designs, is drained down an inner
have a natural finish.They are also used in associated with timber has the consequence chamberwhere the water is discharged
twin wall facades, or 'double skin facades' of requiringjunctionsbetween cladding through the horizontal joint at the bottom
where an inner timber wall with window panels to provide an allowance for both of the panel. Where timber cladding is used
openings has an additional glazed screen structural movements and moisture move- in twin wall construction as an inner wall to
set approximately one metre in front of it ments both between cladding panels as well an outer glazed wall where the outer wall
to provide a thermal buffer to reducethe aswithin the panel itself provides a thermal buffer; the outer screen
effects of heat and cold at different times Where timber cladding panels are set provides protection by allowing the material
of the year; as well as allow the windows forward of floor slabs in the manner of to maintain its appearance without full expo-
to be opened in taller buildings. Where glazed curtain walling, panels extend from sureto outside conditions, other than the
timber cladding panels are fixed to a timber floor to floor;either hungfrom a floor slab effects of the sun which cause the timber to
frame, or structural laminated frame, the or;more typically, supported on it at floor change colour.
cladding panels can be set between timber level.Vertical joints between cladding panels When cladding panels are set onto
columns as well as in front of them to give have a stepped joint to allow for deflections floor slabs, and restrained at the slab above,
a combined timber frame and panel build- in floor slabs between panels, following prin- timber posts that may form part of the
ing using a single primary material system. ciples of glazed curtain walling.This stepped structure can also be set between panels
Thesecladding panels are typically faced in joint is covered on the outside with timber rather than inside the building, since there is
timber boards in rainscreen configuration. boards, set forward of the face of panels no significant thermal bridge from outside
A recent addition to the language of timber on battens in rainscreen configuration.The to inside, allowing the structural frame to be
rainscreens has been the use of thin slats to construction of panels followsthe same exposed on the outside. Cladding panels are
create a degree of translucency in timber principle of timber cladding described in the set into openings in laminated timber frames,
screens, particularlywhen set forward of previous section. Horizontal joints have an with panels supported at their base on the

MCH 196
 Details
I.Timber boards
2.Timber battens
3.Plywood sheathing
4.Timber panel frame
5.Timber louvre
6. Breather membrane
7.Timber framed window (fixed)
8.Vapour barrier
9. Profiled metal cover strip
10. Floor construction
I I. Air gap
12. Internal plaster finish or dry
lining/drywall
13.Thermal insulation quilt
14.Timber framed window (out-
Elevation of timber cladding panels showing relationship ward opening)
with structural frame IS.Timber cill

Framing

II ~
II

Sheathing
•

III jill I
II IIII II

Cladding 3-D section of timber cladding panel

Assembly sequence showing integrated window

MCH 197
 ails 02
Timber 2: cladding panels

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~
c: ~ \-"'=,------- -

3-D view of connection between timber cladding panel and supporting frame Vertical section I:I0 through timber cladding panelsshowingtypical
details

beams set beneath. Floor decks in timber rainscreen applications. W here less expen-
are then fixed to the side of the laminated sive, less durabletimbers are used, higher
timber beams.Timber panels are fixed at levels of both protection and maintenance
their base to the beam beneath, but have a are required. Softwood boards are made
lateral restraint at the top to allow the slab usually in 250mm widths, with trimmed
and panel above to deflect without damag- boards with profiles routed into them usu-
ingthe panel below.A metal flashing at the ally trimmed down to 150-200mm widths.
base of the panel drains water and throws it All timbers vary in moisture content with
clear of the beam beneath in order to avoid changes in temperature and air humidity,
staining of the timber beam.The outer tim- this being one of the essential aspects to be
ber rainscreen cladding is set flushwith the considered in timber detailing. Most timbers
outer face of the laminated timber frameto used in cladding will have a moisture content
avoid any views into the waterproofing layer from around 5% to 20% when in use. Similar
behind. levels are found in timbers from timber sup-
pliers, and are classified as 'dry','kiln dried'
System details or'seasoned'.The most common types of
Both softwoods and hardwoods are jointing of boards is'ship lapping'where tim-
used for cladding panels, with durable hard- ber boards are set horizontally and lapped
woods being more commonly used for over one another wit h the upper board

MCH 198
3-D view of timber cladding panel consisting of 3-D view of cladding panel assembly with built in opening
fixed glazing and louvre screen window

lapped over the top of the board below to ter; or wood stains and paint. Paints can be
protect it from rainwat er ingress. Ship lap- oil-based or acrylic,while preservatives are
ping can be assisted by the use of'feathered' clear and can be used asa finishthat does
or wedge-shaped boards to give the lapping not appreciably change its appearance. It
a more elegant appearance.Tongue and can also be used before staining or painting
groove boards are used to give a continuous the timber. Preservatives help to prevent
flat appearance,while having the advant age moisture absorpt ion as well as reduce fungal
of locking boards to gether into a continu- growt h,enhancingthe life of the timber but
ous plate-li~ structure. Boards are typically not preventingthe material changing colour
around 20mm thick, made as long as pos- and fading to its characteristic silver grey
sible at around 3000mm- 3500mm,to avoid appearance.An essential issue in the use
vertical joints which are a potential source of of timber cladding panels and rainscreens
rainwater penetration except in rainscreen is the coordinat ion of timber types and fin-
configuration.Timber cladding is finished ishes used for windows,doors, visible panel
with the timber being left either as supplied, framing and rainscreen cladding, in order to
wit h preservative applied or injected by the give a controlled visual appearance that will
supplier, or alternatively is given coats of weather consistently together.
preservative in clear,stained.or opaque finish Carmarthen Place. Londo n, UK.
on site wit h preservatives t hat repel rainwa- Arch itects in Residence

MCH 199
ROOFS

Trends in roof design

Metal roofs
I Metal standing seam
2 Profiled metal sheet
3 Composite panels
4 Rainscreens
5 Metal louvres
Glass roofs
I Greenhouse glazing and
clamped glazing
2 Silicone-sealed glazing and
roofl ights
3 Bolt fi xed glazing
4 Bonded glass rooflights
Concrete roofs
I Concealed membrane
2 Exposed membrane
3 Planted roof
Timber roofs
I Flat roof: mastic asphalt
coverings
2 Flat roof: bitumen-based
sheet membranes
3 Pitched roof: tiles
Plastic roofs
I GRP rooflights
2 GRP panels and shells
Fabric systems
I ETFE cushions
2 Single membrane:
cone-shaped roof
3 Single membrane:
barrel-shaped roof

MCH 20 I
Roofs 03
T rend s in roof design

An overview of roof systems

W here roofs were once considered the visually refined and very water tight required to be sufficiently rigid and resistant
to be either of traditional appearance, as standing seams which are 'zipped' together to impact damage from occasional access.
with tiled and slated pitched roofs, or else by machine on site. Since the introduction Composite sheets with a plastic core and
completely concealed asflat roofs, they are of 'zip up' sheeting,the difference between thin metal outer facings are popular in this
now increasingly considered to be a part of profiled metal and standing seam systems has regard since they achieve high levels of flat-
a completely visible envelope design which reduced, with new hybrid systems having a ness and are flexible enough to withstand
is as visually important as the extemal walls, lining panel system which can be fixed with foot traffic, usually when aluminium sections
both in their appearance and their techni- metal sheets, some of which are being hung are silicone-bonded on the underside of pan-
cal performance. In recent projects, walls down from the roof level without scaffold- els. Perforated and slotted metal sheets are
and roofs are taking on a single form, with ing. This makes large roof spans, particularly also being used as metal rainscreen panels,
the same construction methods, materials at high level, such as in covered sports halls, partly shaping the expression of the building
and detailing used on both walls and roof much easier to construct since scaffolding is envelope in forming a continuity between
The increased technical performance and not required. different parts of a roofscape, ranging from
long term reliability of roofing materials of Composite roof panel systems have been covering air extract terminals, rooflights and
alltypes has led to a much more ambitious in development since the I980s, wit h panels gutters to producinga (seamless) smoot h
design approach. However, an essential that provide an intemal ceiling finish and continuation of the facade below. These
difference between facades and roofs is outer roof covering in single panels that are rainscreen panels can also accommodate
that facades have rainwater running across semi-interlocked, with either a lapped metal complex geometries wit hout having to make
their surface, but roofs can be submerged joint between panels or a metal capping individual composite panels to achievethe
in wat er during rain. A roof has to be com- that clips over a standing seam-type joint. same visual effect. Although such panels are
pletely sealed in areaswhere wat er can Composite panels are now being used as an an additional roof covering rather than being
collect, such as parapetgutters, with the insulated structural deckto a separate water- formed entirely from metal, they can provide
assumption that rainwater will be expected proof membrane set on top. W hile lack- varying amount s of translucency andtrans-
to remain on the roof if the rainwater out- ing visibility of metal faced panels, they are parency in a single metal layer that can reveal
lets become blocked. very adaptable and economic, with thermal its depth both from inside the building and
insulation not only filling the voids between from outside.
Metals peaks and troughs of the metal sheeton its A change over the past 10years which
The increased reliability of jointing underside but also providing some structural has influenced all types of metal construc-
together wit h the increased use of alu- stability. tion is the increased quality of the finishes.
minium sheet, with it s increased flexibility, Metal rainscreen panels are a recent The quality of powder coating has improved
instead of steel sheet has led to more addition to metal roofing systems. They enormously, with greater durability and
adventurous roof forms without affecting do not usethe outer seal as a first line of colour-fastness, so that it competes strongly
the waterproofing performance. By the defence against rainwater penetration but with the more expensive PVDF finishes. Con-
early I990s profiled metal roofs were using rather as a protection to the membrane sequently, the main constraint in the design
standing seam joints,which combined the beneath against the effects of the sun as well of metal roofs in any of these systems isthat
long span capability of profiled sheet with as foot traffic. Metal rainscreen panels are metal sheet is produced in widths of around

MCH 202