Rainscreen façades, also known as ventilated cladding systems, are a popular feature of contemporary Irish architecture.
Not only are they a practical and sustainable way of keeping the structure of a building warm, dry and comfortable, but they also offer immense design flexibility for the creation of stunning modern buildings.
The system is a potential game-changer. In a nutshell, it comprises a backing wall that acts as the insulated structural support, an airgap for ventilation and then the exterior rainscreen or protective weather barrier.
Although rainscreens can be made from a number of different materials, lightweight fibre cement cladding is by far the most technically equipped to help you create healthy, low-carbon buildings.
Designed to make buildings healthier
We believe that the materials we use in architecture can make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of our communities, which is why our products have such a high technical performance designed to withstand Ireland’s often unpredictable climate and weather conditions.
• Weather protection – as the name suggests, rainscreens have a weather-proof outer layer to protect buildings from the country’s strong winds and frequent rainfall.
• Thermal comfort – the rainscreen structure is designed to help regulate a building’s temperature, by reducing the transfer of heat in the summer and of cold air in the winter with no thermal weak spots or bridging.
• Moisture reduction – the internal ventilation provided by the air gap resists internal condensation and the potential for unhealthy mould growth.
• VOC-free – the composition of our fibre cement panels ensures that no harmful volatile organic compounds or harmful gasses can leech into the air.
Designed to make buildings safer
Fire safety is a fundamental part of construction in Ireland, where regulations for the safety and construction of buildings fall under the Building Control Act 1990 and are enforced by the local Building Control authorities.
In Northern Ireland, the new Building Safety Act sets out a regulatory framework in which architects acting as Principal Designer are responsible for the planning and execution of safety measures and the specification of suitable materials.
Fibre cement is a material that is inherently resistant to fire. All EQUITONE’s panels have an A2-s1, d0 rating which is one of the highest fire safety classifications with negligible contribution to fire.
This means that they are suitable to use as part of a rainscreen façade system in all building classes including high-rise projects in both the north and south of the country.
Designed to reduce carbon emissions
At EQUITONE, we believe in delivering rainscreen façades with a positive environmental impact that will help futureproof your designs.
We are proud to manufacture the only fibre cement rainscreen panels on the market who are Cradle to Cradle Certified® at the Bronze level.
Unlike other standards, the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard focuses on all factors relating to a product’s entire life cycle, from its sourcing and manufacturing through to its recyclability. It also considers social fairness and human health within its criteria. Learn more here
Opening up design possibilities
In addition to their unparalleled technical performance, sustainability and fire safety benefits, EQUITONE rainscreen facades open up immense design possibilities.
Their lightweight structure can be easily shaped, cut, perforated or milled, making them a highly practical option for both new build and refurbishment projects.
Deeply mindful of how colour and texture and the aesthetic qualities of building materials can help shape and influence our environments and communities, EQUITONE cladding is manufactured in a wide range of contemporary-coloured finishes.
These can be sleek and smooth-faced or in raw matte textures that mirror the feel of natural materials - all designed to help you create beautiful contemporary architecture.
Designed for performance
EQUITONE rainscreen panels are used by leading architects, developers and contractors across the country for their exceptional performance.
They have been tested to European harmonised standards: EN 12467:2012+A2:2018 and hold CE Marks indicating compliance with EU health, safety and environmental requirements.
For customers in Northern Ireland, they also carry the equivalent UKCA standard, which confirms their safety and quality for use across the whole of the UK under the Building Safety Act.
Comprehensive technical data including Declarations of Performance (DoP) and BBA, EPDs, BREEM and LEED certifications can be downloaded here [link].
Whatever your project, our technical sales team based at Etex Ireland Ltd in Co. Kildare, can cover your requirements in the north and south of Ireland seamlessly.