Krionâ„¢ Lux ventilated facades for high-performance architecture

A ventilated facade is a building envelope system that continues to gain traction among architects, builders and developers. It is valued for its efficiency, safety and sustainability, especially in projects where exterior performance is a priority. 

Thanks to its straightforward installation, high technical quality, design flexibility, reliability and thermal and acoustic benefits, a ventilated facade has become an effective solution for contemporary and future-focused architecture. 

What is a ventilated facade? 

A ventilated facade is a construction system designed to improve the performance of a building envelope. The separation between the exterior cladding and the inner wall creates space for insulation and allows air to circulate freely through the cavity, helping improve energy efficiency.

This type of system is based on two key principles: sustainable architecture and energy savings. Despite its technical performance, it can be installed in a relatively simple way when the right materials and systems are used. 

To understand how ventilated facades work, it is useful to look at their basic structure. These systems are generally composed of three main layers. From the inside of the building outward, a ventilated facade is usually organized as follows:

• Interior enclosure.
• Insulation layer. This essential element can be installed in different ways: integrated into the interior enclosure, applied as projected insulation or mechanically fixed, among other options. 
• Exterior cladding material.

The cladding is fixed to the interior enclosure through a supporting structure. This creates a non-sealed air cavity that keeps air moving behind the facade, helping create a more efficient and healthier building system.

How to build a ventilated facade 

Installing a ventilated facade can be a straightforward process, especially when lightweight, high-performance materials such as Krion are used. The main steps include: 

• Build the internal support enclosure, which may be made from different materials, including ceramic brick, concrete or other structural systems. 
• Install the insulation layer if it has not already been integrated into the wall, or if the goal is to enhance the insulating performance of the Krion cladding system.
• Install the supporting structure that will hold the cladding panels, then attach the Krion Lux panels that protect, insulate and define the appearance of the facade. 

321 White Ave, Brooklyn, Nueva York 

Architecture: ND Architecture and Design

Photo: Imagen Subliminal

Types of ventilated facades 

Ventilated facades can be classified according to the materials used for the exterior cladding. Some of the most common types include: 

• Ventilated compact mineral facades, such as Krion Lux.
• Ventilated extruded ceramic facades.
• Ventilated porcelain tile facades. 
• Ventilated stone facades. 
• Ventilated wood facades. 
• Ventilated metal facades. 
• Ventilated composite facades. 

Torre Alta Lic, Nueva York

Architecture: The Stephen B. Jacobs Group PC

Photo: Imagen Subliminal

Materials used in ventilated facade construction 

Ventilated facades can be finished with many different materials, including ceramic, slate and wood. However, the choice of cladding should be made carefully. The material must offer quality, resistance and durability so the facade can perform efficiently over time. 

The compact mineral Krion® Lux helps increase the resistance of ventilated facades through its high technical performance and almost zero porosity. It is resistant to fire, moisture, impact, UV rays, stains and chemical agents. 

Facades made with Krion® Lux stand out for their sustainability, hygiene and high-performance surface properties. These qualities make it a suitable material for contemporary architectural projects.

In lighter colors, ventilated facades made with Krion® Lux can provide greater solar reflectance, helping reduce energy costs.

Advantages of ventilated facades 

These are some of the main advantages of ventilated facades made with Krion® Lux:

• Longer facade service life, thanks to the quality of the materials, the strong impact resistance of KRION and the material’s ability to be regenerated on the surface.
• Improved insulation, both thermal and acoustic, with a positive impact on comfort, quality of life and energy efficiency. 
• Because the system allows air to circulate and is not airtight, moisture can be reduced, helping prevent it from moving into the interior of the building.
• These facade systems require low maintenance, especially when a high-quality cladding such as Krion® Lux is selected. 

• Higher building value, since this type of system is associated with sustainable and efficient construction, a factor that can increase property value now and in the future. 

One project that reflects these advantages is Waterways House, a building renovated with a Krion® Lux ventilated facade.

This project was recognized as Commercial Project of the Year at the Irish Construction Industry Awards 2019. The building stands out for its white exterior and sustainable approach, both achieved through the installation of Krion® Lux compact mineral. This lightweight material resists temperature changes, humidity and solar radiation, helping the building envelope maintain its appearance for longer. Its high mineral composition also contributes to thermal and acoustic insulation. The materials were selected by the architecture firm Smith + Kennedy Architects together with the construction company John Sisk & Son.

Waterways House, Dublín, Irlanda

Architecture: SMITH + KENNEDY ARCHITECTS

Photo: © DARAGH MULDOWNEY & ROGER O’ SULLIVAN

Krion® Lux makes it possible to create exterior envelopes with different geometries, including organic shapes and curves that bring movement and visual dynamism to the facade.

A ventilated facade is a reliable choice for today’s architecture and for the buildings of the future.