Solid Surface Facades and Outdoor Wall Coverings

Krionâ„¢ Lux ventilated faÃ§ades

The ventilated façade is a construction system that, year after year, is becoming increasingly accepted among architects and builders. It is an efficient, safe, and sustainable construction system used for the enclosure of buildings. Thanks to its easy installation, high quality, aesthetic possibilities, reliability, technical performance, and thermal and acoustic insulation advantages, the ventilated façade is a highly efficient construction solution for architecture of the future. What is a ventilated façade? As we mentioned, a ventilated... façade is a construction system that is the most efficient option for enclosing buildings on the market today. The separation of the cladding with respect to the interior enclosure allows for an insulating layer and permits the free circulation of air through the chamber, with the advantages that this entails in terms of energy savings. Sustainable architecture and energy savings are the two pillars on which this construction system is based. And, although it might not appear so, it is very easy to install. To better understand how they work and the science behind these types of façades, we need to note that these systems are usually made up of three parts. Starting from the interior of the building outward, the ventilated façade is constructed in this order: Interior enclosure. An insulating layer. This essential part for the system to function properly can be made in various ways: incorporated into the interior enclosure, projected, mechanically fixed... Cladding material. The cladding material is attached to the interior enclosure by means of a load-bearing structure. This creates a non-sealed air chamber that allows the interior of the façade to be ventilated at all times, resulting in a healthy space. Steps to make a ventilated façade Installing a ventilated façade is very easy, especially if you use an insulating and lightweight material such as Krion. The steps are as follows: Build an internal support enclosure, which can be made of different materials, from ceramic brick to concrete. Install the insulating layer if it has not been built in to the wall, or if you want to enhance the insulating capacity of the Krion cladding material. Install the structure on which the cladding panels will be fixed and then attach the Krion Lux panels that adorn, insulate and provide resistance to the façade. 321 White Ave, Brooklyn, Nueva York Arqchitecture: ND Architecture and Design Photo: Imagen Subliminal Types of ventilated façade The types of ventilated façades can be divided into the following categories according to the type of materials used for their construction: Ventilated compact mineral façades, such as Krion Lux. Ventilated extruded ceramic façades. Ventilated porcelain stoneware façades. Ventilated stone façades. Ventilated wooden façades. Ventilated metal façades. Ventilated composite façades. Torre Alta Lic, Nueva York Architecture: The Stephen B. Jacobs Group PC Photo: Imagen Subliminal Materials for the construction of the ventilated façade Although many materials can be used to clad ventilated façades, such as ceramics, slate or wood, it is a decision that must not be taken lightly. The material must be high quality, very resistant, and durable, so that the façade can be truly efficient. The compact mineral Krion® Lux increases the resistance of these façades through its high technical performance and almost zero porosity. It is resistant to fire, humidity, shock and impact, UV rays, stains, and chemicals. Façades made with Krion® Lux are characterized by sustainability and hygiene. Its properties have made it an ideal material for the construction of the most contemporary architecture. In their lighter colors, ventilated façades made with Krion® Lux provide greater solar reflectance, with corresponding lower energy costs. Advantages of ventilated façades In short, these are some of the most relevant advantages of ventilated façades manufactured with Krion® Lux: A longer service life for the façade due to the quality of the materials and the excellent impact resistance of KRION, and the material's surface regeneration capacity. Better insulation, both in terms of heat and noise, with the resulting positive impact on health, quality of life, and energy savings. Thanks to the ventilation and the non-airtight properties of the system, humidity is eliminated to prevent it from being transferred to the interior of the building. These types of façades require low maintenance, especially if a quality cladding like Krion® Lux is chosen. The value of the building is higher, as this system is geared towards sustainable and efficient construction, something that undoubtedly increases the value of properties now and into the future. One of the projects that exemplifies these advantages is the Waterways House building, which has been renovated with a Krion® Lux ventilated façade. This was one of the projects recognized as the Commercial Project of the Year at the Irish Construction Industry Awards 2019. The structure of this building stands out for its white color and sustainable character. These two qualities were obtained after the installation of the Krion® Lux compact mineral, a lightweight material that resists temperature change, humidity and solar radiation, keeping the appearance of the building envelope like new for a longer period of time, and its high mineral composition improves thermal and acoustic insulation. These are the materials chosen by the architecture firm Smith + Kennedy Architects together with the construction firm John Sisk & Son for this project. Waterways House, Dublín, Irlanda Architecture: SMITH + KENNEDY ARCHITECTS Photo: © DARAGH MULDOWNEY & ROGER O’ SULLIVAN Krion ® Lux allows for external enclosures with different geometries and even with organic shapes and curves that create a dynamic sensation of a moving façade. The ventilated façade is a safe bet, both today and for the years to come.

Sustainable faÃ§ades: design and responsibility

For many architects, the search for more environmentally-friendly ways of building is now a priority. Today, sustainable façades are one of the cornerstones of sustainable architecture and building. Sustainable constructions are no longer the future, they're the present. The Nantes Post Office building is a prime example, where a Krion® Lux façade has been used to improve energy efficiency; as are the headquarters of fashion brand Zamasport, where the building enclosure demonstrates the perfect fusion of technology and creativity,... highlighting that in all of them, ecological construction materials were used. Project: LA FIDUCIAIRE Architect: Nicolas Ragueneau Photography: Stéphane Adam Sustainable construction: no sacrifice involved. Design and luxury can go hand-in-hand with sustainability, as you can see in the wide range of PORCELANOSA Group constructions endorsed by sustainability hallmarks. But what exactly is sustainable construction? Can buildings made in anything other than wood and bamboo be sustainable? What is sustainable construction? It is a type of construction based on the following rules: Respect for the environment. Sustainable construction always takes into account the place where it is going to be built, instead of destroying its surroundings, it adapts and takes advantage of the elements that surround it for its creation. It optimises existing natural resources. In keeping with the philosophy of making the most of natural resources, this type of construction collaborates with nature instead of going against it. It respects ecological principles. An attempt is made to justify the purpose of the construction and its favourable impact on future generations and the environment. It minimises social costs and its impact on the environment as much as possible by promoting recycling, reusing resources and emitting a low pollutant gas footprint. Advantages of sustainable façades A façade is made sustainable not only by taking the environment into account when manufacturing its materials, but also by how the material behaves during its useful life. In this regard, façades, like the creative wonder crafted by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for Expo 2020 in Dubai, have the following advantages: They do not alter the ecosystem or the area where the building is located, or the location where the material used was manufactured. In some cases, such as with green façades or those made using KRION, the material has a purifying effect on the air surrounding the building. They improve the energy efficiency of buildings, especially when certain building techniques, such as ventilated façades, are also used. They are recyclable. Once the useful life of materials with a high mineral content, such as KRION, is over, they can be recycled to provide new resources for other construction. Sustainable construction techniques Sustainable construction techniques first became evident in construction in the 1980s, when the concept of "sustainable development" emerged. These techniques focus on a type of construction that not only does not pollute the environment where it is built, but that minimises the ecological damage caused during the manufacture of the materials. Naturally, the selection of materials plays an essential role in determining whether a construction project is sustainable. To determine if it is, a series of guidelines apply: The material is produced fairly and sustainably. The material is not polluting. It consumes little to no energy during its life cycle. It comes from a source that is found in nature in abundance and that is easily renewed. At least some of the material is recyclable. In order to develop sustainable construction techniques, it is essential that the materials meet these requirements. KRION's solid surfaces meet all these conditions, making them a favourite option for architects looking to build sustainable buildings. Sustainable building materials We only need to look to nature to find an endless number of sustainable construction materials, and architects and builders are now turning to these materials to ramp up sustainability. Natural façades are defined by their use of these materials. Bamboo now holds an indisputable place on the list of top sustainable materials. It's resistant, durable and completely eco-friendly. But there's a major disadvantage - the cost - as there aren't many bamboo plantations dedicated to producing construction materials. Rock is one of the most-used materials in construction given its strength, resistance and compliance with the three Rs: reuse, recycle and reduce. But it's important to think about how hard the material is to work with: it's difficult to adapt it to bespoke designs. So whilst this material may blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings, it's altogether harder when it's being used to design a bespoke home. Straw bales are gaining ground as an eco-friendly construction material. These constructions come with a number of advantages, the bales are lightweight and easy to adapt to various architectural designs. But - and this is important - in practice, their flammable properties and level of water absorbency make them a much less resistant eco-friendly material. Wood is the natural construction material par excellence; there's no doubt that this widely-used material benefits from a significant number of advantages in terms of technical and environmental performance. And wood is equipped with a skill that stays with it throughout its useful life: its photocatalytic properties. But it's by no means the perfect material: it's susceptible to fungi and mould and vulnerable to fire. Krion® Lux in sustainable buildings A building needs to comply with a number of requirements in order to be classed as sustainable. These include being built in recyclable materials or providing a level of thermal insulation that leads to a considerable reduction in energy consumption. Using Krion® in sustainable constructions ticks these boxes - and more. Krion's solid surface takes sustainable façades (and other applications) to the next level. Project: TERRAZAS DEL LAGO Architect: ESTUDIO DE ARQUITECTURA MORPH + INMOGLACIAR Photography: © LUZESTUDIO FOTOGRAFÍA The ventilated façade is, to date, the most efficient construction system for building envelopes. Thanks to the way it is built, there is an air chamber that separates the interior from the outer wall. This has many effects on the structure: It saves energy. It enhances the building's thermal and acoustic insulation capacity. It prolongs the service life of the façade. It prevents condensation and humidity from building up in the windows of the flats or offices in the building. Building a completely efficient construction using Krion® Lux in every room is now a reality. So which technical properties make this material a better option than all the other natural façade options we've looked at? Krion® Lux is a 100% recyclable material, composed of two-thirds natural minerals and a low percentage of high-strength resins. This gives it outstanding technical properties, including high resistance against fire, extreme weather and temperature changes, and colour stability upon exposure to UV rays. And because it's almost completely non-porous, it prevents bacteria from proliferating on its surface and stops fungi from developing or thriving, making it a much better choice than wood in this regard. Project: NANTES POST OFFICE Architect: SIXIEME RUE ARCHITECTURE & URBANISME What's more, the material is easy to repair and maintain and can be adapted in an infinite number of ways. It can be thermoformed or moulded, cut and worked in the same way as wood. Krion® Lux is the sustainable material par excellence. It has all the advantages of other sustainable façade materials and more on top, making it a truly unique solid surface.

These 5 sustainable homes are planet-friendly thanks to Krion and Porcelanosa Group

Sustainability in home construction is becoming increasingly important, and eco-friendly home design is trending. Designing sustainable homes is becoming more and more of a concern for architects and designers worldwide, and for good reason: sustainable construction is no longer an option, it's a necessity. Climate change has prompted builders and designers to come up with more environmentally-friendly solutions in recent years, and the results are positive. According to forecasts, if we reduce the demand for less sustainable materials such as steel or cement, the home... construction industry could reduce its global emissions by 38% by 2050. So, what exactly is a sustainable home? What are the features of sustainable houses, and where can we find examples? What is a sustainable home? From the design phase, through to design and later use, sustainable homes put the environment front and centre. Generally speaking, these are energy efficient homes that utilise more planet-friendly resources. Features of a sustainable home Sustainable homes have a lesser environmental impact in the construction phase, extending to the subsequent use of the home. So as well as being made with sustainable architecture in mind, the fixtures and fittings should also be environmentally-friendly. Here are the key characteristics of a sustainable home: The design should fit harmoniously into the setting and wider natural environment. To achieve this, building materials should be as environmentally-friendly as possible. They should of course use non-polluting materials, using recycled or recyclable products where possible. In terms of equipment, household appliances, heating/air conditioning systems and insulation should be designed to minimise energy consumption. Tips for making your home more sustainable There are steps you can take if you want to make your own home more sustainable. Take a look at our tips for making your home more sustainable: Updating your façade and replacing it with a ventilated façade can improve your insulation, resulting in lower energy consumption in the home. Porcelanosa Lyon façade In terms of exterior design, you can take steps to improve sustainability by planting vegetation and opting for materials such as wood rather than metal in any transit areas. In terms of décor and interior wall and floors, Fitwall® decorative panels are an eco-friendly, A* solution. They're manufactured with minerals and modified acrylic resin, containing a minimum of 3% pre and post-consumer recycled PET, lending them resistance, flexibility and durability. Fitwall Creative Series Palm Using thermodynamic water heaters or solar heaters is another way to optimise home sustainability, and they reduce spending on electricity or gas. Installing smart appliances and lighting can dramatically reduce your energy consumption and expenditure. Top 5 sustainable homes with Krion and Porcelanosa Group Veamos, a modo de ejemplo, cinco viviendas que han trabajado la sostenibilidad en su construcción. Oriol House This brutalist residence with a glazed façade maximises the use of natural light to reduce electricity consumption. The Mediterranean home features materials such as XTONE, a compact material committed to sustainability. Project: Alejandro Tejedor + Asociados Ideation: Alejandro Tejedor – Carlos Maeso Construction Management : Alejandro Tejedor – Rafael Benedito Carsten Carsten house in Ibiza combines craftsmanship, design and sustainability, masterfully blending traditional architecture with sustainable design. Highlights include Krion® Lux Marfil Nature, used for the kitchen worktops. Thanks to its resistance and its almost zero porosity, this material reduces the use of harsh chemical agents for cleaning. Photography: Álex del Río Residencial Es Pletieus Boasting spectacular views of the Pyrenees, the design of Es Pletieus in Lleida is perfectly in tune with nature. Ceramic wood by Porcelanosa and the Krion® Lux 1100 K-Life worktops bring this unique and sustainable project to life. Photography: Alicia García Casa Madreselva Casa Madreselva in Salinas, Asturias, is a new take on the terraced home concept, using natural collections. Krion® Lux also makes an appearance. David Olmos Tapia worked on the project, with versatility at the heart, creating a space that serves as a dining table and worktop area in one, for example. Photography: Ivo Tavares Studioâ€¯ Architecture: David Olmos Arquitectura El Mirador de Alcanada Sebastián Pieras is the architect behind this jewel in the Mediterranean's crown. The detached family home combines Porcelanosa's most natural and sustainable collections with glazed walls, filling the home with natural light. Architecture: Spaiarquitectura Interior Design: Spaiarquitectura Constructor: Rem Photography: Tomeu Canyellas Sustainable homes aren't just the future. They're now a reality. To bring sustainable design into your own home, using the right materials is key. Ones which are environmentally-friendly from the source, through to manufacture, and disposal when they're no longer needed.

The â€œTerrazas del Lagoâ€ project by Morph Estudio uses KRION as a Ventilated Facade

The “Terrazas del Lago” project by César Frías Enciso and Miguel Pradillo of Morph Estudio, won the Best Completed Project award at the 11th PORCELANOSA Architecture and Interior Design Awards, whose panel was made up of prestigious professionals Luis Vidal, Rebecca Jones, Ricardo Mateu, Pierre-Yves Rochon and Rafael Robledo. Both Morph Estudio and developer Inmoglaciar have seen the project grow, in around 7 years expanding from a sketch to an iconic building in the province of Madrid. Next to the lake of Valdebebas and facing the Felipe VI park in Valdebebas... (Madrid), this residential complex is found, made up of 83 residences of 1 to 5 bedrooms, having obtained the A energy rating, in which the materials of PORCELANOSA Group have helped to achieve this high qualification. At first glance we find a curved facade with a uniform texture which breaks with the typical design of horizontal strips, the 5,200 square metres of KRION 1100 Snow White being the prominent material in the building. For this work, the K-FIX construction system (from the Group’s company Butech) was used for attaching KRION to this ventilated facade. KRION PORCELANOSA SOLID SURFACE

KRION in â€œHouse in the gardenâ€, the project in which Ramon Esteve reinterprets the Valencian garden

If Alboraya, Valencia, is known for anything, it is for being the land of horchata and yellow nutsedge. In this “House in the garden” home, created by the Ramon Esteve studio there are urban boundaries, allowing an impressive terrace-viewpoint to be enjoyed, with extensive views of the yellow nutsedge groves. The 665m2 single family building has a ventilated facade made with the solid surface KRION. For its installation, the Ramon Esteve studio was advised by Butech, the PORCELANOSA Group company dedicated to technical solutions. The Ramon Esteve studio, experts on the KRION Lux... material, designed a clean, white, abstract geometric enclosure, combining large white panels of KRION 1100 Snow White, forming the facade which reinterprets the segmentation of the garden. In the two large facades forming the home, there are perforations generating the openings of the house, made from iroko wood, marking access to the accessible areas. We can also find KRION Lux inside the home, transformed into a kitchen countertop, a pure white element which is perfectly combined with the wood and the rest of the rooms that Ramon Esteve, his studio and collaborators Estefanía Perez, Anna Boscá, Víctor Ruiz, María Martí, María Parra, Tudi Soriano, Isabel Meyer and Emilio Pérez, among others, were able to materialise in this “House in the garden”. Photography: Mariela Apollonio KRION PORCELANOSA SOLID SURFACE

Solid Surface Outdoor Wall Cladding

Exterior cladding and facade projects made with Krion™

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Solid Surface Outdoor Wall Cladding

Exterior cladding and facade projects made with Krion™

Krionâ„¢ Lux ventilated faÃ§ades

Sustainable faÃ§ades: design and responsibility

These 5 sustainable homes are planet-friendly thanks to Krion and Porcelanosa Group

The â€œTerrazas del Lagoâ€ project by Morph Estudio uses KRION as a Ventilated Facade

KRION in â€œHouse in the gardenâ€, the project in which Ramon Esteve reinterprets the Valencian garden

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The â€œTerrazas del Lagoâ€ project by Morph Estudio uses KRION as a Ventilated Facade

KRION in â€œHouse in the gardenâ€, the project in which Ramon Esteve reinterprets the Valencian garden