ACP Cladding: Architectural Innovation in Urban Architecture and Cityscapes

Modernistic architecture has a few staples including the “form follows function” theory that originated and was prevalent in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is not uncommon to spot buildings that have out-of-the-ordinary shapes. Most buildings have unique cladding that not only makes them visually stand out but also highly efficient and functional.

Cladding is a great way to protect a building’s exteriors from undergoing weathering. Several materials have been tried and tested as a suitable fit for building facades. However, it is one material that has recently caught the eye of builders, architects, or designers—and for the right reasons. Aluminium Composite Panels or ACPs are a new-age material that has emerged as the perfect fit for building exteriors.  

Aluminium Composite Panels: The Ideal Cladding Material

From commercial to residential, aluminium composite panels are being used as the material for facades in cities across the world. In India, the pace has picked up in the past two decades. Today several countries in the Asian, African, and American continents are using ACP as the material of choice for cladding buildings. 

Designed using two sheets of aluminium skin bonded to a thermoplastic core, ACP panels are also known as Sandwich Panels. These panels are then coated using colours and adhesives, which gives them extraordinary strength even when they are low in weight. 

Aesthetic Appeal

The modern skyline demands something that is fresh yet has a character.  Aluminium composite panels as building facades are just the right fit. Available in a broad range of bright and matte shades and colour palettes, these panels can be used to create appealing cladding. Additionally, ACP panels can mimic the texture and feel of other natural materials such as natural wood, stone, marble, and so on, thereby opening up the scope for endless creativity. 

Debunking the common belief, cladding from composite materials does not have to be tacky and shiny. Renowned ACP manufacturers also offer varied finishes of ACP panels. Glossy, matte, and rustic are some of the most common finishes available. 

Durability Factor

Countries like India have tropical climatic conditions. High heat and humidity are synonymous with the country’s diurnal weather, and hence buildings need something extremely durable to sustain and offer value for money. Traditional materials came with their own set of challenges such as dampening or rusting. 

With aluminium composite panels, building owners can enjoy the ultimate durability for up to 20 years. ACPs are designed to withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes. High-quality ACP cladding is resistant to moisture, which keeps water from penetrating the panel. Besides, they are also impact resistant, which keeps their appearance brand new, for years at a  time. 

It is important to note that poor quality ACPs may degrade or delaminate over time, hence degrading the aesthetic appeal of the buildings. 

Low in Maintenance

Maintenance is a key determinant when making the choice for many building materials, including cladding. Traditionally-used materials needed regular upkeep in order to keep them in pristine condition. Maintenance does not only include involving labour but also significant costs. 

Alumnium composite panels are often the choice of high-rise commercial buildings because of their incredibly low maintenance factor. These panels do not need to frequently undergo maintenance sessions. Besides, cleaning them only requires a mild soap and water solution, followed by a gentle wipe down with a cloth. ACP panels do not require chemical solutions since they can impact the colour coatings and finishes of the panels.

Affordability and Ease of Installation

Most buildings that dot the cityscape are commercial hubs. Hence, for contractors or building owners, a cladding material that offers the best combination of strength, durability, and also is a cheaper alternative to traditionally-used cladding materials is definitely good news. Alumnium composite panels are available at competitive prices. 

Additionally, these panels can be installed using simple techniques. Rout and return, wet seal, plate system, hook, and pin system are some of the most common installation procedures. These procedures do not require much time and can be quickly completed with professional technicians. 

Fire Resistance

Tall buildings depict the modern urbanscape. However, they are also more at risk for fire hazards. Flammable facade materials or even installations can pose an additional hazard to buildings. Hence, the need for a safer material emerged. 

Thanks to fire-retardant ACP cladding options that offer an additional layer of security besides beautifying the gigantic structures. FR-grade ACPs are manufactured using non-flammable core materials, which do not catch fire but also delay the spread. This is a major advantage to carry out rescue missions. 

Energy-Efficiency

Buildings are a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions— since heating and cooling systems are responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption. Hence, energy-efficient building materials have become increasingly important with rising pollution. It is due to their ability to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, that more builders are seeking energy-efficient materials. 

ACP cladding consists aluminum sheets bonded to a non-aluminum core, which provides insulation and reduces heat transfer. This helps improve a building's energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat lost or gained through the exterior walls. Besides saving energy, these panels also cut down on utility bills. 

The Future: Aluminium Composite Panels

With several significant advantages to their name, alumnium composite panels have the potential to be in the market in the long run. Besides being a fantastic alternative to traditional cladding in terms of look and feel, these materials are also extremely eco-friendly and sustainable. These products are engineered to bring a wave of visual and functional revolution in the world of building facades and cladding.