Kingspan Insulated Panels has re-launched its Architectural Wall Panel (AWP) range, a secret-fix wall panel system that offers unprecedented design freedom and top-of-the-range performance to architects.
The wide range of profiles on offer allows architects to look beyond traditional insulated panel designs to create buildings with more inspiring façades within the same cost bracket. Crucially, the AWP range means architects can enjoy design freedom for almost any application without sacrificing the functional benefits of a Kingspan insulated panel.
The Architectural Wall Panel range is available in eleven distinct profiles; far more than the two or three styles previously available to architects on the market. Along with the standard Micro-Rib finish, these include Curvewall, Wave, Louvre, Flat-Stucco and Tramline designs, among others.
Each panel features Kingspan’s unique PIR foam core, which performs strongly across several key building envelope metrics. It provides excellent thermal insulation, with U values of between 0.52 W/m²K (45mm) and 0.14 W/m²K (150mm) depending on panel thickness. They also have been given the highest rating in BRE’s Environmental Profiles Assessment Methodology of an A+. The Guide provides relevant information to help decision-making by translating numerical lifecycle assessment data into a simple A+ to E scale of environmental ratings. This enables specifiers to make comparisons between materials and components.
The panels also provide the fire performance architects expect. They achieve Class 0 of the Building Regulations when tested to BS476 Parts 6 and 7, and have LPCB certification (LPS 1181 Grade EXT- A and EXT - B) and unlimited height FM approval (FMRC 4880 Class 1).
One of the key major advantages to using an insulated panel system as opposed to a built up system is that it only requires a single fix installation. This naturally reduces the construction time. The building is weather-tight faster, allowing internal and external fitting to commence earlier, minimising delays, making project completions more predictable and less labour intensive. The products also have a guaranteed continuity of insulation, as opposed to the variable insulation which depends on the skill of the installer that results when a built-up system is used.
Over the last few years, the AWP range has been used on several prominent building projects, where high-end design was a key factor. The new business park at Cork Airport was built using panels with the Flat-Stucco profile to add subtle design flair, while Curvewall panels were selected for new student accommodation at Abertay University to provide a striking design that could be built quickly in a restricted space. At the St John’s Academy in Perth, Installers Procladd Scotland was tasked with creating a modern and stylish campus with bright, light internal areas and excellent insulation. They chose to combine the Micro-Rib profile with Kingspan Wall-Lite polycarbonate daylighting panels, instead of glazing, to provide both enhanced weathering and simplified construction.
“Architects told us they were frustrated by a lack of choice in wall panel profiles.” said Phil Smith, Commercial Director, UK & Ireland, Kingspan Insulated Panels. “They wanted more design freedom in the products they used, but not if it compromised on tperformance and easy installation. Our AWP range delivers what they’re looking for. We’re looking forward to seeing how architects make the most of this range over the coming months and years, and we’ll certainly be judging each new building by its cover.“
The full Architectural Wall Panel range consists of the following profiles: Convex, Curvewall, Euro-Box, Flat, Flat-Stucco, Louvre, Micro-Rib, Mini-Micro, Plank, Tramline and Wave.
The AWP range is available in a variety of panel lengths and thicknesses, and in widths between 600 – 1000mm in 1mm increments (excluding Curvewall, Louvre and Tramline which are only available in 1000mm widths). They can be used for either horizontal or vertical installation, as well as they are perfect for full and curved elevations, and even feature sections. They can also be supplied with different finishes and coatings, including colours and textures from the Kingspan Spectrum and Kingspan XL Forté ranges, to suit almost any application. An extensive range of bespoke ancillary components can also be used with the AWP range. These include pre-formed corners, top hats and flashing along with specialist fabrications that can help add the finishing touches to any desired design. The comprehensive Kingspan Total Guarantee also covers all products in the AWP range.
