VIVIX by Formica Group exterior façade panels have been used for the external wall cladding of St. James’s hospital in Dublin.
Equator European Architects, Irish branch, chose VIVIX panels in Redwood from the Woods range, to create a contemporary look that fits in perfectly with the surroundings.
Gavin Veeran of Equator European Architects explains: "St. James's Hospital Haemophilia and Hepatology Clinical Research Facility building was designed using a rectangular base form as a foundation.
"Rectangular modulations protrude at intervals with a focus on the off-shutter concrete entrance location. The overall concept was to marry in the rigid form with natural materials using stone and timber. However, the challenge of using timber was the maintenance and durability of the material; we therefore chose VIVIX panels as they not only exceeded our aesthetics and performance specifications; the maintenance costs have significantly been reduced for the end user.”
As well as being used to clad an entire building, VIVIX panels provide the opportunity to accentuate elements and features of the building design itself, creating a statement or a building identity. The architects chose VIVIX in Redwood, a beautifully rich woodgrain décor. “We chose this particular design to create a contrast between the natural stone cladding that dominated the building and the cherry wood toned laminate panels. The woodgrain decor complements the stone that we have used and manages to soften the façade at the same time, achieving our design objective.”
With a range of cladding solutions available, architects are increasingly choosing materials for exterior cladding that are not only decorative, but also practical, functional and can contribute to how the building as a whole performs. VIVIX panels are resistant to impact and abrasion, are weather resistant and can help to enhance the life span of a building. They include double-sided UV protection as standard.
Another key factor in the specification of the VIVIX panels was the product's sustainability credentials. “Sustainability is becoming more of an influence in design and specification,” adds Gavin Veeran. “We cannot ignore our impact on the living environment, and have to start making changes that include becoming more responsible for our environment and focus our efforts on being resource efficient. As designers, we have many avenues in which to make a difference, from the inception, supply chain and all the way to the end-user.”
VIVIX panels incorporate Formica Group’s commitment to sustainable principles and practices. Manufactured in Europe to ISO 9001 standards, the laminate delivers minimal environmental impact as determined by Formica Group’s product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA tracks the ecological effects of a product throughout its lifespan from raw material procurement, manufacture and transport, to its use, reuse and disposal. All of Formica Group’s European manufacturing sites and distribution centres have achieved the internationally-recognised Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody (COC) certification from leading accreditation body, BM TRADA. This ensures that materials used in the production of Formica® High Pressure Laminate (HPL) and wood-based bonded items are from sustainably managed sources.
Formica Group, the inventor of laminate, marks 100 years of invention, innovation and design leadership in 2013. Working closely with architects, designers and specifiers, Formica Group is ideally placed to offer innovative new products and decors which respond to market needs and complement current design trends.
Equator European Architects is a dynamic practice, whose management and design team have a proven track record of projects covering a wide spectrum of work. They are committed to quality assurance, guided by procedures that have been designed to suit standard and fast track programming.Their experienced team of architects and technical personnel are well versed in all aspects of design and this is complemented by extensive construction and project management skills.