Elegant aluminum seam gable decorates optopping

If weight is the crucial factor

The former "bank building" on the Middenbaan in Hoogvliet has been transformed into a residential building with eighteen apartments. The 'topping' is literally and figuratively the crowning glory of the work and was fitted by Ridder Skins for Buildings with an elegant aluminum PREFALZ façade from the company PREFA. A logical choice in more ways than one.

When creating an additional layer on top of an existing building, weight is a crucial factor. Therefore, an HSB construction with a lightweight aluminum cladding was chosen here. Depending on the width of the strip material, PREFALZ weighs no more than 2.2 to 2.3 kg/m². This makes it suitable both for new construction and for extending existing buildings. A major plus point of the PREFALZ aluminum facade is also that it falls under fire class A1 according to EN 13501-1 and is therefore non-combustible.

Depth effect

Characteristic of the aluminum facade of the apartment building are the "falling in" facade sections in the location of the window frames, which create an attractive depth effect. "The window frames are recessed into the HSB rear construction. From a distance of 50 centimeters below the window frame and one meter above the window frame, the fascia slopes backward and runs in a flowing line to the recessed window frame," explains Dennis Reek, project consultant for Ridder Skins for Buildings. "That specific lineation made it quite challenging in execution and especially in detailing. On the one hand, to make the flange seams match the window frames exactly and, on the other hand, to finish the tapering recesses aesthetically pleasing. Soldering was out of the question, and we didn't want to use sealant or glue. And that all worked out well in the end."

Malleable

Ridder Skins for Buildings processed approximately 350 square meters of PREFALZ aluminum on the superstructure in the color P10 light gray. The aluminum, according to PREFA, is more ductile than most comparable flange materials, so it handles very well. In addition, it is also decades resistant. Dennis can attest to this, saying, "PREFALZ handles extremely well, it is a wonderfully soft material that folds well." 

The aluminum is delivered to Ridder on coil and is cut to length and width by a CNC machine. Then the aluminum is cold formed on the CNC swing bending machine into a flanged strip. "The forming brings some tension to the material. But because of the chosen P10 coloring with a very low gloss level, the tension in the material is not visible. It creates a sleek appearance."

In addition to the standing seam systems, Ridder also provided all the flashing around the window frames. "Furthermore, on the first and second floors between the window frames, we realized the panel cladding, also with PREFALZ sealing strips, but in a dark color (P10 anthracite) and with a narrower sealing." 

PREFALZ has an impressive range of options, allowing you to play with different panel widths and lengths, different mounting directions and an extensive color palette.