C2C Silver curtain wall system scores highly in BREEAM projects

Systems thinking is central

The Dutch and Belgian governments want to have a circular economy by 2050, in which circular construction is an important pillar. The objective is an economic system of closed cycles in which raw materials, components and products lose as little value as possible, sustainable energy sources are used and system thinking is central. To make this ambition possible, numerous new initiatives, construction methods and products are emerging. Aliplast is also highly committed to sustainability and circularity. Proof of this is not only the Cradle to Cradle Silver certification on most aluminum systems, but also various BREEAM-certified projects such as G-Park in Zevenaar and Barry Callebaut in Lokeren.

"Circular construction goes a step further than sustainable construction," knows Marc Mulders, Sales Manager Netherlands at Aliplast. "When building new projects, we no longer look sec at energy performance (BENG), but also at environmental performance (MPG). As a manufacturer of aluminum facade systems, we strive for sustainable facades using only renewable raw materials. The use of aluminum is an important asset in this regard. Because the raw material for aluminum (bauxite) is fully recyclable, aluminum can in fact be completely reused. WITHOUT compromising on quality. This process can be repeated endlessly. Moreover, very little energy is required to remelt the aluminum."

Within its systems, Aliplast is also constantly looking for accessories with the lowest possible environmental impact, Mulders said. "Obviously without sacrificing mechanical quality. A good example of this is the replacement of all ABS components (which can potentially emit toxic substances when burned) with polyamide or noryl. Thanks in part to these efforts, last May we went from a C2C Bronze to a C2C Silver certification for almost all of our windows, doors, sliding doors and curtain wall systems, including the MC Wall curtain wall system."

Unprecedented aesthetic and technical freedom

Lots of glass, low profile and large spans. But also: unprecedented aesthetic and technical freedom. MC Wall gives each building a unique appearance, allowing maximum daylight to enter. Moreover, the curtain wall meets high requirements in terms of wind and water tightness, thermal insulation, acoustics, burglar resistance and fire safety. The curtain wall system has a wide variety of posts, rails and finishing profiles on a uniform line of 55 mm. In addition to vertical facades, glass roofs can also be realized, including parallel expansion windows and skylights. The system is suitable for all types of opaque or glazed infills, with a load capacity of 600 kg and includes all accessories for connection and fastening to the building structure.

MC WALL executed as a traditional curtain wall offers a wide choice of clamp and cover profiles. Style profiles are also available up to a depth of 326 mm, says Mulders. 

"Because we extrude at lengths of 7 meters as standard, a large free span is possible in almost all situations, with only two supports and without the use of insert profiles. Thanks to a wide choice of profiles, it is possible to bring the studs and rails into one plane on the inside." 

Although the glass used with a curtain wall carries most of the weight, for example when it comes to the insulation value of the structure, Aliplast offers the option of additional insulation for the curtain wall profiles. "For example, with the MC Passive and MC Passive+ variants, Uf values of 1.1 W/m²K and 0.97 W/m²K respectively are achievable. And the application of triple glazing is also possible."

G-Park Zevenaar 

MC Wall is certified in 2021 and can count on great interest from architects, contractors and end users. By now, many sustainable projects have been implemented using the system, says Mulders, citing G-Park in Zevenaar as an example. The multifunctional distribution center with five warehouses was developed and built according to the BREEAM 'Very Good' certification criteria. The curtain wall fits this seamlessly. 

"A total of 1,800 m2 of MC Wall curtain wall was applied in the cantilevered front office. Commissioned by contractor Goldbeck Nederland BV and together with facade builder Vierboer BV we searched for a price efficient solution. But also for an optimal way of connecting, so that as efficient as possible production and assembly could take place. In this project hardly any windows were used and also the door systems are harmoniously incorporated in the curtain wall."

Barry Callebaut Lokeren

A second sustainable reference is Barry Callebaut's new chocolate warehouse in Lokeren, which is not only the largest chocolate warehouse in the world, but also the epitome of sustainability. To meet the BREEAM 'Outstanding' ambition, sustainable and circular materials have been used wherever possible. 

"The cantilevered office at the front is equipped with 645 m2 of MC Wall curtain walling," says Mulders. "In cooperation with (structural) contractor and facade builder Willy Naessens, we took the wind and water sealing to the very highest level. Moreover, our curtain wall system provides maximum daylighting. Of particular note are the fins on the outside of the curtain wall. Click strips of 22 mm create a special layering and thus a sophisticated facade aesthetic."