Circular sill combines aesthetics and insulation

A composite stone sill with the look of natural stone, but without the disadvantages

This fall, Aliplast is presenting a first at Architect@Work Amsterdam: a circular sill with the appearance of hard stone, but with significantly better insulation values. The product was developed in collaboration between the producer of aluminum systems and Holonite, a specialist in sustainable facade and finishing materials.

“We saw an increasing need for a nice sill under an aluminum door or window, but of course it had to insulate well. The whole market did not have a good answer to this,” says Marc Mulders, sales manager for the Netherlands at Aliplast. “Hard stone looks beautiful, but it creates a thermal bridge. Fortunately, our R&D department together with Holonite (specialist in composite stone) managed to develop an alternative that looks just as sleek and delivers the performance that today's construction demands.”

Sustainable and circular

It has succeeded with a composite stone sill made of quartz and synthetic resin, which combines durability, design and insulation. The product, like Aliplast's aluminum systems, carries the Cradle to Cradle certificate. With this, both companies meet strict criteria in the areas of circularity and health. Moreover, thanks to Holonite's casting process, the sill can be custom produced, even in small runs and in approximately twenty standard colors.

In addition to its aesthetic advantages, the sill offers above all functional added value. It fits perfectly with Aliplast's Star 75 series, is easy to install and, together with the corresponding accessories, provides a water- and wind-tight connection. Thus, the solution is suitable for both interior and exterior doors and can easily be extended under the sidelight.

Vertical integration as a strength

Aliplast distinguishes itself in the market through its vertical integration. At the plant in Lokeren, Belgium, not only does the extrusion of aluminum profiles take place, but also powder coating, insulation, packaging and transportation. “Because we do almost everything in-house, we can move quickly,” Mulders explains. “This makes us flexible and allows us to respond quickly to market demands, such as now with this sill. That is also a factor that is attractive to architects.”

Architect@Work: level playing field

For Aliplast, Architect@Work Amsterdam is a logical place to present its innovation. “This fair is very pleasant for us. The compact setup gives everyone the same space and equal opportunities. The demand for this aesthetic sill was created from architects, and that is exactly the target group that visits the fair. We would like to show them that such a product really exists now.”