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Swisspearl fiber cement façade panels

Swisspearl fiber cement façade panels


August 11, 2010
This article first appeared in the 200806 issue of BD+C.

Swisspearl fiber cement façade panels are designed specifically for rainscreen cladding applications with rear ventilation, and can be used with aluminum, steel, and wood sub-frames. Manufactured in Switzerland, the panels are precut and predrilled at the factory and offered in a number of sheet sizes and thicknesses. Available in more than 60 standard colors and several finish options, the durable panels are resistant to severe weather, rot, and warping, and have an expected lifespan of at least 40 years, according to the company.

Steve Cavanaugh, principal at DLR Group in Chicago, specified Swisspearl’s Carat and Reflex panels in three colors (onyx, topaz, and champagne) for the renovation and expansion of the Stratford Square Century Theatre in Bloomingdale, Ill. The panels are expressed as a bent scrim, which caps the cinema’s vertical expansion (to accommodate new state-of-the-art theaters), while also enclosing new exit stairs. The variegated pattern helps diminish the scale of the exterior of the theater’s large screen wall.

Why Steve Cavanaugh specified Swisspearl panels for the Stratford Square Century Theatre in Bloomingdale, Ill.

“The Swisspearl rainscreen façade provides a continuous insulated envelope with no thermal bridging. We get a very effective R-value with the assembly.”

“One undeniable aspect of sustainability that resonates with our clients is longevity. The Swisspearl façade, designed as a rear-ventilated rainscreen system, has two lines of defense against moisture intrusion, which greatly increases its usable lifespan.”

“Swisspearl represents for us an extremely high-quality wall. It’s also a great looking product with a lot of color and finish options.”

 
Steve Cavanaugh, AIA, LEED AP
Principal, DLR Group, Chicago

Steve Cavanaugh, principal in charge of design at DLR Group’s Chicago office, is responsible for developing the firm’s design talent and leading the direction and quality of design for the entire office.

In 2006, Cavanaugh was promoted to principal at DLR Group, where he’s also a member of the firm’s national design forum. His 22-year architectural career includes 10 years in the Murphy/Jahn offices.

Cavanaugh is a graduate of the University of Illinois architecture program.
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