Ceramic Ventilated Facades

A brilliant new environmentally conscious and cost efficient product is Roca’s Ventilated Façade Systems made using ceramic tile. Available in Australia through Rocks On, an innovative supplier of porcelain stoneware tiled surfaces, Roca’s system combines design and functionality, providing an ecological skin for a wide range of building applications.

Ventilated façades enhance a building’s energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and sustainability. Because the air chamber behind the façade creates thermal insulation, ventilated facades help prevent fluctuations in temperature that normally occur during the change of seasons, thus decreasing its heat load. The air chamber also creates a “chimney” effect that provides natural ventilation to help eliminate condensation. Since ventilated facades are relatively easy to install over an original facade, they offer an ideal solution for existing building renovations, and create a technical space for installations and piping.

Roca Ventilated Facades consist of porcelain stoneware panels fitted on an aluminium structure that has been fixed to an existing façade or substrate. The porcelain tile panels are joined to the structure by metal hooks or fixtures, so no fixing or grouting material is required. Nor does the façade or substrate require any special preparation.

By removing heat bridges and insulating the façade, Roca Ventilated Facades reduce energy costs by up to 25%. The system protects buildings from bad weather, reducing expansion and contraction, and preventing the emergence of damp and cracks. Acoustic protection is also improved.

Because of its durability and performance, ceramic tile is better suited to ventilated façade applications than other more traditional materials. The system is light in weight, making for more economical structures; it is resistant to scratching and stains, UV rays, corrosion, acids and fire, and does not flake or crack. The panels have a very low water absorption and are resistant to icing. Cleaning and maintenance is simple: if required, each panel can be independently removed and replaced, without affecting or altering any other part of the façade system.

The porcelain stoneware panels are fully vitrified with random glazing, and are available in sizes up to 600 x 1200mm. The panels have various surface finishes, textures and colours including stone, concrete and contemporary, allowing a multitude of design effects. The manufacturing processes and materials used are respectful of natural resources and meet all applicable environmental regulations.