Whether blending in or standing out, embodying transparency or solidity, expressing coarseness or softness, a façade is the medium through which we engage with architecture. It tells a story and can often set the tone for the rest of the interior. But apart from defining a purely visual experience, a building’s envelope must also be practical, durable and have the ability to properly manage natural lighting and ventilation needs. After all, by being the point of contact with the outside, it is responsible for mitigating sounds and providing protection from climatic conditions, such as wind, rain, heat and humidity. Therefore, when designing a facade, it is important to consider a balance between performance and a beautiful aesthetic. Of course, many materials successfully meet these criteria. But when it comes to creating a comforting, light-filled ambiance while ensuring resistance, ease of installation and versatility, the properties of translucent polycarbonate panels seem to be unparalleled.
Often creating a diffused, soft light indoors during the day and an eye-catching exterior glow during the night, polycarbonate is known for its light interplay, ambiguous transparency and abstract shapes – all of which create unique sensory experiences. However, through its use in a wide range of applications (in diverse formats, colors, shapes and sizes), the material has also proven to be as efficient and versatile as it is eye-catching and expressive. Thus, it’s no wonder this man-made polymer, once only recognized for its use in greenhouses, has become such a popular choice for exterior cladding and roofing in various types of modern architectural projects.
