ALUMINIUM IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION

Aluminium is widely specified in buildings and used throughout the construction sector because its properties deliver a unique combination of sustainability, performance and aesthetics.

Modern building design has evolved with additional complexity as today’s buildings serve multiple purposes. Architects, specifiers and contractors are now looking at projects holistically and factoring in functionality, economics, aesthetics and a building’s role in a local community. The materials used on a building are integral to executing a successful building design and aluminium’s durability and flexibility deliver longevity as well as a wide range of aesthetic options. Aluminium’s high strength-to-weight ratio, recyclability and formability give it many advantages compared to alternative materials.

Sustainability

As an infinitely recyclable material, aluminium promotes a circular economy and reduces waste. Kawneer uses recycled aluminium content in the production of our products and our own production waste is also recycled to be smelted so it can be reused. This is a huge advantage when evaluating and selecting building materials for sustainable building design.

To highlight our environmental commitment, we include internationally recognised Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) on Kawneer products, and several of our solutions feature Declare labels – a voluntary self-disclosure programme that aims to increase transparency into the environmental and health impacts of materials used in the building materials industry.

The market-leading performance of Kawneer’s aluminium products can help projects achieve BREEAM® & LEED® points and certification and other green building certifications.

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Discover our 3D infographic

Learn more about the benefits of utilising aluminium in architectural framing systems.

UNPARALLELED FINISH OPTIONS

Kawneer offers a wide range of colours and finishes, including anodised and painted finishes that feature industry-recognised standards. We can tailor the finish and texture of our aluminium façade products to seamlessly blend with the building envelope or the desired aesthetic.

INFINITE RECYCLABILITY

Aluminium plays a key role in sustainable building design due to its infinite recyclability, promoting the circular economy and reducing waste. We can incorporate low-carbon and recycled aluminium into the production of our products and our closed loop production process reduces a project’s overall carbon footprint.

OCCUPANT COMFORT

Kawneer’s high-performance aluminium façade systems feature thermal break technology that help to reduce inefficient thermal transfer and enhance interior comfort. Optimised natural light and floor-to-ceiling views enhance occupant well-being while reducing reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems.

DURABILITY & RESILIENCE

Architects, designers and building owners also choose aluminium for its durability. Aluminium can withstand harsh climatic conditions without degrading due to its corrosion resistance and it does not lose its structural integrity over time.

HIGH STRENGTH-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

The strength-to-weight ratio of aluminium far exceeds that of alternative materials. This material properties allows architects to create attractive, large-scale designs that provide safety, security and enhanced natural light, beneficial for occupants’ health, well-being and productivity.

DESIGN FLEXIBILITY

Aluminium façade systems can support large size glass fenestration solutions, to offer panoramic views and create sleek, durable and energy efficient structures able to withstand a variety of different climates. Many of Kawneer’s systems can be prefabricated off-site to increase ease of installation, and the products low maintenance requirements help maintain a high standard of aesthetics for many years.

EASE OF MAINTENANCE

Aluminium requires low maintenance throughout its lifespan, with simple cleaning processes to ensure its longevity the material can endure years of use. Aluminium is a resilient material and allows for long lasting façade systems with a minimal cost to maintain.

Performance

Aluminium is recognised and specified for its strength, durability and low-cost maintenance requirements.

Aluminium frames can handle heavier glazing to improve the thermal efficiency and safety of the façade. Kawneer façade systems can accommodate triple glazing on many of our products, which enhances the insulation value, reducing a building’s energy usage. Laminated glazing can also be incorporated to help achieve increased security and acoustic capabilities.

Kawneer’s aluminium façade solutions are frequently used in mid-rise and high-rise buildings with increased load requirements as aluminium is strong and can withstand building movement and potential load deflections. .

Multiple Kawneer products can be integrated to enhance façade performance. Our solar shading systems couple to our curtain wall products to maximise daylight while also optimising occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

Kawneer has a range of solutions that can deliver enhanced safety and security. We offer fire and blast impact tested solutions to provide product safety and peace of mind for a range of applications.

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Aesthetics

Aluminium’s ability to carry large and heavier panes of glass enables the creation of awe-inspiring floor-to-ceiling fenestration solutions that provide panoramic views of the outside world. Larger glazing helps enhance natural light that benefits an occupant’s wellbeing and can reduce reliance on HVAC and artificial lighting systems.

Kawneer also offers a wide range of finishes, including anodised and painted finishes that meet industry-recognised finish standards. Ensuring seamless integration with the rest of the building envelope or surrounding environment, we can tailor the finish of our frames to the desired aesthetic of the building.

With its sustainability, performance and aesthetics, aluminium delivers the results you desire for your next pioneering project.

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REACHING NEW HEIGHTS WITH LOW CARBON

As a leading supplier of architectural aluminium products, reducing carbon emissions throughout the entire building life cycle is a priority for Kawneer.

Our Iow carbon billet includes 75% recycled material and features less than 3.0kg of C02 per kilogram of aluminium. Our billets are sourced locally, within a 50-mile radius, to help minimise the environmental impact of our logistics, handling and transportation operations,

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How we limit a building’s carbon footprint

Aluminium is one of the most sustainable design materials available, with a low
environmental impact that continues indefinitely. As aluminium does not rust or decay,
the metal can be recycled repeatedly.
Kawneer have invested heavily in the development of a new Passive House range of
curtain walling, windows and doors. Through their improved thermal performance and
reduced air leakage, we are able to drive down energy usage.
We are committed to using at least 75% recycled content as part of our billet
procurement strategy.
Enabling ‘green building’ is a vital consideration across our product designs and materials.
Our billet is sourced locally, within a 50-mile radius, to help minimise the environmental impact of our logistics, handling and transportation operations.
Our BES 6001 accreditation guarantees traceability of our low carbon billet.

Beyond the billet –
We are conscious that the billet is just the beginning, click the link below to view the infographic.

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PIONEERING PRODUCTS FOR DISTINCTIVE BUILDINGS

Our aluminium façade product portfolio ranges from industry-leading curtain wall systems and entrances to innovative framing systems and windows. Choose a category or select all to learn more.

ALL PRODUCTS

Curtain Wall

Unitised Curtain Wall

Windows

Sliding Solutions

Doors

Framing

Fire Resistant

Passive House

Blast Enhanced Curtain Wall