PETRARCH RECONSTITUTED STONE – THE NATURAL CHOICE FOR TODAY’S SPECIFIER

What makes Petrarch reconstituted stone the natural and sustainable choice for today’s facade specifiers? This latest blog aims to highlight just why.
There are so many potential factors to consider when choosing a rainscreen; but there’s one aspect which is becoming ever increasingly important (rightly so) and that is ‘sustainability’. How sustainable is Petrarch reconstituted stone cladding? Proven to perform with many projects still looking superb 50 years after their implementation (and a leading industry 50 year guarantee when combined with our Downer Framing system) the longevity of our composite stone facade itself underlines its sustainable values. But let’s look at what else it has to offer:

CREATED PREDOMINANTLY FROM CRUSHED MARBLE & STONE

Manufactured from predominantly crushed marble and stone, Petrarch upcycles by-product waste which would otherwise head to landfill. In terms of its versatility it offers optimum possibilities, with precision customisation.

Plinths, PlanX, Column, Beams, Banding, Routing, Patterns, Bespoke Colours… Whatever you had in mind, talk to our team to find out more – info@petrarchpanels.com

Why is our Petrarch System the natural choice for facade specifiers?

✅ The natural choice. Manufactured predominantly from crushed marble and stone, by-product material which would otherwise go to landfill.
✅ Precision routing and customisation for ultimate versatility
✅ BRE EPD verification
✅ Best-in-class CWCT testing, going above and beyond (cyclic pressure loading) criteria set out by CWCT and tested to BRE Digest 346, Part 7, which is compatible with BS 6399 – demonstrating a service life in excess of 50 years.
✅ Over 1500 colours and 4 distinctive textures with colour matching service at no extra cost
✅ Fire performance – A2-s1,d0 in accordance with BS EN 13501
✅ Installation by mechanical secret fix, site adhesive and face fixing
✅ Highly durable, impact, graffiti and weather resistant
✅ Worldwide distribution network
Downer Framing
✅ Engineered to perform. Manufactured from extruded 6000 series aluminium our Downer systems deliver on all fronts: energy efficiency, versatility, strength, durability, protection and more.
✅ BBA approved for complete assurance, our systems have been tested to the extreme.
✅ Versatile, dependable framing for all facade applications, including floor to floor and soffit solutions
✅ Industry revered technical expertise (Juan Cid Barato, Nick Eckers, Graham Webber)
✅ Easy to install, maintain, and cost effective
✅ Fixings specified for each system and stocked
✅ In-house static and thermal calculations – with life made easier thanks to our unique, free to use, Downer Designer tool
✅ Perfect finishing – anodising and powder coating
✅ Cutting service available
✅ Extensive UK stocks of standard items available for despatch 1-2 days
✅ Both Made in Britain – official here in our Hastings factory ensuring strong lead times
✅ Proven to perform for over 50 years
✅ Both Petrarch and Downer framing can be specified direct on NBS Source!

Find out more about our products here:

www.petrarchpanels.com
www.downerframing.com
https://lnkd.in/eb-MuapK

What are the further advantages of Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen?

Petrarch is a great cost effective and light weight alternative to GRC/Precast Concrete/Natural Stone, offering the same colour/finish with some added technical benefits, including minimal applied loads.
Due to the material composition of Petrarch reconstituted stone facade, it is naturally very strong in the way of flexural strength and impact resistance achieving best in class according to CWCT. Suitable for areas where people have little incentive to exercise care.
It is this strength in Petrarch that allows fabricated corners allowing design flexibility with returns/reveals/corners/profile shapes/banding/column-beam/etc, which is all fabricated in-house at factory in Hastings.
Petrarch being light weight is easy to install, just like a typical rainscreen cladding system. Petrarch is also manufactured and fabricated with a project program friendly lead time, 6-8 weeks for an initial delivery and regular deliveries (weekly/2-weekly/4-weekly/etc) to suit program thereafter. Much faster in comparison to potentially heavier facades, such as GRC.
This material composition means Petrarch is close to being non-porous, Petrarch will not absorb environmental pollution or suffer efflorescence. Petrarch will not require any additional graffiti protection/coatings (although we do offer this for peace of mind if necessary). Any dirt sits on the surface of Petrarch, and is neither absorbed or stained, so very easy to clean.
The mechanical properties of Petrarch means it has a very good resistance to long term deterioration and is unaffected by freeze-thaw degradation due to being virtually non-porous. For this reason when installed with our Downer fixing and framing system we offer a 50year warranty.
In all areas of testing Petrarch achieved best in class and in some areas of testing (such as for example cyclic pressure loading) we went above and beyond criteria set out by CWCT and tested to BRE Digest 346, Part 7, which is compatible with BS 6399, this means the system is demonstrated to have a service life in excess of 50 years.

What are the sustainable benefits of reconstituted stone rainscreen systems in general?

Reconstituted stone rainscreen facades offer a variety of sustainability benefits that make them a compelling choice for modern construction. These benefits extend across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, supporting more sustainable building practices. Here are some of the key sustainable features of reconstituted stone rainscreen systems:

1. Material Efficiency
Recycled content: Reconstituted stone facades are made from natural stone waste, aggregates, and other recycled materials. This reduces the demand for virgin resources and minimises the environmental impact associated with mining and extraction.
Long lifespan: Stone-based materials are extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. The longevity of reconstituted stone reduces the need for replacements and lowers the frequency of resource consumption over time.

2. Energy Efficiency
Thermal insulation: Rainscreen systems contribute to the thermal performance of a building. The air gap between the rainscreen and the building’s main wall improves the building’s insulation, reducing heating and cooling energy needs. This helps lower overall energy consumption and reduces the building’s carbon footprint.

3. Durability and Low Maintenance
Weather resistance: Reconstituted stone rainscreens are highly resistant to weathering and other environmental stresses. They do not degrade easily, meaning they will maintain their appearance and functionality over time with minimal maintenance, extending the building’s lifespan.
Resistant to pests and rot: Unlike wood or other organic materials, stone does not attract pests or rot, making it a more sustainable option in terms of longevity and maintenance.

4. Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect
Reflective properties: Depending on the finish, reconstituted stone rainscreens can reflect a portion of solar radiation, helping to reduce heat absorption in urban areas and mitigate the urban heat island effect. This can contribute to lower ambient temperatures in city environments, further enhancing sustainability.

5. Carbon Sequestration
Natural stone properties: Stone materials are often considered carbon-neutral over time, as they do not emit additional greenhouse gases once in use. Furthermore, stone has the potential to sequester carbon, particularly when sourced from regions where stones can be replenished or regenerated naturally.

6. Recyclability at End of Life
Recyclable material: At the end of its life cycle, reconstituted stone can be recycled, either as aggregate for new construction or for use in landscaping and other applications. This helps close the loop in material use and reduces landfill waste.

7. Aesthetic and Social Sustainability
Aesthetic value: Reconstituted stone provides a high-quality, natural appearance that enhances the aesthetic value of a building while maintaining sustainability. Its timeless look appeals to designers and architects who wish to balance sustainability with visual appeal.

Reconstituted stone rainscreens are a highly sustainable option due to their material efficiency, energy-saving properties, durability, and low environmental impact.

What are the sustainable benefits of reconstituted stone rainscreen systems in general?

Reconstituted stone rainscreens are a highly sustainable option due to their material efficiency, energy-saving properties, durability, and low environmental impact.

Petrarch Panels now have an EPD?

Benefits of an EPD – as outlined by BRE – there are numerous advantages of EPD verification

Provide quantified data on your products environmental impacts, such as embodied carbon, ozone, acidification and more.
Exceed customer demands and specifications with increased transparency.
Boost your product’s reputation through internationally recognised standards.
Enable whole life cycle management.
Support innovative product development, such as improving efficiency for energy, materials and transport costs.
Get recognised by building assessment schemes, such as BREEAM , LEED, DGNB and Green Star.

👉 Find out more about our EPD, latest inspirations and specify Petrarch rainscreen cladding direct on NBS Source.