Building facades for the future

The building sector accounts for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions. A building's carbon footprint consists of two phases, with the use phase representing 72%, while the construction and production phase accounts for 28%.  

Recycled and low plastic aluminum

WICONA is synonymous with aluminum profile systems, developed for project construction, that meet the highest standards of durability, quality and technology. "Within WICONA, we believe that we have both the responsibility and the ability to address the most burning issue of today and tomorrow: climate change," says Perry Hermans, Country Manager Benelux WICONA GEVELSYSTEMEN at Hydro Building Systems. "Our deeply rooted sustainability ambition is fulfilled, among other things, through the use of recycled and low-carbon aluminum. Hydro CIRCAL involves a premium quality aluminum alloy made from at least 75% recycled end-of-lifecycle aluminum (post-consumer scrap). This aluminum comes from windows, doors and curtain walls of buildings that have reached the end of their useful life. Spread across two production sites in Europe, all the released aluminum is fragmented, sorted and processed/melted down to produce new and high-quality aluminum profiles. This guarantees architects, developers, contractors and end users a sustainable and high quality product and takes our CO2 reduction to a new level. Hydro CIRCAL has a carbon footprint that is among the lowest in the world: 2.3 kg of CO2 per kilogram of aluminum."

All of WICONA's new products are designed and manufactured according to the circular life cycle and follow Cradle-2-Cradle principles, says Hermans. "Our recyclable and circular materials and products carry EPDs and comply with international standards and regulations such as BREEAM, LEED and DNGB."

WICSLIDE 150 PS 

WICSLIDE 150 PS is an attractive-looking hybrid sliding solution that combines all the features of a window with the advantages of a sliding system. "Thanks to high-quality thermal insulation, optimal air and water tightness and excellent acoustic performance, the WICSLIDE 150 PS offset sliding system is the innovative solution to address the challenges of climate change. The profiles are extruded from Hydro CIRCAL 75R aluminum, ensuring optimum durability. Moreover, WICSLIDE 150 PS has been specially developed for high living comfort."

WICTEC 60 NG

WICTEC 60 NG is an improved high-efficiency façade based on Hydro CIRCAL 75R aluminum, specifically designed for larger spans and heavier filler weights, Hermans said. "This facade accommodates floor-to-ceiling panels weighing up to 850 kg and a maximum fill thickness of 62 mm. WICTEC 60 NG is C2C Silver certified and guarantees for a wide variety of design possibilities."

WICTEC EL EVO

WICTEC EL EVO is a quickly assembled facade system for buildings of any size, where the facade elements (frames) are delivered to the building site including glass. Thanks to just-in-time logistics, numerous patents and a wide range of accessories, WICONA offers a high standard of quality with EL EVO. "With this new C2C-certified element façade in Hydro CIRCAL aluminum, the sector is helping to build the sustainable city of tomorrow."

WICLINE 70 SG

Glass is one of the basic features for facade design in modern architecture, Hermans emphasizes. "This is why WICONA now also offers a new, concealed glass sash: the WICLINE 70 SG. The inward-opening sash offers optimum user comfort, thanks to efficient ventilation and the enlarged glass surface. In addition, daylight flows in to the maximum extent."  

About WICONA
WICONA is the global reference in technologically advanced project solutions for aluminum facades, doors and windows. The German brand was founded in Ulm in 1948 and belongs to the Norwegian Hydro Group, world leader in aluminum. All WICONA windows, doors and façade systems are durable, energy-friendly, burglar- and noise-resistant as well as multifunctional. "Together with our partners, we can manage the entire facade project. This results not only in a seamless approach, but also in smooth cooperation between architects, contractors and developers, as well as an optimal end result."