Second-skin facade protects building and occupants

Optimal (sound) insulation

For years, Solarlux has been producing second-skin facades that protect buildings and their users from noise, dirt, driving rain and wind. With the latest generation of Proline T and Proline T Mega sliding-window systems, Solarlux goes one step further again. André Jansen of Solarlux shares all the ins and outs of this proven system, which is excellent for both new construction and renovation applications.

"We are building more and more in densely populated areas, in places where noise is an issue," Jansen begins. "The Noise Abatement Act sets requirements for the maximum allowable noise load on the facade. In addition, there is a major challenge in making existing buildings more sustainable." With a second-skin facade from Solarlux, he says, you catch several birds with one stone. "Ambient noise in the house is drastically reduced, the insulation value improves, you create an extra living space and the building also improves aesthetically."

Large glass thicknesses

Solarlux's new Proline T sliding-turn system is a full-glass solution for balconies, loggias and facades. "It is basically the successor to our SL 25 system, but with significant innovations," Jansen emphasizes. "For example, the system can handle larger glass thicknesses that meet the most stringent noise insulation and wind load requirements with sashes up to 1,000 mm wide and as much as 3,000 mm high. That is absolutely unique for a hard-glass swing-slide system. And so are the glass thicknesses. In the Proline T, glass thicknesses between 6 and 15 mm are possible, while the Proline T Mega is designed for glass thicknesses of 12 to even 18 mm. In the latter version, we use a double tempered pane with four foils. With this, we achieve a noise reduction of up to 30 dB!" 

ONE with the facade

Characteristic of the Proline T sliding-door systems is the feature that all elements are located in one rail. "Partly due to the extremely slim profile view, this results in an attractive full-glass look. The system is one with the facade," Jansen believes. "A big advantage is that you can turn the elements to the side and then slide them to the side to fully open the balcony. That technique also makes it very easy to clean the elements from the inside." 

Modular facade concept

Solarlux is an expert in creating innovative second-skin facades. For the Crossroads project in Amsterdam, for example, the company combined its Modular balcony system with the Proline T pivot-slide system. "In this case, we added a sound-absorbing ventilation grid to ensure air quality on the balconies at all times. With this modular facade concept, which we prepare completely prefabricated at our production site, all of Crossroads' construction requirements are met," assures Jansen. "And so with every project we try to think along in an appropriate solution."

Save

Finally, for renovation applications, Jansen points out the potential for savings in sustainability. "With a second-skin facade, the insulation value is significantly improved and energy consumption is reduced. We demonstrated this at the Piazzaflat in Gorinchem with the forerunner of the Proline T back in 2010. The turn-and-slide system was part of the sustainable renovation resulting in a 30% lower gas consumption. In addition, a second-skin facade saves on maintenance costs of the facade behind it and the additional living space increases the value of the building. All these facets mean that a second-skin facade 'pays for itself' over time. And we make that transparent through our life cost calculator, where a building owner can calculate with their own key figures."