Sustainable cladding from Belgian soil

Facades define the appearance of a building. But what if they could be more than just a pretty jacket? EQUITONE and Cedral, sister companies within the Belgian Etex Group, prove that facades can be sustainable, innovative and practical at the same time. Two brands, one shared mission: to help building professionals create the facades of the future.

Although EQUITONE and Cedral come from the same factory, they have very different characteristics. EQUITONE supplies architectural cladding panels: large, sleek panels that can be cut to size and machined. Cedral produces facade strips (sidings), which give buildings a warm, classic or modern plank look. "Architects like working with EQUITONE because it gives them maximum freedom," says H. Vandeputte, brand manager at EQUITONE. "The panels can be cut to size, engraved or even perforated. That gives infinite design possibilities." Cedral offers stylish, low-maintenance fiber cement façade strips. They are easy to install in two styles: Lap (overlapping) or Click (tongue and groove system). Available in Wood (wood pattern) or Smooth (solid finish), they combine the look of a plank façade with the low maintenance and durability of fiber cement.

More than a facade 

EQUITONE and Cedral are made of fiber cement, a sturdy material based on cement, cellulose and minerals. This creates a facade that is light, strong and resistant to inclement weather. "Moreover, we think not only about the final product, but also about the process," says Vandeputte. "For example, about how we can minimize cutting waste. We help architects make facade layouts as efficient as possible. That saves materials as well as costs." Installation also counts. Cedral is designed for quick installation, where screws are hardly visible, if at all. Both façade solutions are often fixed with a mechanical system, which allows for disassembly and reuse in the future.

Proven reliability for future architecture 

Vandeputte: "Backed by over a century of expertise in fiber cement, with Cedral and EQUITONE we are focusing more than ever on future-oriented and sustainable solutions for facades. Thanks to our vast experience, today we have an extensive range of materials that combine aesthetics, durability, safety and functionality for both new construction and renovation projects." EQUITONE façade panels have Cradle to Cradle® Bronze certification and can be easily disassembled and reused. "But you can also rely on Cedral and EQUITONE in terms of fire safety. Both facade solutions have a fire class of A2-s1,d0, which means they are non-flammable and non-flammable."

A modular design 

A telling example is a recent project in Schagen, where 46 modular apartments were built with a combination of EQUITONE panels and Cedral facade strips. "The strips provide the warm look of wood, while the panels give a modern touch. That's how you create dynamism in the design," explains Vandeputte. 

From architect to contractor 

EQUITONE and Cedral serve a wide audience: from architects looking for maximum design freedom to contractors needing a durable, fast facade solution. What unites them is a clear focus on quality, ease of use and a future-proof approach. "We don't just supply materials, we think along," says Vandeputte. "How can a facade be more beautiful, more reliable and more durable? That's the question we ask again and again." EQUITONE and Cedral offer an excellent answer.