At the 2023 edition of Architect@Work in Milan, we presented our new product, arcoPlus FastFit Module.
It is a modular system composed of pre-assembled multilayer modules/packages to easily and quickly build large translucent facades that provide maximum thermal and acoustic insulation.
The company dr.gallina, creates within its own factories, these modules composed of 3 layers of polycarbonate honeycomb panelling, hermetically sealed, so that on site installation operations are minimized, reducing costs and risks.
The modules are made with standard widths of 60 cm, but with customized heights according to the needs of individual projects, with a minimum of 2 mt up to a maximum of 9 mt in height.
Thanks to the simple but effective system of lateral connection of the modules, it is possible to create vertical surfaces with no size limits furthermore, at the customer's request, specific modules can be produced for the beginning and the end of the facade, with a width adapted to the size of the hollow wall to be covered.
The FastFit Module offers a new method of installing multi-wall translucent facades, and provides a great benefit to construction companies by easing installation procedures and costs, with a reduction to 1/3 of the operations usually required. Until now, 3 translucent facades were installed, that is, one layer at a time, while thanks to the FastFit Module, it is sufficient to make a single continuous surface by laterally interlocking the modules already composed of the 3 layers of polycarbonate, in succession that are moved with simple '3-in-1' suction cups. All this, maintaining the typical feature of polycarbonate applications which is light transmission, essential to give natural illumination of indoor spaces while saving on artificial energy costs. In addition, the benefit of lightness is maintained, which rewards polycarbonate over materials such as glass.
Each module consists of two layers of 20mm-thick polycarbonate honeycomb panels and one layer of compact polycarbonate sheet, which improves acoustic insulation results. Optionally, glass wool can be added to the inner cavities to maximize thermal insulation performance. Each module is assembled by means of aluminum perimeter profiles with thermal break, and the modules are joined together by tongue-and-groove jointing between one module and another.
Thanks to decades of constant collaboration with designers, architects, and construction companies, the dott.gallina company has developed a pre-assembled system to facilitate the installation of polycarbonate facades with high insulation performance. The company aims to improve the relationship with customers by developing a solution as close as possible to installers: the company takes charge of the assembly steps of the panels by performing them in-house, relieving the installer who will be able to use the polycarbonate surfaces having the security of a product already pre-configured, minimizing the difficulties of installation.
Not to mention that the excellent resistance and insulation performance offered by the FastFit Module system make this solution the company's new top-of-the-line product.
The FastFit Module solution is ideal for making high-performance translucent vertical facades and curtain walls, which are usually placed in buildings intended to house gyms/sports center/exhibition halls/recreation centers/industrial facilities/commercial centers.
The main technical features are:
The panels are made entirely of polycarbonate, which is a 100 percent recyclable material to give the product a second life as filaments, industrial components, and furniture accessories.
Dott.gallina's production is based on closed-loop processes, with no waste materials being released into the environment, as scrap and waste are cleaned and ground for re-entry into extrusion cycles.
The company's environmental responsibility is also manifested in the self-production of energy through solar panel system and trigeneration, going on to donate the surplus portion of self-produced energy to the community.
The arcoPlus panels have been subject to LCA and EPD analysis, with drafting of the relevant official documentation. The honeycomb structure of the panels is synonymous with thermal insulation due to the multi-wall structure with the presence of air chambers; in addition, there are two cavities inside the FastFit module that improve the insulation performance of the individual modules and thus of the building in which they are installed. Better thermal insulation performance implies a reduction in energy needs and costs.
Numerous architectural projects at the European level have achieved LEED awards, partly due to the installation of large translucent surfaces of arcoPlus polycarbonate.
