Translucent polycarbonate helps create energy-saving buildings: lightweight, efficient and beautiful

In a contemporary context, global warming marks a turning point in the way we think about architecture. We are witnessing record-breaking temperatures across the planet, as well as challenging scenes in many major cities, characterized by heat waves and, in some cases, harsher winters. These conditions trigger a cycle in which demand on heating and cooling systems increases, which in turn translates into higher energy and operating costs for the building.

Given this situation, it becomes crucial to design energy-efficient buildings to reduce environmental impact and associated costs. One of the strategies to achieve this is proper planning of facades, which perform functions similar to building surfaces and can help reduce the energy required for heating and cooling. In this case, the polycarbonate panels developed by Rodeca, in addition to their lightweight, slender structure and translucent aesthetics, help to increase the energy efficiency of the building.

Characteristics and architectural applications of polycarbonate panels

Translucent architectural elements combine effective thermal insulation and translucency to create a striking visual appearance in the building. Made from thermoplastic polycarbonate, the panels are exceptionally lightweight and suitable for retrofit projects of any size or complexity. Their lightweight also helps prevent any structural issues, and their coextruded layers protect against UV rays, ensuring long life and durability. These panels have a variety of applications, from indoor to outdoor, and are particularly suitable as facade and roof solutions for industrial and commercial buildings.

The structure of the translucent building elements consists of several layers that create air chambers that act as multi-layered insulators, reducing heat transfer. Depending on the specific project requirements and energy needs in the building, panels ranging from four to twelve layers can be used. In this way, the multi-layer structure effectively reduces heat transfer through the facade. Additionally, polycarbonate has naturally low thermal conductivity compared to materials like glass or metal.

Technical features and load-bearing structure

In a vertical installation scenario, the 60 mm thick translucent building element has a heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of 0.75 W/m²·K, reducing heat loss and helping to create a comfortable indoor environment.

Additionally, the material’s inherent lightness allows translucent building elements to create less compressive and tensile stress on the surrounding materials. Polycarbonate panels and their aluminum frame systems are significantly lighter than other traditional facade frames such as metal or wood. As a result, lightweight plastic panels are easy to handle and install, reducing the cost and effort of on-site construction.

Translucency, improved performance and aesthetics

Since the width of the panels can be customized for each project, there is significant potential for savings through load-bearing structural optimization. With the Rodeca facade system, large surfaces can be glazed while maintaining the appearance with fewer joints. The optimized use of materials makes it a cost-effective solution for energy-efficient facades of buildings.

To enhance its properties, translucent polycarbonate panels can also be combined with a broken bridge aluminum frame system. This reduces heat loss from the building in winter and minimizes heat transfer from the exterior to the interior in summer, a beneficial condition in contemporary urban environments. Additionally, aluminum, like polycarbonate, is very lightweight compared to other building materials such as steel, while maintaining the same strength and stability.

Additionally, their translucency allows natural light to enter without causing glare, making them the best way to naturally light up interiors. As a result, the need for artificial lighting and energy is reduced, demonstrating how polycarbonate panels can help design products that use resources efficiently.

Translucency is a multidisciplinary concept that has attracted scientists, designers, artists, and philosophers throughout history, spanning fields as diverse as physics, architecture, and art. In contemporary architecture, the research and development of new materials has changed traditional concepts. It is now necessary to assess not only technical capabilities, but also ecological impact, thermal mass, brightness and other aspects.

In this way, Rodeca’s translucent polycarbonate panels embody a material that combines striking aesthetics with lightness and prominent ecological features. This is particularly important in the current context of energy-efficient building design aimed at reducing environmental impact and energy costs.