A new open structure façade system developed by Hunter Douglas has made its debut at the Architect@Work event in London.

The innovative system, which incorporates a suspension system, is designed to provide a high quality architectural façade solution.

The UK launch at the architecture event, held in London at the end of January, follows the successful installation of the system at the striking new CAH University of Applied Science in Dronten, Holland. A total of 2,500m2 of the new system was used at the agricultural college designed by BDG Architects.
Although regarded as a traditional material, in recent years wooden façades have been rediscovered as a contemporary architecture solution and this latest product launch from Hunter Douglas adds to its extensive portfolio of systems.

The system consists of solid linear wood panels, which are applied as open joint structure in a ventilated façade. The panels have a concealed demountable fixing to an aluminium substructure, combining a high architectural appearance with easy replacement and maintenance.

Key features include:

• durable and aesthetically designed multi-functional lightweight substructure

• multiple options for panel widths, thicknesses and lengths

• panels can be finished in sawn or rough sawn surfaces

• horizontal and vertical mounting

• also available as exterior soffit ceiling

In keeping with the company’s product portfolio, the new system has a large degree of design freedom to enable architects and designers to create individual finishes for particular projects.

A variety of durable wood has been selected for the new system, which can be treated with transparent or opaque coatings. In addition, the wood is treated with fire retardant impregnation, which allows a proper fire rating to be obtained for the use in façades.

As the various wood species used behave differently and react to local weather and other conditions, specialist advisors from Hunter Douglas work with architects and specifiers to ensure the right type of wood is used. For the CAH University project three species of wood was used - American Ash, Cambara, Merbau – with five different dimensions of panel. Typically specie such as WRC or Siberian Larch are selected for exposed external elevations.

The new system is also based on the multifunctional Hunter Douglas SLR substructure system, consisting of specially designed aluminium extruded profiles. This durable and lightweight substructure can also be used for attaching open wall, sun protection and ventilation applications.