Where style meets substance: The new all-in-one facade system that means zero compromise for architects

In the age-old battle between artistic vision, performance and financial practicalities, there has usually only ever been one winner. However, the new all-in-one facade system from EQUTIONE has turned that paradigm on its head, giving architects the best of both worlds.

EQUITONE fibre cement panels have always been architects first choice aesthetically, and now with a full system including weather barriers, sub frames and fixings, their all-in-one ventilated facade system promises to revolutionise the way building facades are constructed.

EQUITONE Managing Director, Nicolas Macor says “As a company, we are always looking for technical improvements. We love challenges and finding innovative ways to solve the big problems that our industry faces. Leaky buildings, water ingress, mould, fungi, inefficient energy consumption, sustainability and combustible cladding issues are all directly attributed to a non compliant building facade. The cladding fires have grabbed the headlines, but there are many other important issues at stake”.

Also known as the leaky buildings crisis, moisture ingress can be attributed to design deficiencies, use of non compliant facade systems and poor workmanship.

Over the years, building envelopes have been “wrapped” with a non compliant or unsuitable weather barrier that traps internal moisture and causes condensation.

The issue has been further exacerbated in an effort to solve concerns surrounding combustibility. The use of metal sheeting as a non combustible “weather barrier” has inadvertantly blocked water vapour diffusion, and led to the proliferation of condensation.

Condensation, a more discreet but no less damaging long term issue is insidious, often spreading unseen for several years. It can lead to water ingress in the wiring, insulation and framing. Timber and internal linings that become damp can decay and encourage mould growth and pest infestation.

Occupants who are exposed to toxic black mould growth, dust mite populations and bacteria are at risk of serious respiratory problems from poisoning including asthma, allergies and depression. Black mould can grow in workplaces, schools and homes and go undetected for years until the occupants begin to suffer from coughs, sneezing, rashes, eye irritation and chronic fatigue.

A system you can trust

EQUITONE have partnered with pro clima and Siniat to develop a full system that is the first of its kind in Australia. EQUITONE will not only supply their own premium fibre cement panels, but will now provide the option for a full system which includes a weather barrier, sub frame and fixings.

EQUITONE’S all-in-one system works in tandem to give full protection agaist the risk of fire propagation across the facade and assists with managing moisture ingress and condensation risks.

The inner fully ventilated air cavity also means that in driving rain, any water entering the cavity may drain down and out, or evaporate, rather than pooling or stagnating within the cavity and causing irreversible damage to the building envelope.together with a suitable weather barrier, this system makes the building both low maintenance and a healthier place for people to live and work.

The NCC compliance of EQUITONE

• Fibre Cement: EQUITONE fibre cement materials are fibre cement sheeting manufactured in compliance with AS/NZS 2908.2 (Cellulose-cement products Part 2: Flat sheets) and ISO 8336 (fibre-cement flat sheets).

• Weatherproofing: Performance Requirement FP1.4 and P2.2.2 of the NCC: EQUITONE facade systems have been tested and certified to AS 4284 for the purpose of compliance with the relevant Performance Requirements of the NCC.

• Structural: Performance Requirement B1.2 & B1.4, and P2.1.1 of the NCC: EQUITONE facade materials may be used in all wind zones including C & D - cyclonic areas - in accordance with AS 4040.3 (7.99KPA).

• Non-combustibility and fire properties:

Performance Requirement C1.9 and P2.3.1 of the NCC: EQUITONE facade materials are deemed non-combustible as per the Deemed-to-satisfy Provisions of C1.9(e) and 3.7.1.1(d) of the NCC.

Performance Requirement C1.10 of the NCC Volume 1: EQUITONE facade materials are classified a Group ‘1’ fire resistant material in accordance with AS 5637.1 and are compliant with AS 1530.3.

• Bushfire construction: Performace Requirement G5 and P2.7.5 of the NCC: EQUITONE facade materials may be used in all bushfire prone areas (BAL Zones) with a wall construction compliant with AS 3959.

Fully compliant weather barrier options

pro clima The No. 1 protection against moisture

SOLITEX EXTASANA® by pro clima is a nonporous flexible membrane that provides high waterproof and windproof protection. It also gives the best possible protection against the formation of condensation and mould. When it makes homes and offices healthier, more energy efficient and more eco-friendly for years to come, why compromise with inferior products?

• Weathertightness for the lifetime of the building

• Weather resistant, wind-tight, vapour permeable

• Suitable for climate zones 2 to 8

• High resistance to driving rain

• UV stabilised for up to 90 days exposure

• High tear resistance and excellent durability

• External air barrier

Siniat WEATHER DEFENCE® is an award winning external Rigid Air Barrier that has taken building envelope construction and performance to another level. Strong, highly moisture resistant, vapour permeable and deemed noncombustible, it is a revolutionary new external lining board, faced with water repellent material for superior weather protection.

• Quick and easy to cut and install

• Water, weather and mould resistant

• Highly vapour permeable (class 4)

• Suitable for climate zones 2 to 8

• 12 months exposure allowing early project close

• Suitable for use where non-combustible materials are specified by the Deemed to Satisfy provisions

An all-in-one ventilated facade system enhances thermoregulation and helps the building to be more energy efficient. So much so that heating and cooling costs can be reduced by up to 40%.

Ventilated facades with suitable weather barriers and insulation also increase accoustic performace. Outdoor noise pollution can be reduced by up to 20%, making a significant difference for inner city homes and offices.

There is also a significant cost saving when it comes to maintenance, as EQUITONE does not require any recoating or resealing. With alternative materials needing to be maintained at least every 5-10 years, the ever rising cost of labour can add up to considerable costs further down the line.

One bold industry changing move

This is an industry changing move from EQUITONE. Architects will now be able to specify the EQUITONE system and rest assured that the entire system is safe, weather tight and is fully compliant with the relevant performace requirements of the BCA.

Having a full system also ensures a lower chance of specifications being swapped out for inferior or non compliant facade systems and components which can jeapordise the overall performance of the external wall.

“Outperforming the industry’s minimum standards and being at the forefront of offering low maintenance, cost effective, innovative and high performing solutions to the market has been our main focus when developing our unique facade solutions. We aim to give back design freedom to architects and assist them to bring their artistic visions to life” adds EQUITONE’S National Technical Manager, Mehdi Malekian.

It is the only tested and fully ventilated facade system of its kind available in the industry and it is long overdue.