ALUMINUM IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION

Aluminum is widely specified in buildings and used throughout the commercial construction sector because its properties deliver a unique combination of sustainability, performance and aesthetics.

Modern building design has evolved in complexity as today’s buildings serve more than one purpose. Architects, specifiers and contractors are now looking at projects holistically and factoring in functionality, economics, aesthetics and a building’s role in a local community. The materials used on a building are integral to executing a successful building design and aluminum’s durability and flexibility deliver longevity and as well as a wide range of aesthetic options.  Aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio, recyclability and formability give it many advantages compared to alternative materials.

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L.L. Bean Corporate Headquarters, Freeport, Maine, USA, Kawneer Company, Inc.

Photography: © Ben Gancsos

Sustainability

As an infinitely recyclable material, aluminum promotes the circular economy and reduces waste. Kawneer uses recycled aluminum content in the production of our products, and our production waste is recycled to be smelted and reused. This is a huge advantage when evaluating and selecting building materials for sustainable building design.

To highlight our environmental commitment, we include Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) on all Kawneer products, and our storefront solutions feature Declare labels: a voluntary self-disclosure program that aims to move the building materials industry toward healthier products through ingredient transparency.

The market-leading performance of Kawneer aluminum products can help projects achieve LEED® certification or other green building certifications.

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Learn more about the benefits of utilizing aluminum in architectural framing systems.

UNPARALLELED FINISH OPTIONS

Kawneer offers a wide range of finishes, including anodized and painted finishes that meet industry-recognized AAMA finish standards. We can tailor the finish of our frames to blend with the building envelope or the architect’s desired aesthetic.

INFINITE RECYCLABILITY

Aluminum plays a key role in sustainable building design due to its infinite recyclability, promoting the circular economy and reducing waste. We incorporate recycled aluminum into the production of our products and our closed loop production process reduces a project’s overall carbon footprint.

OCCUPANT COMFORT

Kawneer aluminum frames and windows feature thermal break technology, reducing thermal transfer and enhancing interior comfort. Optimized natural light and floor-to-ceiling views improve occupant well-being while reducing reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems.

DURABILITY & RESILIENCE

Architects, designers and building owners choose aluminum for its durability. It can withstand harsh weather conditions without rusting, due to its corrosion resistance, or losing structural integrity.

HIGH STRENGTH-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

The strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum far exceeds that of alternative materials. This allows architects to create attractive, large-scale designs that provide enhanced natural light, beneficial for occupants’ health and productivity.

DESIGN FLEXIBILITY

Aluminum frames can support large size glass fenestration solutions, to offer panoramic views and create sleek, durable and energy efficient structures able to withstand the test of time. Many of Kawneer’s systems can be prefabricated off-site to increase ease of installation, and low maintenance requirements maintain aesthetics for many years.

EASE OF MAINTENANCE

Aluminum requires low maintenance throughout its lifespan, with simple cleaning for impressive longevity in most environments. Aluminum is resilient and allows for long lasting systems with a minimal cost to maintain.

Performance

Aluminum is known and specified for its strength, durability and low-cost maintenance requirements.

Aluminum frames can handle heavier glazing to improve the thermal efficiency of the facade. We offer triple glazing on many of our products, which enhances the insulation value, reducing a building’s energy usage.

Kawneer aluminum solutions meet the architectural performance grade requirements for operable windows, which is the highest North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) performance class and is frequently used in mid-rise and high-rise buildings with increased load requirements and limits on deflection.

Multiple Kawneer products can be integrated to enhance facade performance. Our sun shading and sun control systems attach to our storefront and curtain wall products to maximize daylighting while also optimizing occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

Kawneer has a range of solutions that are capable of delivering enhanced security. We offer blast and hurricane impact tested solutions, and our products can accommodate larger seismic drift ratios to meet AAMA 501.4 and AAMA 501.6 standards, providing product safety and peace of mind.

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Aesthetics

Aluminum’s ability to carry heavier panes of glass enables the creation of awe-inspiring floor-to-ceiling fenestration solutions that provide panoramic views of the outside world. Larger views help enhance natural lighting that benefits well-being and can reduce reliance on HVAC and artificial lighting systems.

Kawneer also offers a wide range of finishes, including anodized and painted finishes that meet industry-recognized AAMA finish standards. Ensuring seamless integration with the rest of the building envelope or surrounding environment, we can tailor the finish of our frames to the desired aesthetic of the building.

With its sustainability, performance and aesthetics, aluminum delivers the results you desire for your pioneering projects.

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PIONEERING PRODUCTS FOR DISTINCTIVE BUILDINGS

Our portfolio ranges from industry-leading curtain walls and entrances to innovative framing systems and windows. Choose a category or select all to learn more.

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