Marazzi Brings Porcelain Tile Ventilated Wall System to U.S.
The ventilated porcelain tile wall system from Marazzi looks great and can improve the energy efficiency of a building by up to 33 percent. It is an easy solution for rehab projects as well, since the tiles can be added to a structure without removing the original surface.
Sunnyvale, Texas—Marazzi USA is now offering an energy-efficient, porcelain tile ventilated wall system for new construction and redevelopment applications. The system, which is billed as an alternative to glass, stone and concrete wall surfaces, has already been popular in Europe for more than two decades.
The three-part ventilated façade has a weatherproof insulating layer, aluminum support structure and a layer of large format porcelain cladding. The end result creates an airspace between the insulation and cladding that provides natural, free ventilation. Because there is no need to remove any existing surfaces, the porcelain tile ventilation system is a good choice for makeovers.
“Given the state of the construction industry and the economy, architects, designers and project specifiers are looking for a practical, turnkey solution to promote new projects that are aesthetically beautiful, technologically advanced and eco-conscious,” says Hector Narvaez, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Marazzi USA.
The insulating layer provides thermal protection and the porcelain stops direct sun penetration. The two-pronged approach helps equalize temperature distributions and can improve the energy efficiency of a building by up to 33 percent. The porcelain resists freeze-thaw cycles, fading, graffiti, abrasion and severe weather—some of the most important things to consider when picking out a surface material. The air space in the ventilated system will also help absorb outside noise, lowering the level of sound that occupants hear by 10 to 15 decibels.
According to Marazzi, the surface is competitive in price for commercial projects and can cost less than granite. Company engineers will walk owners or developers through the entire process, and can custom tailor the product line to any design or building type.
