V Penthouse designed by Merckx-Holvoet Architects focuses on minimalist design and absolute rest

The design team responsible for the V Penthouse conceived an apartment whose design prioritizes total rest, eliminating any trace of daily tensions. The architects sought to create an immersive environment, but without being oppressive, allowing the interior to reveal itself progressively rather than being presented immediately. The project concept is based on poetry and refinement, using a restricted selection of colors and materials.

The primary intention was to achieve a level of subtlety, a sophistication that does not impose itself but rather develops gradually. The arrangement of the apartment establishes a connection between the facade and the rear of the building, connecting the view of the coast with the view of the interior, all organized along a single central axis.

The duality between these two views is accentuated by the narrowing of the space located in the middle of the plan, near the entrance hall and the staircase. All functional components were incorporated fluidly, preserving the essence of the spaces themselves. Along this central axis, a robust and imposing staircase ensures vertical connection to the upper floor.

On the upper floor, the master bedroom has a view of the coast, while the guest rooms face the interior. Circulation on this floor is also structured starting from this central point.

The starting point for the selection of materials was the sandy tone found on the coastline. In areas where the view extends over the sea, the palette of materials harmoniously mirrors this landscape. The material base is composed of Travertine Noce marble, oak, Chambolle stone, and stucco, each presenting a distinct finish according to its application; although nothing is identical, all complement each other.

The choice of fabrics, along with brushed stainless steel and matte nickel hardware, and the wood used in the furniture, follows the same project guideline. Worthy of mention are the cream white enameled lava stone applied to the dining table top, and the onyx present in the hollowed pendant cylinder. These combined choices sustain a cohesive atmosphere throughout the apartment.

Almost all the furniture was custom-made specifically for this project. The few pieces that did not follow this standard are vintage items from the 20th century.

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archdaily.com.brSeptember 24, 22:00

Hiro Arquitectos' Casa Berna project highlights brick masonry exhibition

Casa Berna, a project developed by Hiro Arquitectos, reverses the common practice in Peruvian construction, where brick masonry rarely remains visible, usually being plastered and hidden under the final finish.

In this project, the brick walls are left exposed and receive a layer of lime that illuminates the surface without disguising it. Thus, details such as the pattern, the joint between the bricks, and any imperfections in the laying remain clearly visible on the entrance wall, the facade facing the garden, and the living room.

This choice represents a fundamental construction decision that establishes the distinctive character of the entire project.

archdaily.com.brSeptember 24, 04:30

Large Format Facade Systems: Material Analysis, Performance, and Sustainability

Continuous surfaces with minimal joints have become a prominent feature of modern architecture, appreciated for lending clean lines and uniformity to building envelopes. However, in facade engineering, the consideration goes beyond mere aesthetics. Regardless of the material used, increasing panel size affects durability, recyclability, performance against external elements, as well as impact resistance and long-term maintenance.

Monomaterial facade systems utilize large-dimension panels, balancing ease of assembly and transport efficiency with design flexibility, while also solving practical issues related to flatness, thermal movement, and structural support. Nevertheless, questions arise about which other material factors in large format panels are crucial in the construction of current building envelopes.

By harmonizing aesthetics, performance, and installation efficiency, contemporary architectural facades create envelopes that respond to environmental conditions through distinct operational strategies and performance characteristics, depending on their scale and function. The demand for a clean, large-format aesthetic allows for results that surpass mere sophisticated appearance, as certain design decisions, based on material composition and installation needs, can reduce the building's environmental impact in ways not immediately perceptible to users.

The MA-X system, developed by Dri-Design, is a modular, drained, and ventilated facade system designed for large format panels and available in anodized or painted finishes. These single-layer aluminum panels can reach dimensions of 4' x 12' in vertical or horizontal orientations and can support different depths, allowing for a wide range of geometric and architectural expressions.

The Challenge of Single-Sheet and Large Format Panels

A single sheet of aluminum extended over a large area is inherently susceptible to the phenomenon known as oil canning, which is a visible waviness when a thin, flat material lacks sufficient rigidity to resist small stresses caused by handling, thermal variation, or wind pressure. This risk intensifies with increasing panel size. The traditional solution in the construction industry for this problem has been Aluminum Composite Material (ACM), which consists of a sandwich panel where two thin aluminum sheets are bonded to a plastic core. This core provides the rigidity missing in the single sheet, allowing for larger and flatter panels. However, this alternative brings disadvantages in terms of durability and end-of-life performance, since the plastic core introduces the risk of delamination over time and complicates, if not prevents, complete panel recycling.

The Dri-Design MA-X system addresses this issue differently: instead of using a composite core, the panels incorporate structural reinforcements directly into the aluminum sheet itself, with thicknesses ranging from 0.063'' to 0.080''. This ensures the necessary mechanical rigidity to combat oil canning in large formats without the need to add a second material, keeping the panel entirely aluminum, from surface to core.

When Design Directs More Than Performance

The panels are designed to withstand high wind loads of up to 130 PSF, meet projectile impact requirements of the HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone), and offer longevity. To facilitate construction, they are designed for sequential installation. This approach reduces complexity on site and the number of installation phases, promoting faster and more predictable project delivery. The modular installation methodology optimizes efficiency and coordination on the construction site, helping teams execute projects with greater agility, respecting defined deadlines and budgets.

Each panel consists of a single metal sheet with an integrated interlocking gutter and drainage system, as well as a single fixing point intended for dry joint ventilated facade installation. Installation follows a progressive interlocking method, where the bottom of each panel is coupled to the top of the preceding panel, progressing from bottom to top and left to right. This method adapts to the various orientations, dimensions, and positioning requirements of the system. The system also requires secure anchoring, designed to absorb structural and thermal movements. Installation includes components ranging from watertight sealants to custom finishing profiles, where fasteners, whether visible or concealed, must ensure that all joints and connections remain waterproof and weather-resistant.

How Material Recyclability Influences the Building's Life Cycle

Choosing material finishes and installation systems that minimize continuous maintenance and permanent rework throughout a project's life cycle can ensure consistent performance not only in design and construction but also regarding environmental impact. Since the MA-X system obtains its rigidity through integrated reinforcements rather than a composite core, it completely eliminates the plastic layer present in Aluminum Composite Material (ACM), offering the potential for a high recycled content index and total recyclability, thus supporting sustainability goals and reducing life cycle impacts.

Made entirely of aluminum, the panels also eliminate the risk of long-term delamination and material failure, proving that high durability can be achieved without neglecting the environmental impact of material choices. Dri-Design integrates with Kingspan, whose Planet Passionate initiative focuses on three major global themes: climate change, circularity, and nature protection. Additionally, the 2025 Planet Passionate report details advancements toward 2030 goals, including a 70% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2020, 63% use of renewable energy, and 1.05 million metric tons of recycled and renewable raw materials.

Concealed fastening systems, combined with large format panels and enhanced structural capabilities, manage to simplify facade design while promoting the durable performance of building envelopes. The MA-X system implements this philosophy through a reduced number of components, efficient installation, and durable finishing, demonstrating how monomaterial facades can balance unique architectural expression with lasting performance.