In the vast, ever-evolving world of architectural design, architectural panels have become increasingly prominent, offering diverse opportunities for aesthetics, performance, and sustainability.
This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about architectural panels, from materials and functionality to customization and environmental impact.
1. What materials are available for architectural panels?
Architectural panels come in a wide range of materials, including mill finish aluminum, pre-paint aluminum, stainless, brushed or polished stainless, low carbon steel, and pre-paint low carbon steel. All materials can also be post-painted or powder coated to suit your specific design needs.
The choice of material has implications for the panel’s durability, cost, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. For instance, aluminum panels are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them a popular choice for many projects. However, their finish may not be as durable as others, requiring repainting or replacement.
2. How do architectural panels contribute to a building’s energy efficiency?
Architectural panels add an additional layer of coverage to a building, contributing to its energy efficiency, much like vinyl siding does for a home. The specific contribution depends on the material and finish of the panels, but in general, they can help to reduce heat transfer and improve the building’s overall thermal performance.
3. How do architectural panels perform in terms of sound insulation and acoustic properties?
The acoustic properties of architectural panels will depend on their design, material, and installation. Properly designed and installed panels can help to reduce noise transmission and improve the acoustics of a building, both internally and externally.
4. Can architectural panels be customized to match the design and aesthetics of the project?
The finishes, colors, and textures of architectural panels are fully customizable to create the desired architectural facade. This customization process starts at the initial design stage.
Estes Design & Manufacturing specializes in engineering and manufacturing exterior and interior architectural wall panels for commercial and industrial businesses. Because of our comprehensive skill set in both engineering and fabrication, we are often brought into the project early on, working closely with architects in the design and development. In addition, we can help recommend types of materials to use and how to best manufacture panels for efficiency, cost-savings, and long-term performance.
5. Can panel dimensions be customized to fit specific building requirements?
At Estes, we fabricate panels from as small as 10 inches square to nearly 10 feet long. Customization, such as around windows and corners or interlocking features, starts in the design process, and we work closely with architects from the onset to help develop these customizations for optimal quality, consistency, and efficiency in installation.
6. What is the environmental impact of architectural panels?
Architectural panels are environmentally friendly. At Estes, 100% of the materials used are recyclable. Our manufacturing process is efficient and emission-free, and any scrap material generated during production is fully recycled. Our panels are also packaged using 100% recyclable materials.
7. What is the expected lead-time of an architectural panel, from order to delivery?
Lead-time will vary based on the magnitude of the project, such as a 500-panel project vs. a 5,000-panel project, and the production facility’s load at that time. At Estes, we can typically turn panel projects between two weeks and four weeks, depending on the magnitude and our capacity levels.
8. What can I expect when it comes to the costs of architectural panels?
The final price per project depends on the project design, materials, finish, specifications, etc. With Estes as your architectural panel manufacturer, we leverage our Max Velocity production cell, an automated fabrication system, to keep the cost of the panels low. Panels are typically shipped directly to the contractor or job site for installation.
9. What can we expect when partnering with Estes as our architectural panel manufacturer?
With Estes Design and Manufacturing, you can expect a commitment to superior quality, attention to detail, and efficiency. This starts with us working closely with designers, architects, and installers to produce panels that meet the project’s requirements and timelines. We have produced thousands of panels for a variety of projects, from complex amphitheaters to office buildings and fire stations.
Whether you seek custom or standard-size architectural facades, Estes Design and Manufacturing is your fabrication partner. Contact us today.
