Auweghem demonstrates new applications for Rockpanel cladding

The development features flats along Battelsesteenweg and various homes with gardens on Kapelleblokstraat, all oriented around a shared green area. The distinctive roof shapes, and particularly the characteristic sloping surfaces of the corner building, create a striking new landmark within the neighbourhood.

Rockpanel: aesthetic, flexible and fire-resilient

The choice of Rockpanel cladding was both aesthetic and technical. ‘The sloping roof shape, originally designed in wood and concrete, presented complex challenges in terms of watertightness and fire safety,’ says Driesen. ‘In combination with zinc, Rockpanel offered an ideal solution.’

Boven adds: "The building permit required wooden cladding on both the façade and the steep roof, which is more like a sloping facade. However, fire-resistant wood proved to be incompatible with the aluminium and zinc cladding. From previous positive experiences, I knew that Rockpanel has very good fire-resistant properties. With its wood motif, Rockpanel also offered an aesthetic and fire-safe solution. The result is a façade with a wood look that meets all fire safety standards. What's more, the material offers flexibility and aesthetic possibilities that go beyond traditional façade panels."

Well-thought-out construction thanks to expert advice

The sloping façade presented specific challenges. Boven: ‘With a slope of 70 to 75 degrees, it is not a traditional façade, but rather a steeply sloping roof. That is why we had to pay extra attention to water infiltration and roof sealing. For the fastening, we used hooks like those used for solar panels, which guarantees a watertight finish.’

The structure was determined in close collaboration with experts from Promat and Secufire. ‘The roof consists of rafters with mineral wool in between, on which OSB boards, fibre cement boards and EPDM sealing have been applied in succession. We then attached the hooks for the Rockpanel boards to this,’ explains Boven. ‘The involvement of Rockpanel experts was particularly crucial in overcoming the technical complexity of this special façade construction and arriving at a waterproof and safe solution.’

Inspiring example for future projects

Auweghem can be a valuable source of inspiration for architects and contractors who are also looking for an original and safe solution for steeply sloping surfaces. Boven does advise, however, that the fastening techniques be fully worked out in advance. ‘Calculating the anchoring in advance prevents surprises and makes the process more efficient.’

‘For us, this project was a particularly exciting quest to find an alternative way of using Rockpanel façade panels and overcoming technical challenges, but with this beautiful result, we can now show others what is possible. However, if specific anchoring systems could be developed for this type of application in the future, it could be even easier to implement,’ concludes Boven.