A façade is more than just the aesthetics of a building. For architects, the choice of materials increasingly serves as a statement of sustainability, circularity and longevity. The updated Rockpanel Woods collection demonstrates how aesthetics, circularity, and ease of maintenance can go hand in hand.
The foundation is literally rooted in nature. Rockpanel’s façade cladding is primarily composed of rock wool derived from basalt, a volcanic rock that is abundant and endlessly recyclable. Rockpanel uses only a small amount of new basalt, with over 400 square metres of cladding produced from just one cubic metre. The remaining material consists of recycled content that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Up to 50 per cent of each board is made from recycled raw materials. The products are designed to be circular, so that at the end of their life they can be easily dismantled and reprocessed without any loss of quality.
Long service life
Sustainability starts with the service life of a product. While wooden cladding requires repainting every few years, Rockpanel Woods remains virtually maintenance-free for decades. The cladding is dimensionally stable, moisture-resistant, and colourfast, with an intended working life of fifty years and minimal maintenance required throughout this period. This long working life reduces not only maintenance costs but also the environmental impact. Less maintenance means lower material consumption, less transport and a smaller carbon footprint over the entire life cycle.
One of the key factors contributing to the long working life of Rockpanel façade cladding is its dimensional stability. The boards are virtually unaffected by moisture, temperature fluctuations, or harsh conditions. This durability stems from the fact that Rockpanel is made from stone. The main raw material, basalt, is naturally resistant to moisture, which means the boards absorb very little moisture.
This moisture resistance prevents the boards from rotting, splitting or warping. The edges also do not require finishing to protect them from moisture. Should any moisture be absorbed, it simply evaporates back into the air without affecting the material.
In addition, the boards are lightweight. This means less material is required for the supporting structure.
Rockpanel façade cladding is also low-maintenance. For example, the boards do not require periodic repainting. The ProtectPlus coating also protects against dirt and graffiti, meaning cleaning is typically not necessary. This allows the façade to maintain its appearance for a prolonged period without the need for intensive maintenance.
Certifications
Sustainability has increasingly become a measurable characteristic in recent years. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are available for all products, outlining their environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle. Moreover, the cladding is registered in local sustainability databases across all markets.
Notably, 98% of the products are Cradle to Cradle Certified® at silver level, according to the most stringent standard (version 4.0).
Circular thinking
Circularity runs like a thread throughout the entire product development process. It is not just about recycling, but also about dismantling and reusing the materials. The material is designed to be easily dismantled at the end of its life, making it suitable for reuse or full recycling.
Support for designers
Rockpanel offers support to architects who wish to back their designs with solid sustainability data. In the countries where the company operates, a specialist team is available to help interpret EPDs. Additionally, Rockpanel provides guidance on how its products can contribute to sustainability certifications such as BREEAM, LEED or DGNB. This way, architects are supported in translating sustainable choices into concrete project objectives.
Low-emission and electrically produced
Rockpanel’s ambition extends beyond the product level. Within the company, efforts are underway to electrify the furnaces at the factory in Roermond, where the basalt is melted. The melting process requires high temperatures and is set to be fully electrified in the near future, significantly reducing emissions and directly contribute to the group’s climate targets. The mission is clear: aesthetics and sustainability need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, they reinforce each other when designed together from the outset.
