Petrarch is a reconstituted stone rainscreen cladding system, created primarily from natural by-product materials such as stone and marble. A bespoke binder and woven glass fibre reinforcement result in a panel with high strength and an A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire rating (EN 13501-1).

Highly durable and impact resistant, it is considerably lighter than natural stone and cement based systems. This man-made alternative to stone cladding is highly weather resistant, yet just like natural stone, Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen panels mature over time, giving character and depth to any architectural scheme.

Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen panels are manufactured in the UK where the product has been supplied to the rainscreen industry for over 50 years and to this day remains the natural choice when specifying rainscreen cladding which balances competing and exacting specification criteria.

Features and benefits of Petrarch reconstituted stone panels:

Available in 1500 colours and four finishes
Colours and textures emulate natural stone
Colour matching service
Installation by mechanical secret fix, site adhesive and face fixing
Durable surface, easy to clean and maintain
Graffiti and impact resistant
ISO 9001 and 14001 accredited
Proven performance and life expectancy in excess of 30 years
BBA approved for added peace of mind
Fully CWCT tested
Made in Britain
Worldwide distribution network
Guaranteed for 50 years in conjunction with Downer Framing

Unique Surface Characteristics:

An aesthetic as unique and appealing as natural stone. Thanks to Petrarch rainscreen panels' unique manufacturing process, the surface takes on an open texture, which can be seen on the face of the panel post pressing, whilst in production the surface pattern emulates distinctive marble effects - creating completely random patterns meaning that there will be areas with a higher or lower density of each marble colour.

These nuances enhance its ‘natural stone’ aesthetic and does not affect its integrity. Matt or honed finishes are achieved by removing the surface layer of Petrarch rainscreen cladding panels; exposing the core texture for a distinctive stone- like look.

Petrarch Reconstituted Stone Cladding Core and Surface:

As Petrarch is manufactured with a homogeneous reinforcement the product will not delaminate and is immune to both insect and vermin attack. Additionally a pressure moulded manufacturing process creates a high-density panel which is unaffected by freeze-thaw degradation due to a surface which is virtually non-porous with a water absorption ratio of less than 0.2% after a 24h immersion. Petrarch reconstituted stone cladding panels are hereby ideal for the UK construction market thanks to these excellent weather resistant qualities.

Petrarch rainscreen panels in application:

A non-loadbearing external wall assembly comprising two layers.

A protective outer skin of rainscreen cladding panels and an insulated and airtight backing wall both separated by a ventilated cavity.

Load bearing support (SFS, concrete, masonry or timber studs).
Weather barrier.
Support system.
Insulation (refer to section 4.7).
Ventilated cavity - Airflow.
Cladding panel.

Types:

Closed jointed - back ventilated and drained system.
Ventilation is achieved by openings at top and base of the rainscreen cladding. Moisture build-up at rear of panels will be either drained at the base or thermally evaporated.

Open jointed - pressure equalized system:

When the outside air pressure is transferred to the air cavity behind the cladding panel, the cladding is exposed to a near-zero pressure differential thus avoiding wind driven rain getting into the cavity through the open joints. A compartmented air cavity is required.

Where can Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen cladding be used?

Rejuvenation of the façade.
New-build and refurbishment projects.
Low or high-rise applications.
Petrarch should be celebrated at low levels thanks to its highly durable qualities.

Design Highlights:

Use different colours and textures.
Design flexibility.
Make a bold design statement or Petrarch can blend with the environment as a rainscreen material designed to look and feel like a natural construction material created by 80% by-product otherwise waste material - crushed marble and stone.
Consistent high-quality finish.

Technical Advantages of Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen cladding:

Main building structure protection
Lightweight materials
Reduction of applied loads
Durable and low maintenance finish
Thermal and condensation control
Reduced installation times
Fabrication offsite
Reduction of on-site waste
Accurate cost estimation

Worldwide and multiple sector applications:

Petrarch has been designed and installed as a rainscreen cladding system with open and closed joints in many developments throughout the UK, Europe and the US.

The air gap from face of insulation to rear of Petrarch reconstituted stone panels must be a minimum of:

25 mm - visible fixed system to aluminium vertical rails.
50 mm - visible fixed system to timber battens and mechanical secret fixed system
Or that advised by local or national building regulations
Sub-frame cladding profiles must always be laid vertically to allow for a continuous vertical airflow and panels installed with a minimum joint width of 10 mm.
Structural movement and/or deflection joints must be absorbed by the support framing and cannot be transferred to the rainscreen cladding panels.

Environmental promise:

We are committed to its environmental promise and are ISO 14001:2015 certified.

As a company we are conscious of our environmental responsibility and recognise the potential environmental impact of our processes and products. This extends to the manufacturing of our Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen panels.

At all times we adhere to the latest environmental legislations and standards. Additionally, we endeavour to maximise positive effects on the environment.

In all our activities we aim to:

Promote the use of environmentally friendly processes and materials
Use only sustainable, natural resources where possible. 80% of the materials used to manufacture Petrarch rainscreen panels is derived from otherwise waste material
Achieve continuing improvements in environmental performance, over and above regulatory and legislative requirements
Raise the awareness of environmental issues within our business
Where possible satisfy local needs using local resources
Develop and promote environmentally friendly products, processes and architectural solutions
Every effort is taken to minimize the amount of waste created during production. Off-cut Petrarch panels are transformed into samples and packaging wherever possible.

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