New concept for sustainable reuse of façade panels
The reuse of building materials is the current and future response to several global environmental challenges. We are now launching Steni Colour Reuse – façade panels that can be used several times.
From landfill to reuse
Imagine an old building being demolished. Have you considered that some parts of the building can still be used and therefore should not be sent to a landfill? Unfortunately, this has happened in several cases with our façade panels, which have an expected lifetime of over 100 years. That is why we are now launching Steni Colour Reuse, a set of standardised façade panels that systemise reuse.
Watch the first video explaining the features and benefits of Steni Colour Reuse.
At Steni, we have a strong focus on the environment and sustainability and work to minimize negative environmental impact in the construction industry by optimizing our production, products, processes and distribution.
We want to send as little materials as possible out of the cycle and are therefore in the process of industrializing sustainable reuse of façade panels. Our goal is that 100% of Steni Colour Reuse can be reused after serving in a building. Either they are used as is, or by upgrading them with a new color if the customer wishes. This helps to solve the major environmental challenges we have in the world today.
It is easy to think that a scheme with reuse of standardised façade panels places major restrictions on the design of buildings, but this is not the case with Steni Colour Reuse. The formats provide the flexibility to change the design and assembly direction from one building to another with the same panels.
Our long-term goal is that the building is seen as a temporary residence for our façade panels. This requires knowledge of construction methods, design and materials. But most importantly a reuse product that is extremely long life span and technical qualities that make it possible to assemble, disassemble and reinstall the product without it being destroyed in the process. Most other façade panel types will have major challenges when they are dismantled, transported and reassembled, such as cracks and bulging. The solidity and impact resistance built into the Steni panels ensure that this is not a problem for us.
In the second video you see some design possibilities based on the 12 formats in Steni Colour Reuse.
While our regular Steni Colour façade panels come in almost every conceivable format, Steni Colour Reuse has 12 different panel sizes with standard drilling patterns – similar to the® lego mindset. With these panel formats, 80 standard colours and 3 gloss levels, the possibilities for variation are enormous. The built-in possibility of horizontal, vertical and diagonal installation gives architects and builders a unique leeway to create unique façade expressions.
A reused façade plate can either be used as is, or get a completely new surface by cleaning and applying a new layer of UV-protected lacquer in the color and gloss that the customer wants.
Development for the future
In the construction industry, we are already seeing an increased focus on reuse, where we have to choose products that are suitable for reuse and material recycling. We know that way of thinking is going to become more common. This is because authorities, builders and tax systems have already implemented requirements, regulations and laws that will ensure a place for reuse materials.
Until now, reuse in the construction industry has usually meant that building materials were broken down into individual ingredients – and then that the raw materials were used in other products and contexts. It's a good way to become more sustainable. But we believe that reusing the materials as they are is an even better solution to the world's environmental and raw material challenges. Then products like Steni Colour Reuse are a good choice and a big step in the right direction. Either by reusing them directly on new buildings or by upgrading them.
After more than 60 years of application experience, with a 60-year warranty and an expected lifetime of over 100 years, we are confident in the reuse possibilities of Steni panels. When these products are not to be used more than once far out in the future, there are more opportunities for reuse. They can be broken down into small fragments and used for filler in new façade panels, roof and tunnel membranes, concrete reinforcement, soil improver, insulation or other building materials.
