ffering architectural appeal, energy efficiency, and lower embodied carbon than conventional concrete wall assemblies, Kingspan’s insulated metal panels (IMPs) have become the go-to product across a wide range of commercial and industrial construction projects. They’ve been used on educational facilities, sports stadiums, airports, and more, and now self-storage facilities are taking notice.
Manufactured by Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, these high-performance IMPs offer insulated architectural panel and façade systems for design-driven projects and controlled environment panels for climate-controlled buildings. Many of these buildings feature Kingspan KS Series panels, which offer a full air and water barrier and a core of rigid, continuous insulation to help keep building occupants comfortable through the hottest summers and coldest winters.
IMPs are also ideal for self-storage facilities as they are roughly 50 percent faster to install than traditional multi-component wall assemblies. Additionally, as a single-component system, they reduce the number of trades required on the construction site resulting in labor and cost savings for projects. “Speed of installation is a very big commercial driver, as well,” Muri says. “The quicker a facility is completed, the quicker it can start generating rental revenue.”
When it comes to style, IMPs can add architectural flair to any project and are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, and finishes to fit nearly any design aesthetic. With the KS Series panels, architects can achieve distinct looks through a range of profiles, including Azteco™ Embossed, Micro-Rib, Mini Micro-Rib, Mini-Wave, Shadowline, and Vektra.
For example, the KS Mini-Wave wall system provides a continuous sweeping profile that can create a unique wave appearance. For another look, the KS Vektra wall panel, with its subtle inverted V-groove profile, lends an understated elegance and refined finish to any building elevation. The KS Granitstone® provides still more design possibilities with the attractive look of stucco or natural stone. Architects can also customize these panels with trimless ends and pre-formed corners to provide a clean, finished appearance.
“The KS Series product line features some of our top-selling panels company-wide,” says Muri. “They add an elevated design element to commercial buildings without having to sacrifice performance.”
Accessories always complete a look and that holds true in building design. Kingspan Accent Fin™, for example, works with KS Series panels and Optimo® IMPs to give facilities a finishing touch. As a joint-integrated accessory, the Accent Fin fits perfectly in the joinery between panels, delivering unique aesthetic dimensions that will turn heads. It also allows architects to get creative, giving them six different shapes to choose from: blade, mini-blade, triangle, a-frame, rectangle, and flat box. This range of shapes can highlight shadow lines and add depth to façades, creating visual interest that gives buildings a more modern aesthetic and high-end architectural look.
“We created the Accent Fin at the request of architects who wanted a new way to highlight the lines when designing buildings with IMPs,” says Muri, noting that Accent Fin, made from extruded aluminum, is available in standard Kingspan colors with customization options also available. “This accessory provides architects with greater design options, so they can create metal panel buildings that look as great as they perform.”
But Kingspan Panels are more than just a pretty face. Their product range powered by QuadCore is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which screens for more than 360 volatile organic compounds (VOC) and total chemical emissions to ensure that products are not harmful to building occupants and do not adversely impact indoor environment quality (IEQ). All of this contributes to a healthy, more eco-friendly facility.
“IMPs are strong choices for a wide range of building projects, including self-storage buildings,” says Muri. “In fact, these panels are a fit for any project requiring a building envelope solution with strong thermal performance and high style.”