Spotlight: reuse of aluminium façade panels – from principle to detail
An essential technical focus within Project Merlo is the reuse of the existing aluminium façade panels. In order to approach this not merely as an intention but as a realistic implementation strategy, the reuse was substantiated through targeted preliminary studies and practical tests.
Facade surveys showed that the profiled aluminium panels are in good mechanical condition and are fastened with rivets in combination with a click system, allowing for damage-free dismantling. Dismantling tests confirmed that, after drilling out the rivets, the panels can be detached with limited lateral movement, without deforming the profile.
Subsequently, practical tests were carried out in which panels were effectively dismantled, turned over and reassembled, with the untreated rear side as the visible side. These tests made it clear that:
- the geometry of the profile allows for replacement, provided that limited corrections are made to folded edges;
- the rear side of the panels has a variable but acceptable surface texture, depending on orientation and exposure;
- existing perforations and cut edges require attention in detailing to avoid dirt adhesion and sharp edges.
Based on these findings, we developed selection criteria, treatment guidelines and implementation details for the reuse of the panels. Explicit attention was paid to the dismantling sequence, temporary storage, quality control and replacement within a phased site in an inhabited condition.
This technically substantiated process shows how reuse at the building level requires detailed knowledge, full-scale testing and accurate translation into the technical file.
