Designed by architects Leach Rhodes Walker and built by main contractor Bovis Lend Lease, the building offers all the facilities of a modern international airport. Installation of the 40 mm thick natural stone cladding was by Stone Cladding International, the variously sized panels being pre-cut and pre-slotted so that no site work was required on the stone. Plates welded to steelwork provided the structural fixing of the SUK system, which provided all the adjustment required to ensure panels were perfectly aligned.

Peter Bowden, Stone Cladding International’s project manager, says the SUK system was very simple to use ‘and they were certainly looking to use the system again’.

REYNOLUX® from Alcoa Architectural Products, Merxheim, is multi-purpose coil coated aluminium that can be used for roofing, wall cladding, façade cladding, roof windows accessories and sun protection. The combination of aesthetics, thanks to the large range of colours, along with the exceptional resistance against external aggressive elements makes the REYNOLUX® material attractive for designers and fabricators. This product can be easily used both in new and old buildings. It is very easy to work and can be used for original shapes in bright colours. The excellent chemical and physical properties of the paints used in this product give it exceptional resistance against UV light and great protection against weathering. The optimal adherence of these paints means that the pre-lacquered product can be bent into many complex shapes. Due to its resistance to tough weather conditions REYNOLUX® can be used very effectively in facades. Its versatility allows it to be combine easily with many other different materials.

Alcoa Architectural Products Merxheim has also created a synergy between its two leading ranges REYNOBOND® and REYNOLUX®. Their common range helps builders put different aluminium and composite materials together and make the implementation of a complex project easy

In addition, cellular PVC cladding can significantly improve thermal performance of buildings, particularly when combined with insulation. This PVC is an extruded, foamed material with integral smooth and durable skin. The product can be cut, drilled, nailed and routed, using conventional tools. It is light to handle, easy to fix and does not require any painting and subsequent treatment after installation. This material also represents environmentally responsible use of plastics. It does not contain CFCs, lead or cadmium, which are considered harmful for environment. The density of Awish Cellular PVC is on an average 550kg/m3. Swish cladding profiles are sufficiently rigid to facilitate storage and erection, but are flexible enough to withstand normal site handling. The thermal insulation properties of Swish Cellular PVC, due to the foamed core, are superior to those of wood. Used in composite external wall constructions, they can significantly improve the U values obtained.