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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 29 Metal Roofing/Cladding P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E SY H O N CO S T EEL B U I L D I N GS (with thicknesses ranging from two to six inches depending on the thermal performance that needs to be achieved). Profile options include Azteco Embossed, Micro-Rib, Mini Micro-Rib, Mini-Wave, and Shadowline. Increasingly, developers are willing to invest in innovative cladding systems that also advance the cause of energy efficiency. Although Ontario Panelization is well known for a variety of high quality cladding solutions (including its Alcotex Aluminum Composite Panels and Sintered Ceramic Ceramitex), its Solstex facade by Elemex Architectural Façade Systems incorporates light- weight, large-format photovoltaic panels on south- and west-facing walls of building projects that would otherwise receive standard cladding. These lightweight panels (which stand up to the harshest climates) serve two purposes: they reduce a building's carbon footprint as well as generate LEED credits and savings that can cover the cost of instal- lation within 10-12 years. Another benefit of the panels is that they inte- grate with other cladding solutions using the Unity attachment technology, meaning they can be mixed with Elemex's other exterior cladding surfaces. "Typically we mix Solstex with our Ceramitex and Alumitex panels to create facades that are totally unique," says David Waugh, architectural sales con- sultant for Ontario Panelization. A prime example of this approach to facade development is the mixed-use West 5 master planned community in London, currently being marketed as London's First Neighbourhood Powered by the Sun. "One of the advantages esthetically in using their latest generation of solar panels is that they no longer resemble the earlier silver filmed ver- sions of photovoltaic panels," says Waugh. "They look like glass, and this combined with materials such as aluminum or granite makes possible a variety of design options." The EllisDon offices in London is also a showcase for Solstex: the building features the solar panels alongside aluminum panels and 10mm granite cladding. Finally, the current high prices of steel haven't prevented Honco from taking full advantage of the demand recovery in eastern Canada. "All the proj- ects that were delayed last year during the COVID lockdowns are now underway, and this compen- sates for the impact the high prices are having on business overall," says the company's director of marketing, Genevieve Filteau. Honco is well known for designing and con- structing large steel buildings for the aeronautic, industrial, mining, and industrial sectors, but its recreational facilities arguably best reflect the company's capability for combining impressive engineering (such as enormous clear spans) with architectural flourishes. "We're continuing our work in that sector this year with a $23.5-million project we were recently awarded, for a sports facil- ity in northern Quebec," says Filteau. "We broke ground in June, and the completed building will have 62-metre clear spans plus a striking wood-clad structure that will house the service areas." The beauty of Honco systems is that the structure of each building serves as the cladding as well as the roof. "Our buildings are a cost effective solution for large scale projects that require the resiliency of metal and energy savings of up to 15 percent on HVAC costs and 15 percent on lighting costs," says Filteau. Honco's LEED-certified technology achieves optimal thermal insulation efficiency by a superior insulating method that eliminates thermal bridging and by well ventilated attic spaces that keep insula- tion permanently dry. A Aréna EJM/René-Bernard, Beauceville, QC Total Design + Build Solutions . s t c e j o r P f o o R n e e r G r u o Y r o F Architek_AWARD_0321.indd 1 2/9/21 9:35 AM 1 (800) 463-5799 TOLL FREE DISCOVER THE HONCO TECHNOLOGY + Better energy e ciency + Optimal use of space + Lower construction costs + Attractive light-re ecting structural ceiling honco.ca