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Exterior grade phenolic panels, Paul First Nation School, Edmonton, AB. J U N E 2 0 2 4 | 33 Roofing & Cladding Materials P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y T H E WO R KU N GA R R I C K PA RT N ER S H I P Roofing and cladding are being inspired by everything from Passive House to techniques from Japan by ROBIN BRUNET I n this era, where lowering carbon footprints on one hand and dealing with steadily escalating costs on the other dominate building development, it's no surprise that companies involved with roofing and cladding continue to be focused on achieving sustainability as well as surpassing traditional energy efficiency standards. In the cladding realm, the fact that Engineered Assemblies (EA) recently achieved Passive House certification from Germany for its TcLip system inspires EA's senior technical advisor, Jeff Ker, to talk about his company's approach to encouraging the Passive House movement across North America. "Even though genuine, 100 percent passive houses are still extremely few in number in Canada, we think the movement is really about applying Passive House integrity to as many projects as possible." Ker adds, "There's no question that a growing number of architects only want to deal with Passive House-certified products, partly because such certification speaks to their resiliency and superior performance. It was a long and involved process for us to get our TcLip certified, but well worth it." EA's patented TcLip is a contractor-preferred thermal clip for façade installations; it is one of the highest performers among leading systems, is adjustable for sub-wall misalignment, and often requires half the number of clips compared to other systems. When asked what else EA is venturing into in 2024, Ker replies, "We're taking a big stand on Indigenous construction in Canada." Indigenous design and art in the building development realm is something EA has long been interested and involved in, and a good example is the kindergarten to grade 9 school built on the Paul First Nation Reserve, 70 kilometres west of Edmonton. EA was able to transfer a student-created beadwork design pattern onto exterior grade phenolic panels that became the outside face of the new school. The company's technical team provided early guidance to the architects to ensure they could achieve the desired scale and effect of the artwork utilizing a large-format custom panel building façade system; the team also assisted the fabricator with conversion of the shop drawings to artwork files needed by the phenolic laminate process. Ker says, "We are placing special focus moving forward on integrating Indigenous art into facades using customizable material that is also high performance, which is in keeping with the Indigenous value of not harming the environment." He cites the Elsie Fabian Fort McKay First Nation School as a current work in progress: "First Nation beadwork art was chosen as the exterior phenolic panel pattern on a feature area of the school." Denise Barcia, marketing director at NewTechWood Canada, says, "Since launching our Shou Sugi Ban profile last year we've been getting tremendous feedback on the product, and we continue to receive an equal amount of enthu- siasm from the architectural and design community for our Norwegian and exterior fluted siding, which are our best-selling products." The Shou Sugi Ban, or 'burnt cedar' siding replicates a Japanese technique pop- ular in architecture; like fluted wood it is a unique look, and while NewTechWood doesn't actually burn the wood (a process that increases resistance to wear, mould, and insects) comparable high strength qualities are inherent in the wood composites. Under The Covers

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