It’s not news that single-skin metal panels have come a long way in offering architects a wide range of aesthetic possibilities. These possibilities include everything from unique fabrications and custom colors to a virtually unlimited combination of articulations, shadows, sight lines and detail options. That’s why the versatility of singleskin panels makes them the perfect choice for all types of projects across all types of markets, including health care, higher education, multiresidential, arenas and stadiums, convention
centers and office buildings, just to name a few. It’s also well known that many manufacturers produce these single-skin panels with the ability to be installed vertically or horizontally. Many of these panel systems work well with both new construction and retrofit projects, as well as using proprietary technologies such as common lock joints. These make it possible to interchange the panels for custom aesthetics. Custom aesthetics are also made possible by using exposed or concealed fasteners, virtually seamless corners, integrated extrusions and louvers. Not to mention, single-skin panels’ all-weather installation capability helps keep projects on time and on budget.
A New Panel Breaks the Mold 
In addition to all of the previously listed benefits, new single-skin metal panels, like one recently introduced by Moon Township, Pa.-based CENTRIA, are breaking the mold and offering architects an entirely new world of design possibilities. This panel is noted for signature curves and deep ribs that help meet architects’ demand for unique aesthetics in a market filled with familiar angles.
“Architects are tired of looking at the same type of rainscreen panel,” says CENTRIA’s Chaz Schafer, fabricated products manager. “In the past, it’s all been polygon shapes, with a fixed number of sides. With the new Cascade product, our design and development group was able to shift the rib slightly and tweak the angle of the panel giving it a completely different look and aesthetic. The result is a panel that looks anything but prototypical or asymmetrical.”
For example, the curved panels have deep, distinctive ribs that create a scattering effect of shadow and light that’s similar to the organic, natural flow of a waterfall. Plus, with different rib profiles and colors, along with common lock joints, it’s also possible to mix and match unique curved panels with the standard flat panels. One of the best parts is the fact that these new panels offer the same versatility from a performance standpoint, as well as the same easy installation that the preceding panels do.
Integrates well with ICBPs
When a project calls for a higher level of insulation, the new sloped panel serves as an excellent rainscreen when combined with an insulated composite backup panel-same as other single-skin panels do. The curved panel features stand-off clips for the horizontal version that provides a ventilation cavity and a continuous drain plane. Not only do these panels keep air, moisture and vapor out, but when it does rain, the building truly looks like a cascading waterfall.
Explore the possibilities of single skin panels. Because whether these panels are flat or sloped, beautiful, unique designs-along with a range of performance options-are yours.
Drew Hardman is a marketing communications specialist at CENTRIA, Moon Township, Pa. For more information, visit www.centriaperformance. com.