More than a decade ago, Moscow’s Setun Valley complex became Europe’s first high-rise building to feature a ventilated facade made of natural marble panels. This revolutionary project set a new standard for durable exterior coverings, combining the aesthetic appeal of natural stone with the performance of ventilated cladding systems in high-rise construction.
The First Ventilated Marble Facade in a High-Rise Building
The Setun Valley’s standout feature is its unique ventilated facade system. As the first high-rise in Europe to use natural marble facade panels in a ventilated system, it spans an impressive 24,000 square meters, making it one of the largest ventilated wall systems of its kind. The architect and lead designer faced challenges with marble’s natural properties, like high water absorption and softness, which limited its application in traditional exterior cladding. Duramica DuraSkin technology solved these issues, allowing for lightweight stone panels with ultra-thin stone veneers mounted on a porcelain stoneware base. This method improved water resistance and increased installation speed by 40% compared to conventional systems.
Duramica DuraSkin: An Innovative Ventilated Facade Panels
Duramica DuraSkin is a composite stone panel that combines a thin layer of natural stone with a durable porcelain base. This technology produces lightweight yet strong panels with an overall thickness of only 12–16 mm, making it possible to use large-format decorative wall panels up to 2400 x 1200 mm. Additionally, the lightweight stone veneer enables complex architectural designs, including columns and angled sections.
Key Advantages of DuraSkin:
• Lightweight and Durable: The reduced weight of these stone veneer panels minimizes structural loads, making installation easier and reducing costs.
• Waterproof and Fire-Resistant: Panels provide excellent protection against moisture and fire, ideal for high-rise ventilated facade panels.
Economic and Environmental Sustainability
Duramica DuraSkin is not only a technologically advanced solution but also environmentally responsible. The Setun Valley project achieved zero material waste during construction, underscoring the importance of sustainable resource use. By using ultra-thin stone panels and slim stone veneers, this project exemplifies how composite stone panels can enhance building durability while minimizing environmental impact.
Architectural Legacy and Recognition
The Setun Valley project has been celebrated within the architectural community. It was nominated for the Best Building Awards for its unique spatial solutions and advancements in facade technology. As one of Moscow’s most distinguished projects, it showcases the innovation possible with lightweight stone cladding and modern ventilated wall systems.
DuraSkin: A Breakthrough in Facade Technology
Duramica DuraSkin represents a significant advancement in ventilated cladding systems, providing architects and designers with new possibilities for combining the aesthetics of natural stone with modern, high-performance facade panels. This solution allows for high-rise ventilated facades without height limitations, accelerates construction speed, and reduces operational costs. Thanks to its lightweight and durable design, DuraSkin is ideal for large, complex architectural projects.
Duramica DuraSkin establishes a new standard in facade cladding, merging the timeless beauty of natural marble with cutting-edge composite panel technology.
