Polycarbonate has a multitude of uses in architecture, due to its lightweight nature, strength, insulative qualities, and creative opportunities. While some designers prefer translucent FRP systems, the qualities of polycarbonate systems, longevity, and creative control outweigh FRP benefits in many circumstances.
Creating Private Interior Spaces
Translucent polycarbonate panels can provide natural lighting while maintaining privacy in office space, recreation centers, and healthcare facilities.
Bronx Post Office Lobby
Sandi Simon Center for Dance at Chapman University
Bridgeville Library
Creative Light Diffusion
Polycarbonate skylights can bring zenith lighting into spaces while diffusing the sun's rays without glare. Polycarbonate can be formed to a radius or used in a variety of configurations. Polycarbonate can even be used as a cost-effective lay light and suspended ceiling applications to provide light diffusion without replacing original skylights or harsh overhead lights.
FLEXI-PANEL laylight at a New York library
FLEXI-PANEL at University of Florida
EXTECH’s SKYGARD 3300 for the Theresa Banks Aquatic Center
Backlit Focal Point of Interest
Because of its light diffusion, polycarbonate walls are the perfect canvas for beacons/focal points of interest. They capture interest, help identify a brand, and create a community landmark.
Buffalo Convention Center Backlit Facade
Convention Center backlit polycarbonate façade
Backlit translucent wall system at Times Square
Distinctive Canopy Shapes
Canopy systems can creatively draw attention to a space, assist with wayfinding, and provide comfort to building occupants. Because of the lightweight nature of polycarbonate and aluminum, less structural support may be needed, keeping costs down. Panels can be installed diagonally for a unique appearance, can be curved to a radius, or aligned to create unique shapes.
EXTECH’s LIGHTWALL for the Principal Riverwalk in Des Moines, IA
Curved polycarbonate canopy system
Commercial Canopy at Rosa Parks Transit Center
Delaware Technical Community College unique shaped canopy
Screen Walls
Backlit polycarbonate screen walls can be used to mask maintenance equipment on high rise buildings while making an impact.
Backlit polycarbonate screen wall on a skyscraper
Backlit polycarbonate screen wall on a skyscraper
Showcasing Graphics and Branding
Available with anti-reflective finishes, polycarbonate translucent walls can be an even, glowing canvas for branding signage and graphics.
Jackie Robinson Museum printed polycarbonate panels
Retail Store backlit polycarbonate façade
Industrial Retrofits
For industrial buildings and retrofits, polycarbonate translucent walls are a cost-effective way to provide daylight and insulation into older buildings. Whether it's through an overglazing systems or providing an entirely new window system, polycarbonate has many uses in retrofits. It's important to note that rabbet depths for polycarbonate differ from other glazing types and may require horizontals based upon opening size and span loads. Our daylighting experts are here to assist with system integration.
Norfolk Southern Railyard retrofitted with LIGHTWALL 3440 and TECHVENT 5300 systems
Factory Retrofit Fixed Windows – LIGHTWALL 3440
EXTECH’s TECHVENT 5300 for the Domino Sugar Factory
Have a project in mind using polycarbonate systems? We hope to help inspire your creativity and answer your questions for a seamless integration through the project execution process.
To contact one of our daylighting systems sales reps, contact us or call us toll free at 800-500-8083.
