Architectural Interlocking Panels

Architectural Panel Systems Interlocking Panel provides a modern solution for contemporary wall cladding and facades. It’s flat, recessed interlocking joint system is a sophisticated European style cladding that has a uniquely elegant appearance.

APS Interlocking Panel offers an exceptional amount of freedom when implementing design ideas. With the option of diagonal, vertical and horizontal installation, complimented by the designers choice of panel and interlocking  joint width, allowing Architects and Designers endless possibilities and greater flexibility in design to achieve their desired look. Versatile and lightweight, APS Interlocking Panel is suitable for commercial and domestic projects, for interior and exterior use.

This visually striking system, with its attractive interlocking  joints between panels is an ideal option for those looking to achieve a long, thin, flat appearance. An enhanced, modern, random effect can also be achieved by using staggered joints, splayed panels and varied panel widths and lengths.

Download the Interlocking Panel brochure for more details.

Download the Interlocking Panel Installation basic installation guide.

Download the Interlocking Panel Specification & Weight Table Data Sheet.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW VIRTUAL 3D DOWNLOAD FOR THE INTERLOCKING PANEL SYSTEM HERE

*Our new 3D Virtual Downloads allow you to spin the profile in 3 dimensions while using a zoom function at the same time for further detail on the panel*

*If your 3D Content has been disabled in your Adobe Acrobat Reader, you will be prompted upon opening the file. At the prompt, please click “Options” then “Trust this document one time only” then proceed to click on the Red “Question Mark” inside the Grey Box on the screen to open the file. Below is the link to download the “Adobe Acrobat Reader” if required.

ADOBE ACROBAT INSTALLER DOWNLOAD

Characteristics

  • Concealed Fix Cladding System
  • Attractive recessed or express joint system
  • Versatile and lightweight
  • Continuous flush surface finish
  • Modern and clean finish

Benefits

  • Minimal maintenance requirements
  • Easy installation via a “tongue & groove” system
  • Allows the building to breather via a natural air gap

Design & Specification

  • Vertical, horizontal and diagonal laying of panels
  • Tapered and splayed panels
  • Staggered, brick pattern options
  • Fully customised panel width
  • Fully customised express joint width
  • Endless possibilities for implementing design ideas
  • Perforated finishes available
  • TIP – Create a unique façade design with multiple, varied width panels, installed in sequence or sporadically to create a truly one of a kind finish.

Uses

  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • Industrial
  • Interior
  • Exterior
  • Wall Cladding
  • Facades
  • Soffit Lining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Installation

Interlocking Panels do not require a fully supported backing or substructure. One of the many benefits of this system is the panels can be laid directly on to a secondary substrate, in the form of a metal or timber top hat batten, fixed directly to a main stud, steel or timber structural frame.

We recommend installing a breathable vapour barrier membrane behind the top hat substructure to act as a secondary water shield, while also allowing the building to breathe naturally, simultaneously.

 

Vertical Installation

All vertical panels will be required to have a 90 degree wall for recommended installation.

Horizontal Installation

All panels are required to be installed beginning from the top, working downwards towards the bottom of the façade. The male side of the panel will be required to face up at all times.

Curved Installation

Curved walls can only be achieved by using a vertical installation.

Panel Width

180mm Minimum – 490mm Maximum (Smaller and larger panels are available on request, but may require additional detailing or recommendations by Architectural Panel Systems Australia to ensure the installation is carried out correctly). We can manufacture our panels within a couple of millimetres tolerance, for the panel face and the express joint width. This can be customised for every project.

Standard Panel Widths

190mm, 290mm & 490mm (10mm Express Joint)

Laying Direction

Vertical, horizontal and diagonal orientations can be achieved.

Express Joint

The express joint / reveal between each panel can be as you desire, ranging from 0mm up to 30mm (maximum recommended, however, we can go larger if required) This is to be chosen by the client at the time of design or ordering. If no size is specified, 10mm will be supplied as the industry standard. We believe that by offering flexibility in the express joint, we can better serve your project requirements.

Panel Length

Panels are available up to any length required. All panels are continuously rollformed, so long lengths with no joins can be achieved. We would recommend contacting Architectural Panel Systems Australia for further information on material selection and maximum panel lengths for your project, as all materials will react differently depending on the length of the panel supplied.

Panel Depth

25mm depth overall from base of panel, to the outside finished face of the panel.

Material Thickness

0.55mm is our minimum thickness we recommend and up to 1.0mm thick is the maximum recommended thickness. The material thickness is dependant on the metal being used, panel length, width and other various factors. For clarification or advice, please contact Architectural Panel Systems Australia directly.

Fixing Requirements

All panels should be fixed directly through the female side of the panel, in the lower section where the panel dips, with a flat top cladding screw, available via APS. Using the correct screws is important to ensure the following panel does not foul when being installed. A small slot using our Perforating Tool should be inserted into the panel prior to fastening, to allow for expansion and contraction. This is particularly important on various materials and panel lengths. This information is available directly through Architectural Panel Systems Australia if needed.

Substructure

The top hat structure of the Interlocking Panel is generally anything from a 0.42mm thick, up to 1.15mm thick metal top hat. This is standard practise, however, in some instances, further engineering may be required or requested by the architect or client, depending on the project location, wind load, suction and other factors. Top hats are fixed directly to the main stud or structural steelwork at centres ranging from 300mm up to 1200mm, depending on the panel width, length and material chosen. This information is available through APS directly. The battens are always required to run perpendicular to the façade express joint line.

Flashing

All associated flashings are available directly through Architectural Panel Systems Australia. We recommend that all installers use the concealed fix method with all flashing when possible to create the highest quality finish. This concealed fix flashing method also acts as a great additional benefit for thermal expansion and contraction.

 

Panel Finishing

Architectural Panel Systems Australia have developed numerous ways over time to enhance the finishing detail of your panels. All of this is done in house, prior to delivery on site. The goal behind it is to make the finish seamless, no flashing, no visible fixings and truly show the unique quality finishes that are available with our systems.

The smallest details make the biggest difference when using this system, so please ask, and spend the time to design the layout in the most beneficial way.

Stop Ends / Terminations

All of our panels can be supplied with stop ends / terminations to one, or both ends of the panels, depending on your installation detail. When using this additional benefit, panels are required to be measured to the finished size, as once they are terminated, they cannot be cut down to size without losing the stop end in the process.

 

Starter Panels

The versatility of our Interlocking Panel system allows us to start any form of cladding with a double female ended panel, whether it be a flat panel, internal or external corner. This allows you to start at a central point and clad in 2 opposing directions as opposed to cladding in one direction only. This has many benefits, as it allows you to continue to lay panels in both directions without obstruction or delays on corner panels and when starting at a central point, it assures you end up with even sized panels when you come to the end of an elevation, instead of having one random size fill in panel to complete the cladding.

 

Internal & External Corners

When laying panels from a generic starting point, you can encounter external and internal corners, where the use of flashings can become unsightly and take away from the overall look of the project. In this case, we can put a fold in the panel in the appropriate position, so you can avoid flashings, keep the same clean and detailed look and continue to lay panels in the same direction seamlessly.

 

 

Single External Mitred Panel

Our mitred corner panels are all machine cut and millimetre perfect. These mitred panels are made with precision to create a finish unmatched by other profiles or hand cut work. We have developed our own tooling system which is made specifically to cut the mitred detail in these panels, assuring the best possibly seamless finish available. This detail can be used on both vertical and horizontal installations, to wrap around corners, under eaves, soffits, blade walls and more. This is a great way to continue the express joint look without using any form of unsightly flashing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Double External Mitred Panel

This detail is the top of the line and most prestigious look panel within our Interlocking Panel system. This panel is fully machine cut and millimetre perfect. This is the perfect detail for nib walls, blade walls, walkways, entry features and more. The double mitred corner is suitable for use on both vertical and horizontal applications.

Interlocking Panel “Ultra”

Our Interlocking Panel system can be supplied with either a Polystyrene foam backing, or a PIR insulated foam board backing to add additional strength, support and insulation “R-Values” to the panel. This saves time, money and enhances the performance of the product, in particular when using the PIR insulated option.

This is common practise for people wanting to use a wider face panel, or to use in high volume, trafficable areas where the panel may be subject to damage or being repeatedly knocked.

Thermal movement must be allowed for during installation by the installer.

 

Installation Notes & Tips

  • When installing Interlocking Panels, please try and be aware of any strong or howling wind that may be blowing through the building, directly onto the back of the panels. This is especially important in high wind areas, installations on high level floors of buildings, long panels and wide panels. There can be potential in some circumstances to want to push the male end of the panel out of the female groove, in severe circumstances. When installed correctly, this should not happen, but please be aware of it. *Information correct as of 1/7/2017*

 

 

 

Find out more information about us, view our projects or contact us for more information about how Architectural Panel Systems can transform you building or renovation project.