Phenolic panes deliver significant advantages for design teams and their projects, including durability & strength, versatility & design freedom, and a small carbon footprint.
Understanding Phenolic Panels: A Guide for Architects and Interior Designers.
In the ever-changing world of architectural design, staying ahead of material trends and continually evolving design thinking is critical. North America is now the fastest-growing market for phenolic panels in the world. The material has been used in Europe for over 60 years based on its proven performance characteristics in interior design and exterior rainscreen applications. Increasingly, designers in the United States and Canada are finding new ways to use phenolic panels for facades, lockers, interior wall linings, and scientific work surfaces. Let's explore some of the reasons design teams are selecting this material for their projects.
Advantages of Phenolic Panels
Unlike traditional materials, phenolic panels are stable at almost all temperatures. From the coldest winters of northern Canada to the Nevada summer heat, phenolic panels remain dimensionally stable. This unique property allows for more design freedom and attachment application.
Energy efficiency at a new level! With just a 0.3 W/mK thermal resistance and in a rainscreen application, thermal transmission is highly reduced compared to traditional materials. When paired with a thermally broken solution, eR-values for exterior continuous insulation can reach up to eR-64! This allows your energy to stay in place while maintaining the aesthetic even when the panel is black!
Durability and Strength
Phenolic panels are renowned for their Durability and Strength. They are highly resistant to wear and tear, impact, water, heat, and chemicals, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor applications. Exterior-grade panels are additionally treated to deliver long-lasting UV stability to the panel color. This unrivaled durability translates into lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan, making phenolic panels a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Versatility and Design Freedom
From an aesthetic standpoint, phenolic panels are a designer's dream. They come in various colors, finishes, and textures, allowing architects and interior designers to express their creative potential fully. Whether it’s a bold statement wall or a subtle accent piece, phenolic panels can bring your vision to life. Panels are processes using CNC technology that can deliver curved, irregularly shaped, and perforated elements that are not easily achievable with other materials.
Environmentally Friendly
Phenolic panels are built to last and have a lower environmental impact. All of the products manufactured by Spectrum are produced with panels with published Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). Because phenolic panels laminate is made from 70% natural fibers, which capture and sequester carbon, high-performing panels can be produced with Zero embedded carbon. By choosing Spectrum products manufactured with phenolic panels, you contribute to sustainable architecture and design.
Beyond the Panel
In order to fully realize the potential of phenolic panels, designers should consider combining the right choice in fabricated panels, reliable technical support and proven attachment/assembly systems supplied by one manufactuer
Request a Sample Today
We encourage architects and interior designers to [request a sample](#) based on the application required. Spectrum manufactures products leveraging the material properties of phenolic panels across four key applications.
If you would like information on how phenolic panels are made click here How are Phenolic panles made