From the series "Paints - Innovations 2021"
Powder coating with enhanced weather resistance for top architecture, using the example of the Library & Learning Center in Vienna by Zaha Hadid Architects.
We used 26,000 square meters of powder-coated surface for the façade of the Library & Learning Center, says Michael Reiter of Austrian facade construction company GIG.
The building is part of the new University of Economics in Vienna and was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. All visible aluminum elements were powder-coated. The profiles that make up the load-bearing structure of the glazed surfaces, as well as the framing sheets and special elements of the distinctive fiberglass-reinforced concrete panels. Varnishing was handled by the Austrian company AGRU of Grünburg.
For the powder coating, I expect it to provide long-lasting aesthetics for the painted surface, states Michael Reiter.
© TIGER Coatings
To maintain this effect on the interior, regardless of wind and weather, as well as UV radiation, TIGER Coatings ' weather-resistant powder coating(TIGER Drylac® Series 68) was applied to the center's building. It provides an even greater degree of durability for the coated objects and an extended warranty for color stability and residual gloss durability.
© TIGER Coatings
Graphics show significant differences in the gloss durability of weathered powder coatings compared to typical powder coatings. In addition, these high-resistance powder coatings convince with a low tendency to corrosion efflorescence, good resistance to chemicals, and high cost-efficiency and environmental friendliness (due to the possibility of applying only one coat). TIGER Coatings ' weatherproof powder coatings meet the highest quality standards, as evidenced by GSB Master and Qualicoat (Class 2) certifications, for which positive results of Florida UV exposure tests are required.
We have been working with TIGER Coatings for a long time. When I need something on an as-needed basis, I turn to the architectural design consulting team," is how GIG's Michael Reiter justifies his satisfaction with TIGER's customer service.
TIGER Coatings is the sixth-largest powder coatings manufacturer in the world, offering an extensive range of paints and effect solutions. Architects and designers are particularly fond of metallic effects and specialty paints. In the case of the Library & Learning Center, Zaha Hadid Architects wanted to particularly emphasize the grouted façade, using an iron mica effect. The architects opted for TIGER Coatings brand paints, which were developed specifically for this construction project.
A 26,000-square-meter area was powder-coated for the construction of the Library & Learning Center
Photo: Felix Friedmann | GIG Fassaden GmbH
The other paints in the weathered version (TIGER Drylac® 68/80036 RAL 9005 silk gloss, 68/70163 RAL 7047 silk gloss and 68/70145 RAL 7021 silk gloss) were mainly concerned with consistency with the distinctive fiberglass-reinforced concrete panels. Zaha Hadid's particular fondness for concrete is widely known. In the case of this elegant building, too, the architect met every expectation for the project in her typical style - there is no right angle in the Library & Learning Center building.
It was an exciting task. We drew up nearly 20,000 detailed plans for the facade construction. Assembling the elements that wind around the building like ribbons was a challenge in itself, but I think the result speaks for itself," Michael Reiter enthuses about this successful "curved" building project.
TIGER Coatings is a leading manufacturer of surface finishing products based in Wels, Austria. TIGER was founded ninety years ago as a paint retailer, and is now an international group of companies with eight production facilities, three R&D centers worldwide and a distribution network covering nearly 50 countries. The world's sixth-largest powder coatings manufacturer, which employs nearly 1,300 people, had a turnover of €255 million in 2020. TIGER Coatings' powder coatings and printing solutions are used in a range of everyday products such as window frames, facade components, car rims, carbon fiber parts, solar panels, machinery, furniture, refrigerators and store fixtures. TIGER has been operating in Poland since 2014, having its own subsidiary distribution company with a warehouse complex here.
