VIVA Honeycomb Panels: The Future of Lightweight, High-Strength Building Facades

Do you also believe that high strength comes from heavyweight? Well, you might be wrong here! Modern construction elements like honeycomb panels are showing outstanding engineering, design, and performance.

These panels are lightweight and look aesthetically pleasing making them the perfect facade material for high-rise buildings. VIVA introduced fire-resistant cladding panels & commercial building cladding panels that last years even in harsh conditions. These panels can withstand UV rays, heat, heavy rainfall, wind pressure, and cold weather with minimal maintenance.

This article explores honeycomb panels, their advantages, and how they are different from ACP panels:

What are Honeycomb panels?

If you have ever paid attention to honeycombs, then you might be well aware of the hexagonal formation. The composite structure of honeycomb panels also has a similar-looking core, sandwiched between two thin layers of metals, mostly aluminum. This smart configuration provides:

● rigidity,

● impact resistance, and

● dimensional stability.

VIVA’s honeycomb panels are made using top-grade aluminum alloys like AA3003, AA3105, and AA5005. The skin thickness ranges between 0.03mm and 0.08mm, while the honeycomb core grid comes in 6mm, 7.5mm, and 20mm variants. With sizes like 2440mm, 3050mm, and 3660mm, these panels can be used in commercial skyscrapers, airports, or public infrastructure without weighing them down. 

How Are Honeycomb Panels Different from ACP Panels?

While both aluminium honeycomb and ACP (Aluminium Composite Panels) are used in cladding, here are a few things that separate them:

1. Structural Core:

ACP panels have a plastic or mineral core sandwiched between two aluminum skins. Honeycomb panels, on the other hand, feature a hexagonal aluminum core, creating multiple air pockets that absorb stress and prevent deformation.

2. Strength-to-Weight Ratio:

When choosing cladding materials, most contractors and engineers prefer a material with a better strength-to-weight ratio.  Honeycomb panels outperform ACPs in terms of mechanical strength. The honeycomb structure evenly distributes pressure across the panel, so they can bear load better and are resistant to impact.

3. Thickness and Rigidity:

Honeycomb panels are thicker and more rigid than typical ACPs. Hence, they are more suitable for larger installations and structural parts that require high flatness and integrity.

4. Thermal and Fire Performance:

In modern construction, the demand for thermal and fire-resistant raw materials has increased. Honeycomb panels offer better thermal insulation due to the trapped air in their core. They also have better fire-retardant properties, with a fire rating of FR grade A2+ designed for heat resistance and slow flame spread.

Why Are Honeycomb Panels Used for Facade Applications?

The facade is the exterior part of the building. Since it’s what is visible to the people, it needs to look aesthetic. However, it is also the part that is more vulnerable to harsh weather. Hence, it is essential to choose reliable architectural metal panels, like honeycomb panels. These panels offer:

1. High Strength

Strength matters, when you are considering a multi-storey building or a skyscraper. While honeycomb panels may look delicate, their internal geometry makes them stronger than many solid materials, including steel, on a per-weight basis.

The unique design efficiently absorbs impact, resists compression, and prevents bending over time. This makes them ideal components for tall structures that face

● wind pressure,

● thermal expansion, and

● environmental stress.

2. Feather-Light & Easy to Install

Using heavy facade materials means your building needs more reinforcements. Honeycomb panels on the other hand have minimal density and smart engineering drastically reduces the load on the structure. It also makes it much easier to install.

3. Thermal Insulation

Honeycomb panels offer thermal insulation. But how? Let's find out!

Each hexagonal cell in the core traps air, which makes it highly efficient in maintaining internal temperature. In hot climates, they don't let the heat come inside, while in cold environments, they retain warmth.

This property helps reduce HVAC loads and energy bills, making it a sustainable choice in the long run.

4. Superior Fire Resistance

Fires can be disastrous and life-threatening. But do you know the toxic smoke released during fire makes more people sick? When choosing a facade material, it is not just about the fire resistance, you should also consider whether the material reacts to fire, and releases toxins. VIVA’s honeycomb panels are non-combustible and non-melting.

The panels don’t burn, and the structure is designed to slow down heat transmission, making them ideal for:

● hospitals,

● airports, and

● high-rises buildings

● high-rises buildings

5. Aesthetic Flexibility and Customization

For commercial structure, visual appeal plays a major role. VIVA’s honeycomb panels are available in multiple textures, finishes, and shades. Whether you prefer a brushed metallic look, matte textures, or bold graphic patterns, check out our 300+ surface designs and 21 product series.

6. Sustainable and Environment-friendly

Did you know that Aluminium is 100% recyclable? Hence, the panels can be reused or repurposed at the end of their lifecycle. Their lightweight nature reduces carbon footprint while thermal insulation properties save energy. So, if you are aiming for a sustainable construction project, there is no better raw material than honeycomb panels. These are the futuristic elements that will help you build a greener future.

7. Cost Efficiency in the Long Run

Are you worried about the upfront cost? Think about the long-term advantages. Unlike other materials like steel, wood or stone, honeycomb panels are:

● Resistant to corrosion

● Doesn’t rot

● Lightweight

● Self-cleanable

Plus, VIVA offers 15 years of warranty, which makes it a very smart choice.

But do you want a natural finish like wood or stone? No worries, VIVA offers a wide range of finishes and textures to your preference.

Ending Note

The modern construction world is in dire need of facade materials that are more resilient and aesthetically pleasing. VIVA’s honeycomb panels meet all the tickboxes and more. Their unique design, high strength-to-weight ratio, thermal and fire-resistant properties, and eco-friendliness make them a far better alternative to traditional materials.