There is no second chance for the first impression – also in the case of buildings. That is why the facade does not only protect a building against the effects of the weather, but is at the same time its visiting card. Ceramic facade systems from AGROB BUCHTAL Architectural Ceramics underline the character of the building in a masterly fashion and set individual accents – both in the case of renovations and new buildings. The standard range already offers an impressive variety of colours, sizes and special pieces. This immense design potential is even further enlarged by project-specific special productions: they are a particular strong point of the manufacturer who has been working in the field of facades for decades and disposes of extensive experience and competence.

Symbiosis of function and aesthetics
The technical basis for the varied creative facade solutions are the rear-ventilated systems KeraTwin and KerAion: KeraTwin emphasizes the horizontal alignment by slim formats from 40x20 up to 120x30 cm. KerAion, on the other hand, is predestined for the generous design of facades with large-size contemporary panels of up to 120x120 cm. The facade portfolio of AGROB BUCHTAL is rounded off by ceramic tiles furniture for the direct bonding on various bases such as e.g. heat insulation composite systems. Depending on the ideas of the design architect and the building owner, the constructive conditions and the budget, the optimal variant can be chosen for each individual case.

Interesting novelties in 2007
The product lines CONSTRUCT, HAZE, METAL and MEGA are brand-new creations of the 2007 range.
CONSTRUCT is a ceramic interpretation of the subject of exposed concrete. Remarkable point: large-size wall and flooring tiles for indoor areas are also available in the same look. In this way, it is possible to realize a new type of architectural dialogue between inside and outside.
HAZE stands for designs which convey subtle ease and thus lend buildings a discreet charm.
The nuances of the series METAL, which are reminiscent of corroded metal, on the other hand, have a mysterious and striking effect.
MEGA is the ceramic realization of discreet stone modern structures and is therefore predestined for buildings at which a natural look is desired.

An important milestone is the following technical development: as of now, all designs of the KeraTwin systems are also available for all KerAion systems up to the size of 60x120 cm. In this way, the practical constraints of the past with regard to fastening system, size and look do no longer exist, and the spectrum of design possibilities is enormously enlarged.

Ceramic special pieces as stylistic elements
The same is also true for ceramic special pieces which due to the constantly growing demand have been permanently further developed. They are available in diverse variants and permit both discreet tone-in-tone concepts and the intentional setting of accents in contrasting colours.

This great variability is also reflected in the categories of forms: so, for example, ceramic CORNER SOLUTIONS are offered “strictly angular“ or softly rounded. In this way, external corners, embrasures and projections can be executed according to the individual taste. 3D PROFILES, RECTANGULAR TUBES, LOZENGE and LAMELLAR ELEMENTS are further variants for realizing facades with an individual, attractive or structured look. The usual length of the special pieces mentioned is 60 cm; in individual cases, however, a length of up to 120 cm is possible now. But apart from superficially visible aspects, practical considerations also had some influence on the development: the uniform opening size of the special pieces described above permits the installation with one single type of profile. Moreover, several elements can be put together and thus be optimally adapted to the dimensions of the facade. Another special feature in the case of LOZENGE and LAMELLAR ELEMENT is the star-shaped fastening channel. It permits the exact arrangement in defined rustic steps of 45° already prior to the actual installation at a dizzy height. These measures effectively support the practical and economical realization of the architectural idea.

Perfect cleanliness thanks to triple effect
Facade ceramics from AGROB BUCHTAL is exclusively available with the revolutionary HYDROTECT surface coating. It lends ceramic tiles manufacturer special characteristics:
(Rain) water forms a thin film and detaches the dirt which is then washed down. This self-washing effect effectively supports the perfect look of the building shell. Every shower cleans the facade – free of charge. Thanks to meticulous research, it has become possible recently to apply HYDROTECT also on unglazed facade ceramics. This type of products is often chosen for visual or architectural reasons; however, the products have micropores typical of this material. That is why the self-washing effect is not possible with the same intensity as in the case of glazed surfaces. The cleaning behaviour, however, is far better than in the case of conventional unglazed products.
For every type of facade ceramics – whether glazed or unglazed – HYDROTECT offers two further advantages in addition: the surface has an antibacterial effect and thus prevents the growing problem of the formation of algae or moss on facades – absolutely without any chemical products. Moreover, the coating not only keeps the building clean, but also the environment: scientific analyses prove that a HYDROTECT facade surface of 1000 m² cleans the air as effectively as 70 medium-sized deciduous trees by decomposing the exhaust fumes produced by industry and cars.