STYLISH ROOF ABOVE TRENDY HEADS
“For the salon iSOTORAZZI, we attempted to interpret the traditional town appearance of Ala in an imaginative and modern architecture; and we took on a number of big challenges in the process”, says architect Brunella Avi from KREJ engeneering Srl, responsible for the planning and construction. For the client had not only functional demands, but proved also to be extraordinarily discerning in terms of aesthetics.
Wellness oasis behind the PREFA façade
The building tradition of the community with its 9,000 inhabitants and its old building substance with characteristic red tiled roofs was to remain unaffected; at the same time, the most modern planning and architectural standards were to be respected. “After all, the building has to represent which products and services are being offered, especially for the lifestyle segment”, says Avi. On top of that, there was also the desire for innovative, long-lasting and ecologically compatible building materials as well as energy autonomy on the basis of the Climate House “A” standard. “This plays a significant role in our industry”, as client Guiseppe Sartorazzi had required right from the start.
“Architecture and materials must form an outwardly closed wellness unit for customers and employees, but one that’s integrated into the surroundings at the same time. We have managed to do just that by building with aluminium and wood and thanks to generous glazing and the balcony, where there’s open-air hair-styling taking place in summer, and of course with the PREFA façade that attractively sets off the building from the street”, explains Avi.
Relaxing atmosphere thanks to no maintenance and noise reduction
The central location of the new hairdressing salon placed many demands on the facade planning. Being located directly next to the main road is good for business, but complicated when dealing with topics like noise protection and maintenance, e.g. with regard to spreading salt in winter. A façade that always looks good, independent as to which weather situations act upon it, was a must for the beauty salon. And finally, one should also be able to relax in peace and quiet away from the everyday hustle and bustle. The façade system with PREFA roof shingles solved the problem in an uncomplicated and effective manner.
PREFA P.10 – Perfect partner for high demands in terms of functionality and aesthetics
“PREFA roof shingles in P.10 stone grey colour were used: they are laid on a full boarding with separating layer and can be used on inclinations above 25°”, explains roofing plumber Andreas Pichler from Deutschnofen. For this project, the Southern Tyrolean roof plumber installed 120 m2 in the fold-in-fold system and with concealed fastening. The natural surface optic of the PREFA lightweight with only 2.3 kg for each m2 of surface laid reflects the mountainous world around Ala in a timeless and elegant fashion. “The matte effect of the façade together with the generous glazing, the tradition of timber and the porphyry is particularly attractive”, says Pichler, who provided his substantial experience with the PREFA complete system and his knowledge of local conditions.
Weatherproof beauty - almost for ever
Reinhold Augschöll, PREFA technical advisor in Southern Tyrol, underlines that the old “aluminium roof prejudices” with regard to buildings in traditional surroundings are long outdated: “PREFA roof shingles made from 0.7 mm aluminium with two-layer stove enamel or powder coating are an ideal as well as beautiful solution thanks to their outstanding protection against storms and their weather resistance.” Longevity is no foreign concept for PREFA aluminium shingles: With natural environmental impact and when installed correctly there is a 40-year guarantee on the aluminium base material!
The PREFA system for roof, façade and solar allows a vast range of design options. The new collection scores with five colours that are adapted to the natural landscape:
from brown that you find in the Tuscan landscape, via sand colours to a rust tone and even nut brown. Despite its slim thickness, aluminium is exceptionally stable, long-lasting and can withstand almost all loads. With up to 800 kg/m² bearing capacity, the product is recommended for deployment under demanding weather and usage conditions. PREFA roof shingles can also score thanks to their simple installation: An entire m2 of roof surface can be covered with only ten roof shingles (420 x 240 mm per shingle in the roof area covered).