For centuries, slate has proven to be a long-lasting building material with unsurpassed natural beauty. Today, rainscreen cladding systems are being developed to adapt natural slate to new architectural demands for sustainable building design approaches. This session will highlight the energy efficiency and moisture management benefits of a rainscreen system that leverages the durability and versatility of slate. Join us to review various designs and fastening systems along with case studies demonstrating the advantages and possibilities for sustainable and beautiful slate projects.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about the benefits of slate as a durable, nontoxic, versatile material that can be responsibly produced with minimal environmental impacts.
- Explore the advantages of a rainscreen cladding system in terms of thermal comfort, moisture management, and indoor air quality.
- Discuss the installation and design options of slate rainscreen cladding systems that have environmental protection declarations, long service lives, and impressive reuse potential as part of sustainably designed projects.
- Review case studies to examine the role of slate rainscreen cladding systems in applications including net zero–energy buildings, biophilic designs, and projects built in extreme climates.