Why HPL Fits the Way Architects Work Today

Modern projects demand speed, repeatability, and long-life finishes. Samrat HPL gives architects a single material family that spans façades, balconies, lobbies, corridors, joinery and furniture—keeping design language consistent while meeting performance targets (UV stability, impact resistance, easy cleaning).

Concept to Palette: RAL Matching, Finish Strategy & Mood Boards

Start with the story of the building, then lock the palette:

• RAL-Matched Solids for crisp massing and wayfinding.

• Wood-Effects to warm up public touchpoints (entries, soffits, benching).

• Stone-Effects for premium zones without weight or sealing cycles.

• Finish Control: matte to soften glare, texture to hide wear in high-traffic areas, satin for refined highlights.
  Tip: Fix a two-finish rule on large elevations (e.g., matte field + textured accents) to avoid visual noise and to simplify procurement.

Design Development: Modules, Joints & Proportion that Read “Architectural”

Great façades are drawn with the joint grid, not drawn around it.

• Set a base module (e.g., 300/600 mm) aligned with window heads/sills.

• Keep 8–10 mm open joints consistent; let light lines act as a secondary pattern.

• Break long runs with shadow gaps or a subtle colour shift instead of random patching.

• On interiors, use planked rhythms for corridors and large-format sheets in lobbies for calm surfaces.

Performance First: Exterior, Interior & Fire-Rated Grades

• Exterior-Grade HPL: UV-stable, moisture-resistant, impact-tough for façades, soffits, balcony screens.

• FR (Fire-Retardant) HPL: Specify where codes require heightened reaction-to-fire performance (confirm class with the authority having jurisdiction).

• Interior-Grade HPL: Doors, wall panels, casework, furniture—with antimicrobial or anti-fingerprint options where needed.
  Truth in spec: FR HPL is fire-retardant, not non-combustible. Pair with compliant subframes/insulation as your code dictates.

BIM & Documentation: Specs, Schedules & Details that Save Time

• BIM Objects: Doors, wall cladding, façade panels with parameters for thickness, finish, module, and fixings.

• Specification Notes: Panel grade (exterior/FR), finish, thickness, joint width, fixing type, cavity depth, subframe material, perimeter fixing density.

• Schedules: Tie panel IDs to RAL codes and finish names to prevent site-level substitutions.

• Detail Library: Corners, parapets, window returns, balcony edges, sign fixings—use proven patterns to avoid reinvention.

Mock-Ups & Value Engineering: Getting the Look (and Budget) Right

• Build a 1:1 façade corner mock-up with actual fixings, joints, and drip edges.

• Compare visible rivet/screw vs concealed undercut/clip visually and commercially.

• For interiors, test impact resistance at typical trolley/bag height and cleaning cycles on sample boards.

• Use light/medium tones on western exposures to reduce heat gain (exterior) and cleaning visibility (interior).

Construction Phase: Fixing Systems, Tolerances & Quality Checks

• Subframe: Aluminium or galvanised steel sized to wind loads; maintain a 30–50 mm ventilated cavity.

• Fixings:

  • Visible = fastest install, easy inspection.

  • Concealed = minimal lines, tighter set-out tolerances; factory drilling recommended.

• Tolerances: Pre-mark verticals, start from a level datum, keep joints uniform.

• Edges & Penetrations: Cap/seal as detailed; avoid panel-to-ground contact; flash around lights/signage.

• QA Checklist: Panel orientation, grain direction, joint width, fastener torque, perimeter density, cavity continuity.

Sustainability & Wellness: Low-Maintenance, Long Life, Better IAQ

• Long service life lowers replacement cycles and waste.

• Low-emission interior options support healthy air targets.

• Water-wise maintenance: soap-and-water cleaning—no repeated repainting or harsh chemicals.

Post-Occupancy: Care Guides, Touch-Up Strategy & Colour Consistency

Hand over a one-page O&M:

• Clean with mild detergent and soft cloth/brush.

• Rinse coastal façades periodically to remove salt films.

• Avoid abrasives/strong solvents.
  Phase 2–3 work? Reorder using the same RAL/finish codes for batch consistency.

Pro Tips from Our Technical Team

1. Design the grid first—it drives everything else.

2. Balance doors and joinery (laminate both faces) to prevent warping.

3. Choose texture for high-touch zones; keep gloss above hand height.

4. Engineer corners and parapets—that’s where wind and water test you.

5. Ask early for FR data and subframe compatibility to streamline approvals.

FAQs

Can one HPL palette run inside and out?
Yes—use exterior-grade (or FR) outside and coordinated interior grades inside to keep a continuous design language.

How do I choose between visible and concealed fixings?
Visible = speed and economy; concealed = minimal lines. Decide by elevation importance, budget, and set-out tolerance the site can hold.

Do you provide BIM/Revit families and CSI/UniClass specs?
Yes—standard objects, guide specs, and detail sheets so your team can document quickly and consistently.

What fire rating should I ask for?
Follow your local code by building height and occupancy. Where a classification is required, specify FR HPL and compatible sub-components to meet that class.

How do I maintain colour consistency across phases?
Lock RAL/finish codes in the spec and purchase order; request the same batch/production tolerance or approve retainers against your mock-up.