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VM Group Srl logo - ventilated facades

Technical Portal for Sustainable Architecture

immagine astratta di una facciata ventilata di vm group

Design and Construction of Ventilated Facades

Thirty years of experience in the evolution of building envelopes

Functional validation and construction protocols for high-performance buildings

The VM Group ventilated façade is not a simple cladding, but a multilayered construction system designed to ensure the building's thermal and mechanical immunity.
By integrating a naturally ventilated air chamber between the insulation package and the external cladding, we activate an ascending laminar flow (chimney effect). This physical phenomenon ensures the constant expulsion of radiant heat in summer and the neutralization of interstitial condensation in winter, preserving the structural integrity of the wall structure.
Our thirty years of experience have allowed us to consolidate strategic partnerships with leaders such as Mapei, Laminam, and Abet Laminati, developing construction details codified in the new 2026 Technical Manual. This document represents our reference standard for offering designers certified solutions and performance tailored to specific environmental stresses.

Thermo-Hygrometric and Structural Performance

  • Energy Optimization: Reduction of thermal loads and drastic reduction of the building's operating consumption.

  • Life Cycle and Maintenance: Protection of materials from freeze-thaw cycles and simplified maintenance thanks to the modularity of the components.

  • Protective Envelope: Complete shielding of the wall structure from atmospheric agents and direct radiation.

  • Acoustic Correction: Increased sound insulation of the façade thanks to the barrier effect of the air chamber.

  • Thermal Bridge Remediation: Elimination of thermal discontinuities for uniform living comfort.

  • Humidity Management: Forced expulsion of water vapor and maintenance of optimal hygroscopicity of the insulation layer.

  • Operational Modularity: Possibility of inspecting or replacing each panel individually without interfering with the continuity of the system.

Areas of Intervention and Application Solutions

Case Studies: The Transformation of the Building Envelope

transformation from before to after the intervention with ventilated facade

Watch the before/after transformation video →

Comparative Analysis: Why Choose a Ventilated Facade?

When assessing a building's life cycle (Life Cycle Costing), the choice of envelope is crucial. Unlike traditional thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS), which have breathability limitations and medium-term risks of cracking, or curtain walls, which are complex to thermally manage, ventilated walls represent the perfect combination of mechanical protection and thermal dynamics.
 

The competitive advantages of the VM Group system:

  • Neutralization of thermal shock: Unlike glued cladding, the mechanical system absorbs expansion without transmitting stress to the structure.

  • Durability of materials: The use of high-quality facings (stoneware, HPL, fiber cement) guarantees a consistent appearance for decades, with virtually zero maintenance.

  • Insulation protection: The air chamber keeps the insulation dry and performing, preventing degradation due to humidity.

See an example of a ventilated facade construction

Technology and Stratigraphy: Detail Engineering

The effectiveness of a ventilated facade depends on the precision of its stratigraphy. We don't install simple panels, but a multilayer system calibrated for each individual aspect of the building.

Technology and Stratigraphy of Ventilated Walls

Technical diagram of the levels of a ventilated facade: load-bearing wall, insulation, air chamber and external cladding

facing slab

structural node

upright

insulating

Our standard configuration:
 

  1. Insulating Core: High-density, water-repellent, and breathable insulation layer, mechanically secured to ensure thermal continuity.

  2. Alubond/Steel Substructure: Aluminum or stainless steel frame, designed with thermal break brackets to eliminate thermal bridges.

  3. Ventilation Chamber: Spacer sized (min. 30 mm) to optimize the speed of the ascending airflow.

  4. External Cladding with Open Joints: Final covering that acts as a protective shield, installed to allow micro-ventilation and the relief of wind pressure.

Anchoring Systems: Safety and Design

The fastening method determines the aesthetics and structural strength of the work. VM Group masters both installation technologies:

Hidden Fix

Exposed mechanical fixings for external cladding: a cost-effective and safe solution for ventilated facades.

The panels are milled or drilled on the back to accommodate invisible mechanical fasteners. The result is a pure aesthetic, ideal for executive and luxury architecture.

Visible Fix

Concealed anchoring system with invisible kerfs or staples for high-quality ventilated facades

Use of treated stainless steel hooks or clips, color-coordinated with the facing. An extremely safe, economical, and easy-to-maintain solution.

Material Freedom for Contemporary Architecture

The versatility of our anchoring systems allows us to interpret any architectural language using certified, high-resistance materials:
 

  • Porcelain Stoneware and Natural Stone: For a solid and timeless aesthetic.

  • HPL and Composites (Alucobond): For lightweight geometries, vivid colors, and large formats.

  • Fiber Cement and Metal: For an industrial style and extreme mechanical performance.
     

Our Quality Standard features:
 

  • A1 fire rating (fireproof).

  • Near-zero water absorption.

  • Certified resistance to pollutants and UV rays.

  • Fully modular for quick inspections of underlying systems and pipes.

Insulation during the winter

Winter thermal diagram of a ventilated facade: internal heat retention and protection from the cold

The presence of the insulating layer on the outside of the wall achieves the best result in terms of phase shift and dispersion of the heat produced internally.

Weather protection

Driving rain protection scheme: how the ventilated facade drains water and protects the wall

The presence of the cladding prevents rain from reaching the insulating layer, thus avoiding the accumulation of humidity on the walls of the building.

Isolation during the summer

Summer thermal diagram of a ventilated facade: natural ventilation in the air chamber to cool the walls

The presence of a screen distant from the insulating layer reduces the amount of heat radiation incident on the insulation itself.

Sound insulation

Acoustic insulation scheme: reduction of external noise thanks to the stratigraphy of the ventilated facade

The correct choice of facing increases the effectiveness of the wall in terms of transmission of airborne noise inside the home.

SUMMER

Physical Dynamics
Radiant Shield: Ventilation expels overheated air before it reaches the insulation.
 

Real Benefit
Drastic reduction in cooling costs and immediate comfort.

Analysis of temperatures in summer: the ventilated facade reduces external heat through natural ventilation, keeping indoor spaces cool.

WINTER

Physical Dynamics
Active Breathability: The airflow constantly removes water vapor from the interior.
 

Real Benefit
Complete elimination of condensation, mold, and interstitial moisture.

Temperature distribution in winter: the ventilated facade eliminates thermal bridges and keeps heat inside the home
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