Wall Panel System Wall panel systems can be installed using

different methods, including direct

A wall panel system refers to a
construction or design solution that
involves the use of panels to cover,
protect, or enhance walls in a building.
These panels can be made from various
attachment to the wall surface, through
a framing system, or as part of a modular
system that interlocks or overlaps.
Functionality:

materials such as wood, metal, plastic, or

Wall panel systems can serve various
composite materials. Wall panel systems
functions, such as providing insulation,
serve both functional and aesthetic
improving acoustics, adding structural
purposes in architectural and interior
support, enhancing fire resistance, or
design.
acting as a decorative element.

A wall panel is single piece of

material, usually flat and cut into a
rectangular shape, that serves as the
visible and exposed covering for a wall.
Wall panels are functional as well as
decorative, providing insulation
soundproofing, combined with uniformity
of appearance, along with some measure
of durability or ease of replacement.
Interior and Exterior Applications:
Wall panel systems are used both
internally and externally in buildings.
Internal applications can include interior
and walls, ceilings, and decorative features,
while external applications might involve
cladding or siding for the building's
facade.

Here are some key points about wall Design Flexibility:

panel systems:
Wall panel systems offer a high degree
Material Variety: of design flexibility. They can be
customized in terms of size, shape, color,
Wall panel systems can be constructed
texture, and finish to meet the specific
from a wide range of materials, each with
design requirements of a project.
its own set of properties and
characteristics. Common materials Energy Efficiency:
include wood, metal, glass, stone,
concrete, PVC, and composite materials. Some wall panel systems incorporate
insulation materials, contributing to the
Installation Methods: energy efficiency of a building by
reducing heat loss or gain through the designers to achieve both functional and
walls. aesthetic goals. They are used in various
architectural styles and can significantly
Cost and Maintenance: influence the overall look and feel of a
space.
The cost of wall panel systems can vary
widely depending on factors such as
material, size, complexity of installation,
and customization. Additionally, the FEATURES
maintenance requirements will also vary
based on the material used.
• Comprehensive panelized wall

Sustainable Options: construction system

• Factory material application

There are eco-friendly options available,
such as panels made from recycled or • Indoor wall panel manufacturing

renewable materials. Additionally, some • Pre-assembled panelized walls

wall panel systems are designed to be
• Lightweight panelized walls
easily recyclable or have a long lifespan,
• Air barrier and secondary water
contributing to sustainability efforts.
barrier standard in all wall panel styles
Technology Integration:
• Continuous EIFS insulation

Some modern wall panel systems may
incorporate technology features, such as
integrated lighting, sound systems, or
smart home capabilities.
Fire and Safety Regulations:
• Wide variety of panelized wall finishing
options
• Components work in flexible panelized
wall combinations
• Wall panels are tested and code

Depending on the type of material and its recognized

use, wall panel systems may need to meet • Walls contain dual seal panelized
specific fire safety standards and
construction technology
building codes.

Overall, wall panel systems are versatile

elements in building design, offering a
range of options for architects and
PRECEDENTS OF WALL PANEL possibilities. They can enhance the

SYSTEMS overall visual appeal of a space.

2. Quick Installation:

Masonry Walls
Compared to traditional construction

Hollow Blocks methods, wall panel systems are often

quicker to install. This can lead to faster

project completion times and reduced

Concrete labor costs.

Reinforced 3. Cost-Effectiveness:

concrete
Wall panel systems can be more cost-

effective than traditional construction,

as they may require fewer materials and

Dry Wall less labor for installation.

4. Insulation and Energy Efficiency:

Wood Some wall panel systems incorporate

Construction insulation materials, helping to improve

the energy efficiency of a building by

reducing heat loss or gain through the

BENEFITS OF WALL PANEL SYSTEM
walls.

1. Aesthetic Appeal:
5. Sound Insulation:

Wall panel systems come in various

Certain wall panel systems are designed
materials, textures, colors, and finishes,
to improve acoustic performance,
allowing for a wide range of design
reducing the transmission of sound
between spaces. This is particularly structural support and stability to a

important in environments where noise building.

control is crucial.
10. Customization and Design Flexibility:

6. Versatility:
Wall panel systems can be customized in

Wall panel systems can be used in a terms of size, shape, color, texture, and

variety of applications, including interior finish to meet the specific design

and exterior walls, ceilings, and requirements of a project.

partitions. They can also be used in

11. Environmentally Friendly Options:
residential, commercial, and industrial

settings. There are eco-friendly options available,

such as panels made from recycled or

7. Reduced Maintenance:
renewable materials. Additionally, some

Many wall panel systems are designed to wall panel systems are designed to be

be low-maintenance, requiring less easily recyclable or have a long lifespan,

upkeep over time compared to traditional contributing to sustainability efforts.

wall finishes.
12. Integrated Technology:

8. Fire Resistance:
Some modern wall panel systems may

Some wall panel materials have fire- incorporate technology features, such as

resistant properties, contributing to the integrated lighting, sound systems, or

overall fire safety of a building. smart home capabilities.

9. Structural Integrity: 13. Durable and Long-Lasting:

Depending on the material used, wall Depending on the material chosen, wall

panel systems can provide additional panel systems can be highly durable and
have a long lifespan, reducing the need application. These criteria ensure that

for frequent replacements. the wall panel system meets the

functional, structural, safety, and

aesthetic requirements of a project.

PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS: Here are some key performance criteria

for wall panel systems:

• Functional consideration

• Erection considerations 1. Structural Integrity:

• Aesthetic considerations
The wall panel system should provide
• Weight
adequate structural support and

stability to withstand the loads and

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
forces it will be subjected to in its
• Wind loading
intended application.
• Seismic design criteria

• Deflection criteria 2. Thermal Insulation:

• Air infiltration criteria

The system should have sufficient
• Water test performance criteria
insulation properties to help regulate
• Panel flatness criteria
temperature within the building,
• Panel tolerance criteria
reducing energy consumption for heating
• Thermal movement criteria
and cooling.
• Performance testing criteria

• Fire resistance ratings, if required 3. Fire Resistance:

• Sound transmission criteria
The wall panel system should meet fire

Performance criteria for wall panel safety standards and provide a specified

systems are essential benchmarks used level of fire resistance to protect

to evaluate the effectiveness and occupants and property.

suitability of the system for a specific

4. Sound Insulation:
Depending on the application, the system 9. Sustainability and Environmental

should effectively reduce sound Impact:

transmission between spaces to maintain

The materials used in the wall panel
privacy and comfort.
system should be environmentally

5. Weather Resistance: friendly, and the system as a whole

should contribute to sustainable building

Exterior wall panels should be capable of
practices.
withstanding exposure to the elements,

including rain, wind, UV radiation, and 10. Compatibility with Other Building

temperature fluctuations. Systems:

6. Water Tightness: The wall panel system should integrate

seamlessly with other building systems,

Exterior wall panels should be designed
such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing,
to prevent water infiltration, helping to
without causing conflicts or hindering
protect the building's structural
functionality.
integrity and preventing moisture-

related issues. 11. Design Flexibility and Customization:

7. Durability and Longevity: The system should allow for

customization in terms of size, shape,

The wall panel system should have a long
color, texture, and finish to meet
lifespan and be resistant to wear,
specific design requirements and
corrosion, and degradation over time.
aesthetic preferences.

8. Maintenance Requirements:
12. Safety and Code Compliance:

The system should have minimal

The wall panel system should comply with
maintenance needs and be easy to clean
building codes, standards, and
or repair if necessary.
regulations to ensure the safety of patterns, flat panels provide a clean and

occupants and meet legal requirements. uniform appearance.

13. Cost-Effectiveness:

The system should provide value for

investment, considering factors like

initial cost, installation expenses, and

long-term operational savings.

14. Energy Efficiency:

The wall panel system should contribute

to the overall energy efficiency of the

FEATURES AND BENEFITS
building, potentially leading to reduced

energy consumption and operational • Special interlocking joint design allows

costs. panels to easily lock into for faster

installation.
TYPES OF WALL PANEL SYSTEMS

There are various types of wall
panels available, each designed for
specific applications and purposes. Here
are some common types of wall panels:
FLAT TYPE
• Can be combined with other Butler wall
systems, or bricks, glass and other
conventional materials.
• 16’’ panel width, combined with the side
“return leg”, enables application of

almost any conventional finish on the

A flat type wall panel system is a
interior of the wall system.
construction and architectural system

that employs panels with a flat, smooth • Factory- installed rigid insulation board
surface. Unlike ribbed or textured for enhanced energy efficiency.
panels, which have raised ridges or
• Available in several visually appealing COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

colors.
• Retail buildings

• Hangars
APPLICATION
• Prison Facilities
ARCHITECTURAL • Equipment Maintenance Buildings

• Manufacturing Facilities
• Low and Mid-Rid Offices
• Warehouses
• Convention Centers
• Distribution Centers
• Performing Arts Centers
• Self storage complexes
• Arenas
• Utility Buildings
• Airport Terminal Buildings

• Schools and Universities

RIBBED TYPE
• Hospitals
Ribbed type wall panels, also

known as corrugated wall panels, are a

specific type of construction and

architectural system characterized by

the presence of ribs, grooves, or

corrugations in the surface of the

panels. These ribs provide structural

Pacific Plaza Building strength, rigidity, and aesthetic appeal
Tacoma, Washington
to the wall system.

Ribbed wall panels are typically made of

materials like metal (such as steel or

aluminum) or composite materials. They

feature a series of raised ridges or

corrugations that run along the length of

ProCLAD, Inc.’s Headquarter the panel.
Indianapolis, Indiana
FEATURES Roofing: In addition to walls, ribbed

panels can be used for roofing

• Available in 26,24 or 22 gauge
applications, providing a durable and
• 36” wide panel with 1 – ¼” high ribs 12”
weather-resistant surface.
on center

• Available up to 41’ in length

Architectural Features: They can also be
• Installed with self-drilling color-
used for decorative purposes, creating
matched fasteners
visual interest on interior walls or as
• Optional crimped base feature
design elements in architectural

projects.

Applications:

Exterior Cladding: Ribbed wall panels are

commonly used as exterior cladding for

buildings. They provide both protection

from the elements and contribute to the

architectural design of the structure.

Industrial Buildings: Ribbed panels are

frequently used in industrial and

warehouse buildings due to their

durability and ability to withstand harsh

environments.
B E N E F I T S:

• Variety of gauge thickness to meet

most codes and specifications

• Engineered for durability and aesthetic

pleasing

• Long panel lengths minimize end laps for

optimum wall integrity

Appaloosa Library
• Superior paint finishes reduce

maintenance costs

• Eliminates the need for base trim and

WALL TYPE
accelerates installation

• Economical panel for most building

A curtain wall system consisting
applications
of performed metal cut stone, precast

APPLICATIONS: concrete or panelized brick wall units,

which may be reglazed or glazed after

Building Types
installation. The framing is attached to
• Retail Buildings
the building structure and does not carry
• Hangars
the floor or roof loads of the building.
• Prison Facilities
The wind and gravity load of the curtain
• Equipment Maintenance Buildings
wall are transferred to the building
• Manufacturing Facilities
structure, typically at the floor line.
• Warehouses

• Distribution Centers Wall type panel systems are composed of

• Self-Storage Complexes panels specifically engineered for use in

• Utility Buildings constructing walls. These panels can be

• Low and Mid-Rise Offices made from a variety of materials,

• Mid-Rise Office Spandrel Panels including wood, metal, concrete,

composite materials, and more.

B E N E F I T S: withstand various environmental

• V Rapid Construction: Wall panels conditions.

are manufactured off-site and can be

quickly assembled on-site, reducing • Sound Insulation: Depending on

construction time compared to the materials used, wall panels can

traditional brick-and-mortar methods. provide effective sound insulation,

contributing to a quieter and more

• Cost-Efficiency: It can lead to comfortable indoor environment.

cost savings due to reduced labor and

construction time. Additionally, material • Fire Resistance: Some panel

waste is minimized, as panels are systems offer high fire resistance

fabricated to precise measurements. properties, contributing to the safety of

the building and its occupants.

• Energy Efficiency: Wall panels

KEY FEATURES
can incorporate insulation, enhancing

energy efficiency and reducing heating • Factory assembled

and cooling costs in buildings.
• Typical units are five to six feet wide.
• Fast and easy installation process
• Design Flexibility: Panels can be
• Comprehensive construction system
customized to meet specific design
• Components work in flexible
requirements, including size, shape,
combination
texture, and finish. This allows for

architectural creativity and flexibility.

• Structural Integrity: Wall panels

are engineered for structural integrity,

ensuring they meet safety standards and

building codes. They are designed to

 This system is designed to streamline

the construction process, enhance

energy efficiency, and optimize the use

of natural light within a building.

FEATURES & B E N E F I T S:

• provide the designer with an unlimited

architectural vocabulary of expression

• provide a significant design feature for

any building type

• offers quality and cost-effective

construction

WINDOW TYPE WALL PANEL

A "Window Type Wall Panel

System" refers to a specialized

construction method that integrates

pre-fabricated wall panels with windows.


ADVANTAGES
• Cost and time efficient
• Allows the fast fabrication of window
frames and glass
• Has flexible design options
• Addresses vulnerabilities
D I S A DVA N TAG E S
• Heavy equipment for installation
• Changes are difficult because panels
are made beforehand
• Heavily sculptured panels may require
expensive molds
TILT-UP WALL PANEL SYSTEM
It is a technique of site casting
concrete walls or elements, typically
done on a horizontal surface and once
cured, it is tilted vertically into place
using a mobile crane. It is temporarily
braced into its final standing position and
is tied into the building’s roof and
flooring system.
AD VANTA G E S
• Fast, simple, and economical technique
of construction.
• It eliminates the need for expensive
transportation of materials.
• No expensive vertical formwork is
required to finish the job.
• Low maintenance, it is not affected by
moisture and weathering.
• Flexible, it can be easily removed and
relocated if future expansion became
necessary.
• The fire safety rating of a concrete
building will provide a fire endurance of
two hours or more.
DISADVANTAGES

• Panels are engineered before work

begins making changes difficult.

• Complicated reinforcing patterns and

layout of openings.

• Lifting panels requires specialized

equipment and third-party engineering
to calculate the lifting loads.

CONNECTIONS
CONSIDERATIONS IN USING TILT-

UP CONSTRUCTION

• The designer must design the building

with the intention of having it

constructed using tilt up method.

• Since tilt-up panels typically

experience stresses from three to four

times higher during lifting than they do

once they are placed into position, it is

extremely important for the designer to

consider the critical lifting loads during

the design process.

APPLICATION/USAGE

• Tilt up wall panel system can be used

for any type of low- to mid-rise building.
It is most commonly used in warehouses,
which has a rectangular shape and large
floor area.