Scope of the KZ Mekatronik Bandirma Factory Project
The exterior facade applications of the KZ Mekatronik Factory in Bandirma, Balikesir, were carried out by Optimal Mimarlik. Ceramic cladding, facade insulation, structural silicone glazing, thermally insulated aluminum windows and composite panel reveals were considered together within the project.
The facade application was planned by taking the architectural appearance of the factory building, window openings, cladding dimensions and junctions between different materials into consideration. The objective was to meet the technical requirements of each system while achieving an orderly and coherent appearance across the facade.
How Was the Mechanical Ceramic Facade Applied?
The ceramic-clad sections of the factory were finished with 9 mm thick, 60 × 120 cm Çanakkale Seramik Terra Gümüş facade tiles. The large-format ceramic tiles were mechanically installed on an Alutem aluminum substructure.
The substructure profiles were positioned according to the ceramic dimensions and facade grid. This enabled the cladding joints to remain aligned and the ceramic surface to continue consistently across the facade. The surface character of the Terra Gümüş tiles gave the factory building a clean and contemporary exterior appearance.
What Type of Insulation Was Used Behind the Ceramic Facade?
A 50 mm thick layer of Knauf Insulation Mineral Plus FCB 034 KD curtain wall insulation board was installed behind the ceramic cladding. This mineral wool product formed the thermal insulation layer behind the mechanical ceramic facade.
The declared thermal conductivity of the insulation board is λD=0.034 W/mK. At a thickness of 50 mm, its thermal resistance is 1.45 m²K/W, and its reaction-to-fire classification is A1. The facade was therefore applied as a multilayer system consisting of insulation boards, an aluminum substructure and ceramic cladding.
Which Product Was Used in the Ceramic Connection Details?
Soudal Soudaflex 40 FC, a polyurethane-based elastic adhesive and sealant, was used in the supplementary bonding and connection details of the ceramic facade application. The product was incorporated into application details that complemented the mechanical substructure system.
The ceramic dimensions, substructure grid, continuity of the insulation layer and cladding joints were coordinated before installation. This planning enabled the 60 × 120 cm ceramic tiles to be positioned consistently across the facade surface.
Which Glass Was Used in the Structural Silicone Facade?
A 6+20+6 mm insulating glass configuration incorporating Şişecam Deep Blue glass was used in the glazed facade sections of the factory. This configuration consists of two 6 mm glass panes separated by a 20 mm cavity, providing a nominal overall glass unit thickness of 32 mm.
The glass units were installed in accordance with the profile and connection details of the structural silicone facade system. The deep blue tone created a clean, uninterrupted glazed appearance and formed a balanced architectural composition with the ceramic cladding and composite panel surfaces.
Mechanical Ceramic Cladding, Mineral Wool Insulation, Structural Silicone Facade, Aluminum Windows and Composite Panel Reveals
Which System and Glass Were Selected for the Aluminum Windows?
Saray EWT 55 thermally insulated aluminum profiles were used in the operable window sections. A 6+16+6 mm glass configuration incorporating Şişecam Deep Blue glass was selected for these windows.
This configuration consists of two 6 mm glass panes separated by a 16 mm cavity and has a nominal overall thickness of 28 mm. Using the same glass color in the structural silicone facade and operable windows provided visual continuity across the building envelope. The glass thicknesses were determined according to the different profile and application requirements of the two systems.
How Were the Composite Panel Window Reveals Applied?
The window reveals were clad with Saraybond aluminum composite panels. The dimensions, returns and junctions of the reveals were prepared according to the existing window openings and facade geometry.
The composite panel cladding provided clean finishes around the window openings and defined the transitions between the aluminum profiles, glazed surfaces and ceramic cladding. The window surrounds consequently became an integral part of the overall facade design.
How Were the Different Facade Systems Integrated?
The cladding and window systems used in the project have different structural, connection and installation principles. Optimal Mimarlik coordinated the cladding grid, glass modules, window openings, reveal returns and material junctions within a unified facade arrangement.
Coordinating the application details enabled the transitions between the different surfaces to be completed in a controlled manner. The ceramic, glass, aluminum and composite panel sections were treated as complementary parts of the same architectural composition rather than as separate applications.
Project Outcome
The work completed at the KZ Mekatronik Bandirma Factory resulted in an integrated exterior facade that supports both the technical requirements and the corporate appearance of the industrial building.
Optimal Mimarlik’s facade design and installation experience is reflected in the material selection, system detailing, coordination of different facade components and quality of execution. The project represents a comprehensive reference for integrating mechanical cladding with glass and aluminum facade solutions in factory buildings.
