A key tool for architects and the entire building team is Kingspan Insulated Panels North America’s unique Benchmark Architectural design manual, or “Black Book” as it’s often called. Titled Benchmark Architectural Building Envelope Solutions, the 248-page book was created by Kingspan last year to educate and inspire architects, specifiers, engineers, building owners and allied professionals about their environmentally progressive Benchmark series of architectural panel systems, integrated window systems, column and beam covers, louvers and shades. The manual consolidates product literature and information—in addition to other key resources and how-to information—into a single, easy-to-use resource.
Conveniently, the manual is available in both electronic and print formats. The Black Book reflects the countless design capabilities of Kingspan Benchmark products, incorporating three-dimensional isometric construction details, case studies and product specifications. Product specifications and application
photographs throughout the manual demonstrate the integration of profiles, colors, module widths, custom corners, radius options and more.
A comprehensive guide for sustainable design—Kingspan’s architectural product line takes full advantage of insulated metal panel (IMP) technology. Benchmark wall systems can be integrated with window and door systems, insulated roofing systems, and photovoltaic (PV) technology, among other construction approaches. Kingspan’s full Benchmark Architectural line of highly insulating, design-driven building construction systems includes: the Kingspan Designwall Series Architectural Wall Panels—available in virtually unlimited profiles, colors, finishes and design R-values; Kingspan’s Flushglaze Window Systems; Column and Beam Covers; and integral, durable Louvers and Sun Shades.
The Benchmark Architectural product line is a potent ally for green building, as the Black Book shows. The high-performance insulated metal panels deliver proven sustainable performance in a single component system, providing architects and end-users with Kingspan’s EnvelopeFirst green design strategy using high-performance roof and wall systems as a first step toward creating energy-efficient, green buildings.
Market-specific benefits and case studies—Also featured in the manual is an inspirational chapter on market sectors where Benchmark Architectural system has been used, including education, office, civic, healthcare/medical and more.
The manual’s intuitive design makes it easy to locate product information, testing and approval materials, and data on build speed and thermal performance. It’s an ideal asset when information related to sustainability and the building envelope is often critical to the work of design professionals. Construction details, including vertical and horizontal applications, as well as MasterFormat specifications data and installation guidelines, round out the manual.
Architects around the country have received the Black Book and are using it as part of their project development workflow. “I am very impressed by the manual, as it is able to communicate technical information with simple, graphically-rich explanations,” says David Adler, studio principal, AIA, LEED AP, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting of Durham, N.C. “This manual will be my go-to source for insulated metal panel design.”
The electronic version of the design manual is in an e-flip format and is hosted at www.KingspanBlackBook.com. The online version is easily searchable by bookmarks and can be downloaded. For a copy of the manual, write to marketingdept@kingspanpanels.com. To learn more about Kingspan and the Benchmark Architectural products, visit www.kingspanpanels.us.
