New: Façade profile for high-rise buildings

New plastic façade profile for fibre-optic projects offers an efficient solution to challenges in high-rise construction

Existing high-rise projects face major challenges when installing fibre-optic connections. The traditional method, whereby fibre-optic cables are mounted against external façades using stainless steel profiles, has several drawbacks: heavy materials, difficult work at height, impractical standard dimensions and even unwanted reflections on façades. This slows down and complicates the process of achieving an efficient and neat finish. Attema’s new lightweight and modular plastic façade profile solves these problems. This innovative profile enables a quick, safe and aesthetically pleasing façade finish and offers contractors a more efficient way of working.

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has stipulated that every household in the Netherlands must have a fibre-optic connection by 2030. “Now that the majority of ground-floor homes are connected, it is the turn of existing high-rise projects,” says Michel Schwarz, Sales Manager Connectivity at Attema. “In many cases, the fibre-optic cable is installed on the external façades, which involves specific installation and aesthetic requirements. Our new façade profile fits in perfectly with this.”

In the following video, you can see how quick and easy it is to install Attema’s new plastic façade profile. Discover the benefits of this innovative solution in practice.

Attema develops and manufactures innovative, reliable and sustainable solutions for the Installation, Construction and Connectivity market segments. “We have been developing and supplying high-quality products for Fibre to the Home projects since 2009,” says Schwarz. “In doing so, we closely follow market trends and needs. The growth in high-rise projects has brought with it specific challenges.” Schwarz explains that access to flats in existing high-rise buildings is often difficult. “There is often a lack of infrastructure for fibre-optic cabling. That is why the same route as the existing coaxial cables is often used, with cables mounted against the external façade.”

A smart alternative to stainless steel

For a long time, stainless steel profiles were used to cover and protect fibre-optic cables. “However, the building trade was not particularly enthusiastic about this,” says Schwarz. “The stainless steel profile was difficult to handle, required many separate components, and the material was heavy and difficult to work with. Sharp edges and sometimes unstable fixings also caused problems. Furthermore, the solution was sometimes rejected due to annoying glare on the façade.”

A modular and efficient solution

Attema’s new façade profile offers a well-thought-out alternative. “We have opted for a lightweight, impact-resistant and UV-resistant plastic façade profile that is easy to cut to size and install,” explains Schwarz. “Thanks to the modular design, only a minimum number of components are required.” Contractors can choose between profiles measuring 25x35x25 mm (M) or 40x80x40 mm (XL). “A single multifunctional fitting has been developed for both profiles, which can be used as a coupler, branch piece and end piece.”

Quick and safe installation

The profiles can be easily cut to size without the need for heavy-duty tools. “Thanks to a V-groove, a fixing hole can be drilled at any desired location and on either side of the profile,” says Schwarz. “This means the fixing can always be positioned in the centre of the brick, rather than in the joint. This improves structural integrity.” The plastic façade profiles are supplied as standard in grey (RAL 7042), but can be painted in any colour. “This beautifully combines functionality, safety and aesthetics,” concludes Schwarz.

With this solution, Attema is proactively responding to the needs of contractors and building owners, with both efficiency and quality at the forefront. A clear win-win for all involved.