Cupaclad Slate Cladding

CUPACLAD® Slate Cladding

The CUPACLAD® 101 and CUPACLAD® 201 rainscreen cladding systems consist of natural slate cladding panels fixed onto proprietary aluminium horizontal profiles, mechanically fastened to an aluminium subframe support. In the opinion of the BBA, CUPACLAD® 101 and CUPACLAD® 201 slate cladding systems, if installed, used and maintained in accordance with certificate number 18/5532, can satisfy or contribute to satisfying the relevant requirements of The Building Regulations 2010 (England and Wales), 2004 (Scotland) and 2012 (Northern Ireland).

The slate facade from CUPACLAD® is a back ventilated and drained rainscreen cladding system, for use over external masonry, concrete, timber and steel framed walls of new and existing commercial and residential buildings.

The two systems are differentiated by the fixing mechanisms; CUPACLAD® 101 features hidden face fixings, whereas CUPACLAD® 201 features a visible clip fixing system. In addition to this, CUPACLAD® 101 is available in three versions (Logic, Random and Parallel) depending on the dimensions and arrangements of the slates.

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Product details

Manufactured by CUPA PIZARRAS and exclusively distributed by Taylor Maxwell in the UK, CUPACLAD® has been tested with regards to a range of criteria. The BBA states:

Behaviour in relation to fire – The slates and the subframe are classified as non-combustible (Section 7 BBA certificate 18/5532).
Durability – Under normal conditions, the systems will perform effectively as an external cladding with a service life of at least 35 years (Section 10 BBA certificate 18/5532).
Strength and stability – The systems can safely resist the wind and impact action described in section 6 of BBA certificate 18/5532.
Impact – When tested for resistance to hard and soft body impact and using an 800 and 100mm spacing between the vertical rails and the wall brackets respectively, both Cupaclad 101 and 201 systems were found to be suitable for use in categories III and IV, as defined in table 4 of ETAG 034: 2012, Part 1.

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In 2021, the manufacturer of CUPACLAD®, CUPA PIZARRAS, was officially recognised as a carbon neutral company, demonstrating their dedication to providing sustainable products. A natural product, slate is an ecological and environmentally friendly option for facade systems.

The production process from quarry to installation is highly efficient and does not involve any heating or chemical processes which cause pollution and high levels of energy consumption
Subject only to extraction and mechanical shaping, natural slates transformation process requires minimal water and energy consumption
CUPACLAD® is complementary to external insulation systems; helping to keep buildings cool in summer and temperate in winter - a long-term solution for maintaining energy efficiency
The natural slate environmental product declaration (EPD), which has been renewed until 2026, certifies its low environmental impact during the whole natural slate life cycle
Independent database Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE, University of Bath) highlights natural slate as the material with the lowest number of adverse impacts on the environment

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CUPACLAD® Design offers a vast array of possibilities for designing ventilated facades using varying sizes, forms and combinations of natural slate.

Shield: combine natural slates with other materials like wood, metal or coloured ceramic in an overlapping hexagonal design

Ascent: a geometric design utilising rhomboid and trapezoid shaped natural slates

Honeycomb: inspired by nature, utilising contemporary honeycomb shaped natural slate tiles

Lineal: create distinguishing features by combining overlapping slate tiles with different colours, textures and materials

Wave: inspired by the waves of the sea, utilising dynamic zigzag rhomboid shaped tiles

Diagonal: a simple design with adjustable rectangular pieces to utilise the visual impact of diagonal lines

Offset: inspired by rustic traditional stone facades, utilising two different sized asymmetric slate formats to create irregular patterns

Waterfall: slate that is orientated vertically to create the illusion of cascading water

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details

Cupaclad Design

With numerous style options, CUPACLAD® design offers a vast array of possibilities for designing ventilated facades using varying sizes, forms and combinations of natural slate. Perfect for architects looking to create innovative and cutting-edge designs, this range provides a variety of suggested facade options, with facade experts on hand to advise and assist in sourcing the best solution for your project.

It is important for designers, planners, contractors and/or installers to ensure the installation of the systems is in accordance with BBA certificate number 18/5532. All design aspects should be checked by a suitably qualified and experienced individual in accordance with the requirements of the relevant national building regulations and standards.

Installation of the systems should be carried out in accordance with the certificate holder’s installation manual, by contractors experienced with these types of systems and trained and approved by the certificate holder.

Invisible Fixings - 101 Random

CUPACLAD® 101 is a ventilated rainscreen cladding system for facades that utilises invisible fixings for a precise and uniform finish. This exclusive fixing system allows an easy installation with stainless steel nails and overlapping slate tiles.

The CUPACLAD® 101 random is available in various shapes and sizes of slates with self-drilling stainless steel screws with large flat heads, specifically designed to ensure a perfect fixing and reduced installation times, whilst allowing the creation of dynamic and innovative compositions. Features include:

Slates/m² - +15
Weight/m²(slate) - <30kg/m²
Measurements - slate size 50 x 25/50 x 20/ 50 x 15cm / nominal thickness 7.65mm
Fixings - invisible exclusive screws

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Invisible Fixings - 101 Logic

Made up of 40 x 20cm slate tiles installed horizontally with invisible fixings, the CUPACLAD® 101 logic is a single fixing system with self-drilling screws, specifically designed to ensure optimum rainscreen installation and complete invisibility. Features include:

Slates/m²- 16.7
Weight/m²(slate) - <30kg/m²
Measurements - slate size 40 x 20cm / nominal thickness 7.65mm
Fixings - invisible exclusive screws

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Invisible Fixings - 101 Parallel

Made up of 40 x 25cm slate tiles installed horizontally with concealed screws, the CUPACLAD® 101 parallel system shares the same invisible self-drilling stainless steel screws with large flat heads, specifically designed for an easy installation and perfect end result. With its aligned joints, this system highlights the unique character and beauty of natural slate. Features include:

Slates/m² - 14.3
Weight/m²(slate) - <30kg/m²
Measurements - slate size 40 x 25cm / nominal thickness 7.65mm
Fixings - invisible exclusive screws

Request a sample or further information

Visible Fixings - 201 Vanguard

CUPACLAD® 201 is a ventilated rainscreen cladding system for facades that utilises visible fixings for a reduced installation time when compared to other ventilated facades. Using large format slate tiles with stainless steel clips, the 201 system creates a clean and contemporary finish.

A patented system, the CUPACLAD® 201 Vanguard is a complete rainscreen system made up of 60 x 30cm slate tiles installed horizontally with visible stainless-steel fixings. Each slate tile is fixed to the structure using stainless steel clips that remain slightly visible upon completion of installation. To eliminate possible vibrations and provide greater system resistance, the stainless-steel clips have evolved from the traditional hooks. Features include: