Delhi Metro Rail Corporation began its first service in 2002 and is the second oldest metro service to start in India after Kolkata Metro. It is also the 16th largest in the world in ridership, carrying an average ridership of 2.53 million daily and an average of 926 million annually.
Right from its inception, the DMRC, has recognized the need for social and economic credibility and has taken a number of measures to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. DMRC has also formulated Policies on Environment, Energy Management, Water Management, Waste Management, Quality, QEHS and Solar Energy Policies, which guide the various activities that take place under its Project and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Division.
With the onus of implementing these policies, DMRC required Aspect Clay façade solution for its stations on the Red Line of its operations. The key requirement for environment-friendly and sustainable building materials for facade cladding application. Given the exposure to extreme weather conditions of the city and usage as a public utility, the company needed the cladding material to be long lasting, energy efficient and aesthetically appealing.
Aspect Clay façade solution by Wienerberger Clay Facade Tiles fit the bill perfectly, considering its properties of being sustainable and durablity. The cladding tiles were further customized to include a special 'red glossy finish' for the 'RED' Metro line. Nine station buildings of the red line of DMRC were clad with Aspect clay facade. The ability to customize the design intent and also achieve the primary objectives, rendered this project a large success both in terms of form and functionality.
Wienerberger’s Aspect Clay Façade Solution is environment-friendly, sustainable and offers major technical and architectural advantages as façade cladding. Clay as a building material lasts for generations. A well executed façade cladding project, with clay façade tiles, is an excellent heat insulator. Thanks to its mass, ceramic has a high heat buffering capacity. The effect is as good as a building sheathed in continuous second skin, which minimizes heat loss in winter and prevents over-heating during summer.
Aspect Clay Façade and curtain wall systems are of paramount importance when considering issues of green building and sustainable design. It becomes imperative for a building construction specialist to understand the importance of improving the performance and sustainability of the building envelope.