Sto Corp., the innovative world leader in facade claddings, air barriers, coatings, and renovation systems, is empowering architects and designers with unprecedented creative freedom through recent advancements in its Sto Panel Technology® business. Sto Panel Technology produces fully engineered and tested prefabricated finished exterior megapanel systems and is now introducing the versatility of 3D printing to its megapanels with StoPanel® 3DP powered by Branch Technology. Sto is also bringing megapanel walls and windows together in a more efficient and integrated way through a collaboration with Kawneer North America.
“At Sto, our overarching goal is to provide architects, designers, and building professionals with the widest range of aesthetics through the most complete collection of building enclosure systems via our offsite construction technologies,” said Tyson Kindstrom, vice president of industrialized construction with Sto. “Megapanels continue to present a host of value propositions to construction professionals – from design freedom, greater efficiencies, and collapsed project timelines to potential cost savings. Thanks to our collaboration with Branch Technology and Kawneer North America, Sto Panel Technology remains at the forefront of this endeavor, one that has the propensity to gain even more traction in the years to come.”
StoPanel® 3DP delivers unprecedented three-dimensional design freedom for exterior walls. The megapanel system includes all the building envelope control layers integrated with a unique, fully customizable 3D-printed composite facade. The 3D component, called the Composite Core, is lightweight, structurally robust, and easy to install. Branch’s unique Cellular Fabrication (C-Fab®) 3D printing process gives designers and architects the ability to stretch the limits of their creativity. The technology enables StoPanel 3DP to create virtually any 3D shape or form at a large scale.
“StoPanel 3DP bridges the gap between design freedom and precision manufacturing to achieve phenomenal results for the building envelope,” said Karine Galla, senior project manager for Sto. “To arrive at this solution, Branch Technology robotically prints a lightweight polymer matrix and then fills that matrix with an insulating foam, providing continuous insulation for the wall panel. Digital files are used versus shop drawings in this manufacturing process, ensuring extreme accuracy that is true to the original design. The result is three-dimensional exterior facade that turns heads and sets a building’s design apart.”
Sto Panel Technology’s collaboration with Kawneer North America has integrated windows and walls together in the manufacturing process, achieving greater efficiencies and improved safety on the job site. Kawneer window receptors are installed during the offsite production of the StoPanel megapanels.
“This has a measurable impact on window installation once StoPanels have been shipped to a location,” said Richard Martens, director of business development for Sto. “By fully integrating the prefabricated wall and window system, crews can install the windows from the inside of the building versus shipping the windows with the wall panels or performing installations from the exterior of the building. It allows for a seamless installation option that drives down material and labor costs while reducing site safety risks.”

In addition, Sto Panel Technology and Kawneer North America have conducted independent, third-party testing of the StoPanel with Kawneer windows and customized receptors.  The testing covered air leakage resistance, dynamic water penetration resistance, and structural loading. The results showed no water penetration through the StoPanel or the window receptor and perimeter sealant assembly at a test pressure of 10.0 psf, while also meeting a DP (Design Pressure) rating of 40 psf.  The system consisting of the StoPanel, Kawneer window and receptor installed in the StoPanel, and window perimeter sealant met the requirements for a 40 psf DP rating when tested in accordance with AAMA 1010.   (Contact Sto for the full testing report)
Sto and Kawneer North America are designing a system with a new high thermal window and receptor to meet more stringent codes.  It will also be tested to AAMA 1010 and is expected to be available later this year.
For more information on Sto Panel, please visit www.stopanel.com.
 About Sto
Sto is an international technology leader in the design and production of innovative building materials tailored to human needs. Our wall systems, coatings and finishes have been the choice of leading architects, engineers and contractors for 61 years, and we are the world’s largest manufacturer of exterior thermal insulation systems, with 35 subsidiaries, more than 5,000 employees, and 21 factories operating around the globe.
Sto Corp., based in Atlanta, Georgia, produces a broad range of advanced cladding, air moisture barrier and coating systems that deliver energy efficiency and superior aesthetics for building construction, maintenance, and restoration. Sto Corp’s plants are ISO certified for environmental protection and quality control and are strategically located to serve more than 200 distributor shipping locations throughout North and South America. Sto Corp. is committed to developing next generation building solutions, and the company’s employees are advocates for technical mastery in pursuit of a sustainable built environment. For more information, visit www.stocorp.com or call toll free (800) 221-2397. Follow Sto Corp. on Twitter @stocorp and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and the Sto blog.
About Kawneer
Kawneer creates positive environments to shape a better world. Founded in 1906, Kawneer’s pioneering architectural solutions continue to advance modern design delivering resilient, distinctive buildings that promote sustainability and well-being. With locations across North America and Europe, Kawneer offers global technical expertise with people dedicated to creating a best-in-class customer experience. Kawneer promotes an inclusive culture that embraces diversity, workplace safety and civic contribution. Defined by quality, durability and performance, Kawneer is building legacies and constantly evolving to remain relevant from generation to generation.