Our experiences with Light Systems

As part of our service and support, it is very important to evaluate more efficient construction systems within the considerations to take when starting a project and it is one of the reasons why, in Mar Azul Projects, we have obtained extensive experience with different types of construction. On this occasion, we will tell you about Light Systems.

First let’s start with its definition: a Light System is an industrialized system that stands out for the use of light products and that does not require the addition of sand and cement mixtures, also known as dry construction. Among its main characteristics we have: high degree of specification and well-defined processes, savings in labor, cleanliness on site, compliance with international standards, weight reduction in the building and architectural comfort.

Throughout our history we have worked with different lightweight systems. Some outstanding projects where these types of systems have been used are: Tryp Panamá Albrook Mall Hotel, Santa María Court – Hotel and the Greengarden Project. Within them, the most widely used systems are: firewall, acoustic, against humidity and exteriors. These systems are always accompanied by heavy gauge profiles, insulation, elastomeric seals and sheets of different types and thicknesses. These types of systems provide better thermo-acoustic comfort for spaces, better quality finishes and works with a certified guarantee for fast and efficient construction processes, all benefits that represent a great value to each project.

When deciding to use lightweight systems it is important to use materials with the correct specification for the different uses and applications that the buildings entail. On the other hand, the technical parameters requested by some organizations that use their own standards, based on international guidelines such as the USG, must be met, which ensures optimal results can be obtained.

One of the important challenges presented to us in one project was to recommend and demonstrate to the client and project contractor, the use of lightweight systems on the internal walls of a tall building, where the client had requested a traditional system of blocks. It was resolved by demonstrating the degree of detail of the technical specifications, the guarantee of the finishes, the ease of construction, the speed of the system and, finally and of great value, the considerable weight reduction in the building due to the use of this system versus the traditional block system, which provided considerable savings, considering the construction area.

Like any system, an evaluation is required from its specification; the type of project must be taken into account to avoid errors and to ensure that the system will prove to be consistent with its purpose. In the same way, it is always important to maintain established processes and correctly carry the installation guides, avoiding failures in the execution. An example of what to take into account when specifying these types of systems is our climate. When we consider the use of these systems in extreme climates, once the best option is correctly specified, it has very good performance, especially in the humid – tropical climate of the Republic of Panama.

It is important to mention that the knowledge and experience in the management of these systems allows us to open the borders to use them in international projects, in which these systems have a common use, and provides a difference in experience and knowledge compared to what is traditionally used locally. That is why in Mar Azul Projects we always continue to learn about these systems and the new options they offer to the national and international market, to always be able to offer the best alternatives to each of our clients.