Polyethylene
Flammable. Not recommended.
Pure polyethylene core. Cheapest, but flammable. Not allowed in buildings above ground floor. We do not work with PE.
Our specialty
Building cladding
in Alucobond
Facades that last 25+ years. Hundreds of colors, textures and finishes. Fire-rated panels meeting code 921. DAR GROUP delivers Alucobond projects across Israel for private villas, residential buildings, offices, commercial spaces and renovation projects.
- Original Alucobond
- Code 921 · FR/A2
- Ventilated facade
- Nationwide
In short
Alucobond cladding is the modern global standard for building facades. Aluminum composite panels (ACP) combine two thin aluminum skins over an inner core, delivering full design freedom with multi-decade durability. DAR GROUP specializes in end-to-end Alucobond projects across Israel, from design through final handover. Below: everything you need to know before starting a project.
The basics
What is Alucobond, really?
Alucobond (Aluminum Composite Panel, or ACP) is built from three layers: two thin aluminum skins (each 0.5 mm thick) coated with high-quality PVDF, and an inner core (polyethylene, mineral, or a hybrid) of 3 or 4 mm. Total panel thickness: 4 or 6 mm.
The brilliance of this construction is the combination of aluminum's advantages (stability, durability, finish quality) with the advantages of a composite core (low weight, machinability, shape stability). The result: panels you can shape almost any way you want, install quickly, and trust for decades.
The advantages
Why Alucobond became the modern standard
Eight reasons architects, developers and private homeowners choose Alucobond for every new cladding project.
- 01
Fire-rated to code 921
FR or A2 panels with mineral cores. Meeting strict fire-safety codes, including high-rises.
- 02
Zero maintenance
No repainting, no resealing, no upkeep. Periodic cleaning with water is enough for decades.
- 03
Full design freedom
Hundreds of colors, textures and finishes. CNC machining for any architectural shape.
- 04
Advanced thermal insulation
Rear-ventilated facade with insulation. Significantly reduces cooling loads and energy bills.
- 05
Light weight, strong panels
Under 8 kg per square meter. Does not load the structure. Suitable for high-rises without additions.
- 06
Built for any climate
PVDF coating that withstands intense UV, humidity, salt-air and extreme temperatures.
- 07
Fast, clean installation
Dry hanging system, no messy adhesives. Installation in weeks rather than months.
- 08
Sustained property value
Modern facades meaningfully lift property value. An investment that pays back the day you sell.
Panel types
PE, FR, A2: The critical difference
The difference between Alucobond core types is not a technical detail. It determines whether the panels are safe for your building.
Fire Retardant
Code 921. Up to 9 stories.
Core with mineral fire retardants. Meets code 921 for residential, office and commercial buildings up to 9 stories. Our standard.
Non-Combustible
Does not burn.
Pure mineral core. Non-combustible. The customary specification on towers, skyscrapers and public buildings. The safest option available.
Step by step
How to choose the right Alucobond panel grade
Five checks that settle whether your building needs an FR or an A2 core, and what to demand in writing before you sign.
- 01
Check the building height
Buildings up to nine stories may use FR-rated panels under Israeli code 921. Taller buildings require A2 panels with a fully mineral core.
- 02
Identify the building type
Public buildings, hospitals and schools require A2 regardless of height. Mid-rise residential and commercial up to nine floors are FR-eligible.
- 03
Request panel certification
Ask the contractor for the manufacturer certificate with the fire rating explicitly listed. No certificate, no verifiable specification.
- 04
Verify the installation system
Panels must be mounted on a rear ventilated facade with engineered fire stops at floor levels. This is the system code 921 expects.
- 05
Require written warranties
Manufacturer warranty on color stability (15–20 years) plus contractor warranty on workmanship. Both documents must be in the contract.
The system
Rear ventilated facade: the installation that makes the difference
Alucobond panels are installed on what is called a rear ventilated facade. This is not just an installation technique, it is an engineering philosophy. Rather than gluing panels directly to the wall, we install hidden aluminum profiles that create a few-centimeter gap between the wall and the cladding.
That gap acts as a natural air space that aids thermal insulation, prevents moisture buildup, and dramatically extends facade life. We also install an interior insulation layer (typically mineral wool or equivalent) within the gap, giving the building thermal performance that traditional facades simply cannot match.
For you as the client: a facade that lasts longer, much lower energy bills, and none of the moisture or mold issues that develop over time in sealed cladding systems.
Colors and textures
Any look. Any style. Any architecture.
During the consultation you get a full catalog of all available finishes, plus physical samples you can hold. You see the real appearance, feel the texture, and make a decision without guessing.
Comparison
Alucobond vs. other cladding materials
| Parameter | Alucobond | Plaster | Natural Stone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term maintenance | Effectively none | Repaint every 5 years | Periodic sealing and washing |
| Service life | 25+ years | 10–15 years | 20 years (with maintenance) |
| Thermal insulation | Excellent (ventilated facade) | Medium | Low |
| Weight | Light (8 kg/m²) | Medium | Heavy (60 kg/m²) |
| Design flexibility | Full (CNC) | Low | Low |
| Installation time | Weeks | Months | Months |
Where it works
Alucobond cladding. For every type of building.
Private villa cladding
Luxury villas and single-family homes. Color palettes coordinated with the architecture. A unique modern look.
Read more →Residential building cladding
High-rises, Tama 38 projects, boutique buildings. Working with main contractors or developers, on schedule.
Read more →Office building cladding
Hi-tech towers and corporate campuses. Alucobond panels, architectural aluminium and shading systems.
Read more →Commercial space cladding
Malls, retail, mixed-use developments. Brand-aligned design, business-as-usual installation.
Read more →Facade renovation
Upgrade existing buildings with new Alucobond cladding. Improved thermal performance, modern look, no resident displacement.
Read more →Unique projects
Public buildings, schools, clinics, and projects that need a custom solution. Tell us about your project.
Contact us →Frequently asked questions
Everything we get asked about Alucobond
What is Alucobond?
Alucobond is the brand name for an ACP (Aluminum Composite Panel) cladding system. The panel is built from two thin aluminum skins bonded over an inner core (polyethylene, fire-retardant, or fully mineral). It is the most widely used material for modern facades in the world thanks to a rare combination of light weight, design flexibility, and long-term durability.
What are the main benefits of Alucobond cladding?
Decades of zero maintenance, UV and humidity resistance, full design flexibility (hundreds of colors, textures and finishes), low weight that does not load the structure, and significantly better thermal insulation than traditional facades. Panels rated FR or A2 also meet fire code 921 requirements.
What is the difference between PE, FR and A2 panels?
PE (polyethylene) is the cheapest but flammable, and not allowed above ground floor in most jurisdictions. FR (Fire Retardant) contains mineral fire-retardants and meets code 921 on most buildings. A2 has a fully mineral core, is non-combustible, and is the customary specification on towers. At DAR GROUP we only work with FR or A2.
How much does Alucobond cladding cost per square meter?
Pricing varies significantly depending on panel type (FR/A2), color and finish, facade complexity (corners, openings, custom shapes), installation method, and project timeline. We do not give phone quotes because they end up inaccurate. After a short consultation and site visit, you get a detailed written quote.
Is Alucobond really fire resistant?
FR and A2 panels meet code 921 (Israel) and equivalent international standards. After the Grenfell Tower disaster in London, regulations tightened globally, and mineral-core panels are now the market standard on towers. We do not compromise on this.
How long does Alucobond last?
Leading manufacturers warranty the color and finish for 15 to 20 years. In practice, quality panels with PVDF coating maintain color and texture for 25 to 30 years and beyond. The panel itself does not crack, split or rot. After 20 years it still looks like it was installed yesterday.
How is Alucobond installed?
We install panels on a rear ventilated facade system: hidden aluminum profiles mount over the existing wall, creating an air gap that improves insulation and protects the panels. Clean installation, no demolition needed, and no penetration into the existing structure.
What colors and textures are available?
Hundreds of options. Metallic series (brushed silver, champagne, bronze, matte gold, graphite). Natural series (oak wood, walnut, Jerusalem stone, architectural concrete). Solid series (whites through deep blacks, matte or gloss). A full catalog and physical samples are presented during the consultation.
Can Alucobond be combined with stone or composite wood?
Absolutely. The most striking facades combine Alucobond panels with natural stone, composite wood, or aluminium shading systems. The combination creates visual depth and gives architects full design flexibility.
Is Alucobond suitable for the Israeli climate?
Especially so. The high-quality PVDF coating is engineered for strong UV exposure, high humidity, and salt-laden air. Alucobond is now the most common cladding material in Tel Aviv high-rises, Caesarea villas and office buildings across Israel.
What kind of maintenance does it need?
Effectively none. Periodic cleaning with warm water and mild soap is enough to keep the appearance intact. No repainting, no resealing, no upkeep at all. That is one of its biggest advantages over traditional facades that need regular maintenance.
How do we choose a cladding contractor?
Three key questions: What grade of panels do they use (must be FR or A2)? What is their installation system (a "rear ventilated facade" with proper engineering supervision is the gold standard)? Who runs the project from start to finish (you want one person accountable for everything)? At DAR GROUP, the answers are clear from the first conversation.
Ready to start your Alucobond project?
A 15-minute consultation gives you a clear picture. Panel type, colors, price range, and timeline. No commitment. We respond within one business hour.