There is an Answer to every Surface

Bringing Surfaces to Life - IGP FOR SURE.

IGP-LivingSurfaces breathe life into surfaces of all kinds while simultaneously protecting them from extreme weather for the long term. They are ideal for coating metallic components for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Plain or speckled? Choose between coating powders with the characteristics «micro-speckles», «wave relief» and «grain structure». The IGP-LivingSurfacesrange lends architectural surfaces a unique and joyful vibrancy, transforming otherwise functional edifices into visual poetry.

Astounding Lightweights

Newly formulated
concrete and stone
effects of the
IGP-LivingSurfaces.

Highly Weather and Corrosion Resistance

Both strong
components combined
in one product.

Icon für chemische Beständigkeit der IGP Pulverlacke: 3 ineinandergreifende Kreise mit Haken daneben | © IGP Pulvertechnik AG
Gloss and
Color Quality

Products with concrete and stone effects can be produced in all color shades on request.

  • «We’re impressed by how this new type of coating creates a grainy texture with vivid depth, which is otherwise only possible with mineral or patinated surfaces.»

    Till Richter
    Architect and Associate | Auer Weber Architekten BDA, Munich
  • «The haptics of concrete, the weight of aluminum.»

    Architect@Work Zurich | IGP Powder Coatings Switzerland
  • «What makes this surface so fascinating is its unique look and characteristic feel.»

    Thomas Roll
    Product Manager Architecture | IGP Powder Coatings Switzerland

Aluminum Instead of Stone: Amazingly Lightweight Materials for today’s Architecture

The use of solid elements made of natural stone or concrete to accentuate the horizontal separation of floor levels or the vertical structure of building grids is all the rage in contemporary architecture. Horizontal “belts” and window surrounds made of precast concrete elements create attractive contrasts – but unfortunately also increase the weight of the structure. This extra weight greatly affects the design of the foundations, even when using fiber-reinforced concrete elements.

These days, a careful choice of materials is essential for anyone seeking to conserve resources and construct eco-friendly buildings. Key considerations include not only the material’s environmental impact during its production, but also the time and expense required for installation, as well as its interaction with other components. Precast concrete elements and structural ceramics are examples of heavyweight architectural components. They are not considered sustainable building materials – on the one hand, because the production of binding agents such as cement is highly energy intensive. Above all, however, because the loads exerted by pilaster strips and concrete shells (which weigh several tons) necessitate considerable additional structural work right down to the foundations.

By opting instead for the reformulated concrete and stone effects in the IGP-LivingSurfaces range and making some simple changes at the planning stage, all of these problems can be avoided. IGP Powder Coatings, the Swiss manufacturer of highly weather-resistant architectural coatings, has been busy replicating the look and feel of striking concrete mixes and popular natural stone finishes. As a result, the company has launched a range of powder coatings for surfaces whose structure, color, and feel are just as impressive as their resistance to light and the elements, and, of course, their low weight.

Like Concrete or Stone, only much Lighter – an Alternative Planning Option with Enormous Potential

Following the completion of several bold reference projects, such as the «Lab 48» at Munich airport, the experts’ verdict is unanimous:IGP-LivingSurfaces coatings have enormous potential as an alternative planning option for high-quality, lightweight coated constructions.

These highly weather-resistant powder coatings are composed of coarsely ground thermosets. Applied to aluminum workpieces, they have proven themselves as exceptionally lightweight alternatives to the standard concrete and stone materials.

Another advantage: Thanks to lower dirt adhesion, the coated surfaces are much easier to maintain. Moreover, IGP-LivingSurfaces products contain neither environmentally hazardous substances nor out-gassing VOCs.

This range of concrete and stone-effect coatings can be produced in all shades and with a variety of aggregates at the request of designers and architects.

A Vibrant Interplay of Texture and Colors

  • Hazlenut Speckles
    592SC13683A81
  • Rough Coal
    591TA93084A81
  • Gravelly Orange
    592SV13764A81
  • Weathered Iron
    591TC77942A11
  • Rusty Veins
    592SE83579A10
  • Grained Creme
    591TA90012A81

LAB 48 in Munich

A New Level of Authenticity with a Truly Solid Feel.

Lab 48 is the first office building on the multi-property campus that is being developed along the large access avenue to Munich Airport. Based on a multifunctional concept, the building was designed to allow a variety of uses, with a focus on enabling people to collectively develop and implement new products, while also leaving room for new forms of collaboration.

Its architecture is both inspiring and sophisticated – the stacked, partially cantilevered multistory cubes stand out in different shades of concrete, yet still communicate with each other. With their deep matt finish that lends them the appearance of massive, solid jambs, the façade’s generously sized frame elements – hollow-box sections coated with a harmoniously speckled, grainy IGP-LivingSurfaces coating – contrast strikingly with the transparent glass panels they enclose.

The architects required the pigment specialists at IGP Powder Coatings to achieve an entirely new dimension of authenticity and uniqueness, with the goal of creating the appearance of total solidity – which would otherwise only be possible using processed natural or artificial stone.

IGP’s lab and production team succeeded in using coarse-grained powder coating mixtures to create an appealingly vibrant surface with a unique character that vividly enhances the building’s cubic architecture.

  • Project Information

    Architect
    Auer Weber Architekten BDA

    Building structure axial dimension
    1.35m

    Floor space
    approx. 29.400 m2

    Start of construction / Occupied
    Feb 2020 / Mar 2022

    Metalworking company
    Dobler Metallbau

    Coating company IGP-LivingSurfaces
    BSO Metallveredelung GmbH

    Coating materials
    IGP Pulvertechnik AG

    Coating grade
    IGP-HWFclassic Class 2, highly weather resistant

    Gravelly Anthracite IGP-HWFclassic 591TC78965A8
    Grundierung IGP-HWFclassic 591TA70120R10

    Quarry IGP-HWFclassic 591TC78926A81
    Grundierung IGP-HWFclassic 591TA70370R10

    Stone Age IGP-HWFclassic 591TC78626A81
    Grundierung IGP-HWFclassic 591TA70300R10

    MakadamIGP-HWFclassic 591TC78927A81
    Grundierung IGP-HWFclassic 591TA70440R10