Architectural Translucent Panels – Light, Performance & Versatility
Kalwall is a premium architectural translucent panel system engineered to deliver diffused natural light, thermal efficiency, structural performance, and design flexibility for façades, skylights, canopies and internal partitions. Combining a proprietary honeycomb core with high-performance skins, Kalwall panels transmit soft, even daylight while controlling glare, thermal loss and solar heat gain, giving buildings brighter interiors and measurable energy savings. As official suppliers and installation partners in the UK, Structura UK offers complete Kalwall design, supply and install services for commercial, public, industrial and specialist projects.
What Is Kalwall?
Unlike clear glass, Kalwall does not transmit direct views but instead produces soft, glare-free daylight. This makes it ideal for environments where visual comfort and even illumination are priorities. Kalwall panels are used around the world in schools, healthcare facilities, airports, galleries, industrial buildings, corporate headquarters, sports centres and transit hubs.
Kalwall is a daylighting wall system comprised of:
- A patented honeycomb core made from high-performance resin-impregnated fiberglass, engineered for stiffness and uniform light diffusion.
- Exterior and interior skins bonded to the core, typically a rigid, translucent composite that resists weathering, UV degradation and impact.
- Framing systems, aluminium, steel or bespoke extrusions, that integrate Kalwall panels into façades, roofs or partitions.
Kalwall panels are:
- Maintenance-free (no repainting, replacement or protective films needed).
- Recyclable where local recycling streams permit.
- Contribute to green building goals (improved daylighting can reduce artificial lighting loads).
- Manufactured under quality and environmental controls with traceable materials.
Kalwall Installation Process
As approved London-based Kalwall installers, Structura supports projects across Greater London and throughout the UK with translucent façade systems that deliver controlled daylight, thermal performance and compliant building integration. Structura UK provides a turnkey installation process from survey through commissioning. Our teams handle technical integration, coordination and quality checks.
1. Site Survey & Assessment
We begin with architectural and structural surveys to understand site conditions, roof loads, penetrations, access, drainage and interfaces with existing façades.
2. Specification & Engineering
Our engineers define the appropriate panel thickness, framing system, anchorage details, thermal breaks and performance targets. Detailed drawings and performance reports are prepared.
3. Production & Quality Control
Panels are manufactured to specification, inspected for core, skin bond quality, dimensional accuracy and transport readiness.
4. Site Preparation
Install teams set up scaffolding or access systems, prepare apertures, flashings and waterproofing details for integration with building envelopes.
5. Panel & Frame Installation
Kalwall panels are installed with factory-matched framing systems. All seals, gaskets, edge details and weather barriers are fitted to ensure air and water tightness.
6. Final Sealing & Testing
We complete perimeter sealing, verify weathertightness, and conduct performance checks. Where required, air and water infiltration testing is carried out in accordance with CWCT or project standards.
7. Handover & Aftercare
Documentation, warranties, maintenance recommendations and contact support are provided at handover.
Why Kalwall? – Benefits & Differentiators
Kalwall is more than “another panel system”. It delivers measurable advantages that help buildings perform better and occupants feel better.
Superior Daylight Quality
Unlike transparent glass that creates glare and contrast, Kalwall softly diffuses daylight across entire spaces. This reduces eyestrain and improves comfort, especially in learning, healthcare and workspace environments.
Thermal Efficiency That Competes with Glazing
While clear glazing can suffer heat loss and solar gain issues, Kalwall balances both. With low U-values and the ability to limit solar heat gain, it helps manage energy loads year-round.
Privacy & Visual Comfort Built In
Kalwall transmits light without see-through optics. This makes it ideal for healthcare, education and sensitive spaces where privacy matters but daylight is still desired.
Weather Resistance & Durability
Kalwall panels stand up to UK climates, resisting UV breakdown, moisture penetration, warping and corrosion, with minimal maintenance.
Fire Safety Options
Kalwall offers panels with fire ratings, enabling compliance with building and safety codes in corridors, exits and façades.
Reduced Lifecycle Costs
Daylighting reduces reliance on electric lighting; thermal efficiency lowers heating/cooling loads; durability cuts maintenance, all contributing to lower operational costs over time.
Design Flexibility
Architects value Kalwall for aesthetic versatility without sacrificing performance. Kalwall can be integrated into:
- Curtain walls
- Rooflights & skylights
- Canopies & sunshades
- Interior partitions
- Custom patterns and colour accents
Technical Specifications & Performance Metrics
Below are key performance values that designers, engineers and specifiers use to evaluate Kalwall panels in comparison with other façade and glazing systems. Exact values vary with panel thickness, core options, framing systems and project requirements.
Daylight & Solar Metrics
Kalwall’s honeycomb core ensures uniform daylight distribution, reducing glare and hotspots often associated with clear glazing.
Total Solar Transmittance up to 71%.
Diffuse Visible Light Transmission 66–38% (varies by core & skin options).
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) controlled with optional coatings or films.
Environmental & Sustainability
Kalwall panels are manufactured under quality and environmental controls with traceable materials.
Maintenance-free
No repainting, replacement or protective films needed.
Recyclable
Where local recycling streams permit.
Contribute to Green Building Goals
Improved daylighting can reduce artificial lighting loads.
Thermal Performance
*Lower U-values indicate better thermal insulation. Values vary with panel thickness and specific system design.
U-Value (W/m²K)* 0.48–1.40 (depending on thickness & core type).
R-Value (m²K/W) up to 2.07.
Thermal Break integrated in framing for improved performance.
Air-Infiltration tested in accordance with CWCT standards.
Acoustic & Safety Performance
Acoustic Transmission Class (ASTM E90)
Panels can contribute to sound control in indoor environments.
Fire Ratings
Offered in both non-combustible and fire-resistant options with third-party certification.
Impact Resistance
High strength core and skins resist breakage.
Applications — Where Kalwall Adds Value
Kalwall’s combination of light, comfort and thermal performance makes it suited to many commercial and specialist environments. Below are common applications with real-world use cases:
Schools & Educational Buildings
Diffuse daylight improves visual comfort for students and staff while reducing the need for artificial lighting, critical in classrooms, corridors and gymnasiums.
Healthcare Facilities
Soft daylight supports patient wellbeing in waiting areas, corridors and rehabilitation spaces while maintaining privacy and controlled thermal comfort.
Office Buildings
Daylit interiors enhance occupant satisfaction and productivity, especially in open-plan offices, atria and collaborative spaces.
Industrial & Logistics Facilities
Kalwall is used in warehouse façades and sawtooth roof lights to provide energy-efficient daylighting without visual distraction or thermal stress.
Transit Hubs & Public Buildings
Train stations, airports, museums and galleries benefit from Kalwall’s even light and architectural presence without compromising performance.
Sports & Recreation Facilities
Gyms, pools, courts and arenas use Kalwall rooflights and façades to bring controlled daylight deep into large volumes.
Retail & Hospitality
Kalwall enhances façades and entrance features with signature lighting effects while managing solar heat gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kalwall compare to glass curtain walls?
Kalwall diffuses light and provides better glare control and often superior thermal performance compared to conventional glass, while still delivering daylight.
Can Kalwall provide fire-rated performance?
Yes, fire-rated Kalwall panels are available with third-party certification for specific applications.
Is Kalwall suitable for UK weather?
Absolutely. The materials are engineered to withstand UV, moisture, wind loads and thermal cycles typical of UK climates.
Can Kalwall be curved or formed into custom shapes?
Yes, with advanced manufacturing and framing systems, Kalwall panels can be shaped or ordered in bespoke sizes.
Does Kalwall help reduce energy costs?
Yes, by increasing daylight and reducing artificial lighting demand, and by controlling thermal transfers, Kalwall can contribute to lower energy consumption over time.
How long does a Kalwall installation take?
Timelines vary by project size, but planning, fabrication and installation are scheduled efficiently to minimise disruption.
Can Kalwall be retrofitted to existing buildings?
Yes. Structura UK routinely integrates Kalwall into existing façades, skylights and roof systems where architectural performance upgrades are required.
