The present invention is a cladded panel for architectural use to replace spandrel glass panels or aluminum panels that can still withstand high wind speeds. The cladded panel of the present invention is a three-layered panel formed by cladding a first porcelain layer, a polymeric interlayer and a second porcelain layer. In one form, first porcelain layer is cladded or baked to the polymeric interlayer and the polymeric interlayer is cladded or baked to second porcelain layer. Cladded panels when assembled to form an architectural structure provide high wind-resistance and insulation from external environment and also forms a durable and aesthetically appealing structure by hiding the unaesthetic elements within a structure at low cost.

A sleeve (20) for centering fasteners during the assembly of components such as facade elements on the substructure of a building envelope includes a sleeve body (23) and a connection bracket (25). The sleeve body (23) has a plurality of sleeve elements (21, 22) which are grouped around a central center axis A and are spaced apart from each other by gaps running in the sleeve longitudinal direction. At least a first (21) and a second (22) sleeve piece are connected to each other at an axial longitudinal end of the sleeve body (23) by a separable connection bracket (25), preferably the connection bracket is separable via predetermined breaking points. Such a sleeve is used in the construction of facades, wherein it is inserted into a pilot hole of a facade element, the connection bracket is broken off and a fastener is inserted into the sleeve. Driving the fastener centers the fastener in the sleeve and the sleeve is removed from the pilot hole.

A siding splice joint contains: a body, multiple washers, and multiple screws. The body includes a first face, a second face, and multiple through holes. A respective washer is injection molded on a respective through hole and includes a thin portion, a thick portion, a connection portion, and a lock orifice. The thick portion of the respective washer is connected on the first face, the thick portion of the respective washer is connected on the second face, and the connection portion is inserted through the respective through hole. A respective screw includes a head, an extension shank integrally extending from the head, and a tip formed on the extension shank away from the head. The extension shank is screwed in the locking orifice of the respective washer so that the respective screw is not locked on but connected with the respective washer.

A system for retaining a position of an architectural fin relative to a structure. The fin is generally planar and defines an edge. The system includes a first mounting bracket configured to retain the architectural fin. The first mounting bracket comprises a first element having laterally opposed surfaces configured to receive the architectural fin therebetween and to apply a compression force to the laterally opposed surfaces of the architectural fin. A second element connected to the first element so that the first element is rotatable relative to the second element about an axis of rotation of the first mounting bracket. The second element has a base for fixing the first mounting bracket relative to the structure. The first mounting bracket is configured to enable rotation of the architectural fin relative to the structure about the axis of rotation of the first mounting bracket.

A facade panel screw for the optimized fastening of facade panel elements on a substructure has a head with very large diameter D.sub.K, a substantially cylinder cross-sectional shaft, which is at least partially provided with a thread (nominal diameter D.sub.S) and a conical tip comprising a tip angle . The thread extends continuously from the shaft to the tip. It is characterizing that the tip angle is 45+/10, the thread is embodied at least in a two-threaded manner, the head diameter D.sub.K is embodied at least twice as large as the nominal diameter D.sub.S; and the facade panel screw does not have a drill tip. Such a facade panel screw is used in a fastening arrangement, which comprises a load-bearing component (substructure) and a facade panel. Due to its design, the facade panel screw is able to simplify the fastening of the facade panel and to at least partially correct an inclined positioning in response to the installation.

A construction article 12 usable in the construction of a building made of concrete. The article 12 has base and side members 32, 34 in the form of plates extending perpendicularly from each other in an L-shape configuration. Three spaced upstanding elongate members 42 are provided upstanding from the base member 32. An appropriately shaped closure member 14 is provided which closes the open ends of the elongate members 42 such that when concrete is poured thereover the members 42 leave three openings extending through the set concrete to permit fixings to extend therethrough.

A wall panel may have a layer made from magnesium oxide, a first insulation layer made from a two-part rigid urethane pour foam, and a second insulation layer made from a phase change material. The first insulation layer maybe chemically bonded to the magnesium oxide layer and may also be bonded to the phase change layer. The first insulation layer may be positioned between the second insulation layer and the magnesium oxide layer. The magnesium oxide layer may be a finished surface or a veneer layer may be applied to the magnesium oxide layer.

A facade panel screw for the optimized fastening of facade panel elements on a substructure has a head with very large diameter D.sub.K, a substantially cylinder cross-sectional shaft, which is at least partially provided with a thread (nominal diameter D.sub.S) and a conical tip comprising a tip angle . The thread extends continuously from the shaft to the tip. It is characterizing that the tip angle is 45+/10, the thread is embodied at least in a two-threaded manner, the head diameter D.sub.K is embodied at least twice as large as the nominal diameter D.sub.S; and the facade panel screw does not have a drill tip. Such a facade panel screw is used in a fastening arrangement, which comprises a load-bearing component (substructure) and a facade panel. Due to its design, the facade panel screw is able to simplify the fastening of the facade panel and to at least partially correct an inclined positioning in response to the installation.

A leveling shim (1) for building is described, comprising a plastic plate (2), coupling means and through holes. The coupling means comprise flexible coupling means (5) able to be housed in at least one cavity (6) of the plate (2), and at least one coupling through hole (4).

A masonry veneer wall cladding system may include a first layer of a ceramic based veneer, such as formed steel calcium silicate, and a second layer that is formed of a rigid thermal insulation panel such as an expanded foam. The two layers are bonded together with an air gap between the layers. The panels are mounted to supporting wall structure with wall support mounting fittings, or cleats. The fittings have a first leg and a second leg, and a web connecting the two legs. The first leg has slots for mechanical fasteners. The slots permit the fitting to slide, so a panel can be put in place, and then the fitting, or cleat can slide down to trap the panel in place. The panel has accommodations for the engaging fingers of the cleat. In one embodiment, the air gap can define the accommodation.