THE ILLUSION CASSETTE. COMPETITION AND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS

The Illusion volumetric facade cassettes from GRADAS have been setting the tone in modern Russian architecture for many years, turning ordinary buildings into real art objects. The original design idea for these cassettes came thanks to the ARCIGRADAS competition, which the company held in 2015. A year later, this type of cassette was presented at the MosBuild exhibition, where it was very popular among the visitors. In 2017 it gained international success thanks to the presence at BATIMAT exhibition. The shape of the cassette repeats the soft curve of a seashell: smooth lines create a stunning play of light and shadow on the facade, making the building look different in the morning, afternoon and evening. Even in cloudy weather, the surface looks like alive and dynamic, and at sunny weather it shimmers with dozens of facets of sea waves.

Cassettes are made of aluminium composite panels (ACP) with a thickness of 4 mm, as well as from various types of metal, for example, aluminium. Sizes range from a minimum of 300×300 mm to 1000×1000 mm, which allows you to implement projects of any scale. The coating may be any color according to the RAL palette, anodizing is also possible for special durability and noble metallic luster. The installation is carried out on concealed fasteners with minimal gaps, the structure is lightweight and fully meets the requirements of ventilated facades: excellent heat and sound insulation, protection from precipitation and temperature fluctuations for decades.

One of the most striking examples is the Sevastopol shopping complex with a marine theme, where with the help of two types of Illusion cassettes it was possible to convey the movement of waves and glare on the water: the facade literally "flows over" and flickers, perfectly emphasizing the concept of an object by the sea. The building has become a real attraction, where 3D panels have created the illusion of endless movement, although in fact the surface remains absolutely motionless. Architects and developers choose the GRADAS Illusion cassettes because it is not a standard solution, but a tool for creating a unique image of a building.

GRADAS was the first company in Russia to launch the production of volumetric facade cassettes and continues to be a leader: its own high-tech production allows us to implement the most ambitious ideas without compromising on quality and timing.