Nvelope
The System That Makes Your Facade Actually Work
The cladding panel is what everyone sees. The Nvelope rainscreen subframe is what makes the cladding panel perform over the life of the building. It’s the engineered aluminium bracket-and-rail system that sits between the structural frame and the cladding, supporting the panels, creating the ventilated cavity that a properly performing facade requires, and managing the thermal expansion and contraction that happen every day in Australian conditions.
It’s not visible when the building is complete. But the consequences of getting it wrong – panels that bow, facades that trap moisture, and thermal bridges that compromise the building’s performance – are very visible indeed. CSP Architectural supplies Nvelope systems alongside our full range of facade cladding products, giving you one supplier for the complete rainscreen assembly.
Technical Specifications
Fire rating
A1 non-combustible brackets and rails do not burn
Certification
BBA Certificate: independently assessed performance
BIM compliance
BIM Level 2 compliant models are available for your specification
Thermal performance
PVC thermal-break isolators on every bracket reduce thermal bridging
Material
6005 T6 aluminium alloy, high strength-to-weight, inherently corrosion-resistant
Cladding compatibility
Fibre cement · Solid aluminium · Composite panels · Terracotta · Stone · HPL · Timber-look aluminium
Zone depth
40–300mm standard systems · Custom depths available
Nvelope System Range
NV1
Face-fix or rivet-fix configuration for cladding zone depths of 40–300mm. Suits fibre cement, ACM and HPL panels. The most widely used Nvelope system in Australian commercial construction.
NV2
Concealed-fix system for cladding zone depths of 40–300mm. Compatible with metal panels, terracotta, stone and timber-look profiles where visible fixings aren’t acceptable.
NV7
Secret-fix horizontal system. Ideal for HPL and fibre cement applications where a completely flush, fastener-free face is required.
NV9
Face-fix system for shallow facade zones up to 40mm. Suited to lightweight panels and applications where cavity depth is constrained by structural or planning limitations.
NV3
A versatile bracket system for cladding zone depths of 40–300 mm, designed specifically for masonry and concrete substrates where the facade sits directly against the building structure without a cavity framing system.
Project-Engineered Systems
For facades outside the standard system parameters, non-standard wind loads, unusual substrates, and complex geometry. Nvelope designs a project-specific system from engineering first principles.
How a Rainscreen Assembly Works
Understanding the assembly helps with correct specification. A rainscreen facade isn’t just cladding fixed to a wall; it’s a system with distinct layers, each performing a specific function.
Structural frame
Concrete, masonry, steel or timber – the Nvelope bracket is fixed here. The frame carries the load.
Weatherproofing layer
Breather membrane or rigid air barrier (e.g., Siniat Weather Defence™), the primary line of defence against water ingress.
Nvelope bracket & rail system
The engineered aluminium subframe. Fixed points carry dead load; sliding points allow thermal movement. PVC thermal isolators on every bracket prevent thermal bridging.
Ventilated cavity
The air gap created by the Nvelope system. Air circulates here, allowing moisture to evaporate and managing vapour pressure across the assembly.
External cladding panel
The visible facade, fibre cement, aluminium, terracotta, stone, and HPL. Fixed to the Nvelope rail system by the appropriate fixing method for the panel type.
Featured Projects with Nvelope
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rainscreen subframe, and why is it needed?
A rainscreen subframe is the structural system that attaches external cladding panels to a building while creating a ventilated cavity between the cladding and the building’s waterproofing layer. The cavity allows moisture to drain and evaporate, preventing water entrapment behind the facade. The subframe also manages the thermal expansion and contraction of the cladding system and transfers wind load from the panels back to the building structure.
Can CSP supply both the Nvelope subframe and the cladding panels?
Yes, and this is one of the key reasons to source through CSP. We supply Nvelope systems alongside our full facade cladding range, including 3A Alucolux®, EQUITONE, ExaPanel® and James Hardie™. One supplier for the complete rainscreen assembly means aligned technical documentation, a consistent specification process and a single contact when questions arise during installation.
Is Nvelope suitable for high-rise buildings?
Yes. Nvelope systems are engineered to carry specific wind loads and dead loads based on the project parameters; height, location, cladding weight and substrate type all feed into the system selection. For high-rise applications, project-specific engineering can be provided to confirm the appropriate system configuration.