In a precast cladding panel system requiring no cast-in mounting hardware,
each panel has a continuous notch along its upper edge, forming a ledge
adjacent the panel's front face, and an upstand adjacent the panel's rear
face. Each panel is mounted to a supporting structure using fasteners
installed through openings formed in the upstand. The panels are
configured such that their lower edges fit into the notches of underlying
panels, with the front faces of all panels being substantially co-planar,
aided by spacer means fastened to the supporting structure adjacent to
the lowermost panel course. Air circulation behind the installed panel
assembly is facilitated by spaced bumpers fastened to the supporting
structure so as to space the panel upstands away therefrom.
Alternatively, the panels may be mounted with the upstands directly
against the supporting structure, with the panels having vertical air
channels formed into the upstands and rear panels faces as appropriate.