Wall cladding is more than a building’s protective shell. It embodies artistic expression and showcases design intent. It also offers protection from harsh climate conditions, fading due to UV exposure, and rot.
uPVC is an affordable cladding option that offers durability and a wide variety of colour options. It can be matched to other elements of the structure for a cohesive look, or contrasting to produce a striking aesthetic.
Wood
Wood is a natural material that can add warmth to any home, especially when used as cladding on multi-storey buildings. It can blend seamlessly with surrounding greenery or provide a contrast in urban environments. In addition to enhancing aesthetics, wooden cladding is more environmentally friendly than other building materials. It absorbs harmful greenhouse gases, stores them during its lifecycle, and requires less energy to manufacture than other cladding options.
However, despite its benefits, there are barriers to the use of wood cladding in non-residential construction. These include recurring maintenance, NBC fire-safety regulations and AIIP, the appearance of aging timber cladding, and technical considerations.
A common problem is the lack of suitable construction details for timber cladding. This can result in an inconsistent installation, a dualism that is difficult to resolve. Additionally, timber must be treated to protect it from rot and insects. This can be expensive, and many architects do not want to impose these costs on clients.
Whether painted, stained, or left to go through its own natural weathering process, timber offers many color variations and can create a unique look that is hard to match. It is also durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. In addition, its acoustic properties help to improve soundproofing and reduce noise pollution.
Although the initial cost of timber cladding is higher than other options, it is sustainable and biodegradable. It is also renewable, requiring less energy to produce than other cladding materials. In addition, it carries the added benefit of storing carbon dioxide during its lifecycle and emitting oxygen, making it a carbon-neutral material. In addition, timber cladding can be harvested from responsibly-managed forests, which helps support conservation and sustainable forestry practices.
Stone
Stone is a beautiful and hardy material that adds character and unique aesthetics to any property. The beauty of natural stone can increase a property value significantly if the proper care is taken to protect it over time. In addition to the high aesthetics, it is also very durable and requires less maintenance than other exterior materials.
Whether used as wall cladding or curtain walls, stone can enhance the appearance of a building by adding texture and color. Stone is available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, giving architects and builders unlimited design possibilities. There are also many different finishes available to choose from that can add a touch of style to any home or commercial structure.
While the initial cost of using stone cladding can be a bit higher than some other products, the durability and minimal maintenance requirements make it a wise investment over the long term. Furthermore, using stone cladding can help reduce energy costs by providing insulation to rooms. This will reduce the reliance on electrical appliances and save homeowners money on their utility bills. For this reason, evaluating a project’s budget constraints and selecting a stone cladding option that aligns with those financial parameters can be beneficial. Then, when it comes to installing the stone cladding, choosing the right method for installation will help ensure the longevity and safety of the material.
Metal
Cladding acts as an outer skin to protect buildings from environmental factors and enhances their aesthetic value. It also functions as an insulating layer to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort, points out Verma. Its versatility allows architects to express their architectural vision and create a unique identity for their designs. The right cladding system can also reduce the maintenance costs and increase longevity.
Metal exterior cladding panels offer a variety of colors, textures and shapes to suit different styles. Aluminium cladding is popular for high-rise buildings as it is lightweight and easy to install, while copper and zinc provide unique patina effects. These materials are also hard-wearing and durable, able to withstand Australia’s harsh weather conditions.
While wood and stone are traditional options for building cladding, new materials are making waves in the market. For example, composite cladding offers a natural look at a lower cost than wood, and can be made to mimic the look of ash, cedar or dark walnut. Its durability and resistance to sun, wind, storms and bushfires make it a perfect choice for projects that need an extra level of protection and sustainability.
Fiber Cement
Although glass, wood and stone are traditional cladding materials that can add an aesthetic appeal to buildings, a growing number of design professionals are opting for architectural wall panels made from fiber cement. Specialized cladding manufacturers can fabricate these products in a variety of textures, styles and colors, with finishes that can cater to nearly any stylistic vision.
The most popular fiber cement finishes range from natural shades like light gray and slate to warm beiges, browns and rust colors. Some manufacturers even offer finishes that mimic raw materials like brick, stone and natural timber. Using these cladding products, architects can create facades that blend in with the surrounding environment while highlighting a building’s unique architectural features.
Many of these exterior cladding systems also offer insulation benefits. They can keep heat out in summer and retain it in winter, improving a building’s energy efficiency. In addition, they can minimize air leakage and reduce noise from nearby traffic and pedestrians.
Another trend is using fiber cement to make corners look virtually seamless. Architects can use products from James Hardie, for example, to produce mitered corners: joints made from two beveled materials that form a 90-degree angle. This detail can be especially useful when a building’s shape changes or it abuts a secondary vertical element. For more inspiration, check out the work of LEVENBETTS, a New York-based architecture firm that showcases their love for manipulating raw fiber cement into minimalist geometric forms.