Modern facade design: a complete guide
The facade of a building is an important calling card. It is the element that immediately catches the observer’s eye and expresses an artistic and functional vision. It can be a cool mix of size, light, and shapes that make the building look neat and work better. With the implementation of new materials and aesthetic concepts, a facade design plays an even more key role.
What is a modern facade?
The term “facade” originates from the French word “façade”. It means “face” and holds a fundamental importance since it sets the exterior tone of a building. In the modern and contemporary era, facades are conceived with clean lines and geometries and minimalistic features.
Modern design strategies tend to emphasise the sense of openness and clarity and to enhance the natural lighting of indoor spaces. Materials such as steel, aluminium, glass, and composite panels are taken into consideration to create a high-performance facade and to guarantee:
- efficient glazing;
- ventilation system;
- insulation.
They contribute to creating an energy efficient structure that does not compromise on aesthetic and sophisticated design aspects.
What are the benefits of facades?
The use of innovative materials in the construction of modern facades brings a series of benefits. Foremost among these is the creation of a highly performing structure with positive effects on the building itself, its inhabitants and the environment.
- Saving energy. A good facade stops too much heat from getting in or out of a building. This means inhabitants and occupants do not need to use heaters or air conditioners as much. It contributes to money savings and helps the environment.
- Thermal comfort. A well-designed facade helps keep the inside of a building at a comfortable temperature all year long. It also lets in natural light, creating more welcoming indoor spaces and rooms that improve overall well-being.
- Durability. Using strong materials and building techniques makes facades last a long time. This protects the building from damage caused by weathering agents.
- Natural lighting. Modern facades have windows and other parts that let daylight in. This implies a reduced reliance on electric lighting during daylight hours.
- Noise barrier. High performance facades help keep out noise from outside. Buildings are quieter inside and this a worthy solution in large urban and metropolitan areas.
- Environmentally friendly. When buildings consume less energy and minimise energy wastage, they emit fewer pollutants. This not only benefits the environment but also fosters healthier urban environments for inhabitants.
- Aesthetic. While it is imperative for facades to function effectively, they can also aesthetically enhance the building. Employing novel materials and designs has the potential to elevate the visual appeal of structures significantly.
What makes a facade sustainable?
In large architectural projects, it is increasingly common to envision facades that incorporate natural elements such as plants and green installations. This process aims to:
- diminish the environmental footprint of constructions;
- provide a significant contribution to sustainability.
It is not the only way through which architecture and design seek environmental solutions. Bio bricks, cellulose fibre panels, and panels combining cement, wood, and straw are some solutions that are beginning to be tested and implemented.
The combination of more traditional materials also paves the way to modern facade design with a sustainable approach. Glass, for instance, is a recyclable material. Advancements in its processing technologies allow for achieving perfect final results suitable for architectural applications.
Double and triple glazed windows, filled with inert gas and coated with invisible low-emissivity coatings, have made windows and facades much better at keeping heat inside.
Glass pairs perfectly with steel and aluminium. It is not surprising, then, that a highly appreciated solution for modern design facades includes expanded metal.
Expanded metal for facade design
Expanded metal meets design needs due to its versatility. It easily becomes a custom fit for a building’s facade, but it is not just an add-on that can be applied over a glass facade as a further protection element.
Expanded metal meshes come in various shapes and represent immense potential for facade builders and designers when envisioning the visual and aesthetic impact of their project.
The various sizes of the open areas on an expanded metal mesh allow light to radiate into the interior spaces evenly and simultaneously mitigates the impact of sun rays. Additionally, the expanded metal mesh provides aesthetic features and functions as a thermal insulation and ventilation element.
New technology and better tools help make expanded metal panels in many different colours and styles. Architects, designers and facade builders can choose from standard colours or even get custom ones to match exactly what they want. The use of advanced painting and anodizing techniques ensure long-lasting quality and reduce maintenance costs.
The mesh becomes lightweight and adapts to the context surrounding the building, standing as an excellent solution for modern facade design.
