Cladding materials for elegant exterior

Gone are the days when house elevation had so many details and took months to craft just
single wooden entablature or front pediment for house entrances.
Today you will see the straight lines, bold masses with cool colors and unique materials on
outside façade of the buildings acting as a foreground of the overall skyline.
The invention of so many new materials made able the designers to think on its application to
exterior of homes as cladding which not only minimize the time for construction but also look
aesthetically pleasing as compared to typical plaster detailing or crafting in elevations of houses
with bricks or paint etc. They are very attractive, most durable and easy to install.
Although the selection of these cladding materials has a role in overall look. In current days best
architect knows the true composition and selection of various cladding materials with one
another to get a nice look of the overall façade & massing.
Cladding materials vary on prices, size, quality, durability and climatic conditions of the sites.
Before selection, it must be analyzed whether our selected cladding will work in our location or
not. Cladding materials for Peshawar will be different from the one we will select in Islamabad or
another part of the country.
Below is the list of some cladding materials which will give your home a unique look.
1. Stone cladding

A modern residence by Montage Design Build Islamabad

Stone cladding adds heritage value to your home if you love to live in a tradition with a modern
look. In this Villa, the solid masses are finished with stone cladding. The major benefits of stone
cladding are its strength, durability and aesthetic appeal. To achieve a safe and reliable fixing
system for stone cladding, it is essential to fully consider the implications of the weight and
properties of natural stone, early on in the design work.
2. Metal mesh cladding

KC design studio adds perforated façade & atrium to the skinny Taiwanese townhouse
We see light come in these tiny voids of metal mesh with a nice sound of air flow in between
them. The designers were asked to improve the natural lighting in the old home, which is
situated in close proximity to noisy tourist attractions and night markets. But they were also
asked to avoid compromising the client's privacy or security.
The Industrial Revolution opened up new possibilities for the fabrication of metal sheets that
could be punched and formed into ornamental designs in Pakistan. Metal cladding is more
durable than any other product. It has a sharp industrial look & effective in all climatic
conditions. One can make desired patterns in any form and shape in metal, increase or
decrease the voids sizes and can mold in any shape.
 3. Green Walls

A modern Mexican House

Every one wants plants & vegetation in their homes but what if that vegetation and greenery are
on the elevation of your home which will be a living wall on which the creepers grow and will
purify the air as well. The idea to create a living green wall was first presented by Stanley Hart
White in 1938 and was later popularized by French botanist Patrick Blanc. The growing medium
is very much necessary for the green walls and proper treatment of the surface is required
otherwise the water and roots will penetrate inside buildings. It provides a fresh look to the
buildings and a source of oxygen to the inhabitants.

Today, green walls can be categorized into three types of common systems: panel/modular
systems, tray systems and freestanding walls. A sound understanding of all three types will help
you identify which one is best-suited for the scope of your project. Plants are pre-grown into
panels that can be used inside or outside, and in any type of climate is known as panel system.

Plants are pre-grown off-site and inserted into the wall, which allows for a great degree of
design flexibility, especially since trays can be easily removed and replaced. Typically, cheaper
than panel systems, tray systems are most commonly used in interior settings.

Freestanding walls are smaller, movable living walls that can be placed in indoor or outdoor
settings. They can be placed against a wall or in the middle of a room, and are ideal for
temporary spaces or floor plans that change over time.
Most custom living green walls are hydroponic systems that are irrigated by a drip irrigation
method.

4. PVC Panels

http://wpcboard.sell.everychina.com/p-98263750

These cladding are made from Ploy vinyl chloride. This material is available in so many shapes
& designs. It looks like natural wood, however far better than wood in durability and will work in
any climatic conditions. They can be installed in a vertical or horizontal direction depending on
the visual design aspect suggested by the architect. It can also reduce heat gain in buildings
and also good acoustic quality.
 5. Terracotta Cladding

Dezeen.com

Terracotta cladding is made from 100% natural material, mainly composed of natural clay mixed
with natural water, and with high-temperature firing work. Combined with other facade system
materials, such as glass, stone, steel, etc., the terracotta wall cladding systems create fantastic
facade wall designs. However, maintenance is required for this kind of cladding like power
washing after some years due to dust.