The moment an architect starts laying out a design for his new construction project, he tries to make the design as modern as possible. After all, gone are those days when these professionals used to construct Georgian or Victorian-styled buildings mostly.
In this 21st-century era, modernity and sophistication are what is expected out of a construction project. This is where an architect employs different kinds of construction techniques to overcome the hurdles in the beauty of the structure.
When a building is in the process of construction the external surface consists of many uneven parts that don’t give a sleek and even finish to the design. Also, this external surface in raw form remains quite vulnerable to external threats like harsh weather conditions, corrosion, other damages, and so on. This is the reason why the external surface needs a protective cover, and hence comes the concept of architectural cladding.
What is Architectural Cladding?
In our human body, we have bones and muscles that make up the entire skeleton system. This skeleton system is the inner architectural design upon which our entire human body is built upon. However, we don’t see a human being walking on the streets with just bones and muscles. This inner architectural layout consisting of bones and muscles is covered by skin to give a perfect finish and look to the human body. Skin serves as the external protective covering while enhancing beauty at the same time.
In the same way, when a building is constructed the external wall houses a lot of features that are the backbone of the building. But, they are uneven and don’t give a proper finish to the building. This is why façade protective layers are installed over the external surface of the building to give a finishing touch while serving the purpose of protection at the same time this external layer of the protective cover is known as architectural cladding. In simple terms, cladding is a process of applying a layer of one material over another to cover an exterior surface of a structure.
What are The Types of Architectural Cladding?
The architectural world has seen a lot of revolutions with the influx of technology and expertise. One such revolution is the inception of cladding in this sector. In earlier days, when copper, bricks, precious metals, and other substances were used to design the exteriors of construction, they were left exposed to different sorts of vulnerabilities. But now with the help of the cladding technique, this challenge can be overcome easily.
Here, We Have Discussed Different Types of Architectural Cladding That You Can See In The Construction Sector:
#1. Stone Cladding: In this cladding, a thin layer of natural stones is used to cover the exteriors. It makes the structure naturally elegant and stylish. Natural stones like slate, marble and sandstone are used in this cladding. Stone cladding is beneficial to install as it is non-porous and does not absorb any moisture content. So it’s durable and lasts for years to come.
#2. Brick Cladding: In this cladding, bricks are used to form an external protective layer. Bricks come in different colors, so pick the one that complements your design and décor. Brick cladding is quite strong and sturdy and doesn’t crack due to hot and cold weather conditions. It requires very low maintenance also; all you require is just simple washing to keep the bricks in good condition for a long period of time.
#3. UPVC Cladding: Another effective type of architectural cladding is UPVC cladding. Here, unplasticized polyvinyl sheets are used to cover the external panels. It is quite popular among homeowners because of the free maintenance feature. It protects the structure from the UV effect of direct sunlight also. It is resistant to weather, corrosion and fire also. It insulates the covered structure also, so good to install in-home or office.
#4. Timber Cladding: Here, thin layers of natural wood are used to cover the exterior wall High-quality timbers give both decorative and protective benefits to the structure. It keeps the covered structure warm and comforting. It comes in different colors, styles and textures, so choose as per your taste and décor.
Perks of Installing Cladding in Architectures
Speaking in Broader Terms, There are Three Major Benefits That the Structure Enjoys With Cladding:
- The cladding acts as a protective cover on the external surface of the structure while making the structure strong and sturdy also.
- All types of architectural cladding add beauty to the architecture making it more unique and more stylish than normal construction.
- Cladding asks for very low maintenance and saving on your overhead expenses in the long run.
Conclusion
Even though the use of architectural cladding is new, many residential and commercial projects are now implementing this technique to make their existing structures more unique and sophisticated.
