Exterior cladding is the first point of contact and the first protection layer between the external environment and the indoors. Therefore, it plays a very crucial role. Exterior cladding materials are vital in determining interior comfort and sustainability by influencing insulation, air quality, and energy efficiency. Cladding serves as the protective skin of a building, bolstering its overall performance and resilience. Acting as a shield against weather elements, cladding enhances structural integrity and offers insulation, moderating interior temperatures and ensuring moisture control.
Exterior cladding provides thermal insulation by reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling, says Ar. Gaurav Sanghavi, Co-founder, Pentaspace Design Studio. Additionally, they protect against environmental factors like rain, wind, and sunlight, preventing water penetration and maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Some materials optimise natural daylighting and manage solar heat gain, reducing the use of artificial lighting. Cladding also contributes to acoustic insulation, enhancing occupant comfort.
Sustainable options, sourced from renewable or recycled materials, reduce environmental impact. Their durability and low maintenance extend the building’s lifespan, promoting sustainability. Careful selection of cladding materials is crucial for occupant comfort and sustainable building practices, aligning with environmental and economic objectives for a project.
The amount of solar radiation the exterior wall absorbs or reflects defines the interior comfort, describes Ar. Nilesh Gandhi, Principal Architect, Meta Design. The Solar Reflective Index (SRI) values, are important to ensure reflection and not absorption and reduce heat transfer by conduction to the inside. Gandi too agrees that like most other materials, the recycled content in manufacturing the exterior cladding materials will be an additional benefit to define the building’s sustainability.
Regarding cladding materials, Rachna Agarwal, Founder and Design Ideator, of Studio IAAD notes that materials like high-performance windows and insulated cladding systems contribute to better thermal regulation, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Additionally, selecting low-VOC materials improves indoor air quality. Agarwal also talks about sustainable cladding options, such as recycled or renewable materials.
In terms of sustainability, cladding emerges as a superior choice, necessitating minimal maintenance and thereby reducing the environmental footprint associated with building upkeep. Moreover, the availability of eco-friendly materials further augments the building’s sustainability quotient by curbing its carbon footprint, points out Smita Tiwari, Co-Founder, Articlad.
INNOVATIVE MATERIALS IN VOGUE – SUSTAINABLE, AESTHETIC & VERSATILE
ACP is the most common and publicly used, though high-pressure laminated boards, brick cladding tiles and stones are some of the materials in vogue, says Ar. Gandhi. Agarwal vouches on prefabricated fibre cement panels, composite wood cladding, and 3D-printed façade elements. “These materials offer versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal, meeting the demands of modern architecture. Additionally, materials like ceramic cladding and aluminium composite panels are in high demand due to their sustainable properties and design flexibility”, she adds.
Explaining the diverse benefits of cladding materials, Tiwari doted on ventilated façade cladding systems that facilitate free airflow, offering great insulation. There are so many products which can be used to create a ventilated façade including natural stone. Another ground-breaking invention is cladding products crafted from low-carbon or carbon-free concrete, which reduces environmental impact significantly, adds Tiwari.
Indian buyers, known for seeking innovation alongside affordability, find flexible cladding to be the optimal choice. Crafted from unfired clay and just 3-4mm thick, modified clay materials (MCM) wet cladding reduces costs and minimises detachment risks. What sets it apart is its exceptional environmental credentials, perfectly attuned to sustainability objectives which even motivates designers to come up with complex architectural structures which is no longer difficult to clad. Edescribes Tiwari. MCM Unfired Clay Cladding is a clay-based natural tile, which is crafted by amalgamating unfired clay and specialised polymers.
Emerging exterior cladding materials address sustainability, durability, and aesthetics. Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites offer strength, weather resistance, and design flexibility, mimicking natural materials. Notes Ar. Sanghavi. Cladding material made from renewable sources like bamboo, reduces environmental impact. Metal cladding systems like aluminium and zinc are popular for durability and modern appeal. Engineered wood products are valued for sustainability and warmth. Translucent materials such as polycarbonate sheets transmit natural light and create dynamic structures. Selection of cladding materials is based on sustainability, durability, aesthetics and architectural and environmental needs.
INDOOR COMFORT WITH EFFECTIVE CLADDING
Façade cladding enhances energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness by providing insulation, reducing heat ingress, and optimising daylighting. High-performance cladding materials contribute to thermos-regulation, minimising energy consumption for heating and cooling. Additionally, materials with acoustic properties can attenuate noise transmission, improving indoor comfort. Properly designed cladding systems maximise natural daylight penetration while minimising glare, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy costs, notes Agarwal.
While energy-efficient cladding products may not immediately strike you as cost-effective, adds Tiwari, delving into their life cycle costs unveils a fascinating truth: you could be spending up to 20 times less over the product’s lifetime.
Depending on the climatic zone of the building, the cladding plays the role of protection by creating a shell, which makes the building energy efficient or energy deficient, restates Gandhi. The materials with a higher sound absorption will help in acoustics. Cladding materials, if opaque, will have no control over the daylight entering the building, but if we consider glass as a cladding material to a building, without a backing, the Visual Transmittance (VT ), and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) will define the light and heat ingress impacting the energy consumption.
Some cladding materials even enhance natural light penetration, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Additionally, innovative concepts like façade lights powered by solar energy further reduce the need for lighting in the evening. Many cladding materials also possess sound-absorbing and reflective properties. Ultimately, the choice of cladding depends on various factors. However, any cladding option can result in long-term savings and a positive environmental impact.
According to Ar. Sanghavi, high-quality materials help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduce energy consumption, and lower operational costs. They act as a protective barrier against weather conditions, maintain a comfortable indoor environment and minimise maintenance expenses.
Overall, thoughtful selection and implementation of cladding materials significantly enhance building performance and sustainability while improving occupant’s comfort.
CLADDING TRENDS
According to Ar. Gandhi, it is more sustainable to have the principal building envelope material sustainable and in line with the overall project requirements. However cladding materials are preferred on account of aesthetics, speed of construction, décor and theme of a project. Wood, for example, provides warmth, but natural wood structures are not condusive to our environment hence cladding with a wooden finish is in trend. Manufactured cladding materials provide all kinds of colours, shades, designs and patterns, so have become a product of choice of several designers.
Aggarwal says that popular materials include timber, metal and composite panels, offering a range of textures and finishes. Neutral tones like greys and earthy hues dominate colour palettes, complementing modern design schemes. Architectural trends favour clean lines, geometric patterns, and minimalist designs, emphasising simplicity and sophistication.
CURRENT TRENDS IN CLADDING
Current trends in cladding emphasise dynamic patterns and captivating façades, extending beyond materials to include structural shapes. Globally, there’s a surge of innovative approaches such as utilising three-dimensional patterns and textures to create visually stunning façades that add depth and dimension to buildings.
Façade Light Play: Incorporating lighting elements into the façade design to create dynamic effects, patterns, and visual interest, especially during the evening hours.
Parametric Façade: Employing parametric design principles to create façades with intricate and customisable patterns, shapes, and geometries that respond to various environmental factors and design criteria. Graphic Concrete: Graphic concrete is a revolutionary technology that allows intricate patterns, images, or graphics to be imprinted directly onto concrete surfaces.
Graphic concrete offers architects and designers a versatile and customisable way to add visual interest and artistic flair to building exteriors, façades, walls, and other concrete elements. The patterns and images can range from simple geometric designs to intricate illustrations or photographs, depending on the desired effects.
One of the key benefits of graphic concrete is its durability and longevity.
(Smita Tiwari, Co-Founder, Articlad)
CLADDING PREFERENCES BASED ON END-USE
In the dynamic realm of architecture and construction, cladding trends evolve in response to the diverse needs and priorities of various building sectors. From residential to industrial settings, each end-use category presents unique opportunities for innovation and creativity in cladding design.
In residential buildings, there’s a growing preference for natural materials and an increasing use of modular green façades. Residential projects often embrace natural materials like wood and stone for a warm, inviting ambience, says Aggarwal. According to Ar. Sanghavi, homeowners increasingly favour engineered wood products and fibre cement panels, for their natural appearance and low maintenance. Sustainable options such as reclaimed wood or recycled metal are also gaining popularity.
For commercial, institutional, healthcare or office developments, aluminium composite panel (ACP) has the major market share, on account of cost and time efficiency. In commercial and institutional buildings, says Aggarwal, sleek metal cladding and glass curtain walls create a modern, professional appearance. In commercial and office buildings, there is a noticeable shift towards 3D patterns and parametric designs, adds Tiwari. Institutional buildings prioritise durability, functionality and most importantly safety. So products such as flexible clay cladding become the best choice.
Institutions like schools and government buildings prioritise cost-effectiveness and durability. Fibre cement panels and brick veneers are popular choices for their affordability and longevity. Sustainable materials such as bamboo or recycled glass may also be incorporated, notes Ar. Sanghavi.
Industrial projects with a major focus on internal manufacturing, or performance criteria, have a lesser focus on external aesthetics, hence not a major focus on cladding material per se, says Ar. Gandhi. Industrial buildings require materials that can withstand harsh environments. They should focus on functionality and cost-efficiency, utilising durable materials like concrete and metal panels. Corrugated metal panels and insulated metal panels provide durability and energy efficiency, while precast concrete panels offer strength and fire resistance.
Healthcare facilities prioritise hygiene and durability, opting for easy-to-clean and antimicrobial materials. In healthcare facilities, modular options are common, and innovative products like healing stones are emerging. Non-porous materials like stainless steel and glazed ceramic tiles are preferred in hospitals for their resistance to moisture and bacteria. Natural wood or green walls are also being used to promote well-being.
Offices aim for a modern appearance and functionality. Glass curtain walls are common in offices for maximising natural light and creating visual impact. Glass façades maximise natural light, while metal composite panels and high-pressure laminate cladding offer sleek aesthetics and easy maintenance. Office spaces emphasise flexibility and sustainability, incorporating adaptable cladding systems and green building materials.
FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS OF CLADDING MATERIALS
Fire safety standards for cladding materials involve compliance with building codes and regulations, ensuring materials meet flame spread and smoke toxicity requirements. Concerns regarding safety and security include resistance to weathering, impact resistance, and resistance to vandalism or intrusions, explains Aggarwal. Additionally, proper installation and maintenance practices are essential to mitigate risks associated with cladding, such as water infiltration or structural instability.
Fire safety standards for cladding materials are vital to prevent fire spread, focusing on fire resistance, combustibility, and smoke production, adds Ar. Sanghavi. Materials must meet specific fire classification ratings. This includes assessing their resistance to fire, how easily they burn, and the smoke they produce. We also need to make sure they don’t catch fire easily, and that any smoke they produce isn’t harmful. It’s important to choose materials that can withstand weather to stop water from getting in, maintain a building’s structure, and protect people from falling debris during emergencies. Taking care of these things keeps buildings safe and protects the people inside.
Fire safety will depend on the base on which the cladding material is installed, says Ar. Gandhi. If the base material is non-combustible like a concrete or a brick wall, then the fire standards of the external cladding material will matter less. From a longevity perspective, the adhesion of the cladding material with the base envelope becomes critical, as well as the life and LCA of the materials.
MATERIALS, COLOURS, DESIGNS
-
In order to reduce the heat gain, the west side has been blocked with a solid mass. Vertical strip windows were introduced on the west façade (Studio IAAD) Materials: Sustainable and innovative materials are gaining popularity, including engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT), fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) and bio-based materials such as bamboo or reclaimed wood. Metal cladding, particularly aluminium and zinc, remains popular for its durability and modern appeal. Additionally, translucent materials like polycarbonate sheets are increasingly used for their ability to transmit natural light.
- Colours: Neutral and earthy tones continue to dominate, reflecting a preference for timeless and natural aesthetics. However, there is also a growing interest in bold and vibrant colours, as well as metallic finishes, adding visual interest and personality to building façades.
- Designs: Contemporary designs often feature clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, with an emphasis on simplicity and functionality. However, there is also a revival of interest in textured surfaces, geometric patterns, and intricate detailing, adding depth and visual intrigue to cladding systems. Modular and prefabricated cladding solutions are gaining traction for their efficiency and ease of installation, allowing for greater design flexibility and customisation.
(Ar. Gaurav Sanghavi, Co-founder, Pentaspace Design Studio)
WHAT LIES AHEAD
Future cladding materials and designs should emphasise sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Materials that are easy and quick to install, modular to adapt to the existing envelope in case of retrofits, and ones which are 100% recycled would be game changers for the real estate industry.
Bio-based materials, such as engineered timber and biopolymer composites, offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional cladding materials. Advanced technologies, like self-healing coatings and integrated photovoltaics, could enhance functionality and energy efficiency.
Design-wise, dynamic façades capable of adapting to environmental conditions and user preferences may become prevalent, blurring the boundaries between architecture and technology. AI advancements will likely revolutionise the cladding industry, leading to smarter, more energy-efficient choices in the next 25 years.
Products based on nanotechnology will indeed play a significant role, offering self-maintaining properties and the ability to adapt over time by changing colour, texture, and more, creating dynamic architectural expression. Translucent solar cladding also appears to be a promising future trend, harnessing renewable energy while allowing natural light to penetrate indoor spaces, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Furthermore, with a more sensitive approach to sustainability, carbon-capturing buildings will likely become more prevalent, actively reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. This could include the widespread use of innovative materials like carbon-negative concrete, self-healing bioplastics, or nanomaterials with enhanced thermal properties.
Also, buildings might have smart cladding with sensors that monitor things and adjust as needed. We might also see more nature-inspired designs like living walls or green façades, which make people feel good and help the environment.
Plus, using prefab cladding material could make building faster and let architects be more creative. The designs should strive to harmonise with their surroundings, contribute to energy efficiency, and enhance the overall quality of built environments.
Overall, the future of cladding holds exciting possibilities, where innovative technologies and sustainable practices converge to create buildings that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally conscious and responsive to their surroundings. The future cladding solutions aim to balance aesthetics, performance, and sustainability in response to evolving architectural and societal needs.