When we talk about modern sustainable building design, architectural cladding systems are one of the leading elements used by architects and designers for their various functions that transcend beyond aesthetics. Choosing the right building material also impacts the structure’s environmental performance, which contributes to its sustainability. In this article, we’ll be exploring the roles of architectural cladding systems and how they’re more than just focal elements in a building’s façade.

They help make the building energy-efficient.

One of the primary roles of a cladding system is enhancing a structure’s thermal performance. They can help reduce heat transfer, which, in turn, minimizes heat loss. This is ideal, especially during the cold winter. On the other hand, it also reduces heat gain in the summer through the building envelope. Building owners can save on operational costs since it lowers energy consumption.

Some cladding systems also have high solar reflectance, depending on their building materials, which makes these structures more energy efficient. This feature is ideal for structures that are located in hotter climates since it helps cool the building, which lowers the need for excessive air conditioning.

They improve a building’s durability and extend its lifespan.

On top of adding aesthetics to any structure, a cladding system also adds to a building’s durability since it adds an extra layer of protection against elements like wind, rain, snow, and harmful UV rays. Additionally, the cladding system also protects the underlying structure from molds, moisture damage, and decay, thus ensuring its longevity and reducing the need for costly repairs.

Cladding systems come in different material compositions, but the majority of them are equipped with a protective coating that makes them highly resistant to corrosion and weathering. This boosts their durability and eliminates the need for costly replacements.

They promote sustainability through the choice of materials.

Sustainability is no longer a trend during these times, and although Australia has not inherently required contractors and builders to adopt sustainable practices, building officials in various regions are starting to practice sustainability. Many cladding systems are made up of recycled materials like aluminum and composite content. Even the actual cladding systems themselves are recyclable and may be reused at the end of the building’s life cycle. As a result, there’s little to no waste, reducing the environmental impact of construction.

When we talk about sustainability, there’s also the option of choosing ethically sourced materials like wood or bamboo within the area. By doing so, you’re reducing transportation costs and utilizing renewable resources. In other cases, the architect can specify the use of materials with low embodied energy. Materials branded as such are extracted, processed, and manufactured with minimal energy, which makes them sustainable since the total energy used to process them is relatively low, having reduced environmental impact.

They improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

We’ve mentioned earlier how cladding systems help regulate a structure’s internal temperature. On top of preventing heat loss and gain, the cladding system also helps improve indoor environmental quality, which enhances the user’s comfort.

Other cladding systems have integrated shading elements that help boost natural lighting and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial and mechanical ventilation.

To wrap it up, architectural cladding systems do more than provide aesthetics to any building; they also help enhance the structure’s energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.