For many reasons, the facade of a building is the most important element. It enhances the property and also gives us some useful information about its purpose. In addition, it has an impact on the wider area, contributing to the character. Whether it is commercial architecture, public buildings, or homes and housing, it is crucial to choose beautiful facades.

The best thing about facade design is there are so many options. You can choose different types of brick in a variety of patterns. Or you can have modern metal framework with glazing. There are even an array of options such as different types of cladding, green walls, and a variety of finishes in different colours and textures.

If you are considering facades, whether for new builds or renovations, there are some major trends to think about at the moment. While you can be creative and choose a design that works for you, it is a good idea to also consider these key factors.

Sustainability

One of the most crucial topics in architecture and construction is the push to be more sustainable. In fact, there are stricter regulations now in terms of the environment and energy efficiency. The right facades can be a major element of green, sustainable buildings. They can improve thermal insulation, help deliver a low carbon footprint, and ensure a long lifecycle. People favour materials and products that can offer high sustainability. Think about things like recyclability.

Aesthetics

Naturally one of the main factors with facades is the aesthetics. It is true with commercial architecture, homes, and almost every other kind of structure you can imagine. While the number of options means people can choose colours, textures, and application or installation techniques to suit their needs, there are some interesting trends. For example, everyone wants a high end look. Nobody wants to choose a facade that just looks okay; they want it to be impressive and make a positive impression.

Safety

Another major trend is people want facades to be safe. This has been a really important area since Grenfell. Today people are looking more closely at crucial factors such as fire resistance. There is also a lot of attention on VOCs. Nobody wants materials or products that will release chemicals into the air. So, they typically favour facade materials and coatings with low levels of VOCs.

Features

Finally, people are looking at facades that can offer more features. Technological advancements mean there are many products today that add value with things like better weather resistance. Self cleaning features are also very popular.

What to choose?

Whatever kind of building you are dealing with, it is absolutely crucial to choose a great facade design. The goal should be to effectively combine aesthetics with technical performance. Remember that quality lasts; ideally you want a facade that will still be stunning and effective in the future. That is crucial for sustainability.

Talk to us about commercial architecture

At Coffey Architects we love to see what trends emerge in every aspect of architecture and construction. They can be inspirational and lead to even more creative solutions. Plus, they give us a chance to keep expanding our knowledge and skills. Ultimately, it ensures we can provide the best services for our clients.

So, if you’re thinking about facades for commercial architecture or any other aspect of different buildings, talk to us. We’d be happy to look at design options with you, and can even do feasibility studies.