One of the most important things with commercial architecture is making buildings look great. This can enhance the value they add to an area. The last thing people want is to live close to tired, old, worn down buildings. Luckily, there are a number of options here. We want to look at two of the best ones – cladding and curtain walls.

What are they?

There can be some confusion with these two terms. Some people mix them up because there are similarities. However, if you look at the differences you will see that they are not one and the same.

To start with, cladding is a coating you can apply to any external wall. You can use an array of different materials, including metal sheets, timber, and composites. Using them is a quick way to improve the aesthetics of the facade of a piece of commercial architecture without having to change the structure.

A curtain wall is a little different. You don’t install it directly on to the surface. Instead there is usually a freestanding frame that wraps around the outer walls. You can only use them if the walls are non-structural as they are only able to support their own weight. The walls are usually glass.

The differences

As you can already see there are a number of key differences here. There are more materials to choose from with cladding and it can quickly adapt the aesthetics of the facade. You can make changes to improve the texture, colour, pattern, and finish of the exterior. Glass curtain walls can improve the look too but you can see through to the other side. They are a good option if you want to let people see the inner workings of the property.

Cladding is also a structural element whereas the curtain wall is not. You need to consider this to ensure you choose the right one for your property.

Additional benefits

Whether you choose cladding or a curtain wall, there are plenty of benefits to enjoy in addition to the aesthetic improvements.

Firstly, they can help to make commercial architecture more energy efficient. The materials can reduce heat loss from within the property and prevent heat and cold from getting in from outside. That can help to make the internal environment better and reduce energy consumption on heating and cooling.

On top of this, the cladding or glazing can protect the construction materials against weather damage and wear. This is useful for all kinds of properties, whether they are brick, concrete, or even timber.

Curtain walls go one step further with the benefits here. They allow a huge amount of additional light to enter the property. This can also help to reduce energy consumption by cutting lighting costs.

Make the right choice for your commercial architecture

Coffey Architects can support every client that wants to improve their properties. We have a passionate team with the skills to explore any design ideas. This can include cladding, curtain walls, and much more. At the end of the day we want to help you to create a property that everyone will be proud of.

So, if you need help with commercial architecture, work with us. We will get every element right for you.