What is façade?
Facade is a layer of protection, protects the building's structure and interior.
The word “façade,” which is derived from the Italian word “facciata,” refers to the outside of a building’s front or main faces. It is the visible surface that defines the building's overall look and architectural character.
The main purpose for facade is Enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building, acts as a barrier against external elements (e.g., wind, rain, and sunlight) Can integrate functional elements like windows, doors, and ventilations.
Traditional materials used for facades include glass, aluminum, steel, wood, and stone. However, polycarbonate facades have emerged as a modern trend, gaining popularity for their unique advantages and making a distinctive mark in contemporary architecture.
What is difference between façade, cladding and curtain wall?
A facade is the visible outer face or architectural "front" of a building, defining its aesthetic and style. Cladding refers to a non-structural layer applied to the exterior for protection, insulation, and sometimes decoration, covering any or all sides of a structure. A curtain wall is a lightweight, non-load-bearing outer covering, often made of glass, metal or polycarbonate, attached to the building's frame, primarily for enclosing and protecting while allowing natural light inside.
Key Differences:
| Aspect | Facade | Curtain Wall | Cladding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Exterior face of a building | Non-load-bearing outer shell | Protective and decorative layer |
| Structural Role | May or may not be structural | Always non-structural | May be load-bearing |
| Materials | Varied (glass, stone, metal, polycarbonate ) | Glass, aluminium, Polycarbonate | Varied (metal, timber, polycarbonate) |
| Examples | Building’s decorative front | Glass exterior on skyscrapers | Metal or wood panels on walls |
What makes facade designs in architecture essential now?
Commercial Facade designs are important in modern architecture because they combine aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
They define a building's identity, enhance its visual appeal, and create a connection with its surroundings. Beyond aesthetics, facades improve energy efficiency through insulation, ventilation, and light control, reducing environmental impact. With innovations in materials and design, facades also offer durability, weather resistance, and adaptability to various climates, making them vital for sustainable and efficient building performance in contemporary architecture.
- It Serves as a barrier
- Energy Efficiency
- Work as a skin or "face" of the structure
- Natural Ventilation
- Acoustic insulation
- Water resistant
- Wind resistant
Why commercial Facades need to look good?
While the simple answer is we all like pretty things, the deeper reason is architectural screening and facades to create a lasting impression, evoke emotions, and enhance the identity and appeal of a building.
- First Impressions Matter: A well-designed facade creates a strong visual impact and sets the tone for what lies inside, whether it's a home, office, or commercial space.
- Unique Brand Identity: For businesses, a striking facade reflects professionalism, innovation, and brand values, helping to attract customers and stand out in the market.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Beautiful facades enhance the overall architectural design, making buildings more visually appealing and memorable.
- Urban Integration: A good-looking facade contributes positively to the surrounding environment, blending harmoniously with or enhancing the urban landscape.
- Cultural and Emotional Impact: Facades often represent cultural values and evoke emotions, creating a connection with the people who interact with the building.
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Property Value: Attractive facades increase the perceived and actual value of a property, making it more desirable to tenants, buyers, and visitors.
How do I choose a right facade System?
Simply put, architects aim to design facades that are both visually striking and functionally efficient. Choosing the right facade system is about achieving the perfect balance between beauty and practicality.
What are your preferred materials?
Every designer has materials they favor for their projects. Opt for materials that will make your facade stand out and leave a lasting impression. Draw inspiration from nearby housing estates, observing what works well and identifying common mistakes to avoid. This approach helps you refine your vision and see your ideas come to life.
Design with lights
Designing buildings requires balancing form and function. Architects need to meet practical needs like daylight, energy efficiency, and glare reduction while achieving a beautiful design.
Curtain-walled buildings are popular because they create a sense of space and light, with glazed or translucent facade system making a bold statement both inside and out. Traditionally, glass has been the go-to material for this.
However, polycarbonate curtain wall systems provide a modern alternative. They offer excellent light control, durability, and lightweight construction while allowing flexible designs—combining practicality and beauty effortlessly.
Gallina and its wide range of facade materials
At Excelite, we offer Code mark Certificated Gallina facade System in a wide variety of textures, colors, and styles, ensuring you'll find the perfect match for your project. What makes our polycarbonate facade options exceptional is their lightweight nature combined with remarkable durability, providing long-lasting performance against external forces while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Talk to us for your next project.
