Building facades: Types and definition
What is a facade?
A facade is basically the outer face or "skin" of a building, the part you see from the street or when you walk by. In many cases, it’s the building’s most visible front or side, and it’s often designed to make a statement or to fit the building’s purpose. In architectural terms, people usually use “facade” to describe the main side that faces a street or open area, but it can actually refer to any exterior wall that’s visible. In a nutshell, the facade is like the public identity of a building, shaping how it’s perceived and the impression it leaves.
When designing and building facades, architects and builders have to think about more than just looks. It’s important to consider how the facade will perform structurally, how it will help with energy efficiency, and whether it meets all the necessary codes and regulations. You’ll often see standards set by organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and requirements from the International Building Code (IBC) guiding these decisions.
It’s worth considering that facades can be some of the most expressive parts of a building. Sometimes they become local icons, think about the glass and steel curtain wall of the Willis Tower in Chicago or the beautiful stone entrance of the New York Public Library. For homes, the facade usually sets the mood, whether you’re going for a classic or a modern look. And don’t worry, updating or renovating a facade can also boost property value and make a home more energy efficient.
What is the difference between a facade and an exterior?
Even though people sometimes use “facade” and “exterior” as if they mean the same thing, there’s actually a difference:
Exterior: Includes all the outside surfaces of a building, walls, roofs, windows, doors, and sometimes even the landscaping around it. Basically, it’s the whole envelope that separates the inside from the outside.
Facade: More specific. It’s usually one face or side of the building, most often the one that stands out the most or faces the street, like the front wall with the main entrance. Other sides can also be called facades if they’re designed to be seen or have a special look.
This difference matters, especially for things like design, upkeep, and following the rules. For example, in New York City, the NYC Department of Buildings has particular requirements for inspecting and maintaining facades. This shows just how important facades are for both safety and how the city looks.
Facades often get more attention than the rest of the exterior when it comes to choosing materials or doing regular inspections. In big cities, commercial buildings have to follow strict rules about checking facades, especially if they’re tall. Local Law 11 in New York City, for instance, requires buildings over six stories to have their street-facing facades inspected regularly. This kind of regulation really highlights the special role of the facade.
Functions of a facade
A building’s facade does a lot more than just look nice. Its main functions include:
Acting as a barrier between the inside and the outside, helping to control temperature, moisture, and airflow.
Playing a big part in making buildings more energy efficient, since they help with insulation and, in some designs, allow for natural ventilation.
Protecting the building from weather, rain, wind, and sun can all cause damage if the facade isn’t up to the task.
Helping with noise control, especially in cities where outside sounds can be a problem.
Making a building safer in a fire by using fire-resistant materials or special features.
Serving as a way to show off a brand’s identity or add artistic touches, reflecting the building’s purpose or the local culture.
Many facades are designed to meet sustainability standards like LEED, which focus on saving energy and using eco-friendly materials.
Today’s facades often include technology like automated shades, solar panels, or windows that can adjust to the sunlight. These features help improve energy efficiency and comfort for people inside. In commercial buildings, facades sometimes double as advertising space or even have digital displays. And for homes, a well-designed facade not only looks good but can also boost the home’s value and make the living space brighter and more comfortable.
Types of facades for building
Curtain walls
Curtain walls are a type of facade that doesn’t actually support the building’s weight, they hang from the building’s frame, kind of like a curtain, which is where the name comes from. Usually made of glass, metal, or both, curtain walls are super common in office buildings and commercial spaces. They don’t hold up the building, but they do need to handle their own weight and anything the weather throws at them.
Key advantages:
Allow a lot of natural light
Provide a sleek, modern vibe
Across the United States, you’ll spot curtain walls on skyscrapers and large institutional buildings. They’re built to handle strong winds, earthquakes, and tough weather. There’s been a lot of innovation in the glass used, like low-emissivity coatings and multi-pane windows, to help these facades meet strict energy codes. Something to keep in mind is that maintaining curtain walls is important,those big glass surfaces need regular cleaning and the seals and anchors should be checked from time to time.
Ventilated facades
Ventilated facades are built with an outer cladding, an air gap, and an inner wall. This air space creates a “chimney effect,” which helps with temperature control and keeps moisture from building up. The design is great for preventing condensation and can cut down on energy bills by improving insulation.
Popular for both homes and businesses because they’re durable and energy efficient
Easier to maintain, since you can replace the outer panels without much hassle
Work especially well in places with big temperature swings or lots of humidity
You can use all kinds of materials for the cladding,ceramic, stone, fiber cement, or even aluminum cladding. The air gap makes it easier to add extra insulation, which can help meet or go beyond energy codes. In apartment buildings and schools, ventilated facades can help the building last longer and save on maintenance.
Green facades
Green facades are all about bringing nature into the city. They use real plants as part of the building’s outside, either by letting climbing plants grow right on the wall or by adding special systems that hold different types of plants.
Benefits:
Clean the air
Add extra insulation
Help keep cities cooler
More and more, cities are using green facades to meet higher environmental standards and get LEED certification. But it’s important to plan for things like irrigation and picking the right plants for the local climate.
Green facades don’t just look great,they also create spaces for birds, bees, and other small animals, which helps city biodiversity. Some places, like San Francisco and Chicago, even give incentives or require green features in new buildings. Besides the environmental benefits, green facades can turn a building into a neighborhood landmark and give people a sense of pride in their community.
Panel facades
Panel facades use sections or panels made of materials like metal, glass, concrete, or composites. These panels are made ahead of time, off-site, and then attached to the building, which makes construction faster and helps keep the quality consistent.
Flexible in terms of design,you can customize them for a different looks or to meet requirements such as fire resistance or extra insulation
Common in high-rise and commercial buildings.
Speed up construction and cause less disruption, especially in busy urban areas
Less waste and better quality control (good for LEED certification)
If a panel gets damaged, some systems allow for replacements instead of redoing a whole wall
Rainscreen Cladding Systems
Rainscreen cladding systems are designed to keep water out by creating a ventilated space between the outer cladding and the building’s structural wall. The rainscreen principle lets any moisture that does get through the outer layer drain away or dry out, which protects the building underneath.
Help make buildings more durable and energy efficient
Work with lots of different materials,including aluminum cladding
Especially useful in places with lots of rain or changing weather
Many building experts recommend rainscreen systems, and they’re mentioned in modern building codes because they do a great job managing moisture. Besides water control, rainscreens can be set up to include extra insulation and air barriers, which makes the building even more efficient. Architects often choose rainscreen cladding for schools, government buildings, or coastal projects where durability and low maintenance are a big deal.
Traditional facades
Traditional facades are made with materials and methods that have stood the test of time,think brick, stone, or wood. These facades often show off historic styles and local building traditions.
Many older buildings have traditional facades that need special care and might have to follow local preservation rules
While they might not be as energy efficient as newer systems, traditional facades are really important for keeping the character and history of neighborhoods alive
When it comes to preserving traditional facades, local landmarks commissions usually oversee the process, and projects often have to follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Restoration might use the original materials or modern alternatives that still look authentic but perform better. For homeowners and developers, it’s a balancing act between keeping the historic look and meeting today’s codes for safety, energy, and accessibility.
Advantage of aluminum cladding systems
Aluminum cladding systems bring a lot of benefits to building facades, which is why they’re so popular in new construction.
Lightweight but strong, making it easier to install and putting less stress on the building’s structure
Resistant to corrosion, so it stands up well even in tough environments
Low maintenance and comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, so you can get the style you want
These systems work well with the rainscreen principle, which means they offer even better protection against the weather and help save energy. Aluminum is also recyclable, fitting right in with sustainability goals and helping earn LEED points. If you want to learn more about aluminum cladding, you can check out aPlank and their systems. Aluminum cladding is often the go-to choice for commercial buildings, high-rises, and any project where you need a mix of good performance, flexible design, and compliance with regulations.
Additional advantages:
Can help with fire resistance since aluminum doesn’t burn and can be part of fire-rated wall systems
Flexibility means you can create custom shapes or add decorative perforations, meeting both practical and design needs
In coastal areas, where salty air can cause problems for other metals, aluminum’s resistance to corrosion is a real advantage
Because it’s recyclable and can be reused at the end of its life, aluminum cladding is a smart option for anyone thinking about sustainable building practices.
