A facade for commercial buildings serves several functions. This guide will talk about the different types of facades that accomplish these functions efficiently and effectively.
By definition, a facade is used to refer to the face of a building. There are many types of materials that can make up a facade, such as honeycomb construction panels, steel walls, or glass sheets. If you are planning a commercial building, here are the types of facades that you should consider:
1. Steel facade
A lot of modern buildings today have facades made up of light steel infill walls. These walls are used for steel and concrete framed buildings instead of the usual blockwork inner leaf structure. They provide good insulation and a higher R-value than other types of material while providing a modern, sleek look that a lot of designers strive for nowadays. However, a steel facade can be more expensive and cause delays in a project’s schedule, so building designers need to plan their budget and schedule accordingly.
2. Honeycomb facade
A honeycomb facade consists of hexagonal panels. Aside from giving a building a unique visual identity, the honeycomb structure serves a purpose. These hexagonal panels provide more structural integrity, even while using conventional material. That said, it is a good option for buildings with high mass, such as hotels, condominiums, and office buildings.
3. Masonry veneer
Brick facades are still the most popular options for many low-rise buildings like schools and community centers. When compared with other materials, masonry veneer often wins in terms of durability, familiarity, insulation, and flexibility. Brick facades are also relatively easier to construct and are much cheaper. More than that, you have a lot of brick sizes, colors, and textures to choose from.
4. Cementitious siding
Cementitious siding, which is also called fiber-cement siding, is a common facade option for mid-rise commercial buildings and residential complexes. Fiber cement siding is made of cement that is reinforced with cellulose fibers for added durability without the additional weight. Like masonry, cementitious siding is cheaper and easier to install than other types of paneling. However, this type of facade looks very residential and has limited applications due to its appearance.
5. Curtain-wall facade
A curtain-wall facade is done via curtain walling, which is a kind of a glazed cladding or light metallic system that is applied over a structural frame. Curtain walls are placed primarily to resist weather fluctuations, act as a buffer and insulator, and reduce building sway. Apart from that, curtain walls are a staple design aspect of many modern buildings today, as it provides a clean, expensive appearance to mid- and high-rise buildings.
6. Steel and glass
A majority of high-rise buildings today use the classic combination of steel and glass for their facades. In this type of facade, vertical steel structures are used to support glass panels, which are placed over the external construction of the building. Steel and glass facades are simple, sophisticated, and fall in the middle range for cost.
Facades are used to give the building resistance to wind and weather conditions, resist fires, insulate the building, and give the structure its unique face. With the types of facades highlighted above, you will be able to achieve these aspects to give your building a high-performance structure.
