When you think of a building, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Its exterior appearance is probably one of the most common images that come to mind—and for good reason: it’s the calling card of any building. Modern, simple, rustic, sustainable… There’s an ideal type of facade for every building.

However, beyond its style, the construction system or the materials used to build it will determine much of its functionality. It is this practical nature that constitutes the very essence of this architectural element, which, over time, has also managed to adapt to the new demands of an industry that is increasingly committed to green architecture.

What is a building’s facade?

Before getting into the topic and learning in detail about the most popular types of house facades, it’s important to understand exactly what this element is. The Royal Academy of Language defines it as the “outer wall of a building, especially the main one.” However, experts know that this definition falls short of conveying a true sense of its importance.

Whether they are modern or rustic, simple or adorned with numerous elements on the facade, the term essentially refers to each of the exterior walls of a building or home. In other words, these are the vertical exterior walls of a structure and, along with the roof, are among its most valuable elements.

Their importance lies primarily in the role they play within the structure as a whole. As part of the building, they serve as a barrier against external weather conditions that could damage it; hence, the choice of facade type is a key consideration in any architectural project.

But there’s more. Choosing one system over another also helps improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Depending on the type of facade, it is possible to reduce energy consumption or maintenance costs and even improve indoor comfort. In any case, facades must comply with the requirements set forth by the applicable regulatory framework, which may be established by various government agencies.

Types of Facades

Building materials and construction systems are two of the factors commonly considered when determining the type of a building’s facade. Among the most popular are:

Lightweight facades

Unlike other types of facades, these cladding systems are not part of the building itself but are attached to the building’s structure. Glass and metal are the most commonly used materials in this type of cladding, which, moreover, must be designed to withstand the loads acting on its constituent elements.

Ease of installation and the natural light they bring into interiors are two of the main advantages of this type of facade; however, they do not offer particularly good thermal and acoustic insulation. Curtain walls and panel facades are the prime examples of this system, which is installed primarily in office buildings.

Heavy facades

This type of facade refers to all exterior walls that include structural elements whose combined weight—including solid and hollow sections—exceeds 100 kilograms per square meter. This category includes various solutions that, depending on thermal insulation requirements, may be load-bearing or self-supporting and may or may not include an air cavity.

Some of the most popular in this category include:

• Traditional. Quick installation and lower costs are some of the advantages of this type of facade, which is generally constructed using materials such as brick, stone, or ceramic, among others. Their thermal and acoustic performance, however, falls short of that offered by other, more modern construction solutions, in part because they lack an air cavity or insulation.
• Prefabricated facades. They are the preferred choice for the construction of large retail spaces and industrial buildings, due, among other things, to their quick installation and low cost. Design limitations are the main drawback of these solutions, which consist of prefabricated modules that are assembled on site.
• SATE System. When it comes to sustainable solutions, this is one of the types of facades to consider. The so-called Exterior Thermal Insulation System (ETIS) simply involves installing insulation panels—protected by mortar—onto the building envelope and mechanically fastened to the supporting wall, finished with a cladding that matches the building’s aesthetic. Expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, patterned expanded polystyrene, and mineral wool are some of the most commonly used materials in the construction of this type of facade.
• Ventilated facades. Unlike the SATE system, these exterior walls feature an air gap between the cladding and the insulation material. Although the initial investment is higher and installation is more complex, this system is worth it because it includes an extra ventilation layer that creates a chimney effect, thereby improving the building’s energy efficiency.

Types of Facades for Sustainable Homes

The introduction of new materials in the field of architecture has been key to the development of sustainable facades. The combination of these raw materials with the most modern construction solutions is a growing trend and has led to a rise in the popularity of green building in recent decades.

Green facades, for example, are a type of house facade that uses plants to create a vertical garden. Their ability to provide acoustic and thermal insulation is directly proportional to their contribution to environmental protection and building preservation.

Other natural materials that are increasingly being used in the design of all kinds of facade elements include wood, natural stone, bamboo, and even straw!