Selecting the right type of external façade cladding system is a critical decision in many commercial construction projects. Beyond pure aesthetic and design factors, the external façade also impacts important operational factors such as the building’s energy efficiency, durability, and maintenance needs. With so many external façade systems available, understanding the unique benefits and considerations of each system is key, particularly for architects tasked with designing striking buildings for their clients and with budgets needing to be maximised.
Rainscreen cladding systems all work on the same principles of creating a double-layered external façade system with an outer ventilated skin, forming a cavity that provides drainage, helping to keep external walls dry and free from mould and damp. When combined with adequate levels of insulation, rainscreen façades can achieve excellent thermal performance, as well as offer superior weather defence.
This article explores five types of external façade rainscreen cladding systems, offering an in-depth look at their applications and suitability for different project needs.
Panelled rainscreen cladding, such as Rockpanel or Equitone, presents architects with a high-performance, design-forward solution for creating expressive façades. These fibre cement and compressed mineral panels are easily fabricated into bespoke shapes, enabling crisp geometric lines, curves, or layered compositions that are difficult to achieve with heavier systems like stone or glass. A wide selection of coloured or surface-treated finishes offers long-lasting colour stability and tactile variation, essential for crafting distinctive buildings. Their lightweight nature allows greater freedom in detailing and reduces structural demands, making them ideal for both new-build and retrofit applications. Beyond aesthetics, these systems deliver reliable weather resistance, fire performance, and low maintenance requirements.
Stone cladding adds a touch of timeless elegance to a structure, making use of thin veneers of natural stone adhered to the exterior to create a durable façade with a distinctive look. It creates a robust and long-lasting envelope with a natural appearance that complements both traditional and modern architecture. Stone also offers excellent resistance to weathering, minimal maintenance over its lifespan, and contributes thermal mass, helping to regulate internal temperatures. Its premium finish and inherent variation in tone and texture convey a sense of quality and permanence, often enhancing the visual and material value of a building.
Metal cladding, commonly using materials like aluminium, steel, zinc, or stainless steel, combines durability with a sleek, often industrial aesthetic that suits a wide range of contemporary offices, public buildings, and commercial spaces. Its clean lines and precision detailing appeal to architects seeking a refined, modern look. Metal cladding systems are lightweight yet structurally strong, and can be perforated, folded, or profiled to create texture and depth. Surface treatments, such as anodising, powder coating, or patina, enhance their weather resistance and corrosion protection. Stainless steel, in particular, offers excellent longevity, a high-end finish, and exceptional resistance to pollutants, making it ideal for urban or coastal environments. Low maintenance requirements and recyclability also contribute to its appeal in sustainable building design.
Glass rainscreen cladding, exemplified by systems such as Lithodecor, is increasingly popular in major urban centres like London and New York for creating striking, durable façades with a sleek, contemporary appearance. Unlike traditional transparent glass, these panels are opaque and often feature printed or coloured surfaces or provide bold, custom patterns. Lithodecor panels are engineered glass with a robust backing that offers excellent weather resistance, fire safety, and low maintenance. They are fixed to lightweight metal substructures, enabling clean, crisp façades with precise joint lines and a variety of colour and finish options. This versatility allows architects to achieve a high-end, bespoke aesthetic while benefiting from the material’s longevity, UV stability, and recyclability.
Timber cladding offers a warm, natural aesthetic that enhances the character of any building, making it a popular choice in sustainable and nature-inspired design strategies. Architects benefit from a broad selection of wood species and finishes from untreated cedar and larch to engineered timber panels that allow for varied textures, colours, and grain patterns. Beyond its visual appeal, timber provides excellent thermal insulation and breathability, contributing to improved energy efficiency and internal comfort. When responsibly sourced and certified, timber cladding supports sustainable building practices by reducing embodied carbon and encouraging the use of renewable materials. Additionally, timber’s adaptability enables creative detailing, including vertical, horizontal, or mixed orientation patterns suitable for both contemporary and traditional architectural styles.
Ultimately, the right type of external façade system for your project depends on the location, project context, the feasibility of ongoing maintenance, and the aesthetic considerations of the client and architect. As the façade sets the tone for the building’s design, whether traditional, ultramodern, or something in between, matching the cladding to the project’s architectural vision is a primary concern.
At the same time, maintenance frequency can directly impact the customer’s long-term operational budget. Some systems, such as metal cladding and natural timber, can require rigorous attention, while others can get away with a lighter touch. Urban versus rural locations, building usage and frequency, and client priorities will all shape your decision. For example, a commercial high-rise office may benefit from the stunning glass expanses of a curtain walling system, while a high-end suburban or rural residential development might lean towards a more cost-effective and energy-efficient system, such as stone or timber cladding.
For support choosing the best type of external façade system for your project, please get in touch with one of the experts at Advanced Glass today by clicking here. Examples of how we have supported similar customers can also be seen on our Recent Projects page.