Types of Facade Systems Used in Commercial & Residential Buildings

In today’s architecture, there is a great emphasis placed on how a building looks from the outside. The facade of a building is now more than just a protective outer layer; it is an essential part of giving a building its identity and longevity. Whether it is an office tower or a residential complex, the facade is what catches the eye first.

One facade solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the ventilated façade substructure. In this type of design, the outer cladding is fixed with a gap between the main structural wall and the exterior. This is a simple yet efficient way to design the building’s exterior, which is not only durable and weather-resistant but also aesthetically pleasing.

Why Facade Systems Matter in Modern Construction

The facade systems not only influence the look of a building, but also affect the way in which the building will perform in the long run. In any large commercial or modern residential building, architects use well-designed facade systems to achieve a distinctive style.

A well-planned, ventilated facade system helps in creating a layered exterior for a building. The space created between the facade and the structural wall enables air movement through this space. This movement helps maintain the facade’s condition while enhancing its durability. Such an approach gives the architect more opportunities to be creative when working with modern materials, large glass panels, and bold architectural shapes.

Curtain Wall Facade Systems

Curtain wall systems are considered to be one of the most popular facade systems in modern buildings. They are composed of aluminium framing and large glass panels, forming a lightweight exterior surface attached to the main building structure.

Unlike conventional walls, curtain walls do not carry any loads of a building. Instead, they are used as aesthetic and protective layers. Due to the slimness and strength of aluminium, architects are able to create buildings with broad glass surfaces and smooth architectural styles. The curtain wall facade styles are used in:

Corporate office buildings
Hospitality and hotel developments
Airports and large institutional buildings
High-rise residential towers

These systems are sometimes combined with ventilated facade designs to ensure that buildings are able to achieve visual openness as well as great facade performance.

Skylight Systems

The design of the facade is not limited to vertical walls. Skylight systems are also used in commercial buildings where large interior spaces are required, and natural light is desired. Skylight systems generally consist of aluminium structural frames and glass panels installed on roofs, and are commonly used in spaces such as atriums, airports, shopping complexes, and similar areas where natural light can enhance the interior environment.

Louvers and Sunshade Systems

Architectural louvers and sunshade systems have become an integral part of modern architectural design. These components are fixed to the building’s exterior to control the sun’s effects and aesthetically complement the structure.

Where Louvers Are Commonly Used

Corporate office buildings with large glass facades
Hotels and hospitality developments
Mixed-use commercial projects
Contemporary residential buildings

When used in conjunction with the ventilated facade system, the louvers help support the layered building structure while at the same time adding depth and character to the building’s exterior.

The Growing Importance of Ventilated Facade Design

As architectural design is evolving, facade systems are becoming more advanced and design-oriented. Nowadays, buildings are designed with various facade technologies to create an exterior envelope that is both strong and distinctive.

Architects are using different facade technologies, such as curtain walls, skylights, louvers and sunshades and ventilated façade substructures for a building envelope. This helps buildings achieve strength and a unique architectural identity.

A well-engineered facade system offers architects the freedom to be creative while also providing the building with the reliability it deserves. This is the main reason why the layered facade solutions are used in modern buildings, both commercial and residential.

Koemmerling Aluminium Systems for Modern Facade Architecture

Through the (European Facade Products) range, the team at Koemmerling Aluminium Systems offers advanced facade solutions, which include curtain wall solutions, skylights, ventilated façade substructures, louvers, and sunshades designed for contemporary buildings. Our advanced anodization process and powder coating ensure that the paint does not chip off, thereby maintaining a refined look for many years.

Our systems are also suitable for the development of complex building envelopes, such as ventilated building envelope often employed in commercial and residential buildings. Our products are manufactured using high-quality aluminium profiles and are renowned for their strength, durability, and low maintenance requirements. Koemmerling Aluminium Systems is a brand of profine GmbH, Germany, and through these advanced facades, we continue to support modern architectural projects.

Conclusion

The facade systems are recognized for their vital role in defining the appearance as well as the lifespan of buildings in modern times. From curtain walling systems and claddings to skylights and louvers, these systems offer architects a variety of opportunities for creating a building envelope.

Koemmerling Aluminium Systems remains committed to supporting contemporary architecture with German-engineered, innovative aluminium facade systems.

Types of Facade Systems Used in Commercial & Residential Buildings