With Greg Gordge, Director at Elphick Proome Architecture
Building façades, being responsible for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions, play a crucial role in mitigating environmental impact within the built environment. The future of architectural façades offers the promise of innovative design with sustainability at its core. Building exteriors are not mere static structures. They are becoming dynamic and responsive, embracing advanced materials and integrated technologies that are paving the way for redefined aesthetics.
Smart materials
Advancements in building materials that are reshaping the way we construct and design the structures of tomorrow are in abundance. There have been notable strides in manufacturing techniques, enabling the creation of larger and more intricate glazed applications. A frameless glass façade, featuring expansive full-height single fluted panels, is a prime example of these strides. There is also a growing emphasis on the development of advanced Smart Glass or Electrochromic glazing. This incorporates film technology that responds to external climatic conditions by electronically adjusting opacity levels – a profound innovation in climatic protection.
Another intriguing and burgeoning technology is Cross-laminated timber (CLT). This innovative material comprises multiple layers of wooden boards or planks stacked crosswise and bonded together, resulting in robust, sizable panels. CLT boasts numerous advantages: remarkable structural integrity, sustainability stemming from its renewable nature and carbon-sequestering capabilities, shortened construction schedules, improved thermal efficiency, and a natural, inviting appearance that harmonises beautifully with contemporary architectural styles. The recycling of materials is already a well-established practice, but given the current global waste challenges, it presents an exceptional opportunity for the construction industry. We are witnessing a surge of creative façade applications that incorporate recycled elements, including items like ice cream containers, plastic seats, and discarded construction materials, such as used roof tiles. This strategy offers an innovative and sustainable approach to building design.
Tech in fabrication
The advent of 3D-printed buildings marks a groundbreaking shift in the construction industry. This innovative technology utilises large-scale 3D printers to create entire building components or even entire structures layer by layer, offering unparalleled design freedom and precision. It has the potential to revolutionise the construction process, making it faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly by reducing waste. Housing prototypes based on what is called the Tecla System in Italy are recent experiments in the 3D-printed construction of a fully natural, recyclable, and carbon-neutral material: raw earth. A mixture of water, fibre, and chemical binder is mixed with soil and covered with a sprayapplied waterproofing layer to produce this inspired material.
Biophilic design
The well-known architectural approach of biophilic design integrates natural elements and patterns into the built environment to enhance human well-being. This design strategy encompasses elements like natural light, greenery, water features, and organic materials, fostering a deeper connection to nature and yielding visually appealing spaces that promote both physical and mental health. Although well-known, it should not be overlooked how powerful a response this type of design can offer, for example when integrating foliage as a natural extension of a façade.
Ephemerality and tactility
Ephemeral, cloud-like façades, characterised by eroding lattice structures, represent an intriguing and fascinating architectural concept. These designs provide a powerful fusion of artistic impermanence, tactile quality, and innovation, especially within pavilion architecture. Drawing inspiration from natural elements, they create a sense of transience and poetic beauty that appeals to the human senses and offers a tactile experience within the built environment. This architectural response also promotes structures that substantially harmonise with their surroundings, offering a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic innovation.
AI-assisted design
The final trend for the future of façades is AI-assisted design. This is a trend that continues to grow, leveraging artificial intelligence engines to optimise and personalise architectural and interior design. These systems can assist designers to both plan and visualise building concepts through remarkably simple inputs, streamlining the overall process. AI-generated images derived from descriptive textual prompts can yield provocative and exhilarating, yet seemingly impossible, façade concepts. As it continues to develop, we are sure to see more impressive influence on the industry.
We live in an unprecedented age where the convergence of computational technologies and advanced manufacturing processes are empowering us to accomplish what was once far beyond our reach. Architectural façades are where aesthetics meet innovation and sustainability takes centre stage. By embracing sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and creative design, we shape a more harmonious world. Façades are not just walls; they’re a pathway to a beautiful, sustainable future.
This article is an extract from our May Issue. Read the full issue here.
