Cladding & external finishes


Face up to the challenge with a new facade


Panel Systems explores how housing providers are increasingly looking to innovative cladding to upgrade existing multi-occupancy apartments rather than building new ones


As a result, pressure is mounting on housing associations, local authorities and developers to not only build new homes to alleviate the problem, but to update existing structures to ensure they offer the comfort, performance and aesthetics required in modern buildings. During the post war population boom, demand was high for new housing,


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which led to a high number of multi-occupancy apartments. Due to its affordability and availability, concrete was widely specified as the material of choice for the construction of these buildings. Although they are still habitable, many have been criticised for their unappealing facades. As such, they are in need of repair and refurbishment to make them more aesthetically pleasing. This is where housing providers and building owners are faced with a


challenge. Do they refurbish existing buildings or demolish them and build new ones? The wide choice of cladding options and fixing techniques that are now


available means that social and private landlords are able to transform ‘tired’ structures into visually appealing buildings. Aesthetics always has a big part to play when upgrading any building and


authentic cladding options are often chosen to help existing structures to be more in keeping with the area.


MODERN AESTHETICS When most people think of modern facades they picture steel and glass rainscreen cladding systems, however architects are increasingly looking to use more authentic materials within cladding structures. When it comes to aesthetics for city centres, architectural cladding can create a


modern, sheer, smooth facade. Building designers often use this to great effect for residential buildings, incorporating elongated horizontal cladding panels, which creates a modern-take on the architecturally-proportioned ashlar coursing found on older buildings.


When most people think of modern facades they picture steel and glass rainscreen cladding systems, however architects are increasingly looking to use more authentic materials within cladding structures


This effect works particularly well with grey or stone coloured fibre cement


panels, with the added benefit that it is very low maintenance. For developers looking for something even more contemporary, triangular, vertical or simply square panels are all possibilities. Lightweight fibre cement panels give building designers greater freedom of expression because it avoids the need for heavy masonry-based internal


36 | HMM January 2018 | www.housingmmonline.co.uk


he number of homeless households in England has risen to more than 50,000 a year, with many of the people affected living in temporary accommodation and almost 2,000 living without a roof over their heads.


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