Decorative cladding has become increasingly popular in modern architectural design. Whether for new construction or breathing new life and vitality into existing homes and businesses, architectural facades have become an important factor in design.

Of which metal cladding is one of the most versatile, durable, stylish and cost-effective. It offers an aesthetic quality with durability and will stand the test of time.

We come across this interesting article on dwell, highlighting a building with metal facades.

While still studying architecture at Eindhoven University, Servie Boetzkes and Jeroen Helder landed a commission through “friends of friends” to build a home in a suburb of Arnhem.

“The clients asked for a ‘different-looking’ home,” says Helder. “They also asked for a loft-style interior.” To fulfil the first requirement, the architects opted for a perforated and expanded aluminium facade. Enticingly tactile, it attracts attention, while screening much of the interior from view.

Inside, a spacious, minimalistic interior fulfils the second request. It also contrasts with the more flamboyant exterior, giving the house a split personality. Outside, the facade is rendered even more unique thanks to a special metallic powder coating on the aluminium that changes colour, from grey to blue, according to changing light conditions from the sun.

But isn’t overheating a problem? “No,” says Helder. “There’s a gap of ten-centimetres between the aluminium and a waterproof foil layer beneath, which ventilates hot air away from the house.” He adds: “We had to do lots of research for this project—a facade like this hadn’t been done in the Netherlands before.”

We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Australian designers and fabricators who are as fascinated as we are with this process.  Our climate seems to be perfect to test and develop these ideas.

Images courtesy of dwell