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Text: Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Principal Architects, Cityspace ‘82 Architects, Gurugram

The façade is the most distinctive feature of your house, which creates the first impression for the guests. While they do have an aesthetic purpose, they come with functional uses such as providing residents with shade and ventilation. The architecture and interior design world is always introduced to new innovations, but the architect must decide if they are scientifically-based in 2022.

• Internal Temperature Homeostasis

Perforated metal sheets, such as aluminum battens, are durable and reliable materials for creating a façade. Expanded, woven mesh or perforated are fashionable due to advanced technology, while open screen screens allow in natural light and protect the residents from the harsh sun. Traditionally, façade engineers choose glass to provide light in the temperate zones. On the other hand, glass façades cause vision problems and high internal temperatures in tropical nations.

• Sustainable facades

As sustainability remains important, which is why architects want their project costs to be as carbon-neutral as possible. Architects achieve this through studying and applying smart materials, especially those that respond to solar movements. Once the facades are fitted with solar panels, the residents won’t rely on fossil fuels for the HAC system or illumination in tropical countries. Vegetated facades reinforce biodiversity, refreshes inhabitants and offer shade.

• Homeostatic facades

Comprising two glass sheets, the homeostatic façade supports the build by contracting and expanding based on the external temperature. As a result, this regulates the amount of light and heat entering the building.