The cladding of buildings is regarded as a very old art form. However, through the ages the materials used have developed. It started with clay, stones, as well as bricks, and nowadays consists of technologically advanced material. For the last few decades already aluminium composite material is setting the trend. This article briefly gives the cladding history and how these panels have become trend setters.
An old art form
Through the ages, creators of buildings and large structures have always tried to make the structures as attractive as possible with cladding made from natural material such as stone and sand. From the beginning, the role of cladding has not only been to provide insulation but also as a way of showing the artistic and creative aspects of the builders. Earlier a mixture of cement, sand, and lime, known as Socco, was used to insulate and decorate the outside of large structures. The Socco patterns on walls showed the creator’s artistic abilities.
New Material
During the middle 1900s a new development took place. Builders started to use panels as cladding material. Instead of Socco, they began using concrete and glass. Glass was especially popular because light could filter through them and beautiful aesthetic patterns were created.
As technology developed, new materials have begun to emerge. Advanced aluminium composite panels, for instance, offer the strength of metal but also have aesthetic characteristics.
Aluminium
Builders have always been dreaming of materials which would be functional but also aesthetic in character. They need lightweight panels which can be “manipulated” to create interesting facades, but are also effective insulation.
Aluminium panels provide the answer, They allow designers to creatively combine excellent insulation with beauty. Because development of cladding is an ongoing process, manufacturers regularly have something new to offer. This is one of the reasons why these composite panels usually are the first choice for designers when deciding on outdoor cladding.
Why aluminium panels set the trend
Reasons for their popularity include the following important aspects:
- They are very good insulators and at the same time ideal for creative designs.
- The sheets are recyclable and environmentally-friendly in line with the demand for green building practices.
- The sheets have a long life.
Future possibilities
Manufacturers of composite aluminium products are on the forefront when it comes to new innovations. For instance, self-cleaning composite panels are foreseen in the future. Sheets as part of the solar initiatives architects are taking are also in the pipeline.
Many architects and builders using building cladding agree that manufacturers of aluminium composite products have in most instances been the first to create new innovations regarding
- insulation effectiveness and
- aesthetic possibilities.
It is foreseen that aluminium composite products will still be the trend leader for years to come.
