Exterior cladding

WE EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENT MATERIAL OPTIONS AND BENEFITS, PLANNING DOS AND DON’TS… AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOOK FOR YOUR HOME

- AMY CUTMORE

Cladding is the skin of your house – it’s the outer layer that helps to insulate and protect it from the elements, and it enhances your home’s appearance, too. Cladding has become as important a consideration as interior design. ‘Our clients are increasingly as aware of the multitude of options for the exterior of the house as they are for the interior,’ says Ian Chapman RIBA, director at The Vawdrey House. ‘In the same breath, we’re discussing the marble on the kitchen island, the oak on the living room floor and – in a similar aspirational way – the façade materials on the outside of the building.’

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

There are two main ways to use cladding – as part of the construction of a new extension, or for the over-cladding of an existing building. You can choose to bring something new that complements existing architecture, or you can reinvent a tired exterior. ‘Cladding is the most flexible way of changing a building’s exterior appearance – which, in turn, can really increase the value of your home,’ says Danny Campbell, founder of residential architecture firm HOKO.

WHAT IS A RAIN SCREEN?