What Does 'Facade' Mean When Building Your New Home?

When it comes to building a new home, you’re likely to stumble across a number of building and construction terms that you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. 

For many, the term “facade” is often mentioned on a build sheet, but few know what it means and how it contributes to the overall appearance of a property. For the value and appearance of your property, first impressions really count – which is why the façade is such an important contributing factor to the overall style and appearance of your property.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the role of a façade, how to choose the right façade for your property, the lifespan of a façade, and the materials used to make up the façade of a property.

What is a faCade? 

The word façade comes from the French word for “face”, and it refers to the front of a building. Façades can be made from a range of materials and may be complex, classic, or minimalist – it completely depends on the styles of the home.

The façade is an important architectural element of a building’s design. It is the face of a building that presents to the world, and it is usually the first thing that people will notice when looking at a building. With that in mind, it is important that façades are visually pleasing, whilst also functioning as a protective layer from the elements.

What is a façade made of?

A façade is a protective layer of a building which covers the exterior of the building. In many cases, façades are made of materials that are more durable than the materials used for the rest of the building, and they are often designed to withstand high winds and other extreme weather conditions.

The façade of a building can be made of many different materials including brick, wood, cladding, stone, , glass, or even metal. Generally, it’s up to the builders and architects to decide which material will best suit the overall look and feel of a property.

The façade of a property also includes some of the aesthetic components which are used to decorate and add character such as columns, sculptures, and intricate carvings.

What to consider when choosing a façade? 

When it comes to choosing the right façade for your building or home, there are a few important factors that you should consider. 

Climate: In warm climates, light-coloured façades will help to reflect the heat and keep your building cooler during the warm months. In tropical climates like Townsville, a light façade colour can help to effectively reduce your cooling bill in the warmer months. 

Styling: The styling of the building will determine the type of façade which is going to be the best fit for the building. As an example, a traditional brick façade would not be applicable on a modernist building, and conversely a glass façade may not be applicable on a traditional, Victorian-style terrace. It’s important to choose a façade that fits your design aesthetics. 

Your budget: Of course, your budget will play an important factor to consider. But it’s especially important when choosing a façade because it’s such a visible element of the building’s exterior which means the facade can be costly to change or repair. 

The environment: Your surroundings will play an important role in determining what you can and cannot do. Heritage listed areas have very strict protocols on what you can and cannot do, so it’s important to check with your local government before making drastic changes.

These are just some of the factors that you need to consider when choosing a façade for your home. By taking all of these points into consideration, you can ensure that you are choosing the best option for your building.

What is the lifespan of a facade?

The lifespan of a façade will depend on the materials that you use, the climate, and your surroundings. For example, a stone façade may last a few hundred years in the right climate (think Scotland castles), whereas timber or rendered façades may only last for a few decades depending on your climate.

Looking to build your dream home in North Queensland? Speak to the professionals today at John Munro Builder. Backed by years of experience and an extensive portfolio of stunning designs, we’re here to help those in Townville and North Queensland create their dream property.