The façade is one of the most important elements in an architectural project. In addition to being the building's first barrier against heat, rain, snow, or wind, it also largely determines the appearance of a building. It can make the project stand out, blend into urban context, or even manifest, at first glance, values of transparency, lightness, or simplicity that the architect seeks to convey. Accordingly, the façade also constitutes a significant portion of the total cost of the work and, therefore, must be specified very carefully, taking into account aesthetics, functionality, maintenance, and long-term behavior.
There is a great diversity of options for façade coverings, which may vary according to the region where the project is located. Mortars, exposed bricks, wooden boards, natural stones, tiles, and metal sheets are common options that require specific design and installation processes, and feature minor variations and inaccuracies present in the natural materials. Often, however, architects' primary considerations are the ease of installation, the reduction of unpredictability during the life of the building, and the need for fast, dry, and waste-free construction. Modular, lightweight solutions with quick and easy fastening systems can reduce setbacks and problems that would occur when using materials in their raw state.
