How creative cladding is changing the face of architecture

How creative cladding

is changing the face of architecture

Modern composite cladding technology makes it possible to completely revamp the exterior or interior of a building with designs and applications that were previously unthinkable. Lightweight and incredibly strong over any span, technologically advanced cladding has moved on from horizontal log-lap styles to open up a world of creativity.

EVA-LAST

The wide range of colours and grains available in composite materials – which combine natural fibres such as bamboo with strong and durable recycled plastics – make it possible to turn the exterior or interior of a building into a statement façade, rather than the limiting option of natural timber.

Shelley Galliver, Marketing Director at building materials group Eva-Last, says composite cladding materials are unbelievably versatile.

“Vertical, horizontal and even diagonal orientations of cladding have allowed architects, building owners and even homeowners to create feature walls and add the impression of height to a façade. Using colours, shades and grain patterns, buildings can either be made to meld with their natural rural surroundings or be made to stand out from their urban setting. As an example, there is the installation of VistaClad at the new Chartwell Corner shopping centre as a standard for the new KFC outlets, providing eye-catching facades.”

From natural, characterful looks to deliberately artistic installations

“You can use it in a variety of patterns and designs. From installations that mix various colours on one wall creating an attentiongrabbing feature to something as simple and stunning as headboards in bedrooms. You can also liven up commercial, retail and living spaces.

“From natural, characterful looks to deliberately artistic installations, cladding can be either the backdrop to an eyecatching feature, or it can itself be the eyecatching feature. A geometrically boring building can be transformed with cladding in areas to modernise old or outdated architecture,” says Galliver.

A hassle-free, low-maintenance solution

“Paint fades and spoils and needs to be reapplied every few years, while natural timber suffers in outdoor installations when exposed to the elements. Our product carries on looking the same for up to decades. It is quick and easy to install, with a proprietary fixing system, which is fully concealed to maximise aesthetic attractiveness through a flawless, screwless finish,” she adds. Boards simply click and lock into place and can withstand strong winds and are resistant to biodegradation, corrosion, insects, moisture and weather. According to Galliver, the system is designed in a way that allows air flow behind the boards, which results in both a ventilated and insulated system. “This makes VistaClad ideal for installation at height, where its low maintenance requirements really come to the fore. With any other cladding materials, that would become a costly annual maintenance routine.”

Eva-Last’s products are made from easily replenished, fast-growing bamboo fibres, combined with recovered, recycled plastics. They come with industry leading warranties