Principles of Modern Facade Design
Every building has its own unique identity based on its facade. Facades are designed considering tradition, attractiveness, individual preferences, regional climate, and other factors that not only affect a building’s aesthetic but also its durability and longevity. Modern facade design is one of the most popular and well-known methods of designing building facades, and in the following, we will introduce it.
What you will read in this article:
- Definition of modern facade design
- Comparison of modern and classical facade design
- Types of elements in modern building facade design
- Suitable buildings for modern facade design
- Styles in modern facade design
- Several examples of the best modern facade designs
- Types of materials in modern building facade design
- Cost comparison between modern and classical facade design
- How to design your building facade in a modern style
Definition of Modern Facade Design
The idea of modern building design emerged in the late 19th century with advancements in technology, engineering, and building materials. Modern facade design, as the name suggests, is an up-to-date design approach that utilizes contemporary methods. This approach, compared to traditional styles, offers more attractiveness, strength, and durability. Modern facade design combines the strengths of both new and old architectural styles. It prioritizes using fewer materials and creating more space within the building, resulting in simplicity, attractiveness, and novelty, often at a lower cost than other architectural designs. If you don’t prefer excessive simplicity, you can also combine various materials. Even the use of traditional materials, without compromising the identity of a modern structure, is possible. The flexibility of modern design allows for endless possibilities and is a significant factor in its popularity.
Comparison of Modern and Classical Facade Design
- One of the most significant differences between modern and classical facade design is the ornamentation present in classical designs. Modern buildings largely avoid ornamentation, and if used, it is minimal.
- Architects in modern design sparingly use old materials in an innovative way, whereas classical design primarily relies on old materials and may not offer as much variety and creativity. A modern facade designer can create innovative ideas by blending old materials, setting them apart from classical structures.
- Ornate classical designs tend to occupy more space. If a structure has a smaller area, it can be challenging to achieve the desired classical look. Modern designs, on the other hand, do not require much space and can accommodate preferred ideas in limited areas.
- If designed in a modern style, a building typically has lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan and durability.
- Contemporary design simplifies the lighting of buildings compared to classical designs, reducing associated costs.
- Another difference is the broad spectrum of modern design. Modern facades can be tailored to specific building usages and even individual preferences.
In general, modern facade design offers many advantages over classical design, but the choice ultimately depends on individual taste, perspective, and requirements.
Types of Elements in Modern Building Facade Design
Elements are composite features of a structure that can add an aesthetic aspect to it. Shapes, geometrical forms, and, in general, any feature used in the facade constitute the building’s elements. These structures engage people with their self-expression and can become symbols in a region, city, or environment. Elements can be colors, vegetation, materials, and geometric shapes that make up the building. Even a combination of these factors can transform an entire building into an element. Elements can hold special meanings that define the identity of a building, a city, or a country. There are no limitations in creating elements, and any suitable form and material can be used in design.
Suitable Buildings for Modern Facade Design
Modern facade design can be applied to the facade of any type of building as long as it aligns with your taste or needs. By considering factors such as choosing the right design style and using suitable materials, you can employ this design approach in various types of buildings. Furthermore, modern facade design is highly suitable for individuals seeking more space, longevity, and durability for their buildings. Due to its visual characteristics, modern design can also be more adaptable to the building’s intended use.
Styles in Modern Facade Design
In modern facade design, there are various styles, and these styles sometimes serve different purposes. To select a suitable style, factors such as budget, geographic conditions, building usage, and objectives need to be examined. Some of the styles in modern facade design include:
8- Composite
9- Exposed Concrete
10- Glass Frame
5- Curtain Wall
6- Bauhaus
7- Modern Country
1- Urban Modern
2- Industrial Modern
3- Postmodern
4- Minimal
Several Examples of Modern Facade Designs:
Types of Materials in Modern Building Facade Design
The materials used in the implementation phase of modern facade design are diverse and varied. This characteristic allows for the possibility of combining them in various ways. In modern facade design, it is easy to combine materials such as different types of wood, various stones, different metals, various glasses, and even plastics. This flexibility enables you to select suitable materials for different parts of the facade. These choices not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the durability and resilience of a building. Most importantly, they lead to cost-effective maintenance and repairs.
In modern facade design, materials are used in a way that makes them easily replaceable. Some of the most important and commonly used materials in this regard include:
- Stones
- Metals
- Various types of wood
- Various types of glass
- Thermowood
- Fibre cement
- Galvanized materials
- Bricks
- Cement
- Ceramics
- Byramix
- Monolith
- GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)
- Carbon fiber
- Bamboo
- Kolar
Cost Comparison of Modern and Classic Facade Design
In today’s world, if you want to implement modern design principles, you’ll find that it often comes at a lower cost compared to classic styles. This cost reduction is evident both in the materials used and the construction expenses. Another significant advantage of modern facade design, which directly impacts costs, is the increase in the economic value of the building. Modernly designed buildings typically have a higher market value compared to other structures. This can even lead to an increased demand for purchasing such buildings. Furthermore, modern facade design tends to have lower long-term maintenance and repair costs, making it a cost-effective choice.
How to Design Your Building Facade in a Modern Style
To create a beautiful and modern building facade, it’s essential to consult with experts in the field. Seek out individuals with relevant educational backgrounds or experience in similar projects. Given the complexity of architectural design, it’s often best to entrust the work to specialized companies. These companies employ specialized teams for each aspect of the project. Among these firms,
