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Definition of Facade

A façade refers to the external shell of a building, which, in addition to its aesthetic aspects, plays a crucial protective and functional role. As the most visible element of a building, the facade defines its visual identity and overall character.

General Classification of Facades

Façades are generally categorized based on materials, execution methods, and performance into two main types:

Traditional (Wet) Facade — installed using mortar.

Dry Facade — installed without mortar, using mechanical fasteners.

Traditional (Wet) Facade

Definition

A traditional or wet facade is one in which the cladding materials are applied directly to the wall or substrate using wet mortars such as cement, plaster, or grout. It is one of the oldest and most common facade construction methods.

History

The traditional facade system dates back to ancient civilizations, where natural materials such as clay, stone, and wood were used to cover and protect walls. Over time, mortars made from lime and gypsum were developed to create a uniform surface.

In ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, stone and brick bonded with mortar were used to construct durable and aesthetically pleasing buildings. The Romans later advanced the use of cement-based mortars — precursors to modern Portland cement — leading to the development of brick and stone facades.

In Iran and across the Islamic world, plaster, brick, and stone facades flourished with artistic ornamentation. Until the 20th century, the traditional facade remained the dominant method for residential, administrative, and religious buildings despite its weight and lengthy installation process.

Reasons for Emergence

  • Lack of advanced dry facade technology

  • Need for strong bonding between cladding and structure

  • Availability and low cost of traditional materials

  • Ease of implementation by non-specialized labor

Advantages

  • Simple and cost-effective execution

  • Suitable durability under various climates

Disadvantages

  • Heavy load on the structure

  • Time-consuming installation due to mortar drying

  • Potential for cracks and detachment over time

  • Difficult and costly maintenance

  • Typically executed without engineering precision

  • Not recyclable

Dry Facade

Definition

A dry facade system uses mechanical fasteners and metal substructures — such as aluminum or steel frames — to install the cladding materials without wet mortar.

History

The dry facade system emerged in response to the challenges of constructing taller buildings and achieving modern architectural complexity. In the 1960s–70s, with the advent of lightweight materials such as aluminum and composite panels, engineers sought new systems that reduced facade weight while improving installation speed and quality.

Germany and France were pioneers in developing aluminum framing systems that held panels of glass, stone, and metal — enabling lightweight, continuous facades. The method quickly spread to the U.S., Japan, and Asia, becoming a standard for high-rise and commercial buildings due to its flexibility, precision, and efficiency.

Reasons for Emergence

  • Reducing the dead load on tall structures

  • Accelerating project timelines

  • Improving thermal and acoustic performance

  • Allowing easy maintenance and replacement

  • Enabling complex and modern designs

Advantages

  • Reduced total facade weight

  • High installation speed

  • Easy replacement and repair

  • Improved insulation (thermal and acoustic)

  • Flexible design options and diverse materials

  • Engineered and standard-compliant system (earthquake, wind, etc.)

Disadvantages

  • Higher initial cost compared to traditional facades

  • Requires specialized expertise and equipment

  • Regular inspection and maintenance needed

Types of Dry Facade Systems

  • Composite Panels (ACP): Lightweight aluminum panels with a plastic core; quick installation and design versatility.

  • Fiber Cement Board: Cement panels reinforced with fibers; resistant to fire and moisture.

  • Dry Stone Facade: Natural or artificial stone fixed using metal anchors and subframes; lighter weight and easy to replace.

  • Dry Wood Facade: Thermowood or engineered wood installed on metal frames; provides a warm, natural appearance.

  • Curtain Wall System: Aluminum-framed facade system holding glass or other cladding materials; acts as a non-load-bearing external skin.

  • Solid Metal Sheets: Aluminum, steel, or other metal sheets; durable and industrial in style.

  • HPL Panels: High-pressure laminate panels; lightweight and ideal for modern facades.

  • GFRC Panels: Glass fiber reinforced concrete panels; strong, lightweight, and highly customizable.

  • Stretch Metal: Perforated expanded metal sheets for aesthetics, ventilation, and shading.

  • Punch Metal: Patterned perforated metal sheets allowing light and airflow.

  • Dry Brick Facade: Mechanically fixed bricks without mortar; lighter and faster to install.

  • Exposed Concrete Facade: Bare concrete surfaces or precast panels; modern, durable, and minimalist.