Clever cladding ideas

It’s the master of disguise design feature that can turn a standard exterior into a stunning spectacle – here’s how to get the most from your chosen build material

WORDS: SARAH HARLEY.

IMAGE: (OPPOSITE PAGE) FISHER STUDIOS

Although you may assume cladding is limited to houses that feature unusual or alternative materials, the fact is most self-builds, extensions and external makeovers involve cladding of some kind. And while choosing cladding can also serve a practical purpose in that it can provide an opportunity to better insulate your house, it’s the aesthetic finish that will have the most impact on how your house looks.

So whether you’re looking for a contemporary contrast or a more traditional take on brick or stone, we’ve rounded up some innovative ideas to help you achieve the finished design of your dreams.

BE BOLD WITH CONTEMPORARY COPPER

Metal cladding is popular in contemporary home design, but it’s now widely used in traditional-style projects, too. ‘Metal cladding is often made from, and can be recycled into, other materials,’ explains Daryl Fitzgerald of Atelier Ochre. ‘It is suitable in some of the harshest conditions and perfect for building envelopes, but one of its most appealing traits is its ageing process and the patina that forms over time.’

This building (above), which sits on a residential street in a conservation area but is a yoga centre (though it could well be a home), was designed by Adrian James Architects. With the planner’s approval, the design is respectful but clearly contemporary – something that was partly achieved through the deep hue of the recycled copper cladding making it less ‘loud’.

The beauty of this material also lies in its full cycle properties – it is both recycled and can be recycled at the end of its life. That said, it potentially has an infinite lifespan as it doesn’t corrode and is very durable. The pop of green here also adds a fresh finish to the window and door reveals, but will blend in over time as the copper naturally develops its own green patina.

COMBINE FINISHES FOR A STRIKING EXTERIOR