22 February 2023
What is a siding on a house? Simply put, it is that part of the house which faces the street or any other open space. Think of it as the ‘face’ of the building. While designing and building any structure, you must understand that the siding has both aesthetic and functional value. But that's not all. A good siding is as practical as it is attractive and durable too. Designing a facade therefore needs a fair amount of thought and care.
Now if you’re wondering how to design a siding, first and foremost, know that it is a combination of art and science. It requires careful consideration of factors such as climate conditions, orientation, materials, and accessibility. A well-designed siding can not only improve the aesthetic appeal of a building but also enhance its energy efficiency and sustainability.
Let’s look at 15 siding design tips for the perfect building siding. FYI, these same tips also hold during the process of siding renovation. Whether you're going for a home renovation, planning to build your own home, or looking for exterior home design ideas, these tips will help you create a beautiful and functional siding that will stand the test of time.
The siding of a building should be designed with the intended use in mind. For example, a school should have large windows to allow for natural light in classrooms. In contrast, a hospital should have a siding that’s easy to clean and maintain.
When it comes to residential buildings, home renovation contractors should factor in natural light and ventilation.
This is true, especially while designing facades for apartment buildings. You want it to be unique, but also achieve harmony with the buildings around it. The siding should, therefore, be designed to blend in with the surrounding community. That said, occasionally you can also consider deviating from the norm and going bold, so your structure stands out against the backdrop.
Consider the architectural style of the surrounding buildings and use similar exterior design elements in your structure.
Something every design company should know is that the direction a building faces can significantly impact its energy efficiency. A building that faces south will naturally receive more sunlight, which can be harnessed for solar energy.
Natural light can reduce the need for artificial lighting and create a more pleasant living environment. Consider using skylights, clerestory windows, and other exterior design elements in your siding design that allow natural light to enter the building.
Incorporating natural ventilation in your modern home design exterior plans can reduce the need for air conditioning and improve indoor air quality. Use operable windows, vents, or other natural ventilation systems in the siding design to create optimal airflow throughout the building.
If done right, this tip can save you a great deal of money on cooling costs, especially if you live in a warm, sunny state.
Building siding can be made from various materials, including brick, stone, wood, and metal.
Consider using sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood or bamboo, to reduce the environmental impact of the building. Aesthetically speaking, sustainable materials, if used right, can help you design and create interesting building siding.
Incorporating plants into the house exterior design provides insulation, reduces heat gain, and improves air quality. Consider using green roofs or vertical gardens to add greenery to the building.
Windows are a major source of heat gain and loss in a building. If you’re thinking about apartment renovation or apartment exterior design services, consider using efficient glazing, such as low-e coatings, to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
Incorporate shading devices, such as overhangs or louvers, to reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency. These devices can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building.
The color and texture of a building's siding can significantly impact its aesthetic appeal. Consider using a variety of colors and textures to create interest and contrast. Color and texture will also help you understand how to design exterior lighting of your house siding.
The siding of a building should be designed to protect against the elements and provide energy efficiency. In warm climates, it's essential to incorporate shading devices to reduce heat gain, while in colder climates, insulation is key.
For example, you would use thermally reflective siding panels in California, while in Aspen, a siding might need elements that are better at retaining heat.
With climate change affecting every aspect of our lives, this is also a smart way to add to the resale value of a home.
A building's siding is the first thing people see, so making it visually appealing is important. Consider adding decorative elements such as sculptures, water features, lighting, or decorative siding corners to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building.
The siding of a building should be designed with the potential for future expansion in mind. This will ensure it can adapt to changing needs and remain functional for many years to come.
It will also save you a lot of money if you choose to remodel.
Building technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and it's important to take advantage of innovations when considering designing a siding.
Consider using smart building technologies, such as building automation systems, to improve energy efficiency and enhance the overall functionality of the building.
Consider the needs of people with disabilities when designing the siding of a building. Ensure that entrances, exits, and walkways are accessible, especially when considering cobbled surfaces or glass doors.
“Discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities.” is strictly prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The act also includes standards for accessible building design.
Accessibility is, therefore, an important parameter to consider while deciding how to design a siding for a building.
Remodeling Done Right
You are now on the path to giving your building project interesting facades that make it truly unique. It takes a little thought, a lot of careful planning, and even more hard work to make a siding come alive, but the results are worth the effort.
Use this as a handy guide for facade design tips if you’re considering a house renovation or looking for exterior home design services. If you’re unsure of your technical abilities and want to achieve the best result quickly, seek out siding installation services. Our experience and expertise can help you bring your vision to life.
At Vukler, we not only design and manufacture the best-in-class siding panels but we can also help you design your own for a truly unique siding. Our expertise, product quality, professional installations, and prompt service have helped us make a name for ourselves in Asia and Europe over the past 10 years.
This wealth of transcontinental experience has been available to customers in California since 2021 and brought to life some truly breathtaking facades. Contact us today and bring your vision to life.