Advancements in architectural facade design have transformed building aesthetics and functionality, driving innovation in both form and environmental performance. Modern facades now integrate cutting-edge materials like photovoltaics and responsive shading systems that enhance energy efficiency, natural lighting, and insulation. Architects also use digital tools to create dynamic, customizable facades that adapt to changing conditions while maintaining visual appeal. These innovations contribute to sustainability efforts and redefine how buildings interact with their surroundings, offering a balance of beauty, technology, and environmental responsibility.
One example is a highly customizable innovation that allows the application of imagery onto any flat surface, including perforated sheets, linear sun controls, louvers, and custom profiles and extrusions. Architects and designers can consider incorporating photography, graphics, patterns, and color into their design planning, using these elements to support any branding and even serve as signage or wayfinding.
The powder-coated images are backed by a 10-year warranty, are scratch—and fade-resistant, and are American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 2604 compliant. From a sustainability standpoint, the graphics are printed on material with recycled content, and the factory-applied powder-coated finish is a low—to no-VOC coating.
and even serve as signage or wayfinding.
In addition to design, this technology provides a fully engineered system with attachments back to the building. Technical support is also included through a dedicated project manager who will walk the customer through the design process, from material selection to final image and layout approval. Construction Specialities (CS), innovators of this system also offer the benefit of single-sourced responsibility.
Aesthetic appeal
and sustainability
Many industries can benefit from the facade by design innovation. “The majority of the projects we are seeing that are incorporating this technology are parking structures, podium levels of tower blocks, offices, and education,” explains Martin Read, business development manager for CS. “But there’s a huge market for branding with Facades by Design because we can recreate any logo, color, or image, which opens a whole host of opportunities. This solution is a solid choice for anywhere that the architect or designer wants to create a statement facade.”
Balancing visual appeal with environmental performance is not without its challenges, though. Read says that while the main benefits of this technology are the design capability and aesthetic appeal, they also incorporate sustainable practices in their production. The powder-coated images are backed by a 10 to 15-year warranty, are scratch and fade-resistant, and are AAMA 2604 compliant. This durability ensures the products will endure for some time, reducing the risk of construction waste.
Facade design is changing the way buildings interact with their urban or natural surroundings. One example, Read says, is opening the possibility of integrating design onto any flat surface offers another canvas that can be used to support a design objective. “Whether that is to help the building blend in with local fabric or create a statement facade. The high level of customization—taking any graphic file and applying it to a facade surface—means that a section of the building can reflect the color palette of the nearby landscape, showcase work by local artists, or even be used for branding and wayfinding.”
The future is shaded
With technology evolving rapidly, there are more sunshade and facade advancements to anticipate in the near future, including more dynamic and undulating facades. “Coupling imagery with aesthetic can create a very different expression of the facade, creating really interesting moments in the built environment and for people who engage with these spaces,” says Read. “We’re continually looking at processes and manufacturing innovations that will help simplify production, plus shorten installation through panelization and minimizing transport.”
Read says he also hopes to see further advancements in facades with integrated photovoltaics that will serve their purpose of blocking the sun but harnessing the energy at the same time. This could be especially useful in car parks where that captured energy could be used to charge EV stations.