Cosentino Facades:
functional and timeless beauty

We also cannot forget the esthetic factor. Home facades are a building’s exterior image. Stone never goes out of fashion, whether it be a modern, contemporary and minimalist look or a Mediterranean, rustic, Nordic or colonial style… it can also be found in traditional looking facades. Facades are a hugely important feature of any building and aim to make a statement, show off the architectural character, and help maintain or enhance a property’s market value.

At Cosentino we are experts in the design and construction of facades, using both natural stone and our ultra-compact Dekton surface. We offer comprehensive technical solutions and are with you throughout the process, from the project specifications to the execution of the on-site work.

There are numerous stages of the façade construction process, and the first is the initial consultation, where we consider the different options available to us.

Important factors when selecting a façade

The first thing to do when finding your façade is to think about the wide variety of buildings that exist.

The current market has a wide selection of options to ensure the right façade for every project.

Once we find our façade type (with anchoring or adhesives, ventilated, EIFS, curtain wall…) and our preferred construction system, we then need to decide on the final design and start the heavy work.

It is important to remember that selecting the right façade is key if we want a solid starting point for the success of our project.

Facades for homes and buildings: different types and different construction systems

At Cosentino, each project is different and we offer an unbeatable selection of materials to surpass our customers’ expectations. We will appraise your project, advise you on the best choice for your design, and find the perfect cuts for you together with our technical team. This will all be based around the type of façade you select to ensure that you are provided with a truly bespoke solution.

Depending on the overall objectives, the construction features, the location, and the weather conditions at the site, we will source the right materials and features to provide you with a façade that meets all your needs.

Firstly, it is important to know the facades you have to choose from, or at least the most commonly used or recommended for modern construction projects.

Ventilated facades

Ventilated facades are an amazing option when it comes to prioritizing a structure’s insulation. Within the construction industry they are believed to be the most efficient options for construction enclosures and have a solid track record of effective energy efficiency in multiple environments and climates, from a Mediterranean climate to more extreme ones.

This type of façade is based around a construction system with an air chamber between the external veneer and the insulation layer of the interior or load bearing wall.

This air chamber removes thermal bridges through the application of constant insulation and prevents customary condensation or damp related issues from arising due to the chamber’s ventilation.

A ventilated façade has multiple benefits, including:

• The constant air circulation within the internal chamber adds an extra layer of protection. This makes it incredibly efficient for the prevention of condensation, damp, or leaks that can harm the veneer material.
• The constant ventilation of the air chamber actually helps to increase the veneer material’s durability. When it comes to natural stone or other materials that can be affected by humidity (like fiber cement, HPL panels, or precast concrete slabs), ventilation is key in the prevention of efflorescence or rising damp which can damage and stain the stone over time. The combination of this solution with highly resistant and impermeable materials like natural slate or Dekton, with its extremely low porosity, will increase the lifespan of your façade for much longer.
• By keeping a balanced temperature around the structure’s enclosure through the ventilated façade, the likelihood of cracks forming is greatly reduced. It is highly effective if you aim to keep the structure in a good general condition.
• The combination of these benefits and the insulation layer that the façade’s enclosure is constantly protected by enhances the general comfort of those inside, in terms of both thermal and sound insulation.
• In addition to the above benefits, we cannot forget that a ventilated façade also improves energy efficiency and thermal comfort. It reduces the use of indoor heating and air conditioning systems, minimizing energy consumption and also offering medium and long-term savings.
• It can be installed externally without having to modify the existing enclosure and is a superb renovation solution.

The Dekton ultra-compact porcelain surface has all the benefits of a highly resistant and durable 100% inorganic material and is the ideal choice for ventilated façade veneers. Dekton is highly resistant to UV rays, extreme weather conditions, ice and thawing and abrasiveness. It also has very low porosity and is extremely stain resistant. These properties, as well as a selection of bespoke cuts and the choice of a wide variety of tooling, anchoring and system installations, help to make Dekton one of the best materials for ventilated facades.

Stone facades 

Natural stone has traditionally been used in façade construction, however modern techniques have led to more innovative finishes and efficient and durable options emerging.

One of the multiple advantages of a stone façade is the wide variety of materials to choose from, be it marble, slate, granite, sandstone, limestone, etc.

There are now also an extensive number of finishes available, depending on the desired treatment of the façade stone. Some of the most popular finishes with contemporary construction projects are polished marble and granite, different depths of bush hammered stone, sandblasted stone with rougher surfaces, serrated or flamed stone, plus many more.

When it comes to looks, natural stone is practically unrivalled. In fact, despite being a conventional construction material, the new selection of finishes available all add a modern twist to any project.

When it comes to functionality, current construction techniques mean our stone is affixed to the load bearing structure with mortar and anchoring. This ensures optimal mounting and durability thanks to the added security offered by these mechanical solutions.

This material also has outstanding energy efficiency properties. This is due to its high degree of thermal inertia which is superior in the preservation of the internal temperature compared to other options, it is also a flame-retardant material.

Stone facades can also be combined with other solutions like ventilated facades. This is due to a ventilation chamber being created between the load bearing wall and the external veneer made from this material, utilizing the variety of mounting systems available on the market. The required thicknesses of the stone vary based on the selected type of stone, size, system, and anchoring. Standard size panels with a thickness of 2 to 3 cm are the most popular option.

The Cosentino Scalea natural stone range includes an impressive selection of stones and finishes. There are over 200 available to suit any design or installation, both with veneer and ventilated facades.

EIFS facades

The term EIFS stands for “Exterior Insulation Finishing System”. It is an insulation system applied to the external façade and provides unmatched energy efficiency properties.

An EIFS façade is highly recommended for enhanced insulation needs. It reduces the external width of the façade and can be installed externally, without interrupting daily life inside of the structure. The price and quality of this option are two key factors and it also enhances the overall appearance of an external façade and adds value to a property.

It is a popular option for façade renovation projects, and its outstanding features also mean it is highly recommended for new developments too.

Among some of the most significant benefits of a EIFS façade are the following:

• The insulation system removes thermal bridges and reduces a structure’s energy requirements. It makes the space more sustainable, with there being less consumption resulting in significant energy savings.
• It acts as a type of thermal protector, with a resistance of 1m2K/W or higher.
• An EIFS system can be externally fitted on top of a façade. This is a key benefit, as it reduces any inconveniences for other residents.
• It also improves the interior comfort of a home. It removes the “cold wall” effect and enhances the overall internal thermal conditions.
• While an EIFS façade may offer impressive insulation benefits it also has outstanding waterproofing properties, dramatically reducing the risk of condensation and leaks.

Dekton by Cosentino, at a thickness of 8 mm, is perfect for EIFS. It is highly resistant with almost zero absorbance and a thermal conductivity less than stone, creating a formidable protective barrier for the system’s internal layers, while still looking great.

Curtain walls 

Curtain walls are also known as “lightweight facades”. They are a self-supporting exterior veneer, traditionally consisting of linear panels joined together and anchored to the main structure.

These facades are not involved in the structural bearing of the building itself. In addition to their linear structural features (such as studs and beams) they may also include infill options that could be fixed (panels) or functional (windows).

There are also other types of modular or unitized lightweight facades made from complete façade modules. These can include both fixed and functional sections and are installed between the fixed floor levels of the main structure.

They offer a modern and sophisticated look, although most of their benefits can be appreciated inside, due to the thermal comfort created by the natural light that enters, generating further energy savings.

There are different glazing options available (glass with multiple solar features, low emissivity and light transmission and spectrally selective glazing and they all come in double or triple glazing options). There are also different sunlight exposure options available  (lattices, slats, etc.), all using materials like Dekton. This can be used as an infill panel to regulate how much natural light comes in, enhancing the overall thermal comfort and energy efficiency of the space.

Single layer facades

Single layer facades use just one surface as a construction layer.

In these cases the veneer is created using a single layer of industrial mortar, which is modified and pigmented to achieve the overall desired finish.

It is a compound made up of different types of materials, and is also incredibly versatile in terms of different looks and finishes. Among the most popular finishes are the trowel-finish or smooth finish, the scraped or carved finish, the droplet or sprayed finish, and the flattened surface or honed stone finish.

This option is generally a cost-effective and simple finish, and offers multiple benefits including its single layer application and its breathability. However, care must be taken to ensure that it is installed correctly to prevent any issues from arising in the future like efflorescence, carbonation, stains, spots, tonal or color changes caused by different materials or cloths being used (in the case of repairs), or cracks forming, in addition to other esthetic or functional defects. Waterproofing should also be considered to prevent any water from getting into the interior layers of the façade.

The appropriate maintenance of the façade is highly important and specific precautions need to be taken. Excessive water pressure or the use of acidic products while cleaning can damage the material.

Technical features to consider when building facades

The type of facades used in construction and the features of the general infrastructure are all subject to certain technical factors, which we must remember when working on our project.

The most important are listed below:

Anchoring

Anchoring is used to attach the veneer and the substructure of the façade. This is then attached to a specific structure or enclosure, or directly attached to the enclosure. Anchoring is a key part of façade installation.

Façade anchoring can be made from a wide range of materials (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) and may have different features based on the type of veneer and substructure it is attached to, and that could also be aluminum or steel. Anchoring can also be used to affix the substructure to the main structure or a cement, brick, solid façade, or concrete block enclosure. 

There are also different types of substructure veneer anchoring and mounting options. They can be mechanical, chemical, hybrid, visible or hidden. They can use undercut anchors with hooks, have continuous or cross contours, visible or concealed clamps, rivets, nail in anchors, etc.  

Dekton by Cosentino is a material that, with its mechanical properties and impressive design versatility, can adapt to different types of mounting and ventilated façade systems.

Thermal insulation

The choice of façade and, especially, the material installation, varies depending on the overall desired thermal insulation objectives and features. Some of the most popular materials used are mineral wool, rockwool, polyurethane and expanded polystyrene, among others. They all offer different thermal conductivity, waterproofing and fireproofing properties, etc.

Analyzing the local weather conditions, the height, use and predicted energy consumption of the construction will help us to identify the thermal comfort needs. We will need to adapt to these to make sure we make the best possible insulation choice that includes both thickness and construction, to create a space that is highly energy efficient.

Façade veneer

If we want to ensure the preservation of the building, we need to select a high quality façade veneer.

There is a huge amount of veneer options to choose from (including natural stone, phenolic panels or HPL panels, fiber cement panels, or ceramic panels). But this is an important decision and must be made based on the type of support they are going to receive, as well as the location of the structure and other significant conditions (weather, use, etc.).

The most important thing is that the façade veneer meets the stated guidelines to ensure the maximum durability and preservation of the façade, it needs to look good while optimizing the required thermal comfort objectives of the building.

Dekton is a fantastic veneer option to guarantee the structural soundness and durability of your façade. It has fantastic scratch and stain resistant properties and is incredibly easy to clean; even graffiti! It is highly resistant to UV rays and humidity and comes in a wide range of formats and mounting options. It also comes with the Cosentino façade warranty and is subject to our numerous tests and certification procedures.

Waterproofing

Another important technical factor in any project is waterproofing, especially in areas with high rainfall or humidity, and these can both pose a real challenge to construction projects.

Waterproofing is there to prevent issues related to dampness, condensation or leaks from arising. While facades do include materials to help prevent these issues, a specially designed veneer for this can further enhance this protection.

Façade maintenance and renovation: Basic care

The overall preservation of a façade is based around properly maintaining it throughout its lifespan.

We know it is not always possible to ensure the optimum efficiency of a façade and we recommend regular maintenance is carried out using the right materials to ensure that thermal comfort objectives are met.

Specifically, a façade’s maintenance must include a basic care routine that includes:

• Regular checks: these checks must be carried out at least once a year to ensure that all the façade’s features are in a good working condition, like the ventilation vents and drainage, veneer, etc.
• Cleaning: each type of façade has its own cleaning requirements. In addition to caring for and protecting the materials, appropriate measures must be taken to prevent any damages being caused to the surface or anchoring or joining systems.
• Replacements: in the case of any deteriorations or imperfections, the façade’s surface must be replaced as soon as possible, in accordance with the applicable health and safety conditions and methods to ensure that the rest of the surface is not affected.
• External elements: a building’s façade is subject to a multitude of external elements that can cause the exterior to stain. Without the required care, this can lead to the materials oxidizing and becoming unsafe. In addition to frequent cleaning, regular checks must be made to avoid these issues from arising where possible.

When it comes to maintenance, Dekton by Cosentino is a fantastic option because it is simple to clean and is resistant to chemical products. It is highly durable, solid and its appearance will last the test of time. It is low maintenance and comes with a 25 year warranty. At Cosentino, our technical team is here to advise you at every stage of the process.

All of these façade construction factors and our experience in these types of projects have led us at Cosentino to provide a comprehensive service that offers continuous guidance and reassurance, including after-sale support. Cosentino is with you every step of the way, from the initial planning and selection of the right façade for you to advising you on maintenance issues and guaranteeing the performance and efficiency of the materials throughout the project.