It’s been a tricky decade for the cladding industry. There has been a huge amount of scrutiny, especially in the wake of the Grenfell disaster. Even now there are negative feelings towards products. Thousands of buildings are also awaiting remediation, including high rise blocks. Even with all of this though, it is still popular for many reasons. In fact, there are some significant trends at the moment. Let’s have a look, then you can rely on us if you want advice about residential architecture in London.

Refurbishments and retrofitting

One of the main reasons cladding is so trendy is the fact there is more focus on improving homes in the UK. The long term forecast is the refurb and retrofit market will continue to grow in the years ahead. This is driven by factors such as the age of the housing stock, the push to improve sustainability, and the cost of moving. Plus, there is more support than ever for improving existing properties rather than demolishing them.

Cladding works incredibly well if you want to improve the aesthetics of a property. You can use it to effectively dress up external and internal surfaces. It can add colour, texture, and style to all kinds of homes and housing. Crucially, it can be a very cost effective, low maintenance option.

Sustainability

Another reason cladding is popular for residential architecture in London and many other locations is it can offer great green credentials. For one thing, it means we can retain more buildings. Additionally, it can provide more insulation to improve thermal performance. Beyond that, you can choose natural products that generate less waste and use fewer resources. There are options that are recyclable or reusable too.

Climate

While the weather is always a popular topic in Britain, it has been more notable than ever this year. We’ve had a dry, hot summer so far. There have been heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts. In fact, it reaffirmed the fact that buildings in the UK are poorly equipped to handle it.

More and more people are considering cladding as a way to make buildings resilient to climate change. It can be an effective option, providing insulation against external heat. Things like exterior living walls are especially good. As a result, they are likely to be a major trend over the next few years.

Thinking about residential architecture in London?

London is one of the best destinations in the UK if you love architecture. You can find a massive array of styles here, from historic landmarks to innovative new builds. However, it’s also a city with a unique climate. Due to the urban heat island, parts of the city can be 5-10 degrees Celsius hotter. This puts more pressure on buildings, including homes.

If you’re looking to create the perfect home, it’s vital to think about the climate at different times of the year. Additionally, make sure you look at trends. This way you can ensure you design with resilience in mind.

We can help you with any project for residential architecture in London, including new builds, refurbs, and more. So, speak to us about your plans.