If you've come across this blog you're most likely looking for inspiration for your next self-build or perhaps for alterations to your existing property. Alternatively, you might just be gasping at some of the exquisite designs that are featured - which all give the impression that they are put together by individuals who make more money in a month than you or I do in a lifetime.
While that last statement might unfortunately be true, you don't have to be featured in the Times Rich List to transform your home into a contemporary and expensive-looking dwelling. Building technology is progressing at a frantic pace and this means that a lot of these materials are completely affordable. Of course, if you're looking to put together an exterior comprised solely of granite or another precious stone, you might be out of luck. But for most people, this article might just highlight some of the best looking wall coverings that don't have to cost the earth.
Unlike several years ago, all of these options are completely safe from a structural point of view as well. There are now countless render and mortar waterproofing products that can completely seal a home, and make dampness a thing of the past at the same time. Therefore, without further ado, our post will now take a look at our favourite external wall coverings that can completely transform the outer appearance of your home.
Stone Cladding
If you’re looking to make the next contemporary sensation, constructing a house out of stone probably doesn’t seem like the most sensible way to do it. However, we’re not talking about the big blocks of stone you find propping up barns in the British countryside — but rather the slender cladding options that can now be considered.
Nowadays, it’s possible to acquire a cladded version of stone that arrives in countless varieties. Some will mimic that countryside option, but others are much ‘cleaner’ and will suit a modern dwelling down to the ground. Of course, the main hindrance with stone is usually the price yet with this being a manmade option, it means that costs are generally kept to a minimum.
Glass Cladding
There are countless glass buildings featured on this site and in some regards, one could argue that this is a material which is almost a prerequisite for the ‘contemporary’ description. This is unquestionably the most expensive level of external finish, although the effect it can have can be mesmerizing. Prices have dropped over the years and you can get away with lower quality glass, which may have less sound proofing characteristics than some of the premium versions available.
Timber Panels
Timber might sound like a budget material and in a lot of instances, it is. However, don’t be under the impression that this is something which is going to create a cheap, hut-like appearance. A house with wood panels can look stunning, particularly if it is combined with other materials such as glass. You only have to look at the Canadian House featured on the blog to show how timber can work so well as a covering. It also goes without saying that it’s one of those materials which can be customized the most, with so many different types of paints and varnishes now available for woods which are subject to the outside elements.
Metal Cladding
This final material is again one that is regularly shown in contemporary homes. If you were to drive down the M1, or any other major motorway for that matter, you’d see countless commercial buildings layered in these metal sheets. On some dated buildings, the effect is hardly inspiring. However, a lot of newer buildings are taking advantage on the latest metal profile technology and producing some purely blissful buildings — with this Morrisons depot at Bridgewater being a prime example of the wonders of building technology.
Suffice to say, the same methods can be applied to houses. Whereas metal used to be an incredibly expensive material to source, nowadays prices are tumbling and this means that a lot more homeowners are taking advantage of it. It’s again extremely versatile and if you are looking to create the next contemporary masterpiece, it should at least be put under consideration.