Architects about facades

Hello, this is Maria, and today I want to talk about rustication, an architectural technique that I consider to be one of the most underrated in modern construction. I have used rustication in more than 30 projects over the past 12 years, and each time it has opened up for me in a new way.

What rustic is and why it fascinates me

Let me start with a personal confession: when I first started working, rustic seemed boring and old-fashioned. I mean, what do you think, a relief masonry with deep joints! But the more I worked with this technique, the more I fell in love with its possibilities.

The rustic — is not just a decorative treatment of stone. It is a whole architectural language that can tell you more about a building than any other element of the facade. The depth of the joint, the texture of the stone, the rhythm of the masonry - all this creates a unique character of the building.

To dive deeper into the topic, read our article on rustication.

My favorite historical examples

Palazzo Pitti in Florence — is a personal favorite of mine. I remember the first time I saw it in person - those huge rough-hewn stone blocks are literally hypnotizing! The lower floor is made as brutal as possible, while the upper floors are more restrained. This technique creates an amazing sense of reliability and strength.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi shows how different types of rustication can be used on the same facade. The first floor is brutal diamond rust, the second floor is more relaxed, and the third floor is almost smooth. It's like a symphony where each floor plays its part!

My favorite modern examples are

The new headquarters of the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris: here, rustication is used in the glass panels! A stunning example of how a classic technique can be reinterpreted in modern materials.

Cooper House on Butikovsky Lane by Sergei Skuratov: a real master class in modern interpretation of rustication. The facade is finished with a complex masonry of clinker bricks, where the alternation of horizontal and vertical elements creates an expressive relief. Particularly impressive is the way in which the architect has played with the corner of the building, using rusticated masonry to create a plastic transition.

Practical tips from me

Over the years I have developed a few rules for using rustication:

• Proportion matters
• For private houses, I recommend blocks no larger than 40-50 cm in heightу
• The depth of the joint should be proportional to the size of the block (usually 2-4 cm for medium-sized blocks)

Materials and textures

• Natural stone: the most expensive but also the most spectacular option
• Concrete: an excellent alternative for modern projects
• Plaster: a budget option, but requires skill in execution

Where to use

• Basement and ground floor: a classic that always works
• Accent walls: create a focal point
• Separate elements: portals, window frames

Common mistakes

• Overdoing the rustication. Some people cover the entire facade with rust, from the foundation to the roof. It's like wearing an evening dress to the beach - too much!
• Inconsistency of style. I recently saw a minimalist house with massive rustication in a classic style. It's like wearing sneakers under a tuxedo.
• Wrong proportions. A shallow rust on a large building or vice versa is like the wrong clothing size.

The rustication is not just a decorative technique, it is a powerful tool in the hands of the architect. It can make a building monumental or light, traditional or modern. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment!

Architects and engineers are actively working to push the limits of timber construction, and while wood was once considered a material only for small buildings, it is now capable of surprising. Thanks to advanced technologies such as CLT (cross-laminated timber), timber structures are becoming strong, fire-resistant and applicable even for high-rise construction.

The potential of wood as a material to replace steel and concrete is enormous.

For example, wooden structures are easier to transport and install, which reduces time and labor costs on the construction site. The material's lightness and malleability allow for the creation of molds that would be difficult and costly with concrete.

According to researchers at Wageningen University and Research Center in the Netherlands, wood is an excellent choice for buildings up to 60 meters high.

After this height, the benefits of wood start to diminish compared to traditional fossil-based building materials.

Carbon footprint and environmental benefits

The biggest advantage of wood in construction is its environmental friendliness. Concrete and steel production is nearly one-third of the world's carbon dioxide emissions, while wood construction, on the other hand, not only does not add CO₂ to the atmosphere, it “traps” it. Wood absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows, and it stays there as long as the wood is used as a building material. As a result, a single wooden building can offset the carbon footprint of several concrete or steel structures at once.

Growing and using wood requires far less energy than the extraction and production of traditional materials, doubly reinforcing wood's position as a sustainable choice.

Challenges yet to be solved

• Fire resistance. Although wood can be made more resistant to fire, its behavior in fire remains a serious problem, especially for high-rise buildings. For such projects, it is common to use layers of CLT that protect the internal wood components and provide a certain level of fire resistance. However, fire safety standards for tall timber structures are still emerging and each country is developing its own requirements.
• Weather and pest resistance. Humidity can be the enemy of wooden buildings, as prolonged exposure to water can lead to rotting. Applying protective coatings and regular maintenance solves this problem, but it adds to the cost of operation. Wood can also attract insects, which requires antiseptic treatment.
• Building codes and standards. Unlike steel and concrete, wood is just beginning to become the norm in high-rise construction, so many countries do not yet have strict standards for such structures. This hinders the development of wooden high-rise construction, as investors and developers cannot be completely sure that such buildings are safe.

How far can we go?

На сегодняшний день уже существует несколько высоких деревянных зданий, которые по своей высоте To date, there are already several tall wooden buildings that approach the height of traditional skyscrapers. For example, Mjøstårnet in Norway, an 18-story wooden building with a height of 85.4 meters, is considered the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world. And recent designs promise to go even further, showing that limitations are a matter of technology, not material.

What does the future hold?

In the future, timber construction could be the basis for green cities. Due to the renewability and easy recyclability of wood, many cities are considering it as a key material for sustainable construction. As CLT and other technologies continue to improve, wood can become even stronger and safer, enabling ever higher and more complex structures to be built.

Wood as a building material thus has enormous potential. It offers a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel, making it possible to build sustainable, stylish and practical buildings that can form the basis for the cities of the future.

In a world where technology is developing at a rapid pace, architecture is not left behind. How does the evolution of facade materials affect the appearance of modern cities and what challenges does this pose for architects and property owners?

Tradition vs Innovation: the search for balance

Despite the emergence of new materials, traditional solutions are still relevant. Stone, brick and wood are still widely used in facades, but now they are often combined with modern materials. For example, a natural stone facade can be complemented with glass and metal elements to create a unique architectural look.

Energy efficiency as a priority

Today, one of the key factors in choosing facade materials is their energy efficiency. Modern facade systems not only protect the building from external influences, but also actively participate in regulating the microclimate inside.

• Ventilated facades: allow you to significantly reduce heating and air-conditioning costs.
• Photovoltaic panels: integrated into facades, turning buildings into mini-electric power plants.
• Smart glass: changes its properties depending on the intensity of sunlight, optimizing energy consumption.

Environmental awareness and sustainability

Care for the environment has become an integral part of modern architecture. This is also reflected in the choice of façade materials:

• Recycled materials: the use of recycled plastic or metal in façade panels.
• Biodegradable composites: experimental materials that do not pollute the environment over time.
• Plant facades: vertical gardens not only improve aesthetics, but also help clean the air in cities.

Technology at the service of aesthetics

Innovative materials allow architects to realize the most daring ideas:

• Dynamic facades: with the help of movable elements, a building can “change its facial expression” during the day.
• LED integrations: turn facades into huge screens for media installations.
• 3D printing: allows the creation of unique facade elements with complex geometries.

Challenges for today's architects

• Durability vs Innovativeness: How can we ensure the durability of new materials for which we do not yet have long-term data?
• Cost of implementation: Innovative solutions are often expensive. How to convince customers of their feasibility?
• Regulatory framework: Legislation does not always keep pace with technological progress. How to work with new materials within the existing regulations?

The evolution of facade materials continues and we are on the threshold of new discoveries. We may soon see facades that can adapt to climate change or even self-repair after damage.

As an architectural studio, it is important for us not only to follow these trends, but also to critically evaluate their applicability to each specific project. After all, the main task of an architect is to create buildings that are functional, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for people, regardless of the materials used.

What do you think? What innovations in the field of facade materials seem the most promising to you? Leave your comments in the social networks.

In today's world, architects have to combine many layers and requirements to create a synthesis of the modern home.

In search of new perspectives, we decided to use chatGPT and Midjourney to address the topic of the future of private architecture in Russia and look at the most current trends, new concepts and approaches to help create homes that meet the needs and expectations of residents.

Architecture is not just about creating beautiful buildings, but also about reflecting the history and culture of the people. In these amazing illustrations, we see how modern architecture boldly combines with traditional national features. This not only shows our uniqueness, but also allows us to preserve our culture and heritage for future generations. These images will make us think about how our culture and traditions can continue to live on in the new world.

In terms of exterior design, we can assume that future modern houses in Russia will continue to use elements of traditional Russian architecture, but in a more modern and innovative way. For example, roofs may have a more modern shape, but retaining traditional pitches, and façades may be decorated with more modern materials such as glass, metal or composite panels, but retaining traditional decorative elements.

The architecture of the future in Russia is an opportunity to rethink traditional Russian Art Nouveau in the context of modern architecture. The appearance of such buildings could be organically integrated into the environment and at the same time reflect the uniqueness of Russian culture.

Firstly, modern technologies and materials could be used to create more functional and environmentally friendly houses. For example, composite materials could be used instead of traditional wooden cladding, which would be more durable and easier to maintain. Solar panels and other modern systems can also be used to reduce energy costs.

Secondly, you can create buildings in a more minimalist style, with simple, clean shapes and geometric elements. One of the characteristics of Russian Art Nouveau is the use of patterns and ornamentation in the decorative elements. The architecture of the future could use these elements in a new context to create a modern look for buildings. For example, square patterns or geometric ornaments could be used in building facades or windows.

Thirdly, the principles of Russian Revival can be used to create more innovative architectural solutions. Russian ethno-futuristic architecture can incorporate various elements of national culture, such as wrought ironwork, carved wooden patterns, decorative murals and mosaics, wood painting, use of curved forms, moldings, carvings, etc. These elements will be used in combination with contemporary forms, techniques and materials to create unique and memorable buildings.

All the text and images in this post were generated by artificial intelligence.

Does its vision appeal to you? How does this correlate with your view of the future of contemporary private architecture in Russia?

I think artificial intelligence is a valuable resource, these new tools can be very useful for imagining, visualizing and designing spaces in the near future, but the human touch still determines the potential of everything we imagine and imagine.

Here you can see AI's perceptions of the future of architecture in other countries.

Moscow is rich in interesting architectural heritage, but most of these buildings can be visited only several times a year, on certain dates, associated with celebrations.

The good news is there is a program to develop virtual tours of Moscow mansions.

Now you can take your time looking at the details of legendary works by F. Shekhtel, A. Grigoriev, L. Kekushev, and others.

For example, the Derozhinskaya's Mansion in the Kropotkinsky lane.

Built in the late 19th century it is less famous than other buildings designed by F. Shekhtel, but no doubt equally interesting.

A giant window on the entire wall, a huge marble fireplace, and all the furniture created according to the drawings of F. Shekhtel.

Or the Korobkova's Mansion on Pyatnitskaya with caryatids, wreaths, and mascarons on the façade, and the lion on the turret, typical of L. Kekushev.

Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Moscow Art Nouveau and be inspired by the talented architecture.

An interesting technique, how to add visual permeability to the façade not by individual elements, but by changing the way the boards are attached.

This chaotic, deliberate naivety, as if it were a child reaching for a hammer while his parents can't see, requires courage to implement.

The boards serve to shade the fully glazed volume of the facade and provide a play of light, making the house look attractive from the outside and inside.

In 2014, Green&Blue launched the production of bricks with holes that can serve as homes for solitary bee species. These bee bricks are the same size as regular bricks, but have a series of narrow holes similar to where solitary bees nest.

One-third of the world's food production depends on bees and other pollinators, with one in ten bee species in Europe on the brink of extinction. This is due to climate change, the use of pesticides that are destructive to bees, and disruption of the natural ecosystem.

Earlier this year, the city council of Brighton-y-Hov in England obliged developers to include bricks with holes for bees in the facades of buildings 5 meters high and higher.

Proponents of the initiative believe that such simple solutions will improve the situation and increase opportunities for biodiversity.

But a number of experts have also emerged who oppose it. They fear that mites and bacteria could breed in the holes, and this would increase the spread of disease. Professor Dave Goulson of the University of Sussex believes that the holes are not big enough to be a good home for bees, and that having one brick, even if in every house, is totally insufficient, it can only serve to assuage conscience, with no real benefit.

I think perhaps bricks with holes are not ideal and are not a panacea.

But it is better to do than to do nothing.

Using such bricks can make a difference, albeit a small one, along with increased planting area, etc. And their centralized use in new buildings can help to collect statistical data and prove or disprove their effectiveness.

An interesting project with an idea that appeals to me - eco-friendliness and the union of opposites, exclusive luxury goods and recycled materials.

For the new Bulgari store in Shanghai, MVRDV created a green jade façade made of brass and recycled champagne and beer bottles.

The art deco architecture is reminiscent of Shanghai itself, a blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

The panels are made of sintered green glass with a translucent effect, which looks very effective.

And the gold-colored brass trim makes a reference to jade jewelry.

At night, the lighting further enhances the unique textural quality of the glass and is designed for minimal energy consumption of the facade.

This is the third Bulgari store whose facade was designed by MVRDV. In Kuala Lumpur, the store has a marble facade with gold veining and in Bangkok also a combination of brass and glass, but in warm yellow hues and with more emphasis on the openings.

The Pantone Institute named the color of the coming year. Usually the color was chosen from the existing palette, this year the employees created a new one.

The color of the year 2022 was named PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri.

According to Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, "the color of the year reflects what's happening in our global culture," so in a wave of coming out of isolation and at the same time pushing the boundaries of the virtual world, the experts created a new color that combines the "constancy" of blue with the "energy and excitement" of red.

It is kind of new, but you can notice a certain cyclicity in the choice of tone, 4 years ago in 2018 the color of the year was Ultra Violet, and in 2014 - Radiant Orchid.

In architecture, this color is applicable to futuristic forms as a backlighting.

For me the color Very Peri is softer, more lyrical, more dreamy. It's the reflected light of a sunset in the trim. Hues of lavender, delicate violet, and a peek of pink undertones look particularly effective on white facades and on houses finished in dark steel.

What is majolica anyway?

In a broad sense, the term is used for all glazed ceramics. Going deeper, a true majolica should be glazed twice. First the first, the background layer for the pattern, and then the transparent glaze on top and baked at high temperature. The implication is that the tiles are patterned, but it can also be a full fill of one color.

I often use majolica mosaics in projects I work on.

Majolica has an uneven surface, so it casts light in different directions, catching my eye. And so it's great to use it as accents on the facade, for this a small amount will be enough.

What areas can be accentuated on a facade?

• — entrances
• — window frames
• — individual panels
• — cornice
• — flights of stairs
• — column inserts

Majolica combines well with matte materials - wood, plaster, brick.

Important! Since with such materials it has a great contrast of texture, the color contrast must be low, it is good if majolica combines the shades of other materials of facade finishing.

It is also necessary to remember about the proportions. More does not always mean better. A good example is the main accent piece above the entryway and the supporting elements above the windows. Or an interstory belt and a panel that crowns the main gable..