Technical Portal for Sustainable Architecture
Ventilated facades
Design, engineering, and construction of multi-material ventilated facade systems for new buildings and renovation projects.
A ventilated facade is a building envelope system composed of several integrated elements: a wall or structural support, thermal insulation, a substructure, a ventilation cavity, fastening systems, and an external cladding.
The design process requires each component to be sized and coordinated with the others, taking into account the building’s characteristics, the cladding materials, the applied loads, and environmental exposure conditions.
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VM Group manages the entire process—from the initial building assessment and site surveying to the engineering of construction details, the specification of fastening systems, and on-site execution.
DESIGN
Analysis of the building, site surveying, and the identification of a technical solution tailored to the architectural and structural requirements of the project.
ENGINEERING
Development and definition of substructures, fastening systems, and construction details, including all necessary technical verifications to ensure the proper implementation of the system.
EXECUTION
Supply of components, management and coordination of on-site activities, and installation of the facade systems—carried out either directly by VM Group or by external teams under the company’s coordination.
What is a ventilated façade?
A ventilated facade is a building envelope cladding system composed of various elements that perform specific functions and work in an integrated manner: the supporting wall, thermal insulation, a supporting substructure, a ventilation cavity, and the external cladding.
The cladding is generally spaced away from the wall by means of a supporting substructure, which can be constructed using various configurations and materials. The space between the insulation layer and the cladding forms the ventilation cavity, designed to allow for air circulation.
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The performance of the entire system depends on the interaction between its various components. For this reason, a ventilated facade cannot be viewed merely as a covering applied to a building; it must be designed with careful consideration of the supporting structure's characteristics, the loads involved, the cladding material, the fastening systems, and the specific construction details.
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Consequently, the selection of the assembly layers, the substructure, and the anchoring systems must be determined based on the building's characteristics, the required performance, and the specific conditions of the project.
External cladding
Supporting wall
Supporting substructure
Thermal insulation
Ventilation chamber
How a ventilated facade is composed:
A ventilated facade consists of several elements that work together to protect and ensure the proper functioning of the building envelope. Its configuration may vary depending on the building's characteristics, the cladding material used, and the required performance standards.​
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Supporting wall: the structure to which the facade system is attached.
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Thermal insulation: helps control heat transfer through the building envelope.
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Support substructure: connects the cladding to the building using brackets, profiles, and fastening systems, all sized according to the specific project requirements.
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Ventilation cavity: a gap between the insulation and the cladding, designed to allow for air circulation.
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External cladding: the visible layer of the facade, which can be made from various materials such as natural stone, porcelain stoneware, ceramics, terracotta, HPL, fiber cement, or metal.
How a ventilated facade works
A ventilated facade utilizes a cavity between the external cladding and the underlying layers of the building envelope. This cavity, when properly designed, allows for air circulation through inlet and outlet openings.
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The movement of air is driven by temperature and pressure differences that develop within the cavity. During the summer, the heating of the air inside the cavity can promote upward airflow, helping to limit heat accumulation behind the cladding.
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In the winter, the system's performance depends primarily on the continuity of the thermal insulation, the configuration of the ventilation cavity, and the characteristics of the building envelope as a whole.
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Ventilation does not replace thermal insulation; rather, it is the proper design and integration of all components that determine how the facade performs.
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For this reason, each system must be evaluated in relation to its specific layer composition (stratigraphy), the geometry of the cavity, the ventilation openings, and the unique conditions of the building.
Insulation during the winter
Thermal insulation placed on the exterior of the masonry reduces outward heat loss and helps maintain a more stable internal temperature. The continuity of the insulation layer also helps minimize thermal bridges and improve the energy performance of the building envelope.
Weather protection
The external cladding serves as the building envelope's primary protection against the direct impact of atmospheric agents, such as rain, wind, and solar radiation. Furthermore, the presence of a ventilation cavity promotes the drying of the interstitial space and contributes to moisture management, provided the system is correctly designed and detailed.
Isolation during the summer
During the summer season, solar radiation heats the external cladding. Natural air circulation within the ventilation cavity facilitates the dissipation of some of the accumulated heat, helping to limit overheating of the building envelope and the thermal load on the building.
Sound insulation
The acoustic insulation of the building envelope depends on the combination of the wall, insulation layer, substructure, and external cladding. Proper design of the assembly layers can help reduce the transmission of external noise and improve acoustic comfort in interior spaces.
How a ventilated facade performs in summer
Physical dynamics
Heat dissipation via radiation: the air within the ventilation cavity heats up due to solar radiation and tends to rise, facilitating the dissipation of some of the heat through natural air movement.
Benefit
Ventilation of the cavity helps limit overheating of the building envelope and can reduce the thermal load on the building, improving indoor comfort during the summer season.
How a ventilated facade performs in winter
Physical dynamics
Heat and moisture management: during the winter season, the performance of the building envelope depends primarily on the continuity and characteristics of the insulation layer. The ventilated cavity contributes to managing moisture within the assembly, depending on the system's configuration and proper design.
Benefit
Protect the building envelope and maintain more stable hygrothermal conditions within the wall.
Diagram illustrating the behavior of the ventilation cavity under summer and winter conditions.
The temperatures shown refer to the illustrated example and do not constitute guaranteed performance values.
Where a ventilated facade is applied
I sistemi di facciata ventilata trovano applicazione in edifici con destinazioni d'uso e caratteristiche architettoniche differenti, sia nelle nuove costruzioni sia negli interventi di riqualificazione.
La scelta del sistema, dei materiali di rivestimento e della sottostruttura dipende dalle caratteristiche dell'edificio, dalle prestazioni richieste, dai vincoli progettuali e dalle condizioni del contesto.
VM Group progetta e realizza sistemi di facciata ventilata per edifici residenziali, direzionali, commerciali, pubblici, industriali e infrastrutturali, sviluppando soluzioni tecniche in funzione delle specificità di ogni intervento.
Residential construction
Ventilated facades are also used in residential construction, for both new builds and renovation projects. The choice of cladding, substructure, and insulation is determined based on the building's characteristics, architectural requirements, and performance specifications.
Redevelopment of buildings and condominiums
In the refurbishment of existing buildings, a ventilated façade can integrate thermal insulation and new cladding as part of a building envelope upgrade.
The design must take into account the condition of the existing wall, wind loads, anchoring systems, thermal bridges, and the characteristics of the new cladding.
Office and commercial buildings
In office, commercial, and service-sector buildings, ventilated facades allow for the combination of architectural requirements and building envelope performance. Porcelain stoneware, metal composites, fiber-cement, and other materials can be used depending on the project, surface dimensions, construction details, and required performance.
Public buildings
Schools, universities, institutional buildings, and public facilities require cladding solutions that combine durability, safety, and architectural quality. Ventilated facades allow for the use of various materials and systems, determined by the building's specific characteristics, design requirements, and operational conditions.
Healthcare facilities
Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities have specific requirements regarding the durability of the building envelope, the resistance of materials, and maintenance management. The design of a ventilated facade must take into account the building's intended use, the characteristics of the supporting structure, the fastening systems, and the selection of cladding materials appropriate for the specific context.
Industrial and logistics buildings
Manufacturing plants, warehouses, and logistics centers require cladding systems designed with consideration for the building’s scale, structural characteristics, and environmental conditions. Ventilated facades allow for the integration of various materials and substructures, resulting in solutions that align with the functional, architectural, and performance requirements of the building envelope.
Infrastructure and major projects
Railway stations, terminals, service buildings, and large-scale public works may require facade systems characterized by complex geometries, extensive surface areas, and specific resistance requirements. In such projects, the design and engineering of substructures, fixings, and construction details play a pivotal role in ensuring the proper integration between the cladding and the building's structure.
Ventilated facade and building envelope: aspects to consider
The choice of a facade system depends on the building's characteristics, the required performance, and the project objectives. A ventilated facade integrates an external cladding, a ventilation cavity, a substructure, and thermal insulation into a system designed to simultaneously address architectural, hygrothermal, and construction requirements.
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The design process must account for the behavior of individual components and their interaction, ensuring compatibility between materials, the building substrate, fastening systems, and exposure conditions.
Technical aspects to consider
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Management of thermal expansion:
The substructure and fastening systems must be designed to accommodate differential thermal expansion between the cladding, the substructure, and the building substrate, preventing the transfer of unintended stresses to the facade. -
Wind loads and structural stresses:
The sizing of the substructure and anchoring systems must take into account wind loads, the building's geometry, its height, and the characteristics of the cladding. Structural assessments must be based on the specific conditions of the project. -
Material selection and durability:
The choice of cladding must consider the material's properties, the building's exposure, the fastening systems, and environmental conditions. Porcelain stoneware, ceramics, HPL, fiber cement, natural stone, and metal composites can each address different design requirements. -
Thermal bridges and insulation:
The configuration of brackets and support profiles can affect the overall thermal transmittance of the wall. The design must evaluate thermal bridges created by connecting elements and ensure the continuity of the insulation layer. -
Fastening and support systems:
The selection of anchors must be compatible with the cladding material, the dimensions of the panels, the anticipated structural loads, and the characteristics of the building substrate. Proper design of the connections is essential for the safety and durability of the system. -
Envelope protection and management:
Correct design of the assembly layers and the ventilation cavity contributes to moisture management and the protection of the underlying layers. Hygrothermal performance must be verified based on the specific wall configuration. -
Maintenance and inspectability:
The choice of system must also take into account the feasibility of inspections, the replacement of cladding elements, and long-term maintenance. Component accessibility and the method of attachment can influence the future management of the facade.
From design to construction: a ventilated façade project
Anchoring systems for ventilated facades
The anchoring system connects the cladding to the substructure and is a fundamental element in the design of a ventilated façade. Its selection must be determined based on the material, dimensions, and weight of the panels, wind loads, the characteristics of the supporting structure, and the architectural requirements of the project.
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Depending on the material and the configuration of the façade, various fastening technologies can be employed:
Visible Fix
It involves the use of fasteners that are visible on the surface of the cladding. This solution is applied to various types of materials, where the arrangement and finish of the anchor points also contribute to the aesthetic outcome.
Fastening via structural bonding
Use specific adhesives to create the connection between the cladding and the substructure. The choice of product and the design of the joint must take into account material compatibility, anticipated stresses, and the environmental conditions in which the system will operate.
Retractable Anchor Point
It allows for the creation of exterior surfaces with no visible fasteners. The connection is achieved using specific mechanical devices, selected based on the material, the geometry of the panels, and the characteristics of the system.
Hybrid mechanical and adhesive fastening systems
These systems integrate mechanical and adhesive connections within a single configuration. Their application requires defining the functions of individual components and verifying the compatibility between the different technologies.
The design of the anchorages must account for load transmission, component compatibility, installation tolerances, and potential thermal expansion. Properly defining these connections contributes to the safety, durability, and construction quality of the facade.
Materials for ventilated facade cladding
Selecting the cladding material is a crucial phase in the design of a ventilated facade. It depends on the building's characteristics, architectural objectives, required performance, and compatibility with the support and fixing system.
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VM Group designs and constructs ventilated facades using various types of materials, selected according to the specific requirements of each project.
Key solutions employed include:
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Natural stone: stone materials with varying aesthetic, dimensional, and physical properties, selected based on the project and the conditions of use.
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Porcelain stoneware and ceramics: cladding available in a range of formats, thicknesses, finishes, and surface characteristics.
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Terracotta: facade elements featuring diverse geometries, formats, and shades, suitable for various architectural interpretations.
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HPL (High-Pressure Laminate): layered panels available in numerous finishes, colors, and dimensional configurations.
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Fiber cement: panels with varying surface and dimensional characteristics, suitable for different types of building envelopes.
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Aluminum and metal composites: solutions that allow for cladding with diverse geometries, finishes, and configurations.
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Other metals: metal materials and systems that can be selected based on specific architectural and construction requirements.
Performance and material characteristics
The performance of the cladding must be evaluated based on the chosen material, the product's specific characteristics, and the conditions of use. Key parameters to consider include:
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reaction to fire;
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water absorption;
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resistance to atmospheric agents and UV radiation;
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mechanical properties;
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dimensional stability;
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format, thickness, and weight of the panels;
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compatibility with fixing systems;
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maintenance procedures and the replacement of individual elements.
The choice of material cannot be separated from the design of the substructure and anchoring systems. Each type of cladding requires a specific assessment of support methods, structural loads, and construction details.
Technical insights into ventilated facades
