Eco Self Build in Wales with a High-Performance Exterior Facade

When Gerry and his partner Kim bought a plot in Wales, they had very specific ideas about the type of house they wanted to build. “We like modern properties,” says Gerry. “Today’s designs should reflect how we live and accommodate our needs, such as saving energy.”

The self build is split into two separate homes, both of which are designed for contemporary living with clean lines and open-plan spaces, while large windows at the front and rear overlook the nearby river and bridge to fully maximise its beautiful countryside location.

Each house has its own plant room on the ground floor, with an array of modern, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. The integrated garages sit on the ground floor level, while the bedrooms, kitchen and living spaces are located on the first and second floors.

Form & function

The couple wanted an exterior solution that offered high levels of durability while incorporating elements of brutalist design. “The house is modern inside, flooded with light and very minimal. We don’t have ornaments or clutter, so we wanted the facade to match.” Gerry evaluated several options but couldn’t find the right solution; “they looked and felt cheap to me,” he says. Cedral’s Click Smooth cladding in C18 Slate Grey turned out to be the perfect solution. Cedral Click uses a tongue-and-groove fixing system to deliver a flush, contemporary finish. The exterior’s unique stainless steel details integrate seamlessly with the Cedral cladding.

Photo: Cedral

Low-maintenance facade

Maintenance was an important factor for the couple. “We wanted to avoid options that required frequent painting or cleaning,” says Gerry. “We wanted something we could just wipe down easily, particularly with all the seagulls around. And that’s what we got – it looks the same now as it did last year, and it’ll look the same next year too.” Cedral doesn’t rot, rust warp or crack under extreme temperature changes and is low maintenance. The system also has excellent fire performance, with an A2-s1 and d0 classification.

Photo: Cedral

Installation details

Professional installation and quality service were essential for the success of the project. During a ten-week window, the two houses were clad using fire-tested insulation and breather membrane – paying close attention to the battening to achieve the correct levels of airtightness.

The two houses required approx 300 separate Cedral planks, the majority of which needed to be precision cut on site in order to accommodate the metal beading. “Cedral Select professional installer, Peter Henderson, did a fantastic job for us and helped us all the way through,” says Gerry. “While some suppliers just give you the planks, Cedral gave us solutions and guidance on all the tricky areas, like the external angles and window returns. This finished off the job perfectly – when you look at it, it’s neat, tidy and precise, which was very important to us.”

Top tips Specifying the right exterior cladding

Together with the roof and windows, the outer shell of your home provides protection against the heat, cold, wind, weather, noise and fire, and contributes considerably to comfort inside the house. There won’t be one single design solution that fits all, but to help you decide on the material for your home’s exterior, here are points to consider:

• Are there local regulations or restrictions on colours, finishes or performance?
• What are the material’s fire safety ratings?
• What are the eco credentials?
• How does it add to the aesthetic?
• How durable is it?
• What is the cost (not only the initial expense but maintenance)?
• How easy is it to install?