A ventilated façade is a quiet performance upgrade: it creates a breathable façade layer that supports thermal comfort, moisture control, and long-term panel health. When paired with GRC or UHPC cladding, it offers a modern façade system that looks monolithic-but behaves intelligently.

This guide explains the benefits and the core detailing principles.

What Is a Ventilated Facade?

A ventilated façade is a cladding system where panels are installed with:

• an air cavity behind them
• a substructure carrying the cladding load
• controlled air movement and drainage paths
• optional insulation layer

This is often called a rainscreen principle: the outer skin handles most weather exposure, while the cavity manages moisture and pressure equalization.

Why Architects and Builders Choose Ventilated Facades

1) Better moisture management

Water that enters joints can drain away without saturating the wall assembly.

2) Improved thermal performance (with insulation)

The system can accommodate insulation and reduce heat gain-especially valuable in hot climates.

3) Reduced staining and façade distress

With correct detailing, a ventilated cavity reduces water trapping and helps the façade dry faster.

4) Panel longevity and serviceability

Panels can be designed for replaceability-important for long-life commercial and residential buildings.

Why GRC and UHPC Work Well in Ventilated Systems

GRC brings design flexibility-patterns, ribs, flutes, moulded forms.

UHPC brings precision and durability-thin premium panels, sharp grooves, high-abuse resilience.

Detailing Basics (What Must Be Right)

1) Substructure selection

Your frame (GI/MS/Aluminum) must be chosen based on:

• corrosion environment (coastal vs inland)
• load requirements
• compatibility with anchors and brackets
• long-term access and serviceability

2) Bracket and rail system

A good ventilated façade fixing system provides:

• adjustability for plumb and level
• movement allowance
• secure anchorage into structural elements
• predictable load paths

3) Cavity and drainage design

Detail for:

• bottom drainage points (weep paths)
• ventilation openings with insect mesh where required
• no trapped ledges inside the cavity
• clear flow path for water exit

4) Joint logic

• consistent joint widths
• shadow gaps for clean lines
• sealant only where required (not everywhere)
• define open-joint vs sealed-joint intent early

5) Corners and terminations

Corners, parapets, and sill zones are where ventilated façades win or fail. Detail:

• metal flashings where needed
• drip edges to prevent streaking
• returns that hide raw edges
• access for maintenance

Where UHPC vs GRC in a Ventilated Facade

use UHPC at plinths, corners, and high-impact edges

use GRC across the primary façade field for design richness

This hybrid strategy is often the most cost-efficient way to deliver a premium envelope.

CTA:

DECO can support ventilated façade detailing-substructure intent, panel module strategy, typical sections, and on-site installation sequencing.