Summary
Rear-ventilated facades allow air to circulate behind siding panels, managing moisture, stabilising temperature, and protecting building structures from long-term damage. Pairing these systems with sustainable natural composites delivers superior durability, energy efficiency, and long-term environmental benefits for modern construction.
Novano and Ventilated Facades: Protecting Structures for Generations
In modern construction, building envelopes play a critical role in long-term performance, energy efficiency, and overall comfort. Rear-ventilated facades also known as ventilated curtain walls have become a preferred solution for architects and developers seeking to balance aesthetics, durability, and sustainability. When combined with advanced composite materials like Novano (made from renewable rice husks), these systems offer outstanding protection while significantly extending a building’s lifespan.
What is a Rear-Ventilated Facade?
A rear-ventilated facade is a non-load-bearing cladding system installed with a deliberate cavity between the siding panels and the building’s structural wall. Unlike sealed or airtight facade systems, ventilated facades are designed to allow continuous air circulation behind the cladding. This airflow helps protect the building from:
- Rain and snow
- Solar radiation and UV exposure
- Condensation build-up
- High winds and pressure differences
By allowing moisture and humidity to escape through ventilation openings, rear-ventilated facades prevent water accumulation inside the wall assembly which is one of the leading causes of long-term structural damage.
Advantage of Novano’s Composite Siding for Ventilated Facades
Using Novano’s rice husk-based composite panels for ventilated facades provides significant technical and environmental advantages:
1. Moisture Management and Structural Protection
Trapped moisture within the building envelope can lead to rot, mould, mildew, and even serious structural failure. Novano’s ventilated facade systems enable trapped moisture to dissipate, keeping the wall cavity dry and free from long-term deterioration. Combined with Novano’s water-resistant, rot-proof composite profiles, this design offers superior protection against environmental wear.
2. Improved Thermal and Humidity Control
The air circulation behind the facade creates a buffer zone that helps stabilise indoor temperatures and humidity levels. This natural ventilation reduces temperature extremes inside the building, creating a more comfortable environment for homeowners while lowering HVAC demands.
3. Enhanced Energy Efficiency
By minimising heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, ventilated facades contribute to lower energy consumption. The reduced reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems results in lower operational costs, improved energy performance ratings, and a smaller carbon footprint.
4. Sustainability and Long-Term Value
Novano’s composite materials are engineered from recycled rice husks and renewable polymers, offering a highly sustainable alternative to traditional cladding materials. Fully recyclable, wood-free, and low-maintenance, Novano panels are designed to meet the demands of modern green building certifications such as LEED standards.
Key Takeaways
Rear-ventilated facades paired with Novano’s advanced composite siding provide a high-performance solution for architects, developers, builders, and homeowners committed to long-term durability and sustainability. This system helps safeguard the building structure, promotes energy efficiency, and reduces ongoing maintenance, all while delivering a visually striking exterior that stands the test of time.
As construction standards continue to evolve, rear-ventilated facade systems will remain a key design strategy for modern, resilient, and environmentally responsible buildings.
Watch our installation video below for a step-by-step guide on how to install Novano for your project.
FAQs
What is a rear-ventilated facade and how does it work?
A rear-ventilated facade is a cladding system installed with a cavity between the outer panels and the structural wall. This cavity allows continuous air circulation, which helps remove moisture, regulate temperature, and protect the building from weather-related damage.
What benefits does Novano’s composite siding bring to ventilated facades?
Novano’s rice husk-based composite siding works perfectly with ventilated facade systems by enhancing moisture control, preventing water damage, and maintaining the durability of the wall assembly. Its also water-resistant and UV-stable which complement the ventilation cavity, providing long-term structural protection while supporting sustainable, low-maintenance building design.
Do Novano ventilated facades meet green building certification standards?
Yes. Novano’s composite panels are engineered to meet sustainability criteria for certifications such as LEED, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cladding materials that support long-term environmental goals.
How does a ventilated facade prevent moisture-related issues?
The air gap behind the facade allows trapped moisture and humidity to escape, preventing water accumulation inside the wall. This reduces the risk of rot, mould, mildew, and structural deterioration over time.
Can ventilated facades improve energy efficiency?
Yes. The ventilation cavity helps stabilise indoor temperatures year-round, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling. This lowers energy consumption, reduces operational costs, and improves a building’s overall energy performance.