What is a Rainscreen Facade System

Together, these layers form a robust building envelope that enhances the building’s performance, aesthetics and sustainability. Each layer performs an essential function, and the system is designed so that no single layer carries too much responsibility on its own.

The Benefits of Rainscreen Facades

• Superior Moisture Control: Keeps rainwater away from the weather barrier, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.
• Enhanced Building Ventilation: Helps the wall drain and dry when moisture does enter, reducing the risk of condensation and humidity build-up in the cavity.  In summer, the cavity vents keep the building cooler through the chimney effect, a passive, natural convection ventilation.
• Increased Durability and Longevity: Unlike sealed systems, a rainscreen facade does not rely on UV-exposed wet seals, which can degrade over time and leak. The open joints in the cladding allow for a dry, durable system.
• Improved Thermal Performance: The open-air cavity allows for a continuous layer of external insulation, reducing thermal bridges and helping to keep the structure warm. This, in turn, reduces the risk of condensation and mould growth within the envelope

How Rainscreen Cladding Solves Industry Challenges

The Pressure Equalisation Effect

Traditional sealed-face facades expect the outer cladding to hold back all water and wind loads, creating a strong pressure differential in the cavity. This can result in water being sucked into the cavity if there are any openings or cracks in the facade.

Alternatively, rainscreen cladding, with its open joints, allows wind pressure to quickly equalise in the cavity. This means that most of the wind pressure is transferred back to the weather barrier, where there is little to no rainwater. Without water on the surface, it can’t be sucked through.

Addressing the Challenges in the Cladding Industry

The cladding and facade industry has faced significant challenges over the past few decades, from combustible cladding crises to leaky-building syndromes, and more recently, increased thermal efficiency requirements and issues with condensation and mould growth.

When we overprioritise a single aspect, we risk overlooking others and creating more problems. For example, a non-combustible membrane may not be the best at keeping water out of a building, which is its primary purpose. Similarly, perforated membranes may offer great permeability but fall short in keeping water out.

An externally insulated rainscreen facade is the best way to overcome these industry issues.

Rainscreen Cladding in Practice

Architects are using Sculptform rainscreen systems to bring their designs to life. These facades don’t just look good, they perform well too, balancing design intent, technical performance and ease of installation. Every project shows how our modular systems make creative ideas genuinely buildable.

Ramsgate Apartments

Ramsgate Apartments are a perfect example of how simple design thinking can deliver something special. Using Sculptform’s Click-on Cladding system, the building gets a clean, modern finish that’s easy on the eye and even easier to install. Custom aluminium profiles add depth and rhythm, giving the facade a subtle texture that changes with the light

Everton Park Library

Inspired by the geometry of a tree canopy, the Everton Park Library uses Sculptform’s rainscreen cladding to bring depth and movement to the exterior. Aluminium profiles and layered textures capture light and shadow, while the ventilated cavity enhances airflow and acoustic comfort. The result is a cost-effective, compliant and visually striking public building.

Sculptform’s Rainscreen Cladding System

At Sculptform, Velo Facades bring together everything we value in facade design: performance, precision and visual impact. For this system, we use our trusted Click-on Cladding as the external layer, creating the architectural surface of the facade while connecting seamlessly with the structure behind.

Velo Facades come in two options to suit different project needs. The Thermal Cavity System includes an insulated layer and weather membrane that boosts energy efficiency and thermal comfort. The Ventilated Cavity System focuses on continuous airflow, helping manage moisture and improve natural ventilation.

Both systems are built for design freedom and practical performance, giving architects and builders a premium, sustainable and easy-to-install solution. With Click-on Cladding defining the outer finish, every project gains the flexibility and reliability that make Sculptform systems stand out