There’s a lot happening in the roofing and cladding building solution segments in India. New technologies are widening the palette of options, spurring these industries to record a CAGR above 5 per cent. Such growth is likely to continue up until 2027, according to industry reports. The influx of retail brands and high-end logistics has also brightened the prospects for the closely associated insulation industry and for fasteners, an unsung hero for playing a key role in determining the longevity and efficacy of roofing and cladding. CW explores a few material options in these segments, including a couple –aluminium and high-pressure laminate – that can stand alone as a façade. Case: Natural stone wall cladding combines functionality and aestheticsBuilding: A private holiday home designed by reD Architects, Mumbai ocation: Alibaug, Maharashtra Size: 12,000 sq ft (where the material was used) Product: Asian Stones’ smoky-grey ledgestone with 90° corners Approximate cost: Rs 200 per sq ft (including tax) Swing factor/s: The unique 90° stone corners provided a full stone wall look, ensuring seamless wall edges, contrary to a stone-clad appearance, explains Beekay Jhaver, Founder, Asian Stones. “The client saw this solution as a beautifying, environment-friendly, durable and economical way to embrace nature in the living space. Stone cladding brings strong character to the walls, a sense of grandeur and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Natural stone has sound protection as well as insulation properties. It rarely fades, even after long-term exposure to sunlight, hence it is maintenance-free and very durable.” Further, Asian Stones’ natural stone wall claddings come packed to facilitate easy installation by a mason, not to take away from any creativity they may want to employ! Challenges: “Natural stone rarely needs to be protected by sealants in outdoor applications, which is easy to do and inexpensive as a percentage of the cost,” shares Jhaver. “To some extent, this depends on the climatic conditions of the project location. However, in this installation, as smoky grey is a dense natural stone, it didn’t need to be treated.” Case: Sunshade from environment-friendly wood polymer composite louvers Building: Tata Croma Location: Chennai Size: 8,000 sq ft Product: Straton Composites wood polymer composite sunshade louvers Approximate cost: Rs 900 per sq ft exclusive of GST Swing factor/s: The architect wanted a new-age material different from conventional aluminium and mild steel products providing a similar screening effect to the building, shares Ankit Mohata, Managing Director, Straton Group. “Our ability to craft and use high-quality materials for a structure in a way that conveys the customer’s sentiments and projects new ideas went in our favour. With time, new-age design enthusiasts have come to appreciate engineered high-performance composite materials that simultaneously balance utility, functionality and aesthetics.” Challenges: “Being process-oriented in terms of estimating the product quantity, detailing the fixing and especially the substructure, and studying the long-term impact of several weathering elements on the wear and tear of the façade helps overcome any likely challenges,” shares Mohata. “Also, having a skilled workforce goes a long way in manifesting the design intent (as close as possible) and preserving the longevity of the installed system.” Case: A green roof is a place to retreat toBuilding: A private residence, a sea-touching bungalow (G+1) Location: Juhu, Mumbai Size: ~ 800 sq ft (green roof) Product/s: Versicell from Elmich, Singapore (facilitating drainage for the green roof), Versiweb from Elmich, Singapore (facilitating planting media retention for sloped roofs) and Eco Mat from Hunter, USA (facilitating sustainable subsurface irrigation with minimum water loss) Approximate cost: Rs 500 to 1,500 (or even higher) per sq ft Swing factor/s: “VertVista is the authorised India representative of Elmich Pte Ltd. Our customised solution package covering both landscaping and specialised landscape engineering products, for such a high slope gradient green roof in close proximity to the sea, helped the client choose VertVista,” says Nishant Mehta, Director, Vertvista Eco Solutions. Challenges: “Engineering a solution for a green roof with a high slope gradient was challenging; we needed to devise a solution that would prevent soil erosion,” adds Mehta. “Being in very close proximity to the sea needed the correct species of lawn and planting media; not every species can sustain the high level of salt content in the air or the very high wind velocity that makes a regular sprinkler irrigation system redundant. We chose an automated subsurface irrigation system that would work on a sloped roof.” Case: Textile cladding keeps a building coolBuilding: PSG College of Technology Location: Coimbatore Size: 2,500 sq m (fabric covered area) Product: Serge Ferrari Frontside View FT381 Approximate cost: Rs 800 sq ft (only the fabric) Swing factor/s: “The strength, durability, light weight and aesthetics of the material,” responds Arun Madappallath, General Manager, Serge Ferrari India. “Also, Frontside View FT381 blocks up to 80 per cent of the sun’s heat without taking away from the visibility.” Challenges: “Initially, the client thought of using high-pressure laminate but switched to fabric to avail of the advantages; still, designing the facade was challenging and inclement weather, COVID outbreaks and labour shortages hampering site activity were other concerns to surmount,’’ says Raja Rajan, Director, Duvo Engineering. Case: Integrated solar roofBuilding: Manufacturing facility of Atumobile Pvt Ltd Location: Patancharu, Hyderabad, Telangana Size: 136.5 kw capacity installed on a 957.64 sq m roof, 420 Atum panels Product: Atum solar roof