Top 10 Exterior and Interior Walls for Indian Buildings
A basic structure of architecture is the wall systems. Walls define the nature of the site and supply the structural form of the construction while contributing to the overall aesthetic identity of the project. An example of a wall expressing a historical design element is brick walls; they have the rich appearance of a historic building, while an innovative wall that is technology-driven, comprised of glass, has a smooth texture. With numerous choices in wall materials, it is certainly worth examining wall system types and how they influence our spaces. Below are examples of some of the more commonly seen wall types used for interiors and exteriors of buildings.
#1 Wall Types
The primary function of an exterior wall is to protect the structure from outside elements, enhance the overall appearance of the building, and maintain the energy efficiency of the building. With the varied weather conditions in different parts of India, selecting an appropriate material for an exterior wall is very important. Ten of the most commonly used types of wall materials for the exterior of a building are listed below:
1. Bricks
Bricks have been around for thousands of years, since the kiln-fired clay was first made into bricks. Bricks typically have a traditional appearance and have thermal qualities that allow them to regulate interior spaces and provide longevity and durability. Wood needs periodic care but offers a beautiful natural finish.
2. Wooden Walls
Adding wooden cladding to a structure allows for a rustic warmth and a refinement to any building. Very thin wooden panels (often referred to as "clad") come in various Widths and are placed upon an Exterior Wall, making the wall Texturally Appealing. Wood does require some Maintenance over Time, but the Finished Product provides a Beautiful Natural Appearance.
3. Stone Walls
Stone is applied to the exterior of a Structure in a way that gives the Stone Wall a Rugged yet Elegant Appeal. Natural Stone is a Long-Lasting Building Material and is very Resistant to the Elements. Unlike Wood, Stone has Many Varied Colors and Finishes Available and Can Be Used on Any Style of Home, from Traditional to Contemporary.
4. Concrete Walls
Concrete Walls, also known as "Precast Concrete," are a very prevalent method of Building within the Contemporary Architectural Style. The Precast Concrete Method Provides Equal Quality of Construction, Overall Construction Time, and a Very High Quality of the Finished Product. Concrete is a low-maintenance construction Material, Extremely Strong, and has many different functions; hence its popularity both in Exterior Design and Building Construction.
5. Stucco Walls
Stucco is Applied to the Exterior of a Building to Provide both Decoration and Protection from Weathering. Stucco is typically a Composite Material Made from Cement, Sand, and Lime; it can Be Installed to create a Smooth or Textured Wall Form. Stucco has Many Applications as a Decorative Wall Material and provides a Long-Lasting and Visually Attractive Finished Product.
6. Terracotta Walls
Terracotta is Made from Baking Clay at a High Temperature. Terracotta's Natural Earthen Appearance and Insulation Value make it an Attractive and Functional Choice for Exterior Wall Construction. Terracotta is an Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Product suitable for installation in most Weather Climates.
7. Bamboo Mat Walls
Bamboo is a Sustainable Wood Product. Bamboo can be made into slatted mats or panels and used to create exterior walls. Bamboo has its own unique characteristics, like colouration and individual growth patterns. Bamboo is one of the most sustainable construction materials available for use, and is used extensively in building and construction in developing nations.
8. Metal Wall Systems
Steel or aluminum-constructed metal wall systems provide a modern and industrial look to buildings. Types include durable walls that do not require much maintenance, resistance to heat, rain, or corrosion.
9. Glass Curtain Wall Systems
Large glass panels sit on top of lightweight metal framing known as "glass curtain wall systems". These walls allow maximum natural light, provide unobstructed views and create a contemporary-style architectural appearance. The majority of glass curtain wall systems are found on office buildings and high-rise structures.
10. Rammed Earth Wall Systems
The construction of rammed earth wall systems is done through the compaction of soils, clays or gravels into layers, creating an environmentally friendly construction material that has good natural insulating properties, giving these types of walls a warm, earth tone appearance that adds to their overall aesthetic value.
Interior Wall Types
Interior walls are not just used to divide rooms; rather, they offer an opportunity for creativity, comfort, and usability within any given space. Below are ten common interior wall types currently used today:
1. Plaster Walls
Plaster wall systems provide a stylish, smooth finish that is created by the application of multiple layers of plaster on top of a structural wall system (i.e, plywood). Some finish styles allow for decorative styles, giving a classic appeal to a space.
2. Brick Wall Accents
You can give your interior a beautiful texture and charming aesthetic by leaving bricks exposed. Cork wall panels are made from environmentally friendly materials, help absorb sound and have a warm and natural feel to them; hence, ideal for a bedroom or a den or a home office.
4. Mud or Adobe Walls
Mud or adobe walls have been built with a combination of clay, straw, and sand, and they are among the earliest types of structures built in India. They are excellent insulators for thermal expansion and contraction, and their earthy, natural look makes them aesthetically pleasing.
5. Cavity Walls
Cavity Walls are constructed of two layers of masonry with a gap between them filled with air. This design helps to insulate your home from heat loss and prevents moisture from entering your home. By providing insulation, cavity walls also contribute to a more energy-efficient home or commercial building.
6. Decorative Wallpapers
There is an almost unlimited variety of decorative wallpaper designs available, from bold graphic patterns to simple textured designs. Decorative wallpaper is a relatively inexpensive way to add personality to your space quickly.
7. Wall Tiles
Wall tiles are traditionally used (and still are) in kitchens and bathrooms, but they can be used as wall coverings throughout your home. Wall tiles are durable, waterproof, and available in a wide variety of designs.
8. Wooden Panels
Wood paneling can enhance the richness of interior design by creating an illusion of depth and elegance in any space. As a result, they are often used to create striking accent walls or to cover entire surfaces, resulting in an intimate and sophisticated environment.
9. Dividing Walls
A dividing wall(s) is used in larger rooms to break them up into various functional areas. Dividing walls can be made in a variety of materials (gypsum, wood & glass), giving the user flexibility to adapt to a space, without having to perform extensive structural renovations.
10. Drywall (Gypsum Board)
Drywall (also known as "Gypsum Board") is often used to make modern homes because it is inexpensive, fire-resistant and provides a smooth finish. Because of the simple and cost-effective installation procedures, drywall can be painted or wallpapered easily as well.