Cladding ideas — the master of disguise design feature that turns a standard exterior into a stunning spectacle

brick and zinc clad modern house with large windows and copper colour planters along front of house
Cladding ideas can turn an average house into a stunning spectacle (Image credit: Adrian James Architects/Fisher Studios)

Although you may assume cladding ideas are only those featuring unusual or alternative materials, the fact is most self builds, extensions and external makeovers involve house cladding of some kind.

And while the purpose of choosing the best cladding ideas can also be practical in that cladding can provide an opportunity to better insulate your house, it's the aesthetic finish that will have the most impact on how your house looks.

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Rob Mawson

Rob Mawson is a co-founding partner of MAP, a forward-thinking practice deeply rooted in delivering positive environmental and social impact. With a strong background in cultural, heritage and community building projects, Rob's vision is for a sustainable, compassionate future.

male and female in hallway with blue painted stairs with sisal runner with red border
Daryl Fitzgerald

Altelier Ochre was co-founded by Daryl Fitzgerald and Pauline Dellemotte and the studio is based between Paris and London. He has delivered high-end residential homes, hotels, bars and restaurants across UK and Europe combining his passion for working with specialists and artisans to create bespoke and personal designs.

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Tom Barnes

Tom Barnes heads up Vastern Timber, a family owned company that manufactures oak beams, timber cladding and hardwood flooring.

Lisa Grosse

Lisa Grosse is a Brand Manager at Cedral, a company with over 100 years industry experience in providing fibre cement facade and roofing materials for use in building.

Sarah Harley
Assistant Editor

Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.

With contributions from