The association of fiber-cement materials only with neutral gray is obvious and... not quite in line with the possibilities offered by this material. Fiber-cement allows for more nuance. Shades and colors inspired by nature, from subdued pastels to deep earth colors, are tools for dialogue between the building and the environment, our interviewees say. The color palette makes it possible to adapt the aesthetics of buildings to the context of the site in a subtle way, above all to respect the existing atmosphere and show the character of the realization.
Swisspearl fiber-cement, a Swiss company with a history of more than 100 years, consists of cement, cellulose, water, synthetic fibers and air. Different ways of processing the facade panels give each of them character, each is different. It can have an independent surface texture, color and degree of coloring - yes, in the case of stained or gray, flat, sanded or profiled, glazed panels, as well as those with an opaque coating. Such are the Swisspearl facade panels. A rich palette of surfaces, textures, shades and colors inspired by nature gives freedom in design and makes it easier to fit the building into its surroundings.
Architect Bartosz Jarosz, co-owner of Poznań-based Neostudio Architekci, says he likes to use colors in projects. Above all, those that allude to earth, water or sand and age nicely, naturally.
Whenever we think about whether there should be color on a building, we pay attention to at least several factors. How that color will look in different times of day, light and weather. Whether the color harmonizes with the context of its surroundings and locality is important. Of course, much depends on discussions with customers," Jarosz points out.
Jarosz, together with the studio's other co-owner, Pawel Swierkowski, designed the Center for Intergenerational Integration in Buk. He stresses that he always pays attention to the colors and materials used in the environment.
If I see bricks or wood I know that this is a hint, not to always use the same materials, but also those that will be similar in color. Colors should play with each other and talk, not shout to each other, " he adds.
Light colors on a facade can introduce energy and freshness, while darker tones exude seriousness and elegance. Light tones brighten and open up the space, while darker tones provide elegance.
Architect Tomasz Kozlowski used fiber-cement panels on the facade of the residential buildings of the Carpatia Estate in Rzeszow.
The color used on parts of the buildings helps highlight contrasts, accentuates features and details I want to show, Kozlowski says.
The owner of K+Architekci believes that the dialogue between architecture and the environment is extremely necessary, and colors on facades help take care of this effect.
Of course, the context should be respected - spatial order and harmonious surroundings are a common good that we must take care of. We often don't realize how much influence architecture has on its neighborhood and users. Here color, like form, can be an important means of expression," Kozlowski stresses.
The architect also says that the gray with which fiber-cement panels are usually associated when combined with other colors creates a balanced combination.
We need balance and harmony in our surroundings. I often find gray, or rather the whole range of grays, to be a great background for the use of more vivid colors and accents that break the monotony. Which is to say. Every color is important," adds Tomasz Kozlowski.
For more information, visit the company's {tag:Manufacturer} page on the A&B portal.
