What is a house facade? Everything you need to know
A façade on a house is the exterior front side of the home, made up of the architectural style, materials and finishes that define the home's character and enhance its visual appeal. A façade is not just decorative; it also needs to complement the overall structure and layout of your home.
Henley offers a wide library of façades for both single and double-storey designs. In most cases, a floorplan (or home design) can be paired with multiple facade styles.
For example, the Carmelle floorplan can be matched with façade options such as the Eastport, Maverick, or Northampton.
Every Henley façade combines considered design with lasting performance, helping your home look great and feel comfortable all year round.
How to choose a façade that complements your floorplan
When building a new home, two of the most important decisions you make are the floorplan (or house design) and the façade. These should work together seamlessly to create a a cohesive look and feel for your home's style.
Each of our home designs is paired with complementary façade options, making it easier to find a combination that works for your dream home.
Once you've selected your floor plan, one of our new home consultants will guide you through the available façades so you can choose one that aligns with your style and budget.
Things to keep in mind
- A façade looks can look different on different floorplans
- Some façades are not suitable for narrow lots
- Some façade options are only compatible with homes featuring 'build-over' garages
- Each Henley collection (Breakthrough, Mainvue and Reserve) offers its own façade options, with some styles exclusive to each collection.
For example, If you're considering the Allegra 442-D48 and looking to maximise natural light and street-facing views, the Berlize façade with its large windows may be ideal. Alternatively, for the Lancaster 355-D38, the Novello façade delivers a bold, modern look.
What are the elements of a house façade?
A façade is made up of multiple architectural details and design elements that come together to create the exterior appearance of your home.
All homes:
- Front door style and positioning
- Window trims, shape and arrangements
- Rooflines and eaves
- Wall cladding and finishes
- Portico or entry statement
- Garage door design
- Exterior lighting
- Balcony or balustrade features (if applicable)
- External colour palette and material selection.
For double storey homes, additional considerations may include:
- Feature materials on the upper level
- Balcony design and integration
- Window placement and proportions
- Stair void positioning and light optimisation.
Common façade materials and finishes
Modern home facades often blend multiple materials, textures and tones to create visual interest and to meet estate design guidelines if required.
A seamless blend of mixed materials and layering finishes is now a hallmark of contemporary home design, adding depth, contrast and personality.
Façade materials include:
- Render: Refined and modern, a perfect base for feature materials
- Exposed brick: Durable and timeless, adding natural texture and warmth
- Natural stone: A premium option with organic appeal, often used for entryways and statement features
- Timber accents: Such as battens and screens for a privacy and a natural feel
- Cladding: A sleek modern option that adds depth and contrast
- Feature tiles: Often used in porticos or entry areas to add variety
- Natural materials: Sustainable choices that can help to soften the overall look.
What to consider when choosing a façade
While overall style is important, there are several practical factors to keep in mind:
- Your overall budget
- Compatibility with your floorplan
- Climate and orientation
- Long-term street appeal
- Compliance with council or estate design guidelines
- Whether the façade is available for your chosen collection and floorplan
- Connecting the style and colour scheme to indoor and outdoor living spaces
- Whether you prefer a symmetrical or asymmetrical style (see below)
A well-designed façade can also add to property value by creating strong first impressions and enhancing street appeal.
Design ideas that bring your façade to life
Symmetrical designs tend to feel balanced and timeless, with evenly spaced windows and a centred entry, creating a sense of order. Asymmetrical designs take a more relaxed approach, using off-centre layouts, varied window sizes and a mix of materials to create a modern, more dynamic feel.
If you’re drawn to classic styles like Hamptons or traditional façades, symmetry often plays a big role in achieving that look. For something more contemporary or mid-century inspired, asymmetry can help create a façade that feels a little more unique.
When choosing a Henley façade, look for a design that brings these elements together in a way that suits your style and the home you’ve selected.
Façade guidelines for new estates
Many new developments have estate guidelines that outline requirements for the look and style of homes in the area. These may include certain materials, colours and keeping some design elements consistent with surrounding homes.
Examples of estate guidelines:
- Overall design themes, such as modern, coastal, or traditional
- Proportions of different materials, such as render, cladding, and stone
- Limits on brick coverage
- Specified features or high-level inclusions.
Requirements vary by estate, so it's important to balance these guidelines with your personal style and what's possible for your chosen home design.
Façades for knockdown rebuilds
Knock down rebuilds can offer more flexibility, but heritage and character overlays may apply so it's important to do your research before locking in a selection.
Overlays can affect:
- Maximum roof height (eg. limited to two storeys)
- Roof pitch and style
- Street setbacks
- Material and colour selection.
Façade designs in these areas may need to reflect traditional styles to maintain the character of the area.
