Application of wood as an element of facade cladding in contemporary architecture of Belgrade

Abstract

Wood is a natural – environmentally friendly (eco-friendly) material. Wood can be recycled and contemporary architecture buildings use numerous wood-based products obtained by adding certain chemical compounds. The use of wood, as both old and new material, in modern architecture has affected the elements of traditional architecture, as an attempt to change aesthetic, constructive and stimulating effects on the overall concept of architecture. Global trends in wood re-application and woodbased products, as construction and architectural coating material, are present not only because of aesthetic, artistic and design requirements or tradition and naturebased inspiration, but also because wood is known to be eco-friendly and energyefficient and it adapts to modern trends in sustainable development and applied technology solutions to the production of materials, with the aim of maintaining connection with Nature, environment and tradition. The spirit of regionalism, the application of autochthonous materials and traditional building techniques, as well as methods of particular design situation (on-site construction) are the key to creating original works of authorship. Striving to preserve the regional spirit of architecture is a vital, strategically important element of national expression in architecture, from the perspective of: proper and rational land use, identity and uniqueness protection, formation of quality environment within the natural or built surroundings, energy efficiency and natural resources protection and development of living conditions. This paper presents the examples of wood application and wood-based products as the elements of façade cladding in contemporary architecture of Belgrade.