<i>The Marble Mosaic Company supplied precast walling panels, incorporating pre-framed and glazed windows, to the St George Wharf development in Vauxhall, London<p></p></i><p><i></i></p><p><b>Cladding and walling systems are gaining popularity in the new build sector as builders look to brighten up fa&amp;çades. Allison Heller takes a look at the advantages of such systems including the variety of colours and finishes and improved thermal insulation </b><br><b>Cladding and render systems are traditionally to be found in the refurbishment realm; they are a recognised means of bringing life to a run down or dated fa&amp;çade. Now, a wide range of cladding, external thermal insulation renders and precast architectural features are tailored to the new build sector as a cost effective means of distinguishing a building or improving insulation without the need for major structural work.</b><br> Almura has begun importing and distributing fibrecement weatherboards from a North Carolina-based company in response to what it perceived as a growing trend in clad New England/colonial style homes. The weatherboards can be supplied ready painted or pre-sealed and primed, and the low maintenance finish is promoted as a major benefit; Almura guarantees finishes for ten years and the boards for 50 years.</p><p> Finnforest&amp;’s Thermowood is another variation on low-maintenance …