Modern facade cladding: discover the facade trends of 2026
How do you choose the best cladding for your facade?
There is a wide range of facade cladding options to choose from; from brick-effect to sleek designs. Facing bricks remain very popular for both renovation and new-build projects. Facing bricks offer many different possibilities, so there is a suitable option for every project. There are countless variations in size, colour, material and pattern. However, this does not make the choice any easier. To make the choice a little easier, this article discusses the seven most important facade trends for 2026.
1. Sustainable facades: environmentally friendly with concrete bricks
Sustainability is central to new construction projects. It is all about sustainable construction using sustainable materials. The environmental impact of products and their processing is becoming increasingly important. The sustainability of facing bricks can be roughly measured in three areas: the production of the facing bricks, their processing and the product in practice.
More and more builders are opting for environmentally friendly facing bricks with low CO₂ emissions. At MBI, this is achieved through production using green electricity, recycled raw materials and bio-based materials. Transport and processing are also more sustainable: lightweight bricks require fewer freight movements and can be either glued or stacked, which requires less or no mortar. The facing bricks are also very durable in practice. The long life of the brick is essential here: the less maintenance and replacement required, the more sustainable the result.
Take, for example, our brick with 65% recycled material. Discover our GeoStylistix ReUsed here.
2. Functional facing bricks: low maintenance and colourfast
A clear trend in facade design is the emphasis on functionality. Architects, contractors and clients are increasingly opting for facing bricks that are not only aesthetic, but also practical in terms of maintenance and use. Low-maintenance and dimensionally stable materials, such as concrete bricks, remain attractive for a long time and require virtually no maintenance. They are colourfast, resistant to weather influences and, with modern coatings, the facades remain clean for longer and are easy to clean. The GeoStylistix is an example of this, combining design with functionality to create a stylish and practical brick that is unique.
MBI facing bricks also offer a great deal of design freedom. The variety of sizes, colours and textures ensures that facades can be tailored to any design. Thanks to the high strength and dimensional stability of concrete, the facades remain attractive and technically reliable for many years.
3. Long-format facing bricks for modern architecture
Long-format facing bricks are the trend of 2026. With their slender shape, GeoStylistix bricks create an elegant interplay of lines that radiates tranquillity, balance and modernity. These bricks accentuate architectural details such as window frames and overhangs, and the interplay of light and shadow creates extra depth and a refined atmosphere.
Long-format bricks also offer a great deal of design freedom. The timeless bricks can be laid horizontally, vertically or diagonally, with each pattern creating a different effect. For example, the width of a building can be accentuated by laying the bricks horizontally. Thanks to the light weight of GeoStylistix, they can even be used on ceilings to create a cohesive facade. Long-format facing bricks have a lot to offer for minimalist or dynamic facades.
4. Facing bricks with character and texture
A facade with a rustic, organic texture adds character. In 2026, bricks with a natural, characterful appearance will still be popular, such as facing bricks with a brick or natural stone look. They create an authentic facade that radiates warmth and dynamism. The use of textured bricks always creates a unique facade.
Concrete bricks such as GeoStylistix Profile or Rox can be used to achieve this effect. These bricks offer the characterful appearance of brick, for example, but with the technical advantages of concrete: strong, dimensionally stable and low-maintenance. This allows you to combine the charm of brick or natural stone with the durability of concrete brick.
5. Jointless brickwork and thin joints for a sleek facade appearance
A striking trend at the moment is the choice of thin joints or jointless facades. Although joints play an important technical role, namely protecting the home against moisture and damage, the aesthetics of joints are becoming increasingly important. Thin and invisible joints, for example, fit well with a sleek, modern facade.
With a jointless finish, bricks are often glued together, creating a sleek, solid facade and a luxurious look. This technique is more expensive and requires more bricks, but it does offer better performance. Thin joints offer an affordable alternative with a similar look. With visible joints, you can play with the joint colour between the bricks. For example, by combining light-coloured bricks with a dark joint colour to create more depth and vibrancy in the facade. This creates a minimalist, stylish facade.
6. Timeless facade colours: neutral, natural and colourfast
Neutral, natural colours will dominate in 2026. Shades such as beige, brown, grey and anthracite create a sense of calm, elegance and timelessness. Thanks to colourfast granules, facing bricks retain their appearance, allowing you to enjoy the colour for a long time to come. Beige, brown, grey and anthracite are neutral colours that can be easily combined with other shades. They go well with many window frames and doors, as well as tiles and plants. The result is a harmonious composition of all colours throughout the design.
Warm shades such as beige and brown give a soft, natural look that blends in more with the surroundings. Grey and anthracite, on the other hand, look modern and sleek and stand out more against the surroundings. Subtle colour nuances per brick also add depth and liveliness to the facade.
7. Combining facade materials: concrete bricks with wood or stucco
The latest trend revolves around contrast and balance: combining different materials. Concrete bricks are very diverse, making them easy to combine with wood, aluminium or stucco, among other materials. The various combinations that can be created can result in sleek, minimalist designs as well as warm, lively ones. Concrete bricks combined with stucco or aluminium accents create a sleek design, while combining them with wood adds warmth and character.
By combining materials cleverly, elements can be accentuated or concealed. A window can be shown off to its best advantage, while a drainpipe is hidden. In addition, the materials reinforce each other technically. Concrete bricks offer strength, wood insulation and stucco weather resistance. This creates a facade that is both aesthetically and functionally strong.
The facade of the future is sustainable, stylish and low-maintenance
The facade trends for 2026 show that sustainability, design and versatility are key. Concrete facing bricks are a good choice here thanks to their strength, low maintenance and aesthetic qualities. There is a wide range of facing bricks to choose from, whether you prefer character with a natural texture or a minimalist, sleek and jointless design. Combine sustainability with aesthetics and functionality for a future-proof facade.
Discover all the possibilities at MBI and give your facade the look of the future.
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