Cladding is a non-loadbearing architectural element applied as an exterior skin or layer over a building's primary structure to provide protection, insulation, and aesthetic enhancement. Functioning as the building's first line of defense, it shields the underlying frame from environmental elements such as rain, wind, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations, while often incorporating thermal and acoustic insulation to improve energy efficiency and interior comfort. Available in a diverse range of materials—including timber, stone, brick, metal, glass, fiber cement, and composites—cladding allows architects to define a structure's visual identity through various textures, colors, and patterns without adding significant structural weight. Depending on the design, systems like rainscreens can be utilized to manage moisture infiltration and airflow, ensuring the long-term durability and integrity of the building envelope.