A solid wall consisting of courses of red bricks, a double layer of reflecting glass or a rear-ventilated skin of ornamental metal sheeting: modern facades exhibit an almost unlimited range of materials, forms of construction and appearances. In this issue, a library in Spiez, Switzerland, is distinguished by a modern timber outer skin, a material that is nevertheless in the local, rural tradition. In contrast, the stone outer wall of a housing development in Hangzhou, China, radiates a sense of solidity and reliability. You will find these and many more projects in this issue.