Global trends in reapplication of wood re-application and wood-based products, used as construction and architectural coating materials, are present not only because of esthetic, artistic and design requirements or tradition and nature-based inspiration, but also because wood adapts to modern trends in sustainable development. This paper presents traditional influence on application of wood as a facade cladding element in modern architecture of Serbia and provides the analyses of functional and design potentials of wood as an element of ventilated facade systems and its influence on energy efficiency. The objective of this research was to provide a more detailed insight into potentials and limitations of the application of wood and wood-based products, as facade cladding elements used for construction and reconstruction of architectural objects, in the climate conditions of Belgrade (Serbia) as well as to point out certain suggestions about improving their energy efficiency characteristics. The paper presents the examples of various methods of applying wood and wood-based products as elements of facade cladding in modern architecture of Belgrade. The main focus is put on an object that underwent different refurbishment methods and facade system alterations in order to meet the requirements of energy saving. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.