Or, 'those horrid Compression Joints', as an Architect once said ! The compression joint is designed to accept primarily the shortening of a frame, in order to prevent a build up of compressive forces being transferred to the cladding. They are horizontal and are usually provided at each floor level immediately under the support for the cladding.
These are generally regarded as an undesirable requirement, but are a necessary aspect of the building design. However, in certain circumstances, such as Rain-screen Cladding, it may be possible to avoid, or at least reduce the visual effect they have on the building. Again, guidance for these can be found in 'BS 8298:1994', page 29.