https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/2008-cladding-and-facades en-us Exterior panel facades depend on more than material selection. Thoughtful trim detailing can improve visual consistency, constructability, and long-term performance across modern wall assemblies.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18222 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18222-designing-cleaner-panel-facades-why-exterior-trim-details-matter http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18088 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18088-how-to-build-envelope-systems-for-affordable-and-supportive-housing http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18071 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18071-new-building-envelope-products-for-spring-2026 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18042 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18042-aluminum-honeycomb-the-material-reshaping-the-possibilities-of-modern-facades http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18029 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18029-how-prefabrication-is-powering-todays-most-striking-facades http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17916 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:02:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17916-best-building-envelope-and-cladding-products-of-2025 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17915 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:03:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17915-best-structural-systems-and-components-and-glazing-products-of-2025 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17411 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17411-new-cladding-and-building-envelope-products-for-2025 ’s picks for the best building systems of the year combine both efficiency and style.]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17264 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:06:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17264-best-building-systems-and-components-of-2024 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16688 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:06:36 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16688-continuing-education-building-recladding http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16646 Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:17:54 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16646-new-cladding-and-building-envelope-products-for-winter-2024 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16647 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16647-case-study-shading-strategies Architectural Record presents the top facade systems of the year, highlighting timber cladding and architectural mesh.]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16631 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:02:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16631-best-building-systems-and-components-of-2023 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16126 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16126-new-cladding-products-for-spring-2023 Architectural Record's annual competition presents the best new facade components of the year.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15966 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 06:11:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15966-best-building-envelopes-of-2022 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15835 Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15835-new-cladding-products-for-autumn-2022 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15649 Fri, 20 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15649-new-concrete-masonry-products-for-spring-2022 Architectural Record presents the top building skin and glazing systems of the year.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15415 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:09:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15415-best-building-envelopes-of-2021 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15069 Sat, 10 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15069-new-cladding-products-for-spring-2021 Architectural Record presents the best cladding and rainscreen products of the year.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14896 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:12:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14896-best-building-envelopes-of-2020 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14498 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14498-new-metal-cladding-for-spring-2020 http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14494 Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14494-new-concrete-and-masonry-products-for-spring-2020 These facade systems install faster and require less maintenance than ever.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13980 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13980-new-architectural-cladding-products-for-spring-2019 Insulated Metal Panels Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are designed to provide a speedier installation process than more typical weathertight cladding products. Architects can specify Metl-Span’s IMPs to add interior walls, insulation, and exterior panels in one product, reducing labor to a single-step process, compared with the usual two to four steps necessary for other assemblies. metlspan.com Trekker Made of recycled wood and plastic, Trekker by Havwoods International is a plank-style cladding and decking material. The FSC-certified composite units are installed using the company’s clip system and can be hosed down for faster, easier maintenance than most wood decks. havwoodsusa.com Envelope 2000 RV This field-assembled aluminum cladding works with manufacturer Citadel’s Rout and Return systems and Rainscreens to keep moisture away from a building’s structure. As an extension of the company’s Envelope 2000 line, the RV system adds horizontal and vertical reveals to facades and features a fire-resistant core of phenolic resin. citadelap.com Celect Royal Building has added a new profile to its Celect siding collection. Smooth Clapboard, a 7" profile made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is cut and shaped to emulate natural wood, features an interlocking seam to keep out moisture and the company’s Chromatix technology to protect against fading. The durable siding comes in 15 colors. royalbuildingproducts.com Innovative materials amplify the performance and appearance of these cladding systems.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13574 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13574-august-2018-product-briefs-cladding 1808-Product-Briefs-Cladding-Facades-01.jpg Stone Veneer What appears to be wallpaper is a flexible, thin veneer of real stone suitable for cladding. In a process that includes applying ultra-high temperatures (3,000–5,000ºF) to the top layer of rock, the manufacturer is able to loosen the stone’s components and peel away sheets of 0.07"-thick slate and mica, which it backs with cost-efficient substrates such as MDF and cement board for installation. An epoxy adhesive and sealant are recommended for exterior applications. modstoneus.com Coil Anodized Aluminum This aluminum cladding is said to deliver better than average durability because the anodizing process creates a hard layer of aluminum oxide. Immersing the aluminum in an electrochemical bath makes it porous, so that it absorbs dyes, but also hard, to resist abrasions. Suitable for use on facades, as part of a curtain wall system, or to wrap columns, the material is also sealed to resist stains and fading. lorin.com/architecture ALPHATON BM2 The mix of matte engobe and glossy finishes on panels in this facade system is a new option available to specifiers of Shildan Group’s ALPHATON back-ventilated rainscreens. Developed to provide aesthetic appeal, while keeping water from penetrating a building’s exterior, the product is composed of extruded terra-cotta panels that are attached using an aluminum mounting system. Available in nearly any custom color, shape, and size up to 16" x 60", the panels do not require grout or sealants, which can degrade over time. shildan.com Kineticwall Moving parts are what distinguish Exterior Technologies’ dynamic facade systems. The 6" flapper panels of the Kineticwall structural grid react to wind, creating the appearance of waves rolling across the facade, to add visual interest. The system is also built to withstand hurricane winds and torrential rain, while still allowing building occupants a view. Architects can specify the panels in polycarbonate, glass, aluminum, or steel, straight or curved, and in a variety of finishes and colors. extechinc.com Architectural Record's annual contest spotlights the top new cladding, moisture barriers, roofing, and glazing products.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13141 Mon, 04 Dec 2017 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13141-record-products-2017-best-facade-products StonePly Waterjet Finish A finish that enhances the stone facing without diminishing its strength is the latest offering from StonePly. The waterjet technology provides a versatile design alternative to flamed and bush-hammer treatments that can degrade the material’s appearance and structure. An aluminum-backed panel further preserves the natural substance’s strength. stoneply.com Thermafiber SAFB FF This new formaldehyde-free mineral wool insulation is the first available in North America and the first in a series of greener Thermafiber solutions being rolled out by Owens Corning. The new products are tailor-made for architects building to green standards. Made of 70% recycled content, the noncombustible batts can be used in wood- and steel-frame structures and are available in 2.5- and 4.0-pcf densities as well as a full range of sizes. Thermafiber SAFB FF is Living Building Challenge–compliant and Greenguard Gold–certified. thermafiber.com Precision Series Highline This update of the original Precision Series HWP wall panels adds heft: new Precision Series Highline panels are 1⅜" thick, which facilitates dramatic shadow lines on a building’s facade. The small manufacturing change can offer architects a big visual effect. Available in 45 colors, two widths, and seven rib patterns, the aluminum or steel panels can be attached in a conventional manner or with a clip system. pac-clad.com Trespa Meteon Focus In four sizes and three thicknesses, the new Meteon Focus collection of Trespa panels features wood-based fibers, resins, and surface layers, laminated under high pressure and heat, that are easily cut and machined. Suitable for horizontal and vertical exterior applications, the Focus collection is fire-retardant and impact- and weather-resistant. trespa.com VRE-43 Suitable for use on laminated, insulated, and screen-printed glass, and a variety of tinted substrates, VRE-43 is a colorless solar-control coating that helps achieve lower heat-gain goals while providing ample transmission of daylight. Its low interior and exterior reflectivity preserves design aesthetics, and its VLT and SHG ratings improve occupant comfort and reduce energy costs. viracon.com Fusion Pairing an aluminum structural frame with durable polycarbonate panels creates a turnkey design solution for canopies, transit shelters, and other exterior constructions and assemblies. The translucent polycarbonate panels, produced by 3form, are offered in 92 colors, three finishes, and three thicknesses. The framing can be custom finished. duo-gard.com Sustainability Calculator This manufacturer-specific calculator simplifies the process of evaluating Guardian glazing makeups for sustainability program credit (LEED, WELL Building, Living Building Challenge, etc.). Users enter basic project details, add the products or product combinations desired, select the green program of interest, and click for an eligibility analysis. sustainabilitycalc.guardian.com NewBrick Lightweight, thermally efficient extruded polystyrene forms the basis of this engineered-brick veneer from Dryvit Systems. It’s reinforced with a fire-resistant fiberglass embedded in a modified cement coating designed for additional fire resistance, and finished with a textured, colorfast acrylic. Can be installed over a variety of substrates, including concrete, masonry, and Portland cement plaster. dryvit.com New materials and inventive cladding systems enhance style and performance.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13067 Wed, 01 Nov 2017 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13067-november-2017-product-briefs-exterior-cladding Castagno Woodtime What appears to be wood planks are actually 40" x 120" porcelain slabs. Monocibec’s digital-printing technology means its surface patterns can mimic other building materials, from natural stone to wood. Meanwhile, resistance to temperature changes, stains, and water penetration make porcelain a resilient low-maintenance choice for creating ventilated facades. Slabs here attach to a concealed system of aluminum-alloy brackets. www.monocibec.it Cumaru Rainscreen Siding Besides being able to resist the effects of damp weather, this cumaru wood rainscreen wears well over time and offers builders the option of working with a sustainably harvested hardwood. The cladding also resists termites, mold, and mildew and is Class A rated for flame spread. advantagelumber.com Truten A606 With a 3" x ⅞" corrugated profile, Bridger Steel’s A606 was designed as a structural metal for bridge building that would need little maintenance. Applied to facades, it can add character and a layer of weather protection derived from the company’s film of copper, phosphorous, and silicone. Ideal for dry climates, the panels are available in lengths of up to 30' in custom pre-rust shades. bridgersteel.com Highline Wall Panel Available in aluminum as well as 22 and 24-gauge steel, these LEED-eligible panels can be installed vertically or horizontally on exterior walls, in 45 colors. Petersen Aluminum offers a 30-year warranty on the finishes. pac-clad.com Geolam Hybrid Aluminum/WPC This composite is not susceptible to the splintering, fading, or decay that affects natural wood. And, unlike unadulterated wood, the material can be bent to accommodate different radii and directions. The components include recycled aluminum and resin, which contain no chlorine, CFCs, PVCs, formaldehyde glues, or solvents. extechinc.com/products/ geolam The best new cladding, glazing, moisture barriers, and roofing products.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12054 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/12054-record-products-2016-facades Best in Category: Fabrik This dry-joint architectural mesh system comprises a flexible steel framework into which component materials—such as terra cotta, glass, or wood—can be woven horizontally, vertically, or in a pattern. The large-scale sheets may be shipped folded or rolled in coils and erected via crane to accelerate construction. The mortarless Fabrik may also be easily repaired and recycled. “The diversity of applications, range of infill materials, and quality of aesthetics make Fabrik a very exciting product.”  —Juror Taylor Aikin  shildan.com Houdini Channel Glass Featuring 40% recycled content, Bendheim’s micro-fluted low-iron glass provides privacy, reduces glare, and allows for up to 85% light transmission. The channels can be installed horizontally or vertically; face widths range from 9" to 19" and lengths span to 23'. A tempered form of the ¼"-thick glass is available for higher wind loads. bendheim.com Poplar Wall Covering These handcrafted coverings are made from repurposed poplar bark, a waste by-product in furniture and plywood manufacturing. Interior and exterior options include panels up to 12' long x 8' wide and shingles in three standard lengths. All the pieces can be treated with finishes, sanded to reveal their grain pattern, and laminated to numerous substrates. barkhouse.com HIT MVX Thermal Connection An insulated connection for cantilevered balconies, the HIT MVX utilizes a double-symmetrical compression shear-bearing pad made of mortar—rather than the typical steel—to eliminate cold bridges and lower overall thermal conductivity. Element heights range from 6¼" to 12", while widths run from 10" to 39". All pieces have a two-hour fire rating. halfenusa.com Series 4500 SSG Unit-Glaze Window Wall This aluminum-frame system has a split-mullion design and gravity-loaded sill flashing that allows its preglazed sections to snap together on the jobsite, saving construction time. Its double thermal system with 1" insulating glass also offers superior protection against air and water infiltration. The extruded frames come in two sizes and in an array of coatings and finishes. crl-arch.com Aerolon Series 971 Tnemec’s new formulation of its water-based acrylic coating uses aerogel to create a non-structural thermal break in building envelopes. The spray-on formula—which offers a K-Value of 35mW/mK—makes shims and break pads on exterior-to-interior incursions unnecessary. A Class A fire retardant, the low-VOC coating is compatible with a variety of primers and topcoats. thermalbreak.tnemec.com Engineered Cedar Shake Made with recycled resins, these roofing tiles mimic the look of weathered wood but are more durable, resisting fire, moisture, insects, and impact. The tiles, which can be cut and scored with a utility knife, attach with nails and do not require additional framing. They are available in multiple width sizes, staggered or straight exposure, and in a gray or brown color family. plygem.com InsulTech A combination of three products, InsulTech comprises a preassembled structural masonry unit, a molded high-performance Neopor EPS insulation insert, and a thin veneer face. The 12" x 8" x 16" blocks are water-repellent and offer an effective R-value of 16.2 at 75°; they also come in over a dozen veneer colors. echelonmasonry.com Timber End Connectors Balancing engineering with aesthetics, these cast-steel fittings for architecturally exposed areas connect the ends of heavy timber or glue laminated structural elements. The units are suited for a building’s primary or secondary structural framing and come in both a standard clevis-type fitting and custom designs. castconnex.com Editor's Choice: FibreC Formed Parts Formerly produced only in flat sheets, this glass-fiber-reinforced concrete cladding now comes in U- and L- shapes as well as curved parts. These ½"-thick pieces—available in sizes up to 4' x 15'—may be mounted directly onto a curtain wall, saving construction time. Noncombustible and 100% recyclable, the parts may be specified in 12 colors and three textures. rieder.cc Not many bridges are well known enough to merit their own visitors' center, but San Francisco's Golden Gate is an exception.

]]> 1210-san-francisco-bridge-pavilion.asp Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7091-cladding-bridges-new-pavilion-to-bay-area-landmark This month we focus on the variety of materials available to protect and identify your projects, ranging from a coral-inspired stone veneer to an advanced facade system that integrates technologies from four manufacturers.

]]> 0904cladding-1.asp Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7070-cladding-facades This month we focus on the variety of materials available to protect and identify your projects, ranging from a coral-inspired stone veneer to an advanced facade system that integrates technologies from four manufacturers.

]]> 0904cladding-2.asp Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7071-cladding-facades