Testimonials

Weber Thompson’s Insights on Exterior Siding Trends

Weber Thompson is a Seattle-based architectural firm specializing in the integrated fields of architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Through their meticulous attention to detail, seamless communication, and excellent design process management, they have earned the trust of numerous clients.

The firm's design philosophy extends beyond aesthetics, emphasizing sustainability and community contributions. They have worked on many LEED-certified buildings and projects that align with local needs, consistently delivering innovative designs that consider environmental impact.

Price and Cost Performance

Siding is a cost-effective alternative to traditional materials such as terracotta tiles and real brick. CERACLAD’s standard colors, featuring a Triple-Coat finish, maintain uniform pricing regardless of the shade. While selecting from approximately 2,000 custom colors incurs additional costs, it significantly enhances architectural design flexibility.

Evaluation of Texture and Design

Importance of a Natural Texture

Textures that mimic natural materials are highly valued for their timeless appeal. One sample, resembling large stone from a distance, received positive feedback for its adaptability to various architectural styles.

Use as an Accent

Some textures are more effective as accents rather than covering an entire building. When adjacent siding patterns blend seamlessly, they create the appearance of a larger panel. This aspect should be considered during product development. Additionally, the interplay of light and shadow enhances three-dimensional expression, further improving design appeal.

Corner Treatment Options

For certain textures, factory-produced corner pieces from CERACLAD provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish. However, this approach is not necessary for all designs, so verifying the final look with samples before installation is recommended.

Opinions on Colors

Need for Darker Color Options

In humid regions like the Seattle area, mold and algae growth are common concerns. Darker shades can help reduce maintenance efforts. A lineup consisting only of bright colors may highlight dirt more easily, so adding options like dark gray enhances both practicality and usability.

Importance of Neutral Colors

Some gray shades may appear slightly purplish, leading to a demand for more accurate gray tones. Additionally, vivid greens can be too bold for entire buildings, making softer tones like forest green a preferred choice for blending into natural surroundings.

Wood-Grain Color Variations

While gray and reddish-brown wood grain options are already abundant, expanding the selection to include richer brown tones will better align with modern architectural trends. More randomized wood grain patterns can also create a warmer aesthetic suitable for multi-family housing projects.

Durability and Maintenance

Graffiti Resistance

CERACLAD’s Triple-Coat finish incorporates a photocatalytic coating, making it resistant to paint adhesion. This eliminates the need for additional anti-graffiti coatings and reduces maintenance requirements.

Workability and Size Variations

The standard size of 18” × 10’ allows for horizontal running bond (brick-like) installation using T-joints. Future developments aim to enable vertical installations as well.

Conclusion

Feedback from Weber Thompson indicates that natural textures and mid-tone color variations (dull colors) align well with market demands. The graffiti resistance and improved workability of CERACLAD products also received high praise. Based on these insights, we will continue refining our designs, expanding color variations, and enhancing installation efficiency.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the team at Weber Thompson for their valuable feedback on our new exterior wall materials. Their insightful perspectives and extensive experience have been immensely helpful in shaping the direction of our product development. We plan to share their feedback with our product development team and aim to release a new product that aligns with the needs of the American market.

Weber Thomson reviewing textures and color trends