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Evaluation of New Exterior Cladding Designs and Market Expansion Potential

 

By Yusuke Kawasaki, Ryoya Namiki, Shoko Nadata, KMEW Internship Program

The design of exterior cladding plays a crucial role in shaping a building’s first impression. During our visit to Buildex in Vancouver, we had the opportunity to interview our partner, Mr. Murray Hone from Adesson Building Solutions, who is partnered with White Cap, to gather insights into our new exterior cladding designs. We received valuable feedback on design trends and color preferences for future exterior cladding.

Based on this evaluation, we will present the design and color trends currently in demand in Canada, along with the potential for market expansion.

About White Cap

White Cap Supply Canada is a leading distributor of professional-grade construction materials, industrial supplies, and safety products, serving over 10,000 customers across Canada. Their experienced team provides invaluable technical support, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. As a proud member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, White Cap is committed to fostering equitable business relationships with Indigenous communities. Additionally, they adhere to Canada’s Bill S-211, which combats forced and child labor in supply chains.
 

Impressions and Evaluations of Texture

One of our proposed new designs incorporates elements reminiscent of traditional Japanese woodworking techniques, which received high praise for its warmth and human touch. We were advised that by combining this design with CERACLAD’s advanced printing technology, we could create an even more refined product.

For the newly designed deep-engraved patterns, while they allow for striking expressions of shadow and depth, we also received feedback that dirt, moss, and dust could accumulate in the grooves depending on external conditions. However, since CERACLAD’s Triple-Coat technology helps mitigate these concerns, we believe this design can be enjoyed with minimal maintenance.

Additionally, we received suggestions to explore alternative coating methods beyond our existing matte finish to achieve a more modern and luxurious appearance. By leveraging our expertise in coating technology, we aim to develop new finishes that enhance the realism of different material textures, bringing us closer to product commercialization.
 

Color Selection and Regional Differences

For each new design, colors that emphasize the natural texture of the material—such as solid tones—were recommended. In particular, feedback suggested that increasing the contrast between bright and dark colors would better utilize light reflection and shadow effects.

While vivid colors create a strong visual impact, they can sometimes appear overly bold, which may explain their limited adoption. However, given North America’s diverse climate and landscapes, a wide variety of products are already in use across different regions. Since architects tend to select materials that harmonize with the local streetscape, offering an extensive range of color options to meet diverse customer needs is essential.
 

Conclusion

The feedback on our new exterior cladding designs was overwhelmingly positive. Some noted that these innovative designs—previously unseen in ceramic-based siding—would be well-suited for modern museum exteriors. Additionally, by integrating tailored coating techniques for each texture, we expect to create distinctive exterior cladding that blends seamlessly into cityscapes while maintaining a unique aesthetic.

From a construction and maintenance perspective, we received feedback that property owners who prefer minimal upkeep tend to favor products like CERACLAD’s Triple-Coat, which helps maintain long-term aesthetic appeal.

By carefully considering texture appeal and selecting colors suited to each region, we can develop products that better align with market demands.

Building upon the valuable insights we received, we look forward to collaborating with the CERACLAD product development team to create solutions tailored to the North American market.

Your expertise and candid feedback serve as a driving force in our pursuit of better products. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to keeping you updated on our progress as we refine our offerings further.

The photo above showcases an artwork designed using CERACLAD's new product, the "Mural Program."

Shoko:

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us during the busy exhibition. Hearing your feedback on the new designs from a product development perspective was truly refreshing, especially your insight that people tend to choose products that blend into their local environment—making it very challenging to develop a product that suits all regions. Additionally, it was fascinating to discover commonalities between Canada and Japan when discussing textures.

Nami:

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our interview questions. We are very pleased to have received favorable feedback on the new patterns we proposed during the interview. At the same time, we appreciated your candid opinions on how to improve our products, and we could sense your high expectations for our development technology. To meet those expectations, we aim to take a broad perspective and create new products that align with market demands.

Yusuke:

We’d like to thank everyone at White Cap for their cooperation during the exhibition. We also appreciate the opportunity to conduct such a thorough interview. Your careful and specific feedback in response to our questions has given us a clear direction for improvements. When we return to Japan, we will do our best to implement as many of the valuable suggestions we received today as possible.