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Vancouver’s Exterior Cladding Trends – Design and Material Selection
By Yusuke Kawasaki, Ryoya Namiki, Shoko Nadata, KMEW Internship Program
University of British Columbia Dorms
In conjunction with our visit to Buildex 2025, we also toured CERACLAD project sites in Vancouver. Based on our observations of recent construction sites, we will share insights into exterior cladding trends, focusing on design and material textures, along with our impressions of buildings across Vancouver.
Natural Materials Are the Mainstream
Natural materials are widely used in Vancouver’s exterior cladding. In particular, ceramic-based cladding is often combined with brick and metal panels. The design emphasizes simplicity and material texture, but by skillfully combining different materials, designers create a sense of depth and richness. Brick, in particular, can significantly alter a building’s impression depending on its layout and color, adding either a natural warmth or a traditional, solid feel. Additionally, metal panels featuring wood grain patterns provide a natural aesthetic while maintaining the durability of metal.
Preference for Pale Colors
In terms of color, we observed that many projects utilize pale and subdued tones. Gray and beige are the most common base colors, often complemented by wood textures to create contrast. These neutral tones maintain a sense of solidity while adding warmth to the overall architecture and blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Vivid colors are rarely used, except in specific cases such as multi-family residences and student dormitories. Accent colors vary depending on the building’s purpose, with brighter tones typically chosen for structures catering to younger demographics.
Balancing Functionality and Design in Construction
For large-scale buildings in Vancouver, construction precision is just as crucial as material selection. In particular, educational facility projects have strict standards for skilled workers, requiring a high level of craftsmanship during construction. Due to the humid climate, many clients express concerns about dirt and discoloration caused by moss and algae. CERACLAD’s Triple-Coat technology has been well received for its low-maintenance benefits. During a site visit, we observed a building completed five years ago, where concrete sections had significant moss and algae buildup. However, the exterior cladding remained clean, demonstrating its potential to simplify routine maintenance.
Designs Aligned with Environmental and Regulatory Considerations
In Vancouver, building regulations and seismic risks play a significant role in the selection of exterior cladding materials. For example, regulations require the installation of intermediate flashings on every floor to ensure proper ventilation, and designers seamlessly integrate these elements into the building’s aesthetics. In urban areas, the extensive use of glass was once common, but concerns over seismic safety have led to a reduction in its application.
Recently completed buildings showcase thoughtful designs that respect both the urban landscape and the environment. Examples include the incorporation of natural wood carvings with curved forms in lobby areas and the integration of green spaces on rooftops. Additionally, heritage buildings are preserved, reflecting a preference for modern yet traditionally inspired and accessible designs.
A special thank you to Mr. Daniil Polyakov, Project Coordinator at Orbis Group, for providing valuable insights during our site visit. We will share the feedback received with relevant departments to improve our offerings and better meet customer needs. We appreciate your continued support of CERACLAD products.
Yusuke: During my visit to Vancouver, I was impressed by the harmonious combination of different materials and the ingenuity of the construction. I was also struck by Vancouver’s abundant natural beauty.
I am very grateful to the members of CERACLAD for introducing me to so many construction examples. The next time I visit Vancouver, I will continue striving to develop products so that I can see even more buildings featuring CERACLAD materials.
Nami: I develop building materials in Japan, so I have few opportunities to see completed buildings firsthand and have primarily focused on creating products based on internal company requirements. While observing the job site, I realized there was a gap between what is required within the company and what actual customers want.
I will take this experience back to Japan and, by visiting actual properties there, do my best to develop products that better align with market needs. Thank you for giving me this valuable opportunity.
Shoko: I have visited construction sites across various regions of North America, including Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego. This time, I had the opportunity to observe projects in Vancouver. I was surprised by the regional characteristics of the products and colors used—despite all being in North America, the differences were striking.
In particular, when it comes to wood grain designs, the preferred patterns and colors vary depending on the types of trees native to each region. This made me realize that categorizing "wood grain" as a single concept overlooks important nuances. Generalizing wood grain designs without considering these regional differences would be a missed opportunity. This experience reinforced the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of each location when developing and proposing products.