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First time at BuildEx Vancouver, BC 2026
By KMEW Japan
About BUILDEX Vancouver
BUILDEX Vancouver is one of the largest events in Western Canada dedicated to the architecture, building, and construction industry.
Held on February 11–12, 2026, the event brought together professionals from across the field to learn, experience, and exchange the latest technologies, products, and design trends.
Visitor count: Over 8,000 attendees in 2025.
Program: More than 90 seminars, panels, workshops, and demonstrations presented by over 200 industry experts.
Exhibitors: More than 350 manufacturers and suppliers showcasing cutting-edge technologies and materials.
Key themes: Building performance, decarbonization, technological innovation, workforce challenges, and other major issues facing the BC construction industry.
BUILDEX Entrance and welcome banner
At BUILDEX, we showcased CERACLAD’s unique features through a mural art display and staggered panel installation. The mural sample—used in an actual project—drew significant attention from visitors. This original CERACLAD program transforms building exteriors into large-scale works of art.
From concept development to printing and installation, we support the entire process, enabling creative visions to be permanently integrated into architectural spaces.
Top photo: The Ho'-kee-melh Kloshe Lum Building in Vancouver, BC.
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society's (VAFCS) BC Housing project.
Bottom Photo: CERACLAD & WhiteCap booth at BuildEx 26
In 2025, our mural program was selected for a supportive housing facility for homeless residents in Vancouver—our second mural project in the city. The theme, “Healing,” incorporated cultural elements of the First Peoples, including healing hands, medicinal plants and berries, and animal motifs.
A total of 455 panels were printed in Japan and received high praise for bringing warmth and positivity to the community. The project owner, Vancouver Aboriginal Housing Society, expressed great satisfaction, and CERACLAD has also been selected for their upcoming 18-story project, which will feature another mural. We look forward to sharing more details soon.
For more information on the Mural Project Workflow, check out our BuildEX page here:
Market trends Observed at the Exhibition
As representatives from Japan, this was our first time attending a North American trade show. We visited in support of Ceraclad to better understand how the building market, design trends, and performance expectations differ from those in Japan—and to gain insight into what architects and builders would like to see from our headquarters in future product development and planning initiatives.
1. Strong Demand for Wood (Timber) Designs
Many manufacturers showcased highly realistic, high-quality wood-grain designs, creating a strong impression of overall sophistication in wood aesthetics. Wood-grain finishes were also applied to aluminum and steel siding, demonstrating a clear market preference for natural wood textures across a variety of materials.
Moreover, repetitive patterns tend to appear unnatural, making non-repetitive, seamless wood designs a key area of focus.
2. Growing Interest in Sustainable Building Materials
A large number of eco-friendly materials were exhibited, signaling rising demand for decarbonization and long-lasting building solutions.
3. Focus on Maintainability
Some particle board products claimed 25-year weather resistance and 50-year durability. Metal siding manufacturers emphasized low-maintenance properties, while still recommending repainting or similar maintenance at approximately the 40-year mark.
This suggests that Vancouver’s rainy climate drives demand for highly durable, long-lasting exterior materials.
Yuki
This was my first time participating in BUILDEX Vancouver, and it was a highly valuable opportunity to engage directly with visitors and industry professionals. I gained important insights into local design preferences, quality expectations, market needs, and other companies’ technologies, and I am truly grateful for the experience. I will apply these learnings to future product development initiatives.
Yoshi
Attending this major industry event for the first time gave me valuable insight into how customers perceive Ceraclad. Seeing the impressive displays at other booths also broadened my perspective. I will bring these learnings back to Japan to help make Ceraclad an even more respected and trusted brand.