Phenolic Resin Panels oh my

Phenolic Resin Panels, occasionally thought of as "Toilet partitions" by the misguided are a favorite cladding material of mine. The panels, in crude terms, are thick plastic laminate attached to the exterior of the building as a rainscreen. 70% wood/30% eco-resin, they are a green product as well.

They are available in many colors but some of the more interesting are patterns or wood grain. The photo at left is "Italian Walnut" run in a horizontal pattern. The result is soft in appearance but in reality it is a durable, easily maintained product.

Panels are generally 4' x 10' but can be as large as 5' x 12'. They can be used in interior applications as well as in ceiling/soffit conditions.

Some manufacturers...Trespa - www.trespa.com Arpa and Abet Laminati. The panels can be attached with exposed fasteners (the most econimical method)

Wallpapering the unexpected

Wallpaper, other than vinyl used in a lot of hospitality projects hasn't really caught on. I think some of us may still be recoiling from the flocked and metallic papers that seemed to show up in everyone's Aunt's house in really lurid colors.

"Woods", a hand printed English paper by Cole & Son is different. It has been around for a few years now at least but I can't seem to get over it. It really represents some of the best design elements around; whimsy, unexpectedness, a great colorway, and a really luxurious feel.

I think this paper has a real appeal in both traditional and contemporary spaces. I've recently selected it for a new furniture showroom and can't wait to see it installed.

Another interesting paper is Murano by Innovations. This is a paper covered with murano glass beads. It trends towards the expensive side but if you use it sparingly in the right place it can really bring a great play of light and texture. The image here doesn't really do it justice. It has a depth and luminance that is not easy to find.

If you take the time to look, you will find that there are some really great wall coverings out there, even some that don't remind you of your Aunt's living room.

Design & Materials - observations from the inside

As a self-proclaimed materials junkie I am constantly seeking new and innovative materials to use in building design and construction. The purpose of this blog is to share some of the materials as I discover them and post some examples of how I have used them. I will share success and some of the difficulties of being an "early adopter".

As I look around my very messy desk at the array of materials that are piling up around me, I hope to be able to pull a few things our of the pile and share some information on them. I will share my insights into color, form, texture and surface.

...and off we go