Inspired by nature
The embossing of WPCs has advanced to the point where the material is virtually indistinguishable from solid wood. Further, color options are abundant, not constrained by the regional availability of a particular wood species. Rich color palettes and varied grain patterns are available in a range of browns and grays. Classic browns range from rich mid-tones to the deepest brown, with these colors adding depth and drama. The darker choices are especially well-suited to Craftsman-style or Mediterranean homes. Reddish browns are timeless and classic, yet still unique. These colors bring to mind cinnamon, rosewood, and western red cedar. Reddish tones provide warmth, energy, and a pop in the landscape. Blonde oak tones are trending in the industry and offer a subtle sandy hue for those drawn to the natural, Scandinavian-inspired look. Grays have undercurrents of blue or sandy beige, evoking thoughts of rocky shorelines and weathered wood. Gray cladding is the perfect choice for coastal homes, but can add quiet sophistication to urban spaces as well.
When it comes to performance, ease of maintenance, and design capabilities, composite cladding outperforms many alternative cladding materials. It is highly durable and sustainable, and thanks to its nature-inspired embossing, composite cladding emulates natural wood better than alternative materials.
WPCs may well be the building material of the future, offering the ideal balance between sustainability and remarkable performance capabilities. After all, if something is worth building, it is worth protecting.
Notes
1 See the definition of zero waste: https://zwia.org/zero-waste-definition.
2 Refer to the document by G. Unruh, D. Kiron, N. Kruschwitz, M. Reeves, H. Rubel, and A.M. zum Felde, “Investing For a Sustainable Future,” MIT Sloan Management Review.
3 For more information, visit https://balance.fiberondecking.com.
4 Also see National Geographic 2018: Fast facts about plastic pollution, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/plastics-facts-infographics-ocean-pollution.
5 See “Degradation Rates of Plastics in the Environment,” by ACS Publications 2020, pages 3,495, 3,499–3,500, and 3503: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b06635.
6 Refer to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2022, Technical overview of volatile organic compounds, at www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/technical-overview-volatile-organic-compounds.
7 See “Fiberon Wildwood Composite Cladding,” pages 26–27, at fiberon.widen.net/s/npdt7xjgf6/lit_clad_brochure_wildwood-composite-cladding.
Author
Fantastic insights into the future of sustainable construction! This article beautifully highlights the benefits of composite cladding in achieving zero waste and enhancing design sustainability. Well-written and inspiring.