Parklex Blog
Naturclad-B and Natursiding-B Introducing three new exterior façade cladding finishes with a natural timber texture, showcasing organic variations and free from repetitive patterns. Inspired by weathered wood, the soft, muted tones highlight the contrasts within the grain and knots, bringing added visual depth. These new shades extend the scope for design while preserving the essential […]
Curved timber installation on façades and exterior soffits combines technical innovation and natural aesthetics. This article explores three methods —faceting, pre-curved panels, and in situ bending— applied in projects like the Moody Center, designed by Gensler and executed with Parklex Prodema panels.
Natural timber is gaining ground in skyscrapers, such as the 50 Hudson Yards by Foster + Partners, thanks to advances in safety, fire resistance, and sustainability. In this article, we explore how to comply with building regulations by using timber in large-scale projects, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics.
The faceted façade of the Tianjin Juilliard School illustrates how to incorporate natural timber panels into rainscreen cladding with complex geometries. Expansion joints and other factors are essential to ensure precision that accounts for the material’s movement due to expansion and contraction.
The Aspen Art Museum designed by Shigeru Ban features a lattice of natural timber panels that acts as a thermal envelope, regulating temperature and light inside. After 10 years of extreme weather, Parklex Prodema timber has proven its durability without the need for maintenance, retaining its original aesthetics.
The Harry Parker Center revitalizes a neglected stretch of the Charles River in Boston with a sustainable design that earned it the Harleston Parker Medal. The project includes two buildings, with the main one clad in Parklex Prodema timber panels that adapt to a shutter system to reduce energy consumption, combining functionality and aesthetics.
Designed by Foster + Partners, 50 Hudson Yards is the fourth-largest commercial building in New York, spanning 269,419 m². Its 58 bathrooms feature waterproof wood panelling by Parklex Prodema, chosen in collaboration with the firm. These panels provide protection against moisture and fire, while also contributing to the building’s LEED Gold certification.
Gensler’s design for the Moody Center at the University of Texas transforms the stadium into the campus’s epicenter. The timber canopy, clad with Parklex Prodema, creates a welcoming and flexible atmosphere, adapting to various events while reducing direct sunlight in the lobbies. This integration of interior and exterior spaces enhances the user experience, fostering a seamless connection between the building and its surroundings.
Woods Bagot’s project for the St. Mary’s Calne School library, completed in 2020, transforms the space into an academic and social hub. The faceted soffit, designed to mimic tree branches, is made with custom Parklex Prodema panels crafted from Okume wood. This design element creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the library’s role as a central gathering point for the school community.
