This post is brought to you by Cupa Pizarras

When it comes to designing the facade of a building, choosing the right materials is paramount to making that first impression count. Many architects worldwide have brought their projects to life with the CUPACLAD® Natural Slate Rainscreen Cladding Systems by leading natural-slate manufacturer Cupa Pizarras. The global company has revolutionized this reliable material for its unique aesthetic, versatility, sustainability, and incredible weather-resistant durability and longevity.

Their CUPACLAD 101 RANDOM in particular is a flexible cladding system that combines different slate sizes to create a dynamic composition. RANDOM comprises of 50×25, 50×20, and 50×15 cm slates installed horizontally with concealed screws. 

Just like their other CUPACLAD 101 systems, RANDOM uses self-drilling stainless steel screws with large-diameter flat heads that were specifically selected by their engineers to guarantee perfect fixing and to reduce installation times. The screws allow for the installation of a variety of shapes and sizes of slate that remain concealed by the slates of the row above. As a result, a natural slate facade remains as the center of attention.

One project that prominently features the CUPACLAD RANDOM cladding system is the Southern New Hampshire University's newly built College of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics (CETA). Designed by Wilson Architects and with T.J. McCartney, Inc. as the contractor, the 67,000 GSF academic building is a hub for students to work on projects and transform their ideas into real-world solutions and products. 

Showing off a sleek geometric form, CETA was designed as an inspiring teaching tool for students with its visible structural and sustainability elements — which makes CUPACLAD a natural choice for its facade. The building is enveloped in 1,700 m2 of the CUPACLAD RANDOM cladding system that strengthens its exterior and helps make the overall project built to last.

Learn more about the CUPACLAD® Natural Slate Rainscreen Cladding Systems and Cupa Pizarras' other natural slate cladding products here.