Clad it in Richlite!

Architects Höweler + Yoon chose Richlite as Cladding for this residence in McLean, Virginia. Chosen for its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic ease to blend seamlessly into its natural environment.

As an architectural material distribution company with an emphasis on sustainability & conservation, we are consistently pushing ourselves to provide designers and builders with the highest-performance materials to elevate the built environment. One such material that stands out is Richlite, a unique and beautiful paper composite material, particularly suited for exterior cladding. We recommend using the Slate variant in a 5/16” thick sheet for exterior applications for the best hardware compatibility and color performance. With a gorgeous matte black color, Slate requires no finish or maintenance and is extremely durable.

Made from resin-infused layers of FSC-certified paper subjected to intense heat and pressure, Richlite is the ideal cladding for high-performing buildings. Its insulative capacity and impermeability make it the ideal choice for rainscreens, which are paramount for moisture control and efficient thermoregulation. The paper composite panels are much harder than wood and, because Richlite is a through-color panel (made out of colored paper, not dyed after-the-fact), an occasional scratch will not reveal any color difference below the surface.

Richlite is robust enough to withstand whatever the elements have in store. The Class-A fire resistance rating ensures that even recycled paper can be protective, and Richlite’s impermeability to water means that rot, mold, and fungal decay will never be a concern. Its ability to endure extreme temperatures without warping or cracking makes it suitable for various climates, even our frigid home of Duluth, Minnesota.

The benefits of using Richlite extend to the process of building itself. Because they are lightweight and easy to work with, Richlite panels require no specialized tools. They come in various sizes up to 60” x 144”, allowing for the most efficient material utilization. Of course, because they are made in the USA, builders using Richlite can benefit from fast lead times while knowing that the strictest quality and environmental controls are in place.

Finally, Richlite is known as a truly earth-conscious material. FSC certification means that Richlite is only sourcing paper from the most responsible of forests, and many Richlite products are made of recycled paper. Furthermore, the vast majority of Richlite’s energy needs are met with renewables, and the innovative Waste-to-Energy Technology further increases the circularity of the manufacturing process by repurposing spent solvents and using them as an energy source. This makes Richlite an environmentally friendly choice.

Richlite's exceptional durability, ease of installation, and sustainable manufacturing make it the perfect choice for exterior cladding in high-performing buildings. Its innovative features and environmentally friendly credentials ensure it stands out as an outstanding material for designers and builders alike. Enhance your next project with Richlite Slate and experience the perfect blend of performance and aesthetics. Contact Intectural today to learn more and place your order!