Muted Tones Redefine Exterior Materials for 2026
Three new exterior material collections embrace muted, pale tones, offering modern and timeless options. Pure + FreeForm's Urban Cement replicates poured concrete on 100% recyclable aluminum with a silvery pearl underlayer; NBBJ used it for Charlestown Labs in Massachusetts. Eco Outdoor's Full Stone Bricks are made from irregular stone offcuts, reducing carbon emissions by over 50% through a low-energy process; JAK Architecture specified them for the Hermitage residence in Newtown, Melbourne. Glen-Gery named Casablanca, a sun-bleached white brick, as its 2026 Brick Color of the Year, part of the Sioux River Series inspired by Midwestern rock formations.
Key facts
- Pure + FreeForm introduced Urban Cement, a pale-toned architectural metal finish.
- Urban Cement is made from 100% recyclable aluminum and resists fading and chalking.
- NBBJ used Urban Cement for the Charlestown Labs development in Massachusetts.
- Eco Outdoor's Full Stone Bricks are sawed from irregular stone blocks that would otherwise be discarded.
- Leftover stone fragments are crushed and repurposed for roadways.
- Full Stone Bricks reduce carbon emissions by more than 50% compared to traditional bricks.
- JAK Architecture used Full Stone Bricks for the Hermitage residence in Newtown, Melbourne.
- Glen-Gery announced Casablanca as its 2026 Brick Color of the Year, a sun-bleached white hue.
Entities
Institutions
- Pure + FreeForm
- NBBJ
- Eco Outdoor
- JAK Architecture
- Glen-Gery
- Azure Magazine
Locations
- Massachusetts
- Australia
- Melbourne
- Newtown
- Midwest