ArchitecturalBlock

ArchitecturalBlock is a Nichiha architectural wall panel (AWP) in the Modern Series. Its face is a fine-grained block surface made with a micro-embossed grain, textured and colored to evoke the look, feel and mass of stone block. It is made in the AWP 1818 format and is listed under the commercial rainscreen application.

Within the Modern Series it sits beside TuffBlock, which uses the same AWP 1818 format. TuffBlock has a more pronounced texture and is offered in five standard shades as well as custom colors by special order. Both panels contrast with glass.

The panel is used on exterior walls as part of a fiber cement rainscreen wall system, and it is suitable for interior applications as well. Its design attributes are a modern block design for commercial or residential projects and a finish that pairs with stainless steel, glass and wood.

The AWP 1818 designation refers to the panel length of 1818 mm. Published panel data:

• Actual height: 17-7/8 inches (455 mm)
• Actual length: 71-9/16 inches (1818 mm)
• Thickness: 5/8 inch (16 mm)
• Weight on the data sheet: 39.71 pounds per panel, or 4.47 pounds per square foot
• Exposed coverage: 8.88 square feet per panel
• Packaging: 2 pieces per pack, covering 17.76 square feet
• Orientation: horizontal

The manufacturer's product web page gives a different weight of 35.2 pounds per panel, or 3.9 pounds per square foot, for the same format.

ArchitecturalBlock is offered in three earth-tone colors: Gray, Mocha and Tuscan. All three share the micro-embossed grain. Light changes the appearance of the relief, color and joints on the face.

The Modern Series chart also names Steel, Bamboo, Walnut, Pewter and Taupe, which belong to TuffBlock. Custom colors by special order apply to TuffBlock, not to ArchitecturalBlock.

The panel is engineered with an integrated rainscreen, which promotes ventilation and drainage behind the panels. The Ultimate Clip System carries a high wind load rating and approval from Miami-Dade County.

ArchitecturalBlock and TuffBlock carry identical AWP 1818 data on the Modern Series sheet: the same dimensions, thickness, weight, coverage and pack count. They differ in surface texture and color range.

ArchitecturalBlock mounts on the Ultimate Clip System, which uses hidden fasteners. The clip system is common to all AWP products, so ArchitecturalBlock can sit beside other AWP textures and colors with one installation method. The clip fastens each panel to the wall and sets the rainscreen gap. The clip system has a high wind load rating and Miami-Dade County approval, with no numeric rating on the product page.

Panels are installed horizontally. The manufacturer publishes a horizontal AWP installation guide, CAD details, a design review guide, and Modern Series and Concrete Series sheets for the panel.

Metal trim for AWP installations includes H-Mold, inside corner, outside corner and J-Mold pieces. Other installation components named by the manufacturer include the Ultimate Horizontal Starter Track, whose drainage channel directs water away from the base of the wall, corrugated spacers, and sealant backers for joints and openings.

The product page for ArchitecturalBlock cross-references Illumination, Miraia, Novenary and VintageWood as related Nichiha panels.