Sugarcreek, Ohio-based Arcitell LLC produces its Qora Cladding-brand panels with a rigid foam core, fiberglass-reinforced layers and a surface layer that incorporates real materials for the look and feel of brick and stone.
The exterior accent panels, which were a finalist for the "most innovative building material" at the 2022 International Builders' Show, are now going to market under the product name Ashlar Drystack.
The panels replicate the appearance of stacked stone with narrow joints and earth tone colors, but they cost less and install faster than traditional masonry.
Ashlar Drystack is the result of years of research and development and refined manufacturing processes, according to Brian Martin, director of sales and marketing for Arcitell/Qora Cladding.
"Qora Cladding may be a new brand, but the technology and companies behind it are not," Martin said. "We're confident that building professionals, contractors and homeowners alike will agree that this is a revolutionary product that captures the texture, color and variation of authentic, quarried stone — checking all the boxes, without breaking the bank."
The panels come in four colors and are 48 inches wide and 18 inches tall. They weigh 2-3 pounds per square foot, which is fraction of the weight of traditional materials, and they can be installed using simple carpentry skills.
The panels are designed to complement vinyl, wood and fiber cement exteriors. They are part of the Qora Cladding collection, which also includes accessories such as ledge sills and corners.
Formed in 2017, Arcitell is a joint venture between Belcap Inc., a subsidiary of Belden Holding & Acquisition Inc., and Acell Industries Ltd. to commercialize new technology for cladding materials in North America.