From brick to architectural metal, these pale-toned materials are both modern and timeless options that elevate exteriors.

1

Urban Cement by Pure + Freeform

One of three new introductions to Pure + FreeForm’s Stocked Finish collection, Urban Cement replicates the raw, industrial characteristics of poured concrete on architectural metal. The grey tones of the colour feature slight variations to effectively reflect the qualities of real concrete; a silvery pearl underlayer lends surface depth and a subdued radiance.

Made from 100 per cent recyclable aluminum, the exterior material — which resists fading, chalking or losing its gloss — was used by NBBJ to clad its Charlestown Labs development in Massachusetts (shown above).

2

Full Stone Bricks by Eco Outdoor

The Full Stone Bricks collection from Australian natural stone supplier Eco Outdoor has a signature elongated shape that is realized by sawing blocks of irregular stone that would normally be discarded (to reduce waste even further, leftover fragments are then crushed and repurposed as a material for roadways).

Through the company’s stringent excavation and production process, the bricks (which do not require high-temperature firing) reduce carbon emissions by up to 50 per cent. Melbourne’s JAK Architecture utilized the sophisticated stone for its recently completed Hermitage residence in Newtown (shown above and at top).

3

Casablanca by Glen-Gery

Brick manufacturer Glen-Gery recently announced its 2026 Brick Color of the Year: Casablanca, a sun-bleached white hue with subtle variegation.

Available as part of the brand’s Sioux River Series — an extruded brickface inspired by the rock formations and sinuous waterways of the Midwest — the tone is at once grounding, organic and complementary to a range of other colours and mortar joints.