Architects and Builders, don’t let the climate dictate your design. In harsh environments, a building’s first impression is often at the mercy of the elements. But what if you could lock in modern elegance for decades, regardless of the weather? Discover how this restaurant project utilized Pura NFC Siding by Trespa to achieve a rare balance of high-end versatility and robust longevity.
Matunuck Atelier and Market elevated covered entrance in Mystic Cedar Wood Décor and low building in Tropical Ipe décor with Western Red Cedar décor accents
The Matunuck Atelier & Marketplace
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Project: Matunuck Atelier & Marketplace
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Location: South Kingstown, Rhode Island
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Application: Commercial Adaptive Reuse (Strip Mall to Upscale Dining and Shopping)
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Materials: Pura NFC® Siding; Climate-Shield® CST1 Rainscreen System
THE VISION: Signaling Quality at First Glance
Every designer knows that a first impression is only as good as its last. To ensure this project’s wow factor stands the test of time, the design team turned to Pura NFC Wood Decors, an innovative HPL siding solution that offers sophisticated aesthetics and extreme durability.
Another view of the entrance showing more of the Pura vertical siding on the main building
THE DESIGN GOAL: A First Course for the Eyes
Matunuck Atelier and Marketplace is a new and elegant destination for fine dining and artisanal shopping. The focus is simple: a refined atmosphere built around the freshest local ingredients.
They say we eat with ours eyes before our stomach. So, you could say the well-planned exterior is the first course that sets the expectation. The three-color Wood Décor palette accomplishes that beautifully, signaling quality long before they taste the first bite.
The target was to ensure the building signals quality before guests even enter. Their website defines the theme that shaped their goals:
“Matunuck Atelier & Market is the next evolution of [owner] Perry Raso’s commitment to craftsmanship, culinary excellence, and community … Elegant and artisanal in every detail, the restaurant showcases the bounty of the sea and the farm”
The Aesthetic Vision Before & After
From an abandoned strip mall to an upscale experience, this project brought life and commerce back to an unused block by rehabbing the building inside and out. The transformation is a Cinderella story.
BEFORE: An empty strip mall, an eyesore in the business district
AFTER: A vibrant gathering place for dining and shopping
Sophisticated Design That Works Hard
After considering many options, the design team specified Trespa Pura NFC® siding for its low maintenance, high resilience, curb appeal, and proven longevity.
Three wood decors were selected to create height, movement, and stature:
Tropical Ipe & Western Red Cedar Wood Décors
Installed in a vertical, seemingly random mix on the main façade to create a modern, rhythmic interest.
Tropical Ipe Wood Décor
Western Red Cedar Wood Décor
Mystic Cedar Wood Décor
Utilized at the entryways to provide a welcoming contrast and add visual height to the low-profile structure.
Mystic Cedar Wood Décor
For More Inspiration, See The Wide Variety of Pura Colors Here
Ready to see it for yourself? Request your samples today.
THE CHALLENGE: Defying the Elements
Designing for the New England shoreline demands a strategic approach to material specification. The project faced three significant hurdles:
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Environmental Stress: Constant salt air, high UV exposure, and brutal Atlantic winters.
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Legacy Issues: Transforming an abandoned, unused strip mall into a "Cinderella story" of upscale commerce
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Operational Constraints: Trespa Pura NFC® requires no painting, staining, or sealing - ever. A scrub with soap and water keeps it looking new. All the decors stay true over time with an incredible resistance to fading, keeping it looking like new for years.
Here is a comparison chart of Pura NFC Siding vs Composite Wood that clearly illustrates it's durability:
THE SOLUTION: Engineered Performance
Three Criteria. One Clear Winner. Pura NFC Siding.
Designing the shoreline demands a strategic approach to specifying materials. Salt air, intense UV exposure, and brutal storms and snow are hard on siding colors and finish. The exterior had to look amazing on opening day and continue looking that way for years to come.
The design team specified Pura NFC® by Trespa for its ability to bridge wood-look warmth and industrial-grade resilience. Besides design versatility, the other non-negotiable criteria were:
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A premium, elegant feel that elevates curb appeal.
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Fade and scratch resistance in the color and finish, even in a punishing salt air climate.
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Close-to-Zero maintenance to save on time and labor costs
These demands may seem contradictory when you apply them to the usual fiber cement and composite siding options. But Mataverde had the right solution with Pura NFC Siding by Trespa.
Matunuck Atelier mid-construction installing Pura Tropical Ipe and Western Red Cedar Wood Decors vertically with Climate-Shield CST1 Rainscreen System
THE SYSTEM: Climate-Shield® CST1 Rainscreen
Unmatched Design Flexibility, Simplified Installation
To maximize the siding’s longevity, they chose the Climate-Shield® CST1 Rainscreen System. The CST1 rainscreen clip is designed specifically for Pura NFC Siding.
Key Benefits
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Design Freedom: Allowed for vertical and horizontal transitions without complex wood furring strip grids.
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Automatic Ventilation: Created a built-in 3/4-inch air gap to allow moisture like bulk water and humid air to escape from multiple points, avoiding mold and rot.
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Efficiency: Replaced bulky, time-consuming furring strips with all metal clips, significantly reducing labor costs and installation time.
Matunuck Atelier entryway column under construction with Mystic Cedar Wood Décor horizontal siding using Climate-Shield CST1 Rainscreen System
Want pricing for your project? Request a quote now.
This 18-second video tells you the basics of the CST1 Rainscreen Clip system
THE RESULT: A Statement of Excellence
A Rare Pearl of a Restaurant
The finished Atelier delivers on every front. More than a new restaurant, the Matunuck Atelier is a statement. It shows what's possible when smart material choices and strong design work together.
The Tropical Ipe and Western Red Cedar design makes a strong first impression and the Mystic Cedar entryways invite guests in. The palette ties the building to its coastal surroundings with a warm welcome. If you are in the Rhode Island area, make you sure you treat yourself to this wonderful dining and shopping experience.
The owner has a building that looks exactly as intended that won't require frequent upkeep to stay that way. Mataverde helped make it happen from product selection to specification support, ready with solutions and answers.
Planning a commercial exterior project? Contact Us to explore Trespa Pura NFC® rainscreen siding for your next build.
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