For a building material that’s logged exceptional performance for over 2,000 years, all-natural slate sure isn’t showing its age.
Quite the opposite: A breakthrough cladding application is now helping residential architects and custom luxury homebuilders supercharge their brand, attract more upmarket clients, and generate substantial public and private buzz.
Two beneficiaries of slate’s next-gen façade solution are Brian Hebden, principal of Hebden Studios, and luxury homebuilder Kory Robison, owner and operator of Robison Build Co. Both companies specialize in homes in the $5 million-plus range.
“Brian presented the idea of slate cladding to our client, who loved it,” recalls Robison. “We moved forward with it. Then another client saw the finished home and said, ‘I want the same exterior on my new home.’”
Hebden and Robison understand owners’ visceral reaction. “People like the look. It has this cool, dark, wholly unique aesthetic. Natural texture and muted sheen complete the effect. It’s awesome,” says the veteran builder.
“The client gave us the opportunity to work with a product I’ve always wanted to use,” adds Hebden. “It’s called CupaCLAD. It’s a natural slate siding that has this beautiful black composition that installs just like cedar shake.”
If it was only about aesthetics, that would likely be enough. However, for Hebden, Robison, and—in particular—homeowners, that’s just the start of slate’s value proposition. Here are five other considerations and benefits
- Cost. “It’s about the same price per square foot as natural stone,” Robison says. CupaCLAD’s Drew Ford, the company’s regional sales manager, welcomes the opportunity to clear up budgeting misconceptions around slate. “We’re within budget on most projects doing other masonry, whether that’s full bed depth brick or stone or thin brick or stone. Architects are frequently surprised by slate affordability.”
- Installation. Robison singles out installation as a wow factor. “It’s so easy to install. No craftsmen or artisans are required. It took about a half-day for our regular installation subs to master it. It went up a lot quicker than I anticipated.”
- Maintenance. Outside an occasional hose-down, no maintenance required … ever. No paint, no sealers, no weatherization worries. BONUS: Inevitable dings and scratches during a lengthy luxury home construction process are easily treated, according to Robison. “There’s always a chance the cladding gets dinged or scratched by another trade. Slate is an easy cleanup.”
- Natural and Environmentally Responsible. Slate is a mineral product. Its production process does not employ chemicals. It’s also non-combustible as well as impact- and seismic-resistant.
- Distinction. Both slate-clad homes are featured in the 2026 and 2025 Orem, Utah, Parade of Homes, with one honored with the Tier 1 Judges’ Choice Award for architectural merit and innovation. “They’re showstoppers,” Robison says. “It’s a great home to feature on your portfolio because the look is unique. I like homes that are a little out of the box, not run-of-the-mill. When an architect or client brings up a new material like slate, I’m all ears.”
As you consider ways to differentiate your brand, consider how a slate façade can add a new dimension of refinement, durability, and architectural distinction to your work.
Learn how CUPACLAD all-natural slate cladding can benefit your next project.