Fundermax launches Stellar, a collection of facade panels that play with light

With Stellar, Fundermax expands its Max Compact Exterior range with a collection of panels designed for facades, balcony cladding, and other exterior applications. Its principle is based on the combination of three metallic-effect decors and three finishes capable of modifying light reflection.

A facade whose appearance changes with the light

Depending on the time of day, the building's orientation, the viewing angle, and its surroundings, the same decor can reveal different nuances. Surface finishes accentuate or mitigate these variations by influencing reflections, contrasts, and the perception of depth.

The collection can be used on an entire facade or more selectively to highlight an architectural line, differentiate several volumes, or add rhythm to a building envelope. Fundermax particularly targets it for multi-family housing, schools, shops, and office buildings.

“With Stellar, we are working on how light reveals matter and accompanies the perception of the project. Each hue has its own expression, while the surfaces allow us to subtly modulate the rendering according to the desired effect.”

Reynald Lecoeur, Director of Prescription and Development at Fundermax

Three metal-inspired decors

The Stellar collection includes three decors with distinct finishes:

• Stellar Gold 0844characterized by warm tones and golden highlights;
• Stellar Silver 0886, which offers a lighter, more graphic silvery look;
• Stellar Anthracite 0896, a dark shade intended to enhance the contrasts and depth of the facades.

These three decors can be combined to create contrasts or ensure visual continuity between different parts of a building.

Three finishes to modulate the reflections

Each decor is offered with three surface finishes:

• NY Sky, a textured surface that accentuates the relief and variations in light;
• NT, a finely hammered texture offering a more homogeneous finish;
• NG Gloss, a glossy finish that enhances reflections and contrasts.

The combination of the three decors and three finishes allows for nine different renderings. Fundermax also provides PBR data for digital visualization of materials in architectural design software.

HPL panels designed for outdoor use

Stellar is based on Max Compact Exterior panel technology. These are high-pressure thermosetting compact laminates, compliant with EN 438-6, type EDF. Their weather-resistant protective layer uses double-cured acrylic-polyurethane resins.

According to the manufacturer, these panels are designed to withstand exposure to sun, rain, and temperature variations. The F-grade versions have a fire reaction classification of B-s2, d0 according to EN 13501-1.

Stellar double-sided decorative panels are available in thicknesses of 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13 mm. The availability of formats depends on the chosen finish: NY Sky and NG Gloss are notably offered on the large 4.100 x 1.300 mm format, while the NT range also includes a 2.800 x 1.300 mm format.

Approximately 65% ​​natural fibers

Fundermax presents Max Compact Exterior as a bio-based panel. The manufacturer specifies that its core comprises approximately 65% ​​natural fibers by weight, primarily derived from wood processed into kraft paper. The remainder of its composition includes the resins necessary for manufacturing the compact laminate.

The company states that it sources its materials from FSC or PEFC certified suppliers. These certifications relate to the origin of the fibers and the management of forest resources; they do not, on their own, constitute a complete assessment of the panel's environmental impact.

Fundermax also announces the availability of environmental and health declaration sheets for its Max Compact Exterior panels. For each project, the applicable FDES must be checked according to the panel, its thickness, its installation system, and its validity period.

The available features and combinations are presented on the Stellar collection page and in the technical documentation for Max Compact Exterior panels.