The Power of Surface and Material

Light and texture add a new dimension to sheet materials

With two collections, Fundermax demonstrated at ARCHITECT@WORK Rotterdam how surface finishes can influence the perception of panel materials. Stellar plays with light and reflection in outdoor settings, while Interior Pro 2.6 Horizontal focuses on tactility for kitchen and bathroom applications. “It’s precisely the combination of color, surface, and light that makes the difference,” says Resi Lutgens, Sales & Prescription Manager at Fundermax Netherlands.

For more than 130 years, Fundermax has been manufacturing high-quality ‘Made in Austria’ compact (solid-core) panels for applications such as facades, balconies, and interior design. With Euroclasses B-s2,d0; B-s1,d0, and A2-s1-d0, the panels, according to Lutgens, meet the highest safety standards for any architectural design, both interior and exterior.

After participating in several international editions of ARCHITECT@WORK, the company was back in Rotterdam. “The audience really connects with what we do. Architects and interior designers don’t just want to look at materials—they also want to feel them and see how a surface behaves in different circumstances—
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The facade changes with the light

For exterior applications, Fundermax presents Stellar, part of the Max Compact Exterior line. The collection consists of Stellar Gold, Silver, and Anthracite, which can be combined with the NY Sky, NT, and NG Gloss finishes. The interplay between color, texture, and incoming light ensures that the appearance of the facade can change throughout the day.

“This allows a facade to be much more than just a static building envelope,” says Lutgens. “Gold has a warm, powerful look; Silver is cooler and more modern; and Anthracite adds depth and an urban character.” NY Sky has a pronounced relief, NT is a subtle satin finish, and NG Gloss provides a strong reflection. Stellar is intended for exterior applications such as facades and balconies. The F-Quality version of Max Compact Exterior is classified as B-s2, d0 as standard for thicknesses of 6 mm or greater. For thicknesses of 8 mm or greater, the panel is classified as B-s1, d0.

Tactility in Interior Design

Interior Pro 2.6 Horizontal is a new product for 2026 and is designed for horizontal applications in kitchens and bathrooms, among other places, where moisture, stains, and heavy use are factors. “The core color is coordinated with the decor,” explains Lutgens. “This makes it easier to design a cohesive look. With a kitchen countertop or bathroom cabinet, the edge also becomes part of the overall look.”

The collection features a variety of textures, ranging from the stone-like SX Saxum and the smooth, velvety AP Aptico to the rougher, mineral-like GA Grafica. With APEX, the tactile texture is perfectly aligned with the design. Depending on the version, additional features such as anti-fingerprint properties and high scratch resistance are included.

According to Lutgens, sustainability is also increasingly becoming a topic of discussion with architects. As part of its Green Deal strategy, Fundermax examines the entire chain—from raw materials and production to transportation, energy consumption, and product lifespan. Among other things, the company works with FSC-certified raw materials and, according to Lutgens, operates its own paper mill in Norway, where recycled paper is processed for further production in Austria.

For both collections, Fundermax provides support that includes BIM objects, CAD details, specifications, and templates. CNC machining and milling can also be performed at the factory. “This allows us to contribute ideas from the design phase all the way through to implementation,” concludes Lutgens.