Historic Mill in Massachusetts Reborn with Natural Expanded Cork Cladding

A century-old mill in Assonet, Massachusetts, has been reborn as the 11,000-square-foot headquarters of Piping Systems Installations, Inc. Designed by Jones Payne Architects, the renovation celebrates history and community while demonstrating the performance and beauty of expanded cork cladding from Amorim Cork Solutions.

"Cork is one of my favorite materials, it’s low-maintenance, environmentally responsible, and beautiful. It brings warmth to the façade, and it tells a story - about the building, the place, and where we come from..."

- Architect Nadia Melim

Cork as a Material with Meaning

Principal Architect Nadia Melim’s decision to specify cork was both professional and personal. With Portuguese roots, she embraced a material tied to her family’s heritage while also underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability.

Expanded cork is harvested without cutting down trees, offering acoustic and thermal insulation, long-term durability, and a rich texture. For this facade, cork panels form a warm, tactile base that contrasts with sleek black metal siding above. Over time, the natural material will weather gracefully, adding depth and character to the building’s exterior.

A Project Rooted in Relationships

This renovation was more than a design exercise—it was also a reunion. John Taylor, the project’s design lead, had a personal connection to Piping Systems, Inc.: his brother owns the company, and their father was its first employee. Melim, meanwhile, began her architectural career under Taylor’s mentorship. Their paths converged again on this project, bringing personal history into alignment with the company’s future.

By softening the mill’s imposing scale and introducing natural light and modern proportions, the design reconnects the building with its community—bridging past, present, and future.

EcoSupply’s Role

“Expanded cork is unique because it advances sustainability while also carrying cultural and architectural significance,” noted Lee Beckman, A&D Sustainability Consultant at EcoSupply. “Projects like this demonstrate that high-performance materials can be part of a building’s identity as well as its envelope.”

Why Expanded Cork Works for Facades

• Superior Insulation: Amorim Facade cork panels reduce thermal bridging and provide acoustic benefits, improving comfort in both hot and cold climates.

• Design Flexibility: Beyond performance, cork’s textured appearance offers architects a natural aesthetic that enhances building character.

• Sustainable Choice: Fully renewable, recyclable, and natural, cork supports modern goals for environmentally responsible construction while minimizing maintenance needs.