Header: Reflejo, courtesy of WVH
The Wood Veneer Hub (WVH), a global authority in premium wood surface design for over 50 years, introduced ALMA, an innovative system of acoustical architectural wall panels created in collaboration with Mexican-born multidisciplinary designer Alfonso Verduzco.
Inspired by Mexico’s rich material heritage and the enduring relationship between material, craft and space, the collection explores how the region’s cultural and architectural identity can be reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. For the inaugural launch, the nine-part series debuts with three carefully considered designs, each a distinct expression of native, organic materiality and WVH’s signature craftsmanship: Sagrado, Sendero and Reflejo.
Photo credit: Courtesy of WVH
Photo credit: Courtesy of WVH
The soul of ALMA
ALMA, meaning “soul” in Spanish, reflects a philosophy where structural elements embody physical presence, tactile depth and material intelligence. Translating historical references, landmarks and craft traditions into a functional modern format, each panel is conceived as an integrated architectural composition.
Photo credit: Courtesy of WVH
Grounded in material honesty and acoustic performance, the panel systems function as structural design features integrated rather than a superficially applied finish. This allows texture, light and rhythm to work in tandem to transform walls into meaningful spatial experiences. ALMA is conceived as architecture rather than decoration, transforming walls from background surfaces into defining elements of space.
“I believe materials carry history. When we design them honestly, a wall becomes more than a surface… it becomes part of the architecture.”
Alfonso Verduzco
Honouring the way raw materials interact with the natural world over time, each panel embraces structure and rhythmic movement in a manner that feels both calm and architecturally refined. Lava stone brings density and texture drawn from cooled volcanic flows, copper introduces warmth and natural patina over time, and obsidian adds reflective depth and sharp material contrast.
Photo credit: Courtesy of WVH
Photo credit: Courtesy of WVH
Sagrado
Inspired by monumental nail-studded wooden doors found throughout historic Mexican architecture, Sagrado, meaning “sacred” in Spanish, represents the scale, structure and permanence that define the entry point to space. Pairing the ancient Shou Sugi Ban (charred wood) technique on solid ash wood with solid copper inserts, each panel catches and reflects light in beautiful and unexpected ways.
Over time, the copper develops a natural patina, shifting the surface subtly as it ages, creating a profound physical presence that echoes the character of hand-forged hardware of traditional doors and gates.
Sendero
A tribute to the volcanic stone streets of Mexico, worn smooth over centuries by weather, movement and time, Sendero (meaning “pathway” in Spanish) integrates natural lava stone into the foundational structure of black ash wood. Left intentionally raw to preserve its density, granular surface and volcanic texture, each inlaid stone results in a one-of-a-kind panel surface. The system reflects the organic flow of historic pathways, generating a profound rhythmic variation through material sequencing.
Reflejo
Designed around the reflective properties of obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass, Reflejo (“reflection”) creates tension between transparency and depth. Combining grey maple veneer with inlays of obsidian, the “lava glass” elements introduce moments of light and reflection within the linear wood composition. The result is a surface panel system that responds quietly to the surrounding environment, creating a subtle contrast of texture, shadow and visual dynamism.
WVH x Alfonso Verduzco
The collaboration brings together Verduzco’s material-driven design philosophy and WVH’s decades of expertise in veneer craftsmanship, manufacturing and product development. Together, they have created a collection that balances cultural inspiration, architectural expression, and scalable production.
“WVH was founded on a legacy of wood craftsmanship, and with ALMA, we’re marking a new chapter of material innovation. We’re thrilled to collaborate with such a visionary who pushes boundaries and creates high-performance designs that are not only beautiful but also profoundly intentional.”
Aaron Eisenberg, CEO of WVH
Photo credit: Courtesy of WVH
Photo credit: Courtesy of WVH
Project information
Design Company: The Wood Veneer Hub (WVH)
Lead Designer: Alfonso Verduzco
Date: 2026
