WVH has 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: Sagrado, Sendero and Reflejo — each a distinct expression of native, organic materiality and WVH’s signature craftsmanship.
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 Translating historical references, landmarks and craft traditions into a functional modern format, each panel is conceived as integrated architectural composition. Grounded in material honesty and acoustic performance, the panel systems function as structural design features rather than a superficial applied finish, allowing 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.
Honoring the way raw materials interact with the natural world over time, each panel embraces structure and a 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. Obsidian adds reflective depth and sharp material contrast.
Sagrado (“Sacred”)
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 (“Pathway”)
A tribute to the volcanic stone streets of Mexico, worn smooth over centuries by weather, movement, and time, Sendero 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 (“Reflection”)
Designed around the reflective properties of obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass, Reflejo creates tension between transparency and depth. Combining gray 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.
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.
