Helix Metalforming had a fantastic experience at this year’s AIA Conference on Architecture and Design, held from June 4 to 7 in Boston. As the premier event for the architecture and design industry, AIA25 brought together architects, designers, manufacturers, and thought leaders from around the country for four days of education, innovation, and connection. Helix was proud to be part of it all.
With a booth presence during the two-day expo (June 5–6), Helix welcomed attendees to Booth #1837, where we offered a hands-on look at our architectural wall panels, edge metal solutions, and high-performance fabrication capabilities. We were especially excited to share The Paxton Collection, our latest line of products designed to meet the needs of both form and function. Whether guests were exploring new materials or asking about color durability and custom detailing, our team was ready to answer questions, offer guidance, and spark ideas.
Let’s not forget the fun along the way. On Wednesday night, the Helix team caught a thrilling Red Sox game at Fenway Park. The home team pulled off a dramatic 9th-inning comeback with a walk-off homer, giving us an unforgettable moment during our time in Boston. Check out the game recap here.
Another highlight of the event? The Puppy Park is located just one row away from our booth in the 1700s section of the exhibit hall. These adorable pups brought smiles to everyone who stopped by and added a lighthearted energy to the floor. It was yet another great reason to swing by the Helix booth and say hello!
Of course, AIA25 wasn’t just about fun; it was also a chance to explore serious innovation. With over 600 exhibiting brands, the show floor was full of exciting new products, technologies, and bold design ideas. We saw emerging trends, such as textured surfaces, sustainable finishes, and expressive detailing, take center stage, and Helix was proud to be part of that momentum.
Our metal systems directly address what the industry demands: performance, resilience, and design freedom.
Beyond the booth, the AIA Conference featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, expert-led sessions, and panel discussions on a wide range of topics, from high-performance envelopes to sustainable sourcing. These conversations reinforced the Helix mission: to provide you with architectural solutions that last, perform, and elevate design at every level.
Throughout the week, we connected with architects, designers, and industry leaders who were excited to collaborate. From offering product samples to discussing project support, those conversations are continuing, and we look forward to seeing where they lead.
Here are a few key takeaways from AIA25 that reflect our mission at Helix:
Sustainability is at the forefront. Architects are seeking materials that meet green building standards and have a lifespan of decades. Helix’s 30-year color-coated metals are built to deliver.
Design flexibility is essential. Our wide range of color and texture options gives architects the creative freedom to bring bold ideas to life.
Performance is non-negotiable. With a growing focus on energy efficiency and long-term durability, Helix products meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s standards.
AIA25 was a week full of big ideas, meaningful connections, and fresh energy. We left Boston inspired and ready for what’s next, not just for Helix but for the design community as a whole.
If we didn’t get the chance to talk at the event, we’d still love to connect. Reach out to our team for product samples and project support or to start a conversation about how we can help bring your vision to life.
The AIA24 Conference was a unique and unforgettable experience! From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in a world of insightful interactions, innovative showcases, and invaluable networking opportunities. Here are some of the unique highlights from our time at the event:
Visitors can order product staples directly at our Helix booth using a convenient QR code. By scanning the code, attendees could request samples to be sent straight to their doorstep. This feature was a big hit, allowing architects and designers to experience our products firsthand with minimal hassle.
The expo center was a hive of activity, with each booth offering a unique perspective on the future of architecture and the industry. We were inspired by the diverse range of solutions on display, from cutting-edge building materials to the latest crown molding designs, and left with a renewed sense of excitement for the future.
Undoubtedly, one of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the chance to connect and network with fellow professionals in the industry. The happy hour event, in particular, provided a relaxed atmosphere to connect with architects, designers, and other vendors. It was a great chance to share insights, discuss trends, and build valuable relationships, furthering our commitment to collaboration and innovation.
Our time at the AIA24 Conference was enriching and a testament to our commitment to the industry. We relished meeting many talented and knowledgeable individuals, exploring the vendor exhibits, and engaging in meaningful conversations. The event was filled with noticeable energy and enthusiasm, and we left feeling inspired and excited about the future of architecture and design, a future we are dedicated to shaping.
We look forward to staying connected with the fantastic people we met and continuing to innovate and contribute to this unique industry. We are grateful to everyone who stopped by our booth and helped make this event unforgettable! Those who couldn’t attend or didn’t get a chance to visit our booth can still order samples by visiting this link. Look at the event pictures below!
Trends in Metal Roofing
It may be hard to believe, but we are already entering the final months of 2023! As the year comes to a close, it is important to stay current on the latest happenings in metal roofing to enhance buildings for the better. Let’s take the opportunity to recap Q4 top trends in metal roofing.
Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions
Metal has gained popularity as being one of the most energy efficient roofing materials available! Unlike shingles or asphalt, metal roofing is highly energy efficient because it reflects the sun’s UV and infrared rays away rather than absorbing them, resulting in a substantial reduction in cooling costs. In fact, a metal roof alone on a building can save homeowners up to 40% in energy costs. Metal roofing also provides excellent insulation, leading to big savings on a property’s overall heating and cooling costs
Additionally, advances in cool metal roofing – the most effective energy-saving finish – have made it more desirable and eco-friendly than ever. Cool metal roofing possesses a highly reflective coating with specially designed cool pigmentation in the paint that increases solar reflectance and decreases the roof’s surface temperature. Cool metal roofing helps reduce the need for air conditioning in buildings and makes unconditioned edifices more comfortable. In recent years, cool pigment technology has become standard in most residential and commercial painted products, and is offered in a variety of colors spanning from light to dark. Additionally, many cool metal roofing systems are Energy Star certified and may qualify for tax incentives.
Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials
In addition to being incredibly energy-efficient, metal roofing materials are eco-friendly in a variety of other ways. Metal is easily recyclable and parts can be reused repeatedly – or “multi-cycled” – without loss of quality. In fact, over 90% of steel buildings can be recycled or reused for another project, making metal significantly more environmentally sustainable than other common building materials, such as wood.
Other environmental benefits of metal roofing include:
Solar friendly – metal roofs provide an easy, compatible surface for solar panel installation and long-term durability.
Greenhouse gas emissions in metal production have decreased substantially in recent decades due to recycling, waste reduction, manufacturing technology advances, and other factors.
Innovative Roofing Designs
When it comes to metal roof designs, the industry is getting more innovative day by day! Emerging trends and creative applications hitting the metal roofing scene include:
Expanding colors — Many metal roofing professionals (including Helix!) offer a wide palette of colors featuring both light and dark hues to best match your home exterior, surrounding landscape, and your creative vision. Greens, in particular, have become a popular choice in 2023.
Unique additions — It’s not just about metal rooftops, anymore. Custom designed metal gutters, windrow trims, wall panels, crown molding, and more are becoming commonplace in buildings.
Simple, clean roof line — This look allows you to save on material while making the metal aesthetic front and center!
Metal roofing can also enhance the aesthetics of a property and its overall curb appeal in a myriad of ways:
Adding a sleek, modern twist to complement a historic or storied building or structure.
Bringing a unique character to a home and making it stand out in the neighborhood.
Customizing a building to match your vision with the multitude of colors and profiles available!
Staying up-to-date on metal roofing trends helps homeowners and businesses alike ensure their properties and building projects are reaching their full potential. Whether for energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, or design innovation, consumers are turning to metal for their building project needs.
Have a new metal roofing or siding building project in the works? Helix Metalforming is here to bring your custom vision to life, providing over 50 years of service, experience, and knowledge. Contact us today for a free quote!
