Architectural Material Sampling Asns Professional Sample Program

Oct. 17, 2025, 7:17 a.m.

Tags: asn

The architectural and design industry relies on material samples to help professionals select appropriate products for their projects. ASN (Advanced Stone and Natural Materials) has established a comprehensive sample program for architects and designers to evaluate their range of natural stone, ceramic, and terrazzo materials. This article examines ASN's sample program, material offerings, and support systems as outlined in their official documentation.

ASN Company Overview

ASN specializes in natural stone and custom architectural hard surface materials that enhance various types of projects. The company provides services, experience, and access to a worldwide network of natural stone quarries, high production factories, and artisan old world natural stone and ceramic tile art. The architectural and design community has free access to ASN's resources, which helps professionals source appropriate materials for their specific project requirements.

ASN's approach is rooted in the unique beauty and durability of natural stone, with customization options available in cubic, slab, and cut-to-size formats that are ideal for exterior cladding and paving applications. The company has developed a reputation for combining aesthetic appeal with practical functionality in their material offerings.

Material Offerings

ASN provides a diverse range of architectural materials, each with distinct characteristics and applications:

Natural Stone Products

The company specializes in natural stone materials that highlight the inherent beauty of natural elements. These materials can be fully customized to meet specific project requirements, with options available in various formats including cubic, slab, and cut-to-size configurations. Their natural stone products are particularly well-suited for exterior cladding and paving applications where durability and aesthetic appeal are paramount.

SuperTerrazzo

ASN pioneers revolutionary material technology through their EXTERIOR grade SuperTerrazzo, which is cementitious based and hardened with natural quartz. This material is available in both slab and cut-to-size formats, providing numerous hard surface options for various applications. The SuperTerrazzo line includes specialized options such as:

Anti-microbial variants
Anti-static options
Anion-infused materials
Luminescent products
Wood-look alternatives
Travertine-look designs

These materials offer extensive customization in terms of color and thickness, with production capabilities reaching 1,000 square meters (10,000 square feet) of material. The versatility of SuperTerrazzo makes it suitable for a wide range of architectural and design applications.

Porcelain Ceramic Products

ASN offers an extensive selection of imported and domestic 2cm and 3cm porcelain ceramic materials that provide an unbeatable combination of performance, value, and aesthetic appeal. These porcelain products are particularly well-suited for:

Raised installations
Exterior applications
Stair construction
Coping systems
Various hardscape elements

The company's porcelain ceramic line represents a balance between technical performance and visual design, making it a popular choice among architects and designers working on both residential and commercial projects.

Sample Program for Architects and Designers

ASN maintains a comprehensive sample program specifically tailored for architects and designers. The company recognizes the importance of material evaluation in the specification process and has developed several mechanisms to facilitate this:

Architectural Library Service

ASN's architectural library service provides material samples with informative labels that help designers understand the specific characteristics and applications of each material. This service is designed to support the specification process by giving professionals hands-on access to the materials they might consider for their projects.

Showroom and Large Format Display

The company maintains a showroom where many large format materials are on display. This physical space allows design teams to experience the materials at scale and understand their visual impact in various settings. Design teams are always welcome to visit the showroom to evaluate materials firsthand.

Material-Specific Information

Each sample provided by ASN includes material-specific informative labels that help architects and designers understand key properties, applications, and technical specifications. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about material selection based on project requirements.

Support Systems for Installation

Beyond providing materials and samples, ASN offers comprehensive support systems that contribute to successful installations:

Pedestal Systems

The company provides pedestal systems that help support and elevate materials in various applications. These systems are particularly useful for creating elevated surfaces or addressing uneven installation conditions.

Metal Rails

For applications requiring long strips or continuous runs of material, ASN offers metal rails that provide structural support and ensure proper alignment. These rails are designed to accommodate the specific characteristics of different materials.

EASY GRID System

ASN's latest innovation is the EASY GRID system with center pedestals. This system fully and safely supports mixed sizes of materials, providing flexibility in design while maintaining structural integrity. The EASY GRID system represents a modern approach to material support that accommodates contemporary design trends.

Service and Selection Process

ASN has developed a systematic approach to service and selection that ensures clients receive appropriate materials for their projects:

Showroom and Samples

The company maintains a showroom with architectural samples and stocks certain materials for immediate evaluation. This physical presence allows architects and designers to experience materials firsthand before making specification decisions.

Supply Network

ASN has established a very reliable local and domestic network in North America for just-in-time supply of materials. For larger orders, the company imports materials within a timeframe of 60-120 days. This dual approach allows for both immediate availability and specialized sourcing of materials.

Sales Process

The typical sales process involves providing samples to architects and designers for specification purposes, followed by selling to installation contractors. This two-step approach ensures that materials are properly specified by design professionals before reaching the installation stage.

Expertise and Project Execution

ASN distinguishes itself through the expertise of its team and its approach to project execution:

Senior Project Executives

The company's senior project executives possess extensive experience in architectural materials and project requirements. Their expertise helps ensure that the correct quality materials are delivered to project sites on time.

Logistics Expertise

ASN's logistics experts understand the complexities of material delivery and installation. Their knowledge helps coordinate the movement of materials from source to site, minimizing delays and ensuring proper handling throughout the supply chain.

Architectural Background

Wendy Ashton, a key team member, is a Berkeley-trained architect with a background at Clervi Marble and ASN. Her architectural expertise has contributed to the successful completion of many projects, demonstrating the value of having architectural professionals involved in material supply and specification.

ASN in the Supply Chain Context

While primarily a material supplier, ASN's operations can be understood within the broader context of supply chain management, particularly as it relates to Advance Ship Notices (ASN) in electronic data interchange systems. This technical aspect of supply chain management is distinct from ASN's material sampling program but represents another dimension of how materials move through the supply chain.

Advance Ship Notice (ASN) in Supply Chain

In supply chain management, an Advance Ship Notice (ASN) is an electronic document that provides information about goods before shipment. In the context of architectural materials, this would include details about material quantities, specifications, and expected delivery times. While the specific EDI standards for ASN (such as the X12 856 transaction) are technical in nature, they serve the important function of ensuring that materials arrive as expected and can be properly integrated into project schedules.

ASN Company vs. Technical ASN

It's important to distinguish between ASN as a company specializing in architectural materials and ASN as the abbreviation for Advance Ship Notice in supply chain terminology. The former is a business entity providing materials and samples to architects and designers, while the latter is a technical document used in electronic data interchange to communicate shipment details.

Conclusion

ASN has established itself as a significant supplier of natural stone, ceramic, and terrazzo materials to the architectural and design community. Through their comprehensive sample program, they provide architects and designers with the resources needed to make informed material selection decisions. The company's diverse material offerings, specialized support systems, and expertise in project execution contribute to successful installations across various project types.

While the term "ASN" might evoke different meanings in different contexts—particularly in relation to Advance Ship Notice in supply chain management—ASN the company has carved out a distinct niche in the architectural materials sector. Their focus on providing samples to design professionals, combined with their technical knowledge and material expertise, positions them as a valuable resource in the architectural and design community.