Marble Falls, Texas – Stone Panels International LLC, producer of the universally recognized StoneLite® solution for exterior and interior building cladding, announces a new, free continuing education program to support best practices for designs incorporating lightweight natural stone panels.

“Stone Panels International’s new continuing education program is an important extension of our mission to be a partner in the design process, helping project teams realize their design visions,” says Greg Terhaar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Stone Panels International. “Along with our in-house engineering department, SPI has served as a longtime resource for guiding and educating design teams about the use of lightweight natural stone composite panels. The addition of a certified continuing education program demonstrates our commitment to helping the industry remain current on the latest technology and designs.”

SPI’s course, “Using Lightweight Stone for Architectural Facades: Manufacturing to Installation,” is available at no charge from SPI’s Regional Sales Representatives. The course is a certified continuing education program developed in conjunction with the Natural Stone Institute for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). It introduces the timeless beauty of natural stone, manufactured for use as a lightweight façade alternative to traditional masonry materials.

Other topics covered include the process by which dimensional stone slabs are fabricated and bonded to an aluminum honeycomb substrate, various finishes that can be achieved on lightweight panels, and specific architectural features, such as cornices and other design conditions. Participants will also learn about performance testing, LEED benefits, the speed and ease of installation, and how lightweight stone can reduce design, engineering and installation costs.

“We’re excited to provide a new, free resource for designers who want to incorporate a classic building product in modern and contemporary applications,” says Valorie Ormand, Marketing Director, Stone Panels International. “SPI is a trusted provider of the highest quality natural stone composite panels that are 100% manufactured in the United States, and now we’re pleased to be a trusted provider for continuing education as well.”

“Using Lightweight Stone for Architectural Facades” is approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and 1.0 HSW PDH by the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

For more information about SPI’s continuing education program, visit https://www.stonepanels.com/continuing-education/. To schedule a CEU presentation, firms should contact their SPI Regional Sales Representative or call 800.328.6275.