1. Transcend
Sunbrella
This contemporary textile collection is designed for indoor and outdoor applications in the harshest commercial environments, including hospitality, corporate, and education. Sixty-two styles in a range of color-saturated patterns and textures. Constructed from 100% solution-dyed fibers, so the color and texture will remain vibrant for years, says the maker. Patterns include asymmetrical plaid, graffiti-inspired scribbles, and velvet.
2. Ropewalker
Draper
This system combines a projection screen and lift into a single ceiling-recessed box, eliminating the need for extra black drop between the screen and tall ceilings. Suspended by stainless steel aircraft cables, the screen unrolls from an inner case with a vertical drop of up to 34 feet. Ideal for ballrooms, gymnasiums, houses of worship, and other large venues where a screen is needed above an audience’s line of sight.
3. Miraia
Nichiha
Fiber cement panels are available with this reflective, high-gloss finish. Three color options: Glacier, Onyx (pictured), and Snow. Offers the luster of metal at a competitive price point, says the maker. The panels are factory sealed on six sides and cover 8.88 sf per panel. Dimensions: 17 7/8 inches high, 71 9/16 inches long, 5/8-inch thick. Concealed clips and fasteners provide a clean, uninterrupted appearance.
4. Integrated Roldscreen
Pella
This concealed, retractable screen for Pella Architect Series Reserve double- and single-hung windows moves seamlessly with the sash. The screen automatically appears when the window is opened and rolls out of sight when closed. It appears at both the lower sash and the upper sash of double-hung windows, and at the lower sash of single-hung windows. High-strength magnets keep the screen in place.
5. PLFY-P
Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US
This compact HVAC unit features a square-edge design that fits into the 2x2-foot dimensions of standard ceiling tiles. Its four vanes allow air to flow in multiple directions for maximum comfort. An optional 3D i-see Sensor continuously scans the room for occupancy and makes adjustments to maintain comfort. When a room is unoccupied, the sensor automatically adjusts the temperature levels.
6. Designflex
Armstrong Ceiling Solutions
Ceiling line allows designers to mix and match panel shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and materials (mineral fiber, fiberglass, or metal) in orders as small as one carton. Shapes include squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids. An online pattern gallery features dozens of patterns and color palettes, as well as details and specs on the ceiling systems (i.e., installation, accessories, lighting).
7. Whiteout
Nanawall
This all-glass multi-fold door system is fitted with dynamic glass that switches from opaque privacy to fully transparent at the touch of a button. Eliminates the need for drapes or shades. The feature is wireless and operates with a remote control. When set to opaque, the glass can function as a projection screen or whiteboard. The operation of incorporated swing panels causes no interference to the glass activation.
8. YSD 600 T
YKK AP America
Low-threshold sliding glass door provides an additional entrance option for accessible design, and is suited for multifamily, hotel, and multipurpose buildings. It enables architects and contractors to incorporate accessibility needs into their projects. The thermally-broken system has a U-value of 0.51 Btu/hr/sf/°F and accepts standard tempered one-inch-thick insulating units. Factory preglaze option offers higher quality control.
9. Optim-R
Kingspan
This rigid vacuum insulation panel features a microporous core, which is evacuated, encased, and sealed in a gas–tight envelope. The result is an ultra–thin (20mm to 50mm) insulation product with up to five times better thermal efficiency than commonly available insulation, says the maker. R-values from R-29 (20mm panel) to R-60 (50mm panel). Applications: roof assemblies, balcony and terraces, and tight spaces.
10. Attack Resistant Openings
Assa Abloy
Developed in partnership with School Guard Glass, these door openings comply with the 5-aa10 test standards based on the FBI’s Active Shooter Report. They can withstand a four-minute physical attack with the use of hand tools after being shot 60 times with 7.62 NATO rounds. Assembly will remain intact, preventing an attacker from breaching. Offers maximum security on a modest budget.
11. Purewall
Covestro
For light commercial and residential applications, this insulated structural wall panel uses conventional wood frames and polyurethane-based insulation that is both continuous and between framing. The rigid polyiso board continuous insulation reduces thermal bridging and has an integrated weather-resistive barrier that eliminates the need for plastic house wrap. Structural closed cell spray foam enhances performance.
12. AdvanTech Subfloor Adhesive
Huber Engineered Woods
Subfloor adhesive features a foam-to-gel formula for added performance and eight times more coverage than comparable products, according to the maker. One 24-oz. can yields 400 linear feet. When combined with AdvanTech subfloor panels, the system forms a bond so strong that the company offers a “squeak-free” guarantee. Adheres to wet and frozen structural subfloor panels and joists.
13. Relay Robot
Kone
Through a partnership with robotics company Savioke, KONE’s elevator system technology now integrates with Savioke’s Relay service robots. The initiative provides a higher level of autonomy for these indoor delivery robots, allowing the machines to navigate buildings such as hotels and hospitals. The robots are being piloted by several hotel operators for delivery of toiletries and other items to guests (because why not?).
14. Entice Panic Device
C.R. Laurence
This panic device features a two-piece design with an independent, low-profile crash bar that securely attaches to the vertical panic component. The system allows, for the first time, the specification of a back-to-back ladder pull together with a panic device. The Entice Panic Device works with monolithic tempered glass doors (½- and ¾-inch thick) and double-glazed insulating glass systems (one-inch IGU).
15. Multifix
Rockwool
Stone wool insulation features a built-in coverboard and a mineral-coated fiberglass facer that is compatible with multiple attachment methods. It can be used as a roof insulation or insulating coverboard over other insulations. Improves performance by regulating the temperature of the thermal insulation, particularly in cold temperatures. The non-combustible panel reduces the number of layers required in the assembly.
16. Guardian Vacuum IG
Guardian Glass
Vacuum insulated glass provides the functionality of glass, but insulates like a wall. It offers thermal insulation with an R-value of up to R-12 for 8mm thickness, compared to single-pane glass at R-1. The tempered glass unit is suitable for a variety of building applications. Another benefit: noise reduction. Pictured: The first application of Guardian Vacuum IG, Sherzer Hall at Eastern Michigan University.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
70% of Qualified Trade Association Members Attain “Green Brick Specialist” Designation in Comprehensive Training Program
The Brick Industry Association (BIA), the national trade group representing distributors and manufacturers of clay brick and suppliers of related products and services, has announced that 70% of its eligible members have passed the industry’s first-ever online training program, “Sustainability/Green Building Design and Brick.”
| Aug 11, 2010
McCarthy, Skanska among nation's largest healthcare contractors, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 50 Healthcare Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Turner, Webcor, Hensel Phelps top BD+C's list of the 75 largest green contractors
With more than $3 billion in value of construction put in place for green buildings in 2008, Turner Construction tops BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s 75 largest green contractors, published as part of the Giants 300 report. Webcor Builders ($2.27 billion), Hensel Phelps Construction ($2.10 billion), The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. ($1.97 billion), and Clark Group ($1.89 billion) round out the top five.
| Aug 11, 2010
Free waterproofing and roofing resource handbook available from American Hydrotech
American Hydrotech is now offering a waterproofing and roofing resource handbook for all architects and design community professionals. Topics include sustainable design, waterproof product specification, and proper installation techniques for use by building professionals in designing and waterproofing roof decks, plazas, vertical foundations, reflecting pools, and green roof applications.
| Aug 11, 2010
World-Class Revival on Utah’s Capitol Hill
Since 1916, the Utah State Capitol building has served as the foundation of Utah’s government, housing the state legislature operations as well as the offices of the governor, attorney general, and treasurer. But after decades of wear and tear and numerous short-sighted modernization attempts, Utah’s rock was on the verge of crumbling.
| Aug 11, 2010
Installation work begins on Minnesota's largest green roof
Installation of the 2.5 acre green roof vegetation on the City-owned Target Center begins today. Over the course of two days a 165 ton crane will hoist five truckloads of plant material, which includes 900 rolls of pre-grown vegetated mats of sedum and native plants for installation on top of the arena's main roof.
| Aug 11, 2010
Jacobs, Holder Construction top BD+C's ranking of the nation's 50 largest industrial building contractors
A ranking of the Top 50 Industrial Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
AASHE releases annual review of sustainability in higher education
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) has announced the release of AASHE Digest 2008, which documents the continued rapid growth of campus sustainability in the U.S. and Canada. The 356-page report, available as a free download on the AASHE website, includes over 1,350 stories that appeared in the weekly AASHE Bulletin last year.