Product innovations: Modular metal panels, hydraulic glass-clad doors, and motorized screens

Modular metal panel offers sloped depth for a variety of applications

Intercept RZR, an addition to Centria’s Intercept modular metal panel system, is a high-performance rainscreen system that creates the option for sloped panel depth of up to four inches. The product is available in both horizontal and vertical applications and can be specified in zinc or aluminum substrates. It is offered in depths of 13/8 to four inches with panel lengths that span up to 138 inches (aluminum), 120 inches (zinc), 48 inches (aluminum), and 32 inches (zinc). Available in a variety of colors and finish options, the Intercept modular metal panel system makes use of a unique fabrication process for variations in size and shape. Custom designs can also be created based on project requirements.

Hydraulic glass-clad doors open a Seattle tavern to the outside

Sam’s Tavern in Seattle opened in early 2017 as part of a newly constructed 12-story office building. The restaurant and bar used two glass-clad hydraulic doors from Schweiss Doors to open the restaurant up to an outside patio with additional seating for 20 patrons. The custom-made doors measure 11 feet, 8¾ inches wide by 9 feet tall and include electric photo eye sensors. The hydraulic pumps that run the Schweiss cylinders are mounted inside the building near the doors. Originally, the pump motors were to be mounted on the ceiling, but there wasn’t enough room. The doors have an industrial aesthetic and also provide a protective canopy to outside diners when opened. The doors can be run independently of each other and stop safely at any level.

Motorized screens add a layer of protection for 40 outdoors diners

Eating outdoors always sounds like a good idea, but bright and hot sunlight, wind, or blown rain can make it less appealing. At Princi Italia, a restaurant in West Plano, Texas, these common peccadilloes associated with eating outside are dealt with via a motorized Era Mat system from Nice Group USA, which powers shades along the perimeter of the restaurant’s patio. Seven motor-driven shades capture the air warmed by outdoor heaters on colder days while still providing views of the outdoors thanks to incorporated windows. On more pleasant days, the screens can be raised out of the way. A remote control opens and closes the windows.

Condensing boiler is built for outdoor installation

The Crest Condensing Boiler line from Lochinvar is expanding with models built for the outdoors. The Outdoor Crest boiler can withstand strong winds, downpours, and UV exposure while remaining highly efficient on both space and energy. The compact units offer space savings for large public and commercial facilities like school systems, universities, and libraries. All outdoor Crest models come standard with the CON•X•US remote connectivity platform that allows commercial facility managers and building owners to monitor and adjust equipment controls from a mobile app. Additionally, the Smart Touch control system is built in each outdoor model and features an eight-inch touchscreen and multi-color interface. As many as eight Crest boilers can be cascaded together. Models range from 750,000 to two million btu/hr.

Acoustic mesh panels control acoustics without compromising design

GKD Metal Fabrics’ Acoustic Mesh Panels are interior aluminum-based panels designed to improve poor workplace and commercial acoustic environments. The panels incorporate a sag-free, one-inch-thick honeycomb support plate, layered with an intermediate blanket of fiber-free acoustic fleece to dampen noise. Lights, downlights, and sprinklers can be easily integrated within the Acoustic Mesh Panels. The panels can also be removed and refitted quickly for maintenance purposes.

LEED Gold texas library incorporates curtain wall, storefront systems

The Seguin (Texas) Public Library recently tore down its old library and replaced it with one three times larger. The LEED Gold building used Tubelite’s curtain wall and storefront frames to bring natural views and light into the library that sits along the banks of Walnut Creek. Bulverde Glass, the project’s glazing contractor, used 16,300 sf of Tubelite’s 400 Series Curtainwall and T1400 I/O storefront, plus four Wide Stile doors and frames. With the help of Tubelite’s curtain wall with high-performance glass, a quiet room extends into the branches of a pecan tree to provide visitors with the feeling of sitting in a transparent tree house. Tubelite was selected for its value, aesthetic flexibility, and reliable structural performance. The library earned LEED Gold certification earlier this year.