1. MINIMAL HARDWARE CREATES A SLIDING SHOWER DOOR WITH A MODERN AESTHETIC
The Cambridge Bypass Sliding Shower Door System from C.R. Laurence features a double-bypass configuration that allows for entry from the left or right side. Minimal hardware creates a modern aesthetic. Stainless steel rollers (inset) yield smooth door operation. The stainless steel design can be installed on full standing showers or onto bathtubs. Maximum door width: 37 inches; maximum door weight: 84 pounds.
2. ALL-IN-ONE WASHER-DRYER saves SPACE in smaller units
The Whirlpool Smart All-In-One Care Washer and Dryer allows a single laundry load to be completely washed and dried in the same machine. The ventless unit can fit under kitchen counters or in closets, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Comes with Amazon Alexa and Apple Watch compatibility. The Whirlpool mobile app can provide alert notifications to the tenant’s smartphone.
3. LOW-MAINTENANCE ROOFTOP DECK BEAUTIFIES WASHINGTON’S APOLLO APARTMENTS
Built on the site of the Apollo Theater in the District of Columbia, the Apollo Apartments complex has over 350 rentals, a Whole Foods, and a landscaped rooftop terrace. The project’s landscape designer, Landscape Architecture Bureau, specified Kebony modified wood for the terrace pergola for its low-maintenance properties and the natural silver patina it develops over time. Kebony wood was also used for the decking and benches throughout the project.
4. METAL ROOF AIDS SENIOR LIVING FACILITY’S THERMAL AND WIND RESISTANCE
The one-story roof of the three-story Ridge Senior Living facility in Salt Lake City dominates the view from most resident’s windows. The project team—AJC Architects, Sahara Construction, and Capitol Roofing—decided to use the MBCI SuperLok 16-inch metal panel roofing system on the first-story roof for its clean aesthetic design and thermal and wind resistance. The mechanically field-seamed, vertical leg standing seam roof system provides exceptional resistance to wind uplift and the option to add insulation to the existing roof.
5. NEW BATHROOM DESIGN SERIES PROVIDES A FRESH TAKE ON THE CLASSIC RECTANGULAR SHAPE
The new DuraSquare collection from Duravit features ceramics and a fresh take on furniture. The collection’s washbasin has walls that are only 3/16-inch thick thanks to its DuraCeram construction. Complementing the washbasins is the DuraSquare vanity. The console frame is height-adjustable and available in silver (chrome) or matte black. The furniture frame includes a glass shelf (available in six colors) and a towel rack. Bathtubs round out the collection and mimic the shape of the washbasins.
6. BUILT-IN MODULES CONCEAL COMPLETE KITCHENS
The YesterTec Stealth Kitchen System hides complete kitchens in built-in modules to create a minimalist look or maximize the efficiency of a small space. The modules look like built-in cabinetry and come in a variety of finish options. The stealth kitchens are suited for apartments, game rooms, and entertainment areas. The modules can be configured into an L-shape or galley kitchen, as a straight line, or with a peninsula. Units are 29 inches deep.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Earthquake engineering keeps airport grounded
Istanbul, Turkey's new 2.15 million-sf Sabiha Gökçen International Airport opened on October 31, 2009, becoming the world's largest seismically isolated building. Arup's global airport planning and engineering team, in collaboration with architects Dogan Tekeli Sami Sisa Mimarlik Ofisi and contractor LIMAK-GMR JV, working within an 18-month timeline, designed and built the facility wi...
| Aug 11, 2010
New Ways to Improve Water Efficiency
In the U.S. and most of the industrialized world, building occupants take for granted the simple convenience of filling a glass with clean, drinkable water at the kitchen sink. Yet worldwide, nearly a billion people globally have no access to safe drinking water, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
| Aug 11, 2010
Healthcare construction weathers the recession
Healthcare construction spending grew at a compound rate of more than 10% for seven years through mid-2008, but has stalled since then. The stall, however, still represents better growth than almost any other construction market during the recession, which deepened as a result of the fall 2008 credit freeze.
| Aug 11, 2010
Embassy's dual façades add security and beauty
The British government's new 46,285-sf embassy building in Warsaw, Poland's diplomatic quarter houses the ambassador's offices, the consulate, and visa services on three floors. The $20 million Modernist design by London-based Tony Fretton Architects features a double façade—an inner concrete super structure and an outer curtain wall.
| Aug 11, 2010
Cost of HVAC equipment to remain flat in 2009, says Turner
While some manufacturers have announced slight increases in facilities equipment pricing for 2009, the average cost of equipment is expected to remain flat in 2009, according to the 2009 Turner Logistics Equipment Cost Index. However, equipment pricing could face increased pressure if there is a further decline in market demand.
| Aug 11, 2010
Citizenship building in Texas targets LEED Silver
The Department of Homeland Security's new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services facility in Irving, Texas, was designed by 4240 Architecture and developed by JDL Castle Corporation. The focal point of the two-story, 56,000-sf building is the double-height, glass-walled Ceremony Room where new citizens take the oath.
| Aug 11, 2010
Toronto mandates green roofs
The city of Toronto late last month passed a new green roof by-law that consists of a green roof construction standard and a mandatory requirement for green roofs on all classes of new buildings. The by-law requires up to 50% green roof coverage on multi-unit residential dwellings over six stories, schools, nonprofit housing, and commercial and industrial buildings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Modest recession for education construction
Construction spending for education expanded modestly but steadily through March, while at the same time growth for other institutional construction had stalled earlier in 2009. Education spending is now at or near the peak for this building cycle. The value of education starts is off 9% year-to-date compared to 2008.
| Aug 11, 2010
'Feebate' program to reward green buildings in Portland, Ore.
Officials in Portland, Ore., have proposed a green building incentive program that would be the first of its kind in the U.S. Under the program, new commercial buildings, 20,000 sf or larger, that meet Oregon's state building code would be assessed a fee by the city of up to $3.46/sf. The fee would be waived for buildings that achieve LEED Silver certification from the U.