6 innovative products for multifamily developments

Each year, new products come on the market that solve developmental pain-points. Here are six innovative products for various multifamily developments, including a condominium-wide smart electrical system, heavy-duty aluminum doors, and prefabricated panels.

1. Solarban R100 (Architectural glass that counters the strong Texas sun)
 

Austin's new 34-story 70 Rainey houses 164 condos featuring floor-to-ceiling Solarban R100 glass from Vitro Architectural Glass. "Glazing selection on tall buildings is one of the most complicated design decisions we face today to navigate energy codes, aesthetics, and environmental performance," said Joshua Coleman, AIA, LEED AP, Principal/Design at Page architecture firm. "Solarban R100 glass provides one of the best solar heat gain coefficients on the market without being overly reflective, too dark, or tinted." Win-Con was the glazier.

2. Leviton Decora smart devices (Smart electrical systems for luxury residences in upstate N.Y.)
 

Bonacio Construction (GC) and Prediletto Electric (electrical contractor) specified Leviton Smart Circuit Breakers and Leviton USB Type A/Type-C In-Wall Outlet Charger with 15A Tamper-Resistant Outlet for The Moderne Condominiums, Sarasota Springs, N.Y. Leviton Decora Smart Dimmers were installed in the living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms of the two- and three-bedroom condos and in the penthouse units.

3. Omega-Lite ACM panels (Philadelphia apartment building clad in ACM panels)
 

For the exterior of SOLO on Chestnut, a seven-story, 250,000-sf complex of 280 luxury apartments near the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, JKRP Architects (designer) and The HOW Group (GC) specified 14,600 sf of Charcoal Grey Omega-Lite ACM panels. Makosh Services used Laminators' Clip & Caulk installation system.

4. Aluminum Swing Terrace Door (Aluminum door for high-rise, high-wind applications)
 

Crystal Window & Door Systems' Series 1450/1460 Aluminum Swing Terrace Door has been structurally and thermally enhanced and offers a new hydraulic closer, glazing, and a laboratory water-tested ADA low-sill option. The Series 1450/1460 Terrace Door is constructed with heavy-duty 0.093-inch wall thickness extrusion and a redesigned strong multi-chamber 3.25-inch jamb frame, for use in high-rise and wind-prone installations.

A powerful adjustable hydraulic closer from leading German hardware manufacturer G-U (Gretsch-Unitas) features a concealed mounting plate and slide arm assembly designed for outswing door operation, which allows effortless operation of the door while maintaining the door’s sleek look on the interior. The aluminum frame of Crystal’s Series 1450/1460 Aluminum Swing Terrace Door is finished in durable environmentally sustainable powder coat paint, to either AAMA 2604 or 2605 performance standards.

5. Centerline Prefab uses Sto prefab panels to save time on WMU student housing complex
 

Centerline Prefab set 48-foot StoPanel Metal ci panels on the upper four floors and Sto Backup panels for the six-story Arcadia Flats residential housing at Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo. The 206 wall panels were prefabricated off site and installed on site in 37 minutes per panel. Stantec Architecture (architect) and Triangle Associates (GC) were on the project team.

6. Atlas ACFoam (Roofing system that prevents ice jams in Colorado project)
 

Jeff Johnston, president of The Roofing Company, Granby, Colo., installed more than 210 squares of Atlas ACFoam and ACFoam CrossVent from Atlas Roofing Corp. on the roof of the nine residences and six penthouses ($7.4 million to $9.6 million) at the Vail Mountain View Condos, in Vail Village. The roofing system provided a fully continuous insulation solution with an R-value of 20.