1. DensElement Barrier System
Georgia-Pacific Gypsum
Project: Block 20 Condominium Tower, Portland, Ore. Problem: Needed a building envelope that could withstand Portland’s rainy climate. Solution: DensElement Barrier System with AquaKOR Technology integrates a gypsum core and a fiberglass mat to form a hydrophobic, monolithic surface that blocks bulk water but allows vapor to pass through. On the team: Bora Architects (design architect), Western Partitions (subcontractor), Andersen Construction (GC).
2. Majesta windows, Ultra Series doors
Kolbe Windows & Doors
Project: Hoover Hall, DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind. Problem: The windows and doors needed to complement the aesthetics of the campus. Solution: Majesta windows were custom made to meet the large size specified. Ultra Series doors were pre-hung and included hand-routed grooves in the wood to simplify electrical connections. On the team: Robert A.M. Stern Architects,
JC Ripberger (exterior contractor), Turner (GC).
3. Cambridge Mid-Balance mesh
Cambridge Architectural
Project: Thornton Flats, Austin, Texas Problem: The builder desired a relaxed South Austin vibe and wanted to highlight the indoor-outdoor spaces. Solution: The façade was accentuated with a metal mesh leaf pattern. It was created by powder-coating the surrounding mesh in antique bronze, which appears black. A tan wall behind the 50%-opacity mesh creates a 3D effect. On the team: PSW Homes (developer, designer, builder), L&S Erectors (installer).
4. Zipwall dust barrier
Zipwall
Project: King’s Creek Country Club Pro Shop, Rehoboth Beach, Del. Problem: The pro shop needed to remain open during a dusty renovation. Solution: A ZipWall Dust Barrier System and Magnetic Door was installed to contain the dust and debris associated with an outside patio addition and drywall installation. The 50-foot barrier, deemed to be more practical than a temporary wall, was installed in less
than five minutes.
5. PAC-CLAD in Weathered Steel
Petersen Aluminum + Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings
Project: The Parkside at Craig Ranch apartments and townhomes, McKinney, Texas Problem: The design team desired a weathering “corten steel” aesthetic, inspired by the canyons and countryside near El Paso. Color match, availability, and budget were critical. Solution: 11,000 sf of PAC-CLAD standing seam wall panels finished in Weathered Steel. The two-coat finish, by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, replicates the multi-tone appearance of actual weathered steel. On the team: JHP Architecture, Stazon Roofing (metal fabricator).
6. bird-friendly Starphire Ultra-Clear Glass
Vitro Architectural Glass + Walker Glass
Project: The National Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest, Pittsburgh Problem: Required a glass roof that would sustain wildlife and plant life throughout the year while keeping the spaces bird-safe. Solution: 3,100 panes of laminated Starphire Ultra-Clear Glass (from Vitro) with a bird-friendly AviProtek acid-etched finish (Walker). On the team: Montgomery Smith (preservation), Dlubak Specialty Glass (fabricator), Greenhouse RSI (installer).
Related Stories
| Feb 15, 2011
New 2030 Challenge to include carbon footprint of building materials and products
Architecture 2030 has just broadened the scope of its 2030 Challenge, issuing an additional challenge regarding the climate impact of building products. The 2030 Challenge for Products aims to reduce the embodied carbon (meaning the carbon emissions equivalent) of building products 50% by 2030.
| Feb 11, 2011
Four Products That Stand Up to Hurricanes
What do a panelized wall system, a newly developed roof hatch, spray polyurethane foam, and a custom-made curtain wall have in common? They’ve been extensively researched and tested for their ability to take abuse from the likes of Hurricane Katrina.
| Feb 10, 2011
Green Plumbing Fixtures Take a Major Leap Forward
Today’s low-flow plumbing fixtures not only conserve water, they also provide convenience and ease of maintenance.
| Feb 10, 2011
Sloan Valve Co. Flushmate
Sloan Valve Co.’s Flushmate IV 1-gallon pressure-assist system uses air pressure to flush. Rather than pulling waste through the trapway, the system, which works with tank-style high-efficiency toilets, pushes the waste through at nearly three times the flow rate of gravity units. Large water surface area also helps the toilets stay clean longer.
| Feb 10, 2011
Delta WaterSense-labeled showerheads
Delta offers nine collections with WaterSense-labeled showerheads, which are equipped with droplet-enlarging technology that increases both water and energy savings. An Arzo Collection showerhead is pictured.
| Feb 10, 2011
Kohler urinals
Kohler offers urinals with three flush options to fit a variety of applications: standard 1-gallon, pint, or waterless.
| Feb 10, 2011
Moen M•Power electronic faucets
At 0.5 gpm, Moen’s M•Power electronic faucets meet the current standards, and offer features that eliminate waste. Improved electronic sensors reduce reflectivity to stop false sensing, and turn off automatically after 30 seconds. Electronics can be installed above or below deck to accommodate different sink styles.
| Feb 3, 2011
Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. Adds Standing Seam Metal Product Line
Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. is adding a standing seam metal product line to its roofing system offerings. With five profiles and more than thirty colors to choose from, the new line will enable authorized Duro-Last contractors to provide a standing seam roofing installation to meet virtually any aesthetic requirements.
| Jan 25, 2011
Sherwin-Williams Zero-VOC Claim Misleading, Says BBB
In a move that could prompt industry-wide changes to claims about volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division (NAD) has told Sherwin-Williams it should stop marketing its Harmony line of paints as “zero-VOC.” Sherwin-Williams said it will accept NAD’s decision and will take the findings into consideration in its future advertising.
