Top Building Systems Products for 2020

The products selected for Building Design+Construction’s annual 75 Top Products report are determined by you, our readers. These products appeared in the pages of the magazine over the past 12 months that readers wanted to learn more about. The products were selected based on the number of reader service inquiries. BD+C editors selected a few of our favorites as well (marked “Editors' Picks”). 

FreshAir

FreshAir Smoking Detection’s patented PolySens technology can monitor for, immediately detect, and prove tobacco and marijuana smoking in smoke-free apartment buildings, public housing complexes, and other high-volume residential settings. FreshAir’s detection devices plug into standard Type B outlets and are secured with tamper-proof screws. Each device can monitor up to 500 sf of space.

FRESHAIR SMOKING DETECTION

UltraFresh Washers

UltraFresh Front Load Washers use first-of-its-kind technology to help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. After the wash cycle, the system’s Odorblock unit pulls in fresh air, removing moisture from the door, gasket, and basket. The washers are also protected by a unique antimicrobial technology developed exclusively for GE by Microban.

GE

ThermoRebellion AI-driven thermal imager

This AI-driven thermal imager detects elevated body temperature for non-invasive, preliminary screening of personnel entering a facility. The ThermoRebellion temperature monitoring solution can be rapidly deployed at the entryway of commercial buildings to efficiently identify whether personnel exhibit an elevated facial temperature. As individuals pass in front of a high-resolution, thermal imaging camera, their skin temperature is automatically detected within two seconds and displayed on an accompanying monitor. The system can also identify if individuals are wearing the required personal protective equipment needed for entering the building. 

HONEYWELL

YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller (Editors' Pick)

The YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller from Johnson Controls is the first chiller optimized for performance with the R-1233zd(E) refrigerant, a low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant. The chiller features a variable-speed drive centrifugal compressor and a magnetic-bearing driveline to deliver high machine efficiency and a low total cost of ownership, says the maker. Magnetic bearing technology uses fewer moving parts and eliminates lubrication needs.

JOHNSON CONTROLS

Elevator AirPurifier, Handrail Sanitizer (EDITORS' PICK)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, KONE has released several indoor air quality (IAQ) and infection control enhancement options for its elevators. The KONE Air Sanitizing System combines HEPA filtration technology with ultraviolet-C germicidal light frequency to improve the IAQ within elevator cabs. The KONE Handrail Sterilizer kills bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet-C LED technology, while NanoSeptic self-cleaning surface products minimize infection risks with high-touch areas such as elevator buttons, touchscreen surfaces, and elevator car handrails.

KONE

LG Air Conditioning Techologies

LG offers a range of compact and lightweight air conditioning technologies that reduce space and structural requirements while meeting performance and energy efficiency requirements. Unlike traditional systems that require soffits for ductwork and large mechanical rooms for equipment, LG systems are minimally invasive to the building’s envelope. The systems can help contribute up to
16 points toward LEED certification.

LG

Toe-To-Go (EDITORS' PICK)

The Toe-To-Go (T2G) foot-activated call button allows for the activation of hall and car station buttons by, you guessed it, foot. The large, durable buttons sit just inches off the ground making it easy for anyone to activate with a gentle kick. The T2G system allows for easy retrofitting of existing installations and is wired in parallel to existing buttons. Available in stainless steel or PVD brass finishes with LED illumination in red, green blue, white, or amber, the T2G has a surface-mount option for hall stations and a keypad option for the car operating panel (COP), which allows for the entire elevator ride to be a hands-free experience. 

MAD ELEVATOR

NFB-C fire tube commercial boilers

Navien’s NFB-C commercial condensing fire tube boilers feature 97.5% thermal efficiency—among the highest in the industry, according to the maker—and a stainless steel heat exchanger that is form-pressed and robotic laser-welded to minimize the number of weak points that could be prone to thermal stress and corrosion. To ease installation, the units offer top and bottom piping connections. A seven-inch color touch screen display simplifies navigation for setup, troubleshooting, and operation.

NAVIEN

Intelli-Balance Energy Recovery Ventilator 100 CFM

Engineered for multifamily and single-family applications, the Intelli-Balance 100 energy recovery ventilator (ERV) offers customizable airflow options (50 to 100 CFM) to create balanced, positive, or negative pressure within dwellings. The ERV can help designers and builders meet ASHRAE 62.2 requirements for continuous whole-building ventilation. Intelli-Balance 100 is a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution for cold climate zones, says the maker. The system comes with a MERV 8 filter; MERV 13 replacements are available. 

PANASONIC

Siveillance Thermal Shield

The Siveillance Thermal Shield from Siemens quickly measures the body temperature of a person seeking to access a building and enables the results to be integrated into the video and access systems of corporations. Thermal imaging cameras are used to measure, in a contactless way, the body temperature at a distance of up to two meters, ensuring the safety of monitoring staff. If the camera screening indicates an elevated body temperature, a second reading must be taken using a medical thermometer to confirm the finding. To ensure the highest level of accuracy, the cameras measure the body temperature near the eyes. A positive result triggers acoustic and visual alarms. The temperature is measured for each person individually to ensure accurate and reliable results. If a person shows an elevated body temperature and this finding is confirmed by a second reading obtained with a medical thermometer, the follow-up steps defined in the workflows are initiated automatically.

SIEMENS BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES

PowerFit solar panels (EDITORS' PICK)

These thin, lightweight, flexible solar panels are designed to fit in between the seams of a metal standing seam roof to create a sleek, unobtrusive solar roof system. The panels’ butyl-based adhesive backing reduces installation time by up to 50%, says the maker: just peel and stick. Sunflare solar modules have bypass diodes for each individual cell. This means when a cell is shaded, only that individual cell stops producing power. 

SUNFLARE SOLAR

Small Spaces Suite

Whirlpool’s Small Spaces Suite gives multifamily developers, builders, and designers all the appliances that tenants would expect in a full-service kitchen—refrigerator, freezer, cooktop, dishwasher, microwave, and wall oven, all with full-size features but in a smaller package. 

WHIRLPOOL