Top products from AIA 2024

This month, Building Design+Construction editors are bringing you the top products displayed at the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA24). Nearly 550 building product manufacturers showcased products at the show across a variety of building sectors, from multifamily to office and more.

We've collected 17 products that represent technological innovation, sustainability, and style.

Top 17 Building Products from AIA 2024

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CONTRAFLAM One

by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain

Leveraging more than 40 years of expertise in interlayer technology, CONTRAFLAM One utilizes HYBRIDCORE Technology, a single-chamber foaming interlayer for all fire-resistance ratings, to change the fire-rated glazing industry. It also achieves up to 90% light transmission, has a thinner makeup and lighter weight to help with faster jobsite installation, and has up to 35% less embodied carbon than conventional multi-chamber products. The fire-rated glazing is produced at a state-of-the-art production facility in Minnesota alongside VDS Fire Rated Framing Systems—which the glazing can be configured into—as well as SageGlass to provide a North American glass campus for parent company Saint-Gobain.

Zurn Hydro•X Power flush valves and faucets

by Zurn Elkay Water Solutions

Engineered to deliver style, performance and assist with meeting sustainability goals with minimal environmental impact, the Zurn Hydro•X Power flush valves and faucets deliver renewable, uninterrupted hydropower designed to last for the life expectancy of a commercial restroom. Both faucets and flush valves include EZ Gear technology, which uses a gear-driven ceramic cartridge that is less susceptible to debris and buildup for easy maintenance. The sensor faucets feature no-delay touchless sensor water activation and are compatible with the plumbPRO Bluetooth app for wireless programmable metering, on-demand or automatic line flushing and more. Utilizing the triple filtered AquaVantage diaphragm, the hydropower sensor flush valves feature a heavy-duty construction and include gaskets and seals made of chemical-resistant thermoplastic elastomer for long-term durability.

Templok Energy Saving Ceilings

by Armstrong World Industries

Addressing demands for solutions that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, Templok Energy Saving Ceilings—available in the Ultima and Calla product portfolios—integrate the technology of Phase Change Material (PCM) with the company’s mineral fiber ceiling panels. This can help moderate temperature by passively storing and releasing heat in response to fluctuations in real time. Installing the ceiling panels in spaces with large temperature variations can support improved thermal stability, reduced heating and cooling needs, and more efficient HVAC operation. Ultima Templok and Calla Templok fit into the thermal comfort portion of the WELL Building Standard and can contribute to energy and atmosphere credits for LEED.

Access Control iDFace device

by Control iD

Using facial identification technology, the Access Control iDFace device can monitor and control people entering and exiting a building with face liveness detection. Its high-quality algorithm can authenticate user—even if wearing a mask—and identify up to 10,000 faces. The device can maintain customized access rules according to groups and schedules. With a modern, innovative design, the device features a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, has an integrated SIP intercom, and has an embedded web software for managing access rules and generating reports.

Gen3 Core elevator

by Otis

Otis Gen2 Core elevator in Empire State Building — Photo courtesy Otis

The Gen3 Core elevator is designed specifically for low-rise buildings— eight maximum stops—with a focus on passenger comfort, style and connectivity plus minimizing energy consumption with ReGen drive, material usage and installation costs. Because of its smooth coated steel belts, the elevator reduces the noise from metal-to-metal contact for a smooth, quiet ride, while Otis Cab Air Purifier can reduce airborne bacteria and viruses within the cab. It integrates with the Otis ONE IoT Digital Platform to provide connected intelligence. The cab, controller and belting arrangement are all optimized for rapid installation.

Elvari Collection of washroom accessories

by Bradley

Featuring an euro style pill-shape design, the Elvari Collection of washroom accessories deliver a cohesive and modern look that can elevate commercial washroom designs, and the suite is launching in six new Electrocoat Colors: Brushed Black, Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze, Brushed Nickel, Brushed Stainless and Satin Stainless. Electrocoat Colors deliver a consistent color, fingerprint-reistant finish and are UL Environment listed as GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Additionally, the Elvari Collection includes several new design features, like an easy feed feature to avoid jams and torn paper, Wall Saver anti-slam operation, easy to read indicators, and BradLock, a magnetic locking system for washroom accessories.

Expansion of the Hardie Architectural Collection

by James Hardie

Architectural Collection in sea grass — Photo courtesy James Hardie

In addition to expanding availability into new U.S. markets, the Hardie Artisan Profile series has been added to the Hardie Architectural Collection to deliver exterior design looks that range from traditional to ultra-modern. Made from using fiber cement technology, the distinctive panels and clean, modern finishes can be oriented vertically or horizontally. Also encompassed within the Hardie Architectural Collection, Hardie Architectural Panel – Sea Grass is the newest launch in the Panel collection, and the nature-inspired look is characterized by gentle, flowing lines that create a dynamic finish.

Ultima Low Embodied Carbon (Ultima LEC) ceiling panels

by Armstrong World Industries

Part of both the Amrstrong Total Acoustics and Armstrong Sustain portfolios, Ultima Low Embodied Carbon (Ultima LEC) ceiling panels provide an ideal combination of sound absorption and sound blocking while distinguishing itself as a low embodied carbon mineral ceiling panel. Made utilizing new technology that includes sustainably sourced, wood-generated biochar, the ceiling panels are made from 54% recycled content, can be recycled at the end of their useful life through the Armstrong Ceilings Recycling Program, and will contribute to LEED Material and Resources and IEQ credits. The fine-textured panels have a durable, washable, impact-and scratch-resistant finish, plus offer mold- and mildew-resistant surfaces and a 30-year warranty.

Promenade EcoTerra pavers

by Unilock

Aiming to represent a greener era in hardscapting, the Promenade EcoTerra pavers offer a sleek, linear appearance that unites with a remarkable sustainability factor by reducing embodied carbon up to 15%. Manufactured with a 100% cement-free face-mix that is also free of efflorescence, the pavers’ strength, minimal absorption and color retention make them suitable for light duty vehicular, residential driveway, patios, and/or residential and commercial pedestrian applications. Available in 4- by 12-inch pavers in either the Light Opal Blend or Light Steel Grey Blend.

SnapCab Custom Privacy Pods

by SnapCab

Delivering a tailored design experience for office space phone booths, meeting pods and office pods, these Custom Privacy Pods allow for custom pod sizes in width, depth and height to accommodate a space’s unique specifications. Additionally, designers have total control to specify colors and materials that harmonize with other components of a space. The modular wall panels can be updated and refreshed over the pod’s life cycle to keep up with changing style or environment needs. Acoustic paneling options and the dense materials used in the walls can minimize outside noises.

Molded Brick and Shapes

by Glen-Gery

Molded Brick on commercial project — Photo courtesy Glen-Gery

With unique design details that scale to meet large and small requests, the Molded Brick showcases the crafted poured into each one, creating a sense of timelessness. Offering irregularly softened edges to build character, this brick can enhance architecture both classic and modern, grand and understated. Custom brick shapes—including water table sills, copings, corners, and arches—are also available to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of buildings and spaces.

Silent Mesh + modular ceiling system

by GKD Metal Fabrics

For suspended indoor ceilings, the Silent Mesh + ceiling system is an architectural metal fabric system designed to minimize substructure visibility. Featuring a frame-grid design, the system can be paired with any GKD metal fabric and finish to provide a distinct and clean aesthetic. The system is engineered from non-flammable materials to support fire safety and can be combined with acoustic fleece to enhance building performance. Further flexibility comes in that the system can be assembled and fitted remotely from the GKD workshop or directly onsite.

Fino Collection automatic soap dispensers

by Bobrick

Filling up soap dispenser — Photo courtesy Bobrick

A blend of style and practicality, the Fino Collection automatic soap dispensers feature top-fill functionality paired with a sleek, stylish design. The ADA-compliant soap dispensers include an adjustable soap control dial; a hidden sensor that allows for touchless operation; and an easy-access, top-fill reservoir for above-the-counter refilling using bulk liquid or foam soaps. Available in contemporary cylindrical or streamlined, modern designs, the soap dispensers can be paired with a coordinating faucet, and both will be available to specify later in 2024.

Sika Pro-Weld

by Sika Roofing

Using thermochromic ink technology, Sika Pro-Weld provides real-time visual feedback to assist approved applicators with ensuring a water-tight installation of the commercial single-ply roofing. This visual indicator changes from blue to clear when the automatic welding machine is set to the correct temperature and speed for an optimum weld, so if the ink doesn’t change color an applicator is visually alerted to make a machine adjustmen. Because the most common cause of a roof leak on a thermoplastic roof system is related to improper welding of the membrane seals and details, this technology will be added to all Sikaplan 60mil membranes without increasing cost, lead times or requiring a custom order.

VERDEdri ADA-compliant commercial hand dryer

by World Dryer by Zurn Elkay Water Solutions

Woman using hand dryer — Photo courtesy World Dryer by Zurn Elkay Water Solutions

Equipped with HEPA filtration, the VERDEdri ADA-compliant commercial hand dryer captures 99.97% of particles while antimicrobial technology protects treated surfaces on the dryer by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and fungus that can cause stains, odors or deterioration. Touchless operation furthers the more hygienic experience, while adjustable speeds can turn down the volume for less disturbance to adjacent areas. Smart technology enables the hand dryer to adapt to almost any building’s voltage, plus optimized technology uses only 3.16 watt-hrs. per use.

650C Series Exterior Vertical System

by Inpro Architectural Products

The 650C Series Exterior Vertical System is a seismic-capable wall system with 100% lateral shear capability that can be employed on expansion joints from 6 to 36 inches and beyond. In addition to a fire- and dent-resistant composite face panel, the system can be provided with a pre-applied fluropolymer finish in eight standard ultra weather- and fade-resistant colors that meets AAMA 2605 requirements (additional colors are also available). This compact building envelope solution can be seamlessly paired with the 650C Series Horizontal Roof System.

SoundScapes Shapes and Blades ceiling and wall panels

by Armstrong World Industries

To provide additional opportunities to “bring nature outdoors,” the SoundScapes Acoustical Shapes, Blades, and Canopies are now offered in 15 nature-inspired colors that capture the natural beauty and uniqueness of wood species ranging from walnut to cherry to oak and more, plus Shapes and Blades add four wood-look visuals that can coordinate with Lyra PB (Plant-Based) wood-look panels. The three product lines offer a mold- and mildew-resistant surface, and offer architects and designers unlimited design possibilities. SoundScapes Shapes provide up to 1.15 noise reduction coefficient (NRC), Blades Linear offer up to 2.05 NRC and Canopies achieve up to 0.95 NRC.