19 product innovations from the AIA 2018 convention

Vacuum-insulated glass, high-gloss fiber cement, attack-resistant openings were among the new product launches at the 2018 AIA National Convention last month in New York.

WhiteOUT multi-fold door system, by NanaWall 

This all-glass multi-fold door system is fitted with dynamic glass that switches from opaque privacy to fully transparent at the touch of a button. Eliminates the need for drapes or shades. The feature is wireless and operates with a remote control. When set to opaque, the glass can function as a projection screen or whiteboard. The operation of incorporated swing panels causes no interference to the glass activation. NanaWall 

ROPEWALKER, by Draper

This system combines a projection screen and lift into a single ceiling-recessed box, eliminating the need for extra black drop between the screen and tall ceilings. Suspended by stainless steel aircraft cables, the screen unrolls from an inner case with a vertical drop of up to 34 feet. Ideal for ballrooms, gymnasiums, houses of worship, and other large venues where a screen is needed above an audience’s line of sight. Draper

Transcend, by Sunbrella

This contemporary textile collection is designed for indoor and outdoor applications in the harshest commercial environments, including hospitality, corporate, and education. Sixty-two styles in a range of color-saturated patterns and textures. Constructed from 100% solution-dyed fibers, so the color and texture will remain vibrant for years, says the maker. Patterns include asymmetrical plaid, graffiti-inspired scribbles, and velvet. Sunbrella 

Miraia, by Nichiha 

Fiber cement panels are available with this reflective, high-gloss finish. Three color options: Glacier, Onyx (pictured), and Snow. Offers the luster of metal at a competitive price point, says the maker. The panels are factory sealed on six sides and cover 8.88 sf per panel. Dimensions: 17-7/8 inches high, 71-9/16 inches long, 5/8-inch thick. Concealed clips and fasteners provide a clean, uninterrupted appearance. Nichiha

Integrated Rolscreen, by Pella

This concealed, retractable screen for Pella Architect Series Reserve double- and single-hung windows moves seamlessly with the sash. The screen automatically appears when the window is opened and rolls out of sight when closed. It appears at both the lower sash and the upper sash of double-hung windows, and at the lower sash of single-hung windows. High-strength magnets keep the screen in place. Pella 

PLFY-P compact HVAC unit, by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US

This compact HVAC unit features a square-edge design that fits into the 2x2-foot dimensions of standard ceiling tiles. Its four vanes allow air to flow in multiple directions for maximum comfort. An optional 3D i-see Sensor continuously scans the room for occupancy and makes adjustments to maintain comfort. When a room is unoccupied, the sensor automatically adjusts the temperature levels. Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US 

DESIGNFlex, by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions 

This ceiling line allows designers to mix and match panel shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and materials (mineral fiber, fiberglass, or metal) in orders as small as one carton. Shapes include squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids. An online pattern gallery features dozens of patterns and color palettes, as well as details and specs on the ceiling systems (i.e., installation, accessories, lighting). Armstrong Ceiling Solutions 

YSD 600 T, by YKK AP America

Low-threshold sliding glass door provides an additional entrance option for accessible design, and is suited for multifamily, hotel, and multipurpose buildings. It enables architects and contractors to incorporate accessibility needs into their projects. The thermally-broken system has a U-value of 0.51 Btu/hr/sf/°F and accepts standard tempered one-inch-thick insulating units. Factory preglaze option offers higher quality control. YKK AP America

OPTIM-R, by Kingspan

This rigid vacuum insulation panel features a microporous core, which is evacuated, encased, and sealed in a gas–tight envelope. The result is an ultra–thin (20mm to 50mm) insulation product with up to five times better thermal efficiency than commonly available insulation, says the maker. R-values from R-29 (20mm panel) to R-60 (50mm panel). Applications: roof assemblies, balcony and terraces, and tight spaces. Kingspan 

Attack Resistant Openings, ASSA ABLOY

Developed in partnership with School Guard Glass, these door openings comply with the 5-aa10 test standards based on the FBI’s Active Shooter Report. They can withstand a four-minute physical attack with the use of hand tools after being shot 60 times with 7.62 NATO rounds. Assembly will remain intact, preventing an attacker from breaching. Offers maximum security on a modest budget. ASSA ABLOY 

PUREWall, by Covestro 

For light commercial and residential applications, this insulated structural wall panel uses conventional wood frames and polyurethane-based insulation that is both continuous and between framing. The rigid polyiso board continuous insulation reduces thermal bridging and has an integrated weather-resistive barrier that eliminates the need for plastic house wrap. Structural closed cell spray foam enhances performance. Covestro

AdvanTech Subfloor Adhesive, by Huber Engineered Woods 

Subfloor adhesive features a foam-to-gel formula for added performance and eight times more coverage than comparable products, according to the maker. One 24-oz. can yields 400 linear feet. When combined with AdvanTech subfloor panels, the system forms a bond so strong that the company offers a “squeak-free” guarantee. Adheres to wet and frozen structural subfloor panels and joists. Huber Engineered Woods 

Relay robot integration, by KONE

Through a partnership with robotics company Savioke, KONE’s elevator system technology now integrates with Savioke’s Relay service robots. The initiative provides a higher level of autonomy for these indoor delivery robots, allowing the machines to navigate buildings such as hotels and hospitals. The robots are being piloted by several hotel operators for delivery of toiletries and other items to guests (because why not?). KONE 

Entice Panic Device, by C.R. Laurence

This panic device features a two-piece design with an independent, low-profile crash bar that securely attaches to the vertical panic component. The system allows, for the first time, the specification of a back-to-back ladder pull together with a panic device. The Entice Panic Device works with monolithic tempered glass doors (½- and ¾-inch thick) and double-glazed insulating glass systems (one-inch IGU). C.R. Laurence 

MULTIFIX, by ROCKWOOL 

Stone wool insulation features a built-in coverboard and a mineral-coated fiberglass facer that is compatible with multiple attachment methods. It can be used as a roof insulation or insulating coverboard over other insulations. Improves performance by regulating the temperature of the thermal insulation, particularly in cold temperatures. The non-combustible panel reduces the number of layers required in the assembly. ROCKWOOL 

Guardian Vacuum IG, by Guardian Glass 

Vacuum insulated glass provides the functionality of glass, but insulates like a wall. It offers thermal insulation with an R-value of up to R-12 for 8mm thickness, compared to single-pane glass at R-1. The tempered glass unit is suitable for a variety of building applications. Another benefit: noise reduction. Pictured: The first application of Guardian Vacuum IG, Sherzer Hall at Eastern Michigan University. Guardian Glass 

Privada collection, by Bobrick Washroom Equipment

Designed for high-end commercial restroom applications, including hotels and corporate offices, the Privada collection from Bobrick Washroom Equipment combines the elegance and privacy of traditional European restroom cubicles with the modern design stylings and functionality for today’s market. The partitions range from six to eight feet in height and sit on cylindrical pedestals, which offer a toe clearance of either four or nine inches (with slight adjustment for floor variance). Interlocking panels eliminate sightlines and form flush surfaces, while occupancy indicators enhance privacy. Self-closing doors provide a smooth, gradual closing speed (four seconds on standard doors and up to 10 seconds on ADA compartments). Bobrick Washroom Equipment

Transparent Structural Silicone Adhesive, by DOWSIL 

To meet the growing demand for point-fixed glass façades, DOWSIL (formerly Dow Corning) offers its next-generation bonding solution: Transparent Structural Silicone Adhesive (TSSA). The adhesive eliminates the potential for gas leakage and thermal bridging and is up to 10 times stronger than conventional structural glazing silicones, according to the company. No glass drilling or gaskets are required with this 1mm-thick structural silicone crystal-clear film. A safety indicator within the silicone film turns the adhesive white when the stress level exceeds the maximum design value and returns back to crystal clear when stress is removed. DOWSIL 

Mirage porcelain veneer, by Oldcastle Architectural

Designed for outdoor commercial spaces (floors and accent walls), Oldcastle’s Echelon Veneers by Mirage line of porcelain veneers offers a new collection: Quarziti. Five colors, each named after a natural landscape: Glacier, Mountains, Waterfall, River, and Mantle. The cladding panels are strong—resistant up to 2,200 lbs—and durable, with time-tested performance against freeze/thaw, stains, fire, mold, moss, dirt, and chemical agents, says the maker. Size: 4x18 inches in thicknesses from 0.30 to 0.60 inches. Oldcastle Architectural