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)
![Architectural glass counters strong Texas sun](/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_2.jpg)
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.)
![Smart electrical systems for luxury New York residence](/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_2.jpg)
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)
![Philadelphia apartment building clad in ACM panels](/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_2.jpg)
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)
![Aluminum door for high-rise, high-wind applications](/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_0.jpg)
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
![Prefabricated panels being put onto student housing development](/sites/default/files/inline-images/5_0.jpg)
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)
![Roofing system preventing ice jams in Colorado development](/sites/default/files/inline-images/6.jpg)
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.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Clark Group, Hensel Phelps among nation's largest federal government contractors, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 40 Federal Government Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Report: Fraud levels fall for construction industry, but companies still losing $6.4 million on average
The global construction, engineering and infrastructure industry saw a significant decline in fraud activity with companies losing an average of $6.4 million over the last three years, according to the latest edition of the Kroll Annual Global Fraud Report, released today at the Association of Corporate Counsel’s 2009 Annual Meeting in Boston. This new figure represents less than half of last year’s amount of $14.2 million.
| Aug 11, 2010
Oldcastle Precast Building Systems wins PCI 2009 Sustainable Design Award
Oldcastle Precast Building Systems was part of the award winning team behind the affordable housing development Melrose Commons Site 5 situated in the South Bronx. PCI (Precast Concrete Institute) recently selected Melrose 5 for the “2009 PCI Design Award for Best Sustainable Project”.
| Aug 11, 2010
AAMA developing product-based green certification program for fenestration
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association is working on a product-based green certification program for residential and commercial fenestration, the organization announced today. AAMA will use the results of a recent green building survey to help shape the program. Among the survey's findings: 77% of respondents reported a green certification program for fenestration would benefit the product selection process for their company.
| Aug 11, 2010
Jacobs, HDR top BD+C's ranking of the nation's 100 largest institutional building design firms
A ranking of the Top 100 Institutional Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Whiting-Turner, EMJ Corp. top BD+C's ranking of the nation's 40 largest retail contractors
A ranking of the Top 40 Retail Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
New CertainTeed Gypsum drywall compound reduces airborne dust by more than 70%
CertainTeed Gypsum launches two new revolutionary drywall compounds that significantly reduce the amount of dust traditionally associated with finishing gypsum walls and ceilings. The products—Dust Away Reduced Airborne Dust Drywall Compound and Renovation Mud—join CertainTeed’s Easi-Fil and ProRoc brands of finishing products currently available throughout Canada.