Building Design+Construction editors bring you the top building products for the month of January. Collected across a variety of building sectors, these products provide safe storage, meet bold aesthetic demands, and advance sustainability.
From heat-moderating ceiling panels to Swiss-inspired solar panels, here are 15 products being used in the industry today.
January 2024 Top 15 Building Products
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SloanStone Quartz Molded Sinks
by Sloan
Featuring a seamless, nonporous construction with a minimum of 85% quartz in each color option, SloanStone Quartz Molded Sinks feature a scratch- and stain-resistant, hygienic and easy-to-maintain surface. The line of sinks is available in two designs that are offered in one- and two-station sizes, three distinct colors and two mounting options. The SloanStone Quartz Arrowhead design provides a modern design with a slight point and an open front edge, while the SloanStone Quartz Gradient sinks deliver a contemporary design with a clean form and dramatically angled basin. Sinks can be paired with nine sensor-activated faucet and soap dispenser combos or selections from the company’s full faucet and soap offerings.
WALLcontrol Poliso insulation boards
by Siplast
Two high-performance polyiso wall insulation products have been added to the WALLcontrol Air & Water-Resistive Barrier Systems as a continuation of the company’s expansion within the building enclosure space. These systems can support optimized energy performance and improved air quality for occupants within buildings in addition to contributing to LEED and IEQ low-emitting materials while also earning UL GREENGUARD Certification. Containing 10.4%-13.8% recycled content, the WALLcontrol Poliso Foil-Faced Insulation board combines a high R-value, a Class A foam core and durable aluminum facers. The WALLcontrol Polyiso Glass-Faced Insulation board also combines a high R-value and a Class A foam core but incorporates durable, coated glass facers.
Curtainwall Infinity structural silicone glazing system
by Technical Glass Products
The goals of First United Bank, Moore’s new building design included creating a welcoming space that is also sustainable and timeless. The SteelBuilt Curtainwall Infinity Structural Silicone Glazing System became central to the design intent and spans three floors and over 12,000 sf. By wrapping around the bank’s mass timber structure, the high-performance glazing virtually dissolves spatial boundaries to facilitate a connection with the outdoors and fill the interior with natural light. To achieve a glass curtain wall from the ground to the roof on a three-story facade without any intermediate support, custom, heavy-duty, laser-welded “T”-shaped and rectangular framing profiles and anchorage detail were created.
Zippsafe smart locker room storage
by Zippsafe
Aiming to change employee locker rooms, Zippsafe can elevate a space’s overall appeal while improving hygiene and enhancing facility control. This locker system replaces bulky metal lockers with a series of soft textile bags that expand to hold more and bulkier items as well as incorporate two interior compartments, retractable hangers and a separate shoe drawer. Made with an advanced anti-microbial fabric, SmartFabric, ventilation is built into the system to continually circulate air throughout the lockers to dry damp items and reduce odors while active carbon filtration lowers humidity and impedes pathogen growth. Bags can be cleaned and disinfected or removed and washed. Unlike traditional lockers with combinations or physical locks/keys that have to be tracked, access to this locker system is as simple as a tap from a supplied radio frequency identification (RFID) card, and an optional ZippManager software interface can integrate with employee ID badge systems.
Ultima Templok ceiling panels
by Armstrong World Industries
Ultima Templok ceiling panels address demands for solutions that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in buildings. The integration of Phase Change Material (PCM) technology into the ceiling panels helps to moderate the temperature of spaces by passively storing and releasing heat in response to the warming and cooling of the air temperature above and below them throughout a day. Part of the Armstrong Total Acoustics product portfolio, the ceiling panels offer enhanced sound-blocking and sound-absorption performance. Additionally, they fit into the thermal comfort portion of the WELL Building Standard and contribute to energy and atmosphere credits for LEED.
ECLIPSE black color-through PVC extrusion
by Deceuninck North America
To meet growing demand for dark colored window and door profiles, ECLIPSE is designed to deliver a bold, modern look and energy efficiency. The black color-through PVC extrusion for windows and doors is engineered to eliminate the need to touch-up fusion-welded frame and sash corners. Incorporating Deceuninck’s SunShield technology to minimize fading, the PVC profile also features engineered pigment technology that limits heat absorption. ECLIPSE is expected to be available in 2024.
ProFlex 1675 Cooling + Warming Back Support Brace
by Ergodyne
With back injuries a leading cause of workplace diability, the launch of the ProFlex 1675 Cooling + Warming Back Support Brace aims to address these concerns. Emphasizing the importance of pre- and post-work routines, integrated warming and cooling therapy aids within the brace prepare the body for physical exertion and assist in post-shift recovery. The included cooling/warming pack slides into a back mesh pocket. A low-profile, hook-and-loop closure on the brace makes for easy use over or under clothing, and adjustable, detachable suspenders can help keep the belt in place.
VMZINC Series Panels
by Dri-Design, a Kingspan Group Company
A bank’s expansion to bring its service to middle Tennessee resulted in a new 19,000-sf branch, and achieved the desired strong professional appearance with the addition of VMZINC Series Panels as cladding. With modern pigment technology generating a naturally grained texture of pre-weathered zinc in a Dri-Design panel, the cladding will not delaminate and installs with an interlocking panel system. For the bank branch, 5,604 sf of Pigmento Brown Zinc 1.5-mm panels were installed bottom to top and left to right sequentially. The perimeter attachment surfaces was formed into the metal, achieving a no maintenance outcome.
TensoSky ETFE film
by Birdair
The new global headquarters for Under Armour will support all Baltimore-based corporate teammates and include office, retail, and fitness facilities. The 280,000-sf mass timber building will feature approximately 21,000 sf of TensoSky ETFE film—Birdair is a project partner—all connected to the building’s glass front. Aiming to achieve LEED Platinum, net zero energy operations and the WELL Building Standard, the headquarters will include a network of photovoltaic roof panels, a geothermal system, sunshades and more. It is anticipated to be completed by late 2024.
Enverge spray foam
by Holcim Building Envelope
Uniting two spray foam brands—Gaco SprayFoam and SES Foam—into one, Enverge is a sustainability-focused spray foam insulation brand focused on changing the way the world insulates to create more energy-efficient buildings and healthier living environments. This brand aims to help its partners with high-performance products, training and business support to maximize yields. For agricultural, commercial, and residential building projects, the brand’s portfolio includes open and closed cell spray foam.
Vitro eMission Carbon & Energy Calculator
by Vitro Architectural Glass
The Vitro emissions Carbon & Energy Calculator aims to help architects, business owners, fabricators and glaziers understand the impact different glazings will have on annual operational carbon emissions and building energy use. The digital tool uses the DOE-2 building analysis energy program to simulate a full year of typical operations data for five common building types: convention centers, offices, educational facilities, hospitals and healthcare, and multifamily residences. Users can also select environmental data from 268 locations in North America as well as building orientation, window to wall ratio, and shading and curtainwall performance preferences. Up to two Vitro glasses can be selected and compared at a time.
InvisiWrap SA housewrap
by Benjamin Obdyke
Specially designed for projects with open-joint cladding and light commercial projects with conventional cladding where lead times may be longer, InvisiWrap SA provides a self-adhered housewrap with an UV exposure allowance of 12 months. Its black, non-printed facer delivers a professional appearance during building wrap exposure as well as an ideal aesthetic and shadows between the gaps. The polyester non-woven housewrap with 100% acrylic adhesive stands up to the elements with superior tear strength and sealing around cladding fasteners to maintain air barrier integrity and keep water out. A split-release liner allows for easy application and positioning.
REGUPOL upscale recycled rubber tiles and planks
by REGUPOL
Offering an alternative to terrazzo, ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl tile and plank, REGUPOL upscale is a collection of recycled rubber tiles and planks for commercial installations. The flooring line’s combination of design capability and performance benefits make it uniquely suited for education, corporate, retail, hospitality and healthcare environments. In addition to delivering comfort under foot, the flooring provides slip resistance, acoustic performance and simpler maintenance regimens. A blend of post-consumer tire rubber, post-industrial vibrant EPDM chips and low-VOC binder, the collection is offered in two standard sizes, 12 standard color combinations and features either a square or micro-bevel edge.
Acrovyn Wall Protection
by Construction Specialties
An evolution of Acrovyn Wall Protection, Acrovyn with post-consumer recycled content will be available in spring 2024 on select woodgrains, brushed metals, and sheet-based products such as wall panels and doors. CS currently works with resin producer SK Chemicals to manufacture Acrovyn with post-consumer recycled content. SK Chemicals bought a chemical recycling plant to recycle used bottles into sustainable resin. This iteration of Acrovyn possesses the same characteristics as current offerings, delivering the same performance and material health considerations, yet consists of up to 50% post-consumer recycled content.
SunStyle solar roofing
by CertainTeed
Building giant CertainTeed has joined forces with SunStyle, a leader in integrated solar roofing, to expand its sustainability offerings. SunStyle's diamond-shaped solar modules blend with rooftops from end to end, generating clean energy while enhancing curb appeal. The dragonscale pattern design is inspired by the traditional slate roofs of the Swiss alpine region. Engineered for durability and weather resistance, this system suits multifamily residences, commercial businesses, and any structure seeking seamless solar integration.