1. Meet the new cubicle: Elegance meets privacy
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). The panels are available in more than 35 standard colors and wood grains, in high-pressure laminate or wood veneer. Hardware: anodized aluminum or stainless steel. All fasteners on the panel surfaces and connection points are fully concealed.
2. Structural silicone adhesive is made for next-gen point-supported glass façades
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.
3. Convert interior glass partitions intO DIGITAL DISPLAYS
Avery Dennison
Made for the retrofit market, Avery Dennison’s Vela places a thin translucent film over indoor glass panes, creating a fully “switchable” system for privacy, whiteboard applications, even interactive digital displays. The Vela Dynamic Display System can turn the Vela glass partition into a high-definition TV screen, offering no-glare rear projection with multi-channel control. The technology is based on the use of polymer dispersed liquid crystals controlled by an electrical current.
4. Stain-blocking primer is tailor-made for property rehabs
Sherwin-Williams
Extreme Block Primer/Sealer from Sherwin-Williams is a versatile indoor-outdoor oil-based primer that reduces the need for repaints by sealing off stubborn stains such as smoke, fire, and nicotine. Designed for building owners and facility managers that need to quickly restore spaces for use, such as apartment buildings. Can be top-coated with acrylic or alkyd products in as little as two hours. Adheres well to wood, drywall, masonry, and prepared metal.
5. Porcelain veneer collection inspired by natural landscape
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.
6. Self-cleaning toilet reduces maintenance, cleaning
Kohler
Kohler’s new ContinuousClean option is a factory-installed system housed in the toilet tank that dispenses a consistent dosage of cleaner during each flush to keep the bowl clean. Owners simply place a cleaning tablet (the system works with any brand) in the designated compartment within the system and press an activation button to indicate a new tablet. Three settings allow owners to adjust the dispensing of the cleaning solution. The system is designed to extend the life of cleansing tablets to more than a year.
Related Stories
| Apr 27, 2012
GE launches electric vehicle charging platform
WattStation Connect provides owners a user-friendly method to manage, monitor and maintain their EV charging ecosystem network.
| Apr 24, 2012
McLennan named Ashoka Fellow
McLennan was recognized for his work on the Living Building Challenge.
| Apr 23, 2012
AAMA releases updated specification for anodized aluminum
AAMA 611-12 describes test procedures and requirements for high performance (Class I) and commercial (Class II) architectural quality aluminum oxide coatings applied to aluminum extrusions and panels for architectural products.
| Apr 20, 2012
Century-old courthouse renovated for Delaware law firm offices
To account for future expansion, Francis Cauffman developed a plan to accommodate the addition of an 8-story tower to the building.
| Apr 20, 2012
Shawmut completes Yard House Restaurant in Boston
12,000-sf restaurant marks new addition to Boston’s Fenway neighborhood.
| Apr 19, 2012
Holcim cement plants recognized at PCA Spring Meeting
The Holly Hill plant received the PCA’s Chairman’s Safety Performance Award in recognition of their exceptional health and safety programs. The Theodore plant received the Environmental Performance Award in recognition of the steps they take beyond those required by laws, regulations and permits to minimize their impact on the environment.
| Apr 18, 2012
Positive conditions persist for Architecture Billings Index
The AIA reported the March ABI score was 50.4, following a mark of 51.0 in February; greatest demand is for commercial building projects.
| Apr 17, 2012
FMI report examines federal construction trends
Given the rapid transformations occurring in the federal construction sector, FMI examines the key forces accelerating these changes, as well as their effect on the industry.
| Apr 16, 2012
University of Michigan study seeks to create efficient building design
The result, the researchers say, could be technologies capable of cutting the carbon footprint created by the huge power demands buildings place on the nation’s electrical grid.
