TWO NEW PV SYSTEMS OFFER NON-PENETRATING INSTALLATION
Two new PV systems are available: 1) a rigid glass-based polycrystalline silicon module that can be installed on standing seam metal roofs using a non-penetrating clamp, and 2) a flexible, thin film module that can be adhered to the metal roof panel in a factory environment, allowing the PV array and roof panels to be installed simultaneously. These PV systems can be installed on existing and new metal roofs because they don’t penetrate the substrate. Furthermore, a metal roof likely will outlive the solar equipment, saving removal and replacement costs associated with other roof materials.
LIGHT SHELF ALLOWS FOR EASY CLEANING
The InLighten light shelf features an extruded-aluminum chassis system in several panel choices. It comes in depths of up to 30 inches of reflective surface. InLighten light shelf’s new design incorporates a unique mounting bracket that allows the panel to be tilted for cleaning, an important maintenance factor in schools, daycare centers, offices, and other commercial and institutional applications. The light shelf can be attached to multiple curtain wall systems and storefront framing systems for application in new construction and retrofits.
NEW COMBINATION FIRE ALARM/ECS MEETS NFPA, UL, DOD STANDARDS
The Farenhyt Emergency Communication System (ECS) provides fire alarm technology and mass notification capabilities in an all-in-one system. This real-time communications system meets the latest NFPA 72, UL 2572, and Department of Defense standards and runs on most wire-types, making it an effective retrofit option. As many as seven ECS-RCUs (“remote command units”) can tie into a facility’s Farenhyt ECS system to provide live paging in specific areas of a property. BD+C
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HDR Architecture names four healthcare directors
Four senior professionals in HDR Architecture’s healthcare program have been named Healthcare directors.
| Feb 15, 2011
Iconic TWA terminal may reopen as a boutique hotel
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hopes to squeeze a hotel with about 150 rooms in the space between the old TWA terminal and the new JetBlue building. The old TWA terminal would serve as an entry to the hotel and hotel lobby, which would also contain restaurants and shops.
| Feb 15, 2011
New Orleans' rebuilt public housing architecture gets mixed reviews
The architecture of New Orleans’ new public housing is awash with optimism about how urban-design will improve residents' lives—but the changes are based on the idealism of an earlier era that’s being erased and revised.
| Feb 15, 2011
LAUSD commissions innovative prefab prototypes for future building
The LA Unified School District, under the leadership of a new facilities director, reversed course regarding prototypes for its new schools and engaged architects to create compelling kit-of-parts schemes that are largely prefabricated.
| Feb 15, 2011
New 2030 Challenge to include carbon footprint of building materials and products
Architecture 2030 has just broadened the scope of its 2030 Challenge, issuing an additional challenge regarding the climate impact of building products. The 2030 Challenge for Products aims to reduce the embodied carbon (meaning the carbon emissions equivalent) of building products 50% by 2030.
| Feb 15, 2011
New Urbanist Andrés Duany: We need a LEED Brown rating
Andrés Duany advocates a "LEED Brown" rating that would give contractors credit for using traditional but low cost measures that are not easy to quantify or certify. He described these steps as "the original green," and "what we did when we didn't have money." Ostensibly, LEED Brown would be in addition to the current Silver, Gold and Platinum ratings.
| Feb 15, 2011
AIA on President Obama's proposed $1 billion investment in energy conservation
The President’s budget increases the value of investment in energy conservation in commercial buildings by roughly $1 billion, reports AIA 2011 President Clark Manus, FAIA. The significant increase from the current tax deduction of $1.80 per sq. ft. now on the books is an increase for which the AIA has been advocating in order to encourage energy conservation.
